Pro wrestlers help raise money for little league
By BRIAN KACHARABA
Tim Baker/Herald Photos
The Merrick-Bellmore Little League Association teamed up with Total Non-Stop Action wrestlers to raise about $6,500 for the organization on July 19.
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
A shark fin poking out of the water is a telltale sign of trouble for beachgoers. Lifeguards in Malibu and Nickerson Beach spotted a nine-foot shark about 30 yards into the water July 15, calling all visitors back to land.
“We had a sighting of yet an unwanted friend in the area, a shark,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in Lido Beach a day later. “Our lifeguards do what they do best. They got their residents out of the water to make sure they’re safe.”
Clavin gave an update about
safety protocols and shark sightings at Town Park Point Lookout in Lido Beach, explaining how the town aims to keep its waters safe for the summer.
“Our lifeguards are special,” he said. “They’re not only trained in lifeguard saving techniques and CPR, but they’re actually trained now in dorsal fin identification.”
Through an emergency grant request of $10,000 made by Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti and obtained from the county helped the town to add a new shark patrol drone and a Ski-Doo personal watercraft to its existing fleet. These tools will aid the life-
guards to carry out water monitoring and rapid response missions to protect beachgoers in and out of the water.
“I submitted for a grant to increase the amount of jet skis we have on patrol here for the town of Hempstead, lifeguards as well as drones,” said Ferretti, the Republican candidate for town supervisor, running against Democrat Joseph Scianablo. “I think by delivering that vital equipment, we’re going to make sure that residents of Nassau County and the town of Hempstead continue to enjoy the wonderful beaches and enjoy the summer.”
bkacharaba@liherald.com
The day before their big pay-per-view event at UBS Arena, the professional wrestlers of Total Non-Stop Action traded their mats for softball bats to help raise money for the Merrick-Bellmore Little League Association.
The first-ever SLAMMing Softball Classic took place at Calhoun High School on July 19 drawing dozens of people to cheer on their hometown little league coaches as they took on most of the TNA roster in a seven-inning game.
The event was put together in just three and a half weeks by little league executive director Jay Rogoff and it raised about $6,500
CoNTiNued oN pAge 16
Chief Lifeguard Mike Romano oversees 36 staff members who watch the waters.
“If they see something immediately, they’re going to call ocean base,” he said. “We’ll shut the water for up to a half hour to an hour… then we’ll plan our day accordingly. We want the patrons to come down, enjoy the beach, the weather, and the ocean.”
In addition to increased shark patrols, Clavin said that the town’s pools will be open an hour later, now from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
As the water quality improves on Long Island’s South Shore, more fish return to the area — and with more
Longtime fourth-grade teacher transitions to STEM supervisor
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
After spending nearly two decades as an elementary school teacher in Lynbrook, Bellmore resident Jessica Ryan has moved on to her new role in the Wantagh School District.
Ryan was named the elementary supervisor for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in Wantagh earlier this month after spending the previous 18 years as a fourth-grade teacher at Waverly Park Elementary School in Lynbrook, her first job out of college.
Ryan’s new responsibilities will include working with the different school principals at Forest Lake, Mandalay, and Wantagh elementary schools while providing professional development to those teachers “so that they are equipped to engage learners as mathematicians, scientists [and] engineers.”
“I really want to make sure that I’m continuing to find the best researchedbased practices to help enhance instruction,” she said. “Wantagh is an amazing school district. They have such strong teachers and I’m really looking forward to being a part of their team.”
Schools began to adopt STEM in the early 2000s as a way to emphasize those
four fields in educational initiatives and workforce development. While the acronym is relatively new, the concept of integrating these subjects and promoting them in education dates back to the mid-20th century and possibly earlier.
“I like to think about what are our children going to need to solve realworld problems,” Ryan said. “How can they think, analyze, and come up with creative solutions so that they can be proactive as citizens who are really thoughtful in their decision making.”
Ryan has also been an adjunct professor at Molloy University in the education department for the past 12 years and has co-authored a book called “Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths through Children’s Literature.”
“I have always been passionate about professional development,” she said. “My work at Molloy has always been finding research-based practices, enhancing learning through technology, social-emotional learning, STEAM. So I feel like [Wantagh] is a great fit for me.”
A regular presenter at its “How to Make Math Count” conferences, she is a past recipient of the Teacher of the Year award from Nassau County Teachers of Mathematics.
Courtesy Jessica Ryan
Bellmore resident Jessica Ryan was recently named the elementary STEM supervisor in the Wantagh School District after teaching for nearly two decades in Lynbrook.
Pokémon carnival draws big crowd
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Nearly three decades after it first captivated the world in 1996, Pokémon is proving its staying power with fans of all ages.
That enduring popularity was on full display at the North Merrick Public Library on June 18, where a lively Pokémon Carnival recently brought together children, parents, and longtime enthusiasts for an afternoon of games, crafts, and fun.
This year’s event was called the “Team Rocket’s Pokémon Carnival,” which honors the fictional criminal organization in the brand’s universe. They are known for stealing other people’s Pokémon and their pursuit of world dominance.
Over 260 children and their families from Merrick, Bellmore, and beyond registered for the event, which featured coloring activities, a scavenger hunt, a tattoo station, a Meoweth-themed Plinko board, dice and ball games, and fishing for tickets that can be redeemed for prizes. There was also a inflatable pool filled with hundreds of Pokémon cards that the children used to fill their canisters and binders.
“I came here a few years ago and I met with these wonderful moms and we started a club and it snowballed from there,” said children’s librarian Brittany Georgalas. “It’s actually open to everybody, so our kids get to meet kids from other libraries. It brings everybody together.”
The Pokémon tradition has been passed down many times from parents to their children, but in the case of the Martin family of North Merrick, sisters Mickalina and Mariella, ages nine and eight, respectively, taught it to four-year-old younger brother Pauly.
“I showed him these books and he liked the cards,” Mickalina Martin said. “He wanted to collect them like I did.”
Meanwhile, six-year-old Joseph Tusa of North Bellmore was wearing a shirt of his favorite character Eevee and was trying to find as many “Eeveelution” cards as possible. He found four.
“I like Eevie because she can turn into eight things,” he said.
Tim Baker/Herald Photos
Five-year-old Emma Nilson of North Merrick tries to knock over as many cans as possible.
Joseph Tusa, 6, and little sister Karlie, 4, of North Bellmore found some cards to add to their collections.
There was plenty of card searching during the Pokemon carnival.
Charizard made an appearance at the carnival and met Merrick siblings William and Stella Miller.
Jack Hovanec, 7, of Massapequa Park shows off his discoveries from the inflatable card pool.
In Elder Law Estate Planning There’s More Misinformation than Information
Recently, we came across an article by a syndicated columnist that claimed that if you put your house into an irrevocable trust you lose your exclusion from the capital gains tax on the sale of the primary residence — $500,000 for a couple and $250,000 for a single person. The writer, being a financial planner and not a trust and estates lawyer, and despite claiming to be an “expert”, was apparently unaware that there are many different types of irrevocable trusts. One of the most common irrevocable trusts, the Medicaid Asset Protect Trust (MAPT), is designed to preserve these exclusions. MAPT’s are “grantor trusts” which mean they remain in the grantor’s name for all income and capital gains tax purposes.
This leads into a very common problem. Too often, clients receive advice on trusts from financial advisors, accountants and family lawyers, believing they are getting a professional opinion. We say that what they are actually getting is a personal opinion coming out of a professional’s mouth.
We often make the analogy that if, unfortunately, you have cancer then you want to
get advice from an oncologist, not your family doctor. If you have an elder law estate planning problem, you want to talk to an elder law estate planning attorney, not your general lawyer, financial advisor or accountant. Well-meaning professionals often give incorrect information.
Here are the most common myths about the MAPT:
• Myth: You can’t sell the house - Reality: We have done it thousands of times. The money is paid to the trust and remains protected. The trust can purchase another house, a condominium or simply invest the money and pay you the income.
• Myth: You can’t change the trust - Reality: You may change the trustees, or who you are leaving it to, at any time.
• Myth: You can’t take money out of the trust - Reality: You get all the income (interest and dividends) and you may gift virtually any amount tax-free to your children.
• Myth: You cannot undo the trust - Reality: In New York you may revoke an irrevocable trust on the consent of all named parties. If one will not sign, we have a workaround.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads opens new district office in Levittown
State Sen. Steve Rhoads welcomed a crowd of community members, families and local leaders from across the 5th Senate District to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his new district office at 2900 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown.
The event celebrated civic pride and community connection, drawing strong attendance from all corners of the district. Rhoads said the office reflects his commitment to accessibility and public service.
“This office is more than just a place where legislative work gets done,” Rhoads said. “It’s a community hub — a place where everyone should feel welcome to stop in, say hello or get help with an issue. I want people to know that my door is always open.”
Those in attendance included civic leaders, small business owners, disability advocates, Chamber of Commerce members, school board trustees, veterans, first responders and nonprofit partners. The new office serves constituents in Bellmore, North Bellmore, Bethpage, East Meadow, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Levittown, Plainview, Merrick, North Merrick, Old Bethpage, Seaford, Wantagh, and parts of Westbury, Woodbury, Jericho and Syosset.
The Levittown office, centrally located within the district, is designed to provide easy access to constituents seeking assistance with state-related matters.
—Jordan Vallone
Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads
Civic leaders, small business owners, Chamber of Commerce members, school board trustees, veterans and more were among the attendees at State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ grand opening of his district office.
Emergency grant will help protect swimmers
prey, comes more predators.
“A lot of people don’t realize, in the last decade, we have had more sightings in two years than the previous 10,” Clavin said.
Christina LoBuglio, community aquaculture educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, has a few tips for swimmers to stay safe when going to the beach.
“You’re entering their home when you’re at the beach,” she said. “They really don’t have good eyesight. Don’t go swimming in big schools of fish, because that’s their prey, or murky water where it’s harder for them to see. If you’re wearing earrings, necklaces, jewelry, shiny things that are in the water, those look like fish scales.”
LoBuglio’s work focuses on restoration efforts in the local marine ecosystem.
“A few decades ago, we had a really large shark population, and that’s pelagic sharks and coastal sharks here in
New York,” she said. “Due to fishing, poor water quality and a few other things, they went away. Now we’re seeing a comeback, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
The state has set in motion new efforts to monitor marine life around Long Island.
On July 2, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preser-
vation would work with the Department of Environmental Conservation to expand surveillance at beaches by improving drone systems, including upgraded equipment and more operators.
“We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions,” Hochul said in a news release. “I
encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.”
The movement for increased beach safety comes after a report citing an incident on June 25, where a woman was bitten by a marine animal near Jones Beach’s Central Mall, according to the parks department. She received care at the Nassau University Medical Center for minor lacerations.
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti secured a $10,000 emergency grant that will fund further equipment for lifeguards patrolling south shore beaches.
Don Clavin
From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture
“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”
“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”
“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”
And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.
“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W.
Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.
“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”
While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things including diabetes and chemotherapy, over 23% of neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown.
This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”
Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.
Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the article claiming a 90% success rate in treating neuropathy! I just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”
Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are
incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”
To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”
“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”
Four months after treatment,
Rose is back at work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims Rose. “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank for it. To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.
If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.
There is hope. Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.
Brian Kacharaba/Herald
The American Beauty Bar & Grill in Bellmore will be closing by the end of August.
Sunrise Highway eatery to close soon
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
The American Beauty Bar & Grill in Bellmore will be closing by the end of August after a six-year run on Sunrise Highway, according to its Facebook page.
The restaurant was known for its burgers, brunches, and beer as well as bingo and trivia games every Wednesday. It opened at the former Effin Gruven site in 2019, six months before the Covid pandemic.
“After years of unforgettable nights, live music, cold drinks, and amazing memories, American Beauty Bar & Grill will soon be closing its doors,” the Facebook post said. “We don’t have a final date
just yet, but we invite you to stop in over the coming weeks to share a meal, raise a glass, and be part of our final chapter. From the bottom of our hearts – thank you for being part of the American Beauty family. Let’s make these last nights something to remember.”
Restaurant owner Maria Cassano did not return a call from the Herald seeking comment.
Their food and service earned the eatery a 4.4 rating on both Google (381 reviews) and Google (278).
The restaurant’s two sister locations, the American Beauty Restaurant on Park Avenue in Massapequa Park and the American Beauty Bistro on Central Avenue in Massapequa will remain open.
Cheers to 20 years! Incremental Media celebrates milestone anniversary
Bellmore-based Incremental Media celebrated their 20-year anniversary on July 18. Started by Dave Smith back in 2005, the company has worked with hundreds of brands like 3 Day Blinds, MDHearing, and Nationwide Coin & Bullion Reserve, to help them diversify their media mix into niche, scalable advertising channels like package inserts, shared mail, direct mail, and podcasts.
Courtesy Eric Smith
JELC celebrates growth of students during ceremonies
There were plenty of fun and bittersweet days at the Alan & Tatyana Forman Jewish Early Learning Center (JELC) last month as they celebrated the growth of their infants, toddlers, and nursery students with memorable end-of-the-year ceremonies.
Each event reflected the unique stage of our little learners — from cozy circle times with parents for the youngest classes to joyful performances by the center’s nursery students, who sang and danced proudly for their families.
The celebrations were filled with balloons, student artwork, refreshments, and lots of smiles in front of a step-and-repeat banner.
The JELC educates children between the ages of 18 months and four years.
— Brian Kacharaba
Photos courtesy Alan & Tatyana Forman Jewish Early Learning Center
The Jewish Early Learning Center’s Harmony and Sunshine classes are ready to move up.
The Toddler Wonder class showed off their end-of-the-year gifts.
The Toddler Garden class performed a circle dance during their ceremony.
The Nursery Happy class moved and grooved in front of their family members.
The Infant Discovery celebration will be one of the first of many for those families.
The Toddler Explorers enjoyed each other’s company for one of the last times until next fall.
Attorney General celebrates new police facility in Nassau County
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
At a landmark ribbon-cutting event in Nassau County, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi joined County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and other dignitaries to celebrate the opening of a state-of-the-art police training facility at Nassau Community College. The new training village, near the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence, was constructed with real-world buildings to simulate authentic law enforcement scenarios and is designed to enhance training for federal, state and local officers.
Bondi praised the vision and cooperation that brought the facility to life, particularly highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in funding the project. Drawing on her experience as a longtime felony prosecutor, Bondi emphasized the life-saving importance of rigorous, real-world police training.
“I was there for 18 years [as] a felony bureau chief trying hundreds of cases, but I lost a lot of friends who are police officers,” she said at the July 13 ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This facility behind us today will save the lives of police officers, and that’s why we’re doing this.”
The training village includes model houses, storefronts and even a train for officers to practice handling a variety of scenarios.
Blakeman credited Commissioner Ryder and numerous community donors for helping complete the project on time and on budget. Among those recognized for their contributions were the Blumenkranz family, the Hagedorn family, Sean Acosta, Harry Singh, David Mack and Shalom Maidenbaum. Singh, who immigrated to the U.S. with only $300 and built a successful business empire, was honored for his generosity and commitment to public service and the facility will be named in his honor.
administration’s support for law enforcement and denounce anti-police rhetoric.
“When I became county executive, the first thing I did was I declared Nassau County is not a sanctuary County,” Blakeman said. “I said we would back the blue and we have hired 300 new police officers and over 200 new correctional officers, all of our major crimes are way down, rapes, murders, robberies down 15 percent just in the last year.”
Ryder emphasized that the training village was built for and by the residents of Nassau County and will benefit the 1.5 million people living in the county.
“We built the training village that we’ve invited every one of our federal and state and local partners, they will come here to cross train with us,” Ryder said. “We have partnered up with the Nassau Community College. We have started an internship program with them where they will receive college credits.”
Bondi also used the occasion to reaffirm the Trump
“The attacks on our police officers, we will not stand for any longer. But know this, Donald Trump and our entire administration will never tolerate any attacks on our police officers,” she stated. “If you spit on a police officer, it’s a crime. If you loot a building, it’s a crime. If you assault a police officer, it’s a crime.”
She noted that the Department of Justice has offered $157 million in grants to help hire 1,200 new officers nationwide and is committed to removing federal overreach that undermines police.
The event closed with a strong message of unity and appreciation. “Every day all of you go out and risk your lives for us. We stand with you. We thank you. Our entire administration, starting with President Trump, is 100 percent committed to you,” Bondi said. “You are our heroes today, tomorrow and for every day to come.”
Courtesy Nassau County
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi joined County Executive Bruce Blakeman at the unveiling
Nassau
NCC earns eight-year reaffirmation from Middle States
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Nassau Community College has secured reaffirmation of its accreditation for another eight years from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, following a multi-year effort to address concerns around leadership and campus climate.
The reaccreditation, announced jointly by the Commission and the college, comes despite a recent review that flagged the institution’s lack of a permanent president and issues related to the internal atmosphere on campus.
Still, college officials said the decision validates years of focused institutional work.
“We weren’t surprised by the outcome because we’ve been working really hard for the last three years,” Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC said. “We met all seven standards, and we were really happy with the outcome.”
Middle States accreditation affirms that an institution meets rigorous standards of academic quality, governance, assessment, and financial stewardship. Nassau Community College, part of the State University of New York system, has been accredited by Middle States since 1967.
“The faculty, administration and staff at NCC have worked very hard to have the institution’s accreditation reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as part of our ongoing efforts to provide students with a comprehensive education and outstanding supportive atmosphere,” Maria Conzatti, the college’s chief administrative officer stated in a news release. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence in higher education and transforming lives.”
Kornbluth pointed to several financial and institutional improvements made in recent years, including eliminating a $14 million deficit, growing a fund balance, and increasing student enrollment by an average of 2.5 to 3 percent per semester.
He said the college has also prioritized capital upgrades on its decades-old campus, formerly part of the Mitchell Air Force Base.
“The reaffirmation moves us to the next level,” Kornbluth said. “It enables us to create more resourc-
es, and people will have more confidence in the college.”
However, the faculty union sees the outcome differently.
“Nassau Community College has retained its accreditation from Middle States, but only under serious conditions — a clear warning that the college remains in crisis,” David Stern, president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, wrote to the Herald. “The Commission found continued failures in ethics, governance, campus climate, and financial accountability, issues first raised nearly a decade ago and now cited in two consecutive reviews.
“By early 2026, NCC must demonstrate concrete reform — under close supervision by Middle States — or risk losing its accreditation entirely,” he added.
One of the Commission’s noted recommendations was that the college must appoint a permanent president. Conzatti has served as the college’s top leader since 2021, first as interim, then as acting president. In 2023, she was granted a five-year contract by the Board of Trustees with the title of “Chief Administrative Officer.”
Kornbluth said SUNY has not formally recognized her as permanent president, but that Conzatti is for all intents and purposes the college’s leader.
“She’s the first female president in the college’s history, a graduate of NCC, and has been here for over 30 years,” he said. “She’s the right person at the right time to lead the college.”
Looking ahead, Kornbluth said the college aims to expand vocational training in trades like HVAC, welding and electrical work to meet growing regional workforce demand.
“This was a team effort between faculty, staff, trustees, and administration,” he said. “We’re proud of where we are, and we’re moving the college forward.”
Herald File Photo
Nassau Community College secured reaffirmation for eight years from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
STEPPING OUT Forever ‘Wild about Harry’
The beat goes on in the annual tribute to the beloved musician
By Karen Bloom
Decades have passed since Harry Chapin’s tragic death, still his music and philanthropic initiatives remain at the heart of Long Island’s collective consciousness. Stuart Markus, the longtime mainstay of the local folk and acoustic scene, is committed to guardianship of the Chapin legacy, organizing what are now two memorial concerts each year.
Markus, based in Malverne, is clearly as fervent about Chapin’s music and humanitarian zeal as when he took on the role of organizing the tribute 22 years ago. From its start at Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead in 2004 to what became its longtime home at Chapin’s namesake theater in Eisenhower Park, and now in its second year at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Huntington’s Heckscher Park, the concert’s appeal continues to grow. So much so that a second show has been added — at the Landmark theater in Port Washington on Dec. 2.
“Sunday Morning Sunshine.”
Meanwhile over 30 musicians will gather with fans, on Sunday, to share in the joy of the man and his music.
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m still at this,” he reflects. “[After the first concert] I thought it would be cool to do this for a couple of years. Ultimately it became a cultural phenomenon.”
Folks livestream the event around the world, according Markus, who relates an unexpected email he received from a fan in Scotland.
“He wanted to plan a vacation around the concert, Markus says, chuckling, about the international response. “As long as there is enthusiasm, then I’ll keep doing it.”
Certainly that fervor shows no signs of waning.
“I’ve long thought it would be wonderful and extremely appropriate to do the show in Huntington, where Harry and Sandy lived and raised their family,” Markus says. “Harry is still held in such beloved regard by residents and public officials at all levels.”
Chapin’s shocking death on the Long Island Expressway en route to that ill-fated Eisenhower Park performance in July 1981 is very much rooted this tribute — for performers and the audience. In fact, several show regulars were among the crowd when what was supposed to be a joyous event turned into a vigil, according to Markus.
“Harry is so beloved in memory on Long Island,” Markus says. “You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who met him, whose school he did a benefit for, or someone who’s been helped by one of his charities. It’s so meaningful for the music community to come together and, in effect, do the concert he might have given.”
The troubadour’s catalogue always gets a creative interpretation by each act.
“I’ve always encouraged everyne to make the songs fresh and treat them as their own, however they imagine them. They’re not just reproducing them the way Harry did.”
Markus excited to include guitarist Gerald Bair, a longstanding member of Huntington’s folk scene, in this year’s lineup. Bair performs his rendition of
“A fan favorite, it’s an optimistic happy song about being in love,” Markus says.
Cantor Lisa Wharton, of Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, who performs with her husband Akiva Wharton, a percussionist, and Cantor Judy Merrick, of Plainview Jewish Center, return for their second appearance. They’ll do “I Wonder What Would Happen,” which Markus describes as an appropriately chosen “spiritual, gospel-feeling song.”
“They were a well-received addition last year and we’re glad to have them back, he adds.
The trio is, of course, joined by staples of the area’s music community. Returnees include Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg, Karen Bella, Roger Silverberg, Debra Lynne, Patricia Shih and Stephen Fricker, Roger Street Friedman, Media Crime, Christine Solimeno, Grand Folk Railroad, Robinson Treacher, Wonderous Stories, Toby Tobias, Mara Levine and Matthew Ponsot, in various ensembles.
As is their signature, Markus, with his trio Gathering Time, arrive on stage as the show nears its conclusion. Markus, with Christine Sweeney and Gerry McKeveny, perform their annual rendition of the iconic “Cat’s in the Cradle.” By then everyone is singing along.
Finally, as always, in the true spirit of Harry Chapin, all the musicians join together on stage for “Circle,” Chapin’s traditional closing.
“It’s such a philosophical but uplifting song and a fitting end,” Markus adds.
Just the way Chapin would want it.
More than just a concert, the free event, of course, involves a food drive. Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable items to support Long Island Cares, the regional food bank and humanitarian organization founded by Chapin in 1980. Long Island Cares’ staff and volunteers will collect donations at a tent near the entrance to the stage.
Bring seating to the show, which is held rain or shine. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook and the Harry Chapin Foundation YouTube channel.
Magical Mystery Doors
If you missed Magical Mystery Doors during the band’s spring visit to Long Island, now’s your chance to check out this unique tribute act. The tight bandmates blend and layer the music to create something new and unique. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors changed the face of music as we know it. Their melodies have moved people everywhere to “Come Together” in their love of music. And that’s what happens at an MMD concert. Throughout the concert, the band combines some of these classic tunes in ways that surprise and delight time and time again. The melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” The pounding beat of Zep’s “When The Levee Breaks” coupled with the serene strumming of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Also the thematic sequence of “The Rain Song” – “Riders On The Storm” – “Here Comes The Sun.” These arrangements take you on an unexpected and exhilarating journey. Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.
Best of Broadway
Sounds of the Great White Way return to Eisenhower Park with Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway.” Back for its annual celebration of the greatest songs from the finest shows, the acclaimed touring Broadway concert never disappoints. The lively musical revue, hosted by Neil Berg, on piano, brings performers to light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. He presents creatively revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from some of the newest hits, along with his fascinating commentary and historical notes in between songs. This gorgeous, guided tour of the American art form that is musical theater, is a production both hypnotic and historical. The dazzling new edition is sure to have everyone humming along. Berg, an awardwinning composer-lyricist-producer, and his cast of vocal powerhouses brings everyone to their feet time and again.
Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny.gov for more.
24, 2025
• Sunday, July 27, 8 p.m.
• Admission is free
• Heckscher Park, located off Main Street (Route 25A) and Prime Avenue, Huntington
Photos courtesy Keith Rossin
Everyone gathers to salute Harry Chapin during the rousing finale that closes the concert.
Cantors Judy Merrick, left, Lisa Ann Wharton and Akiva Wharton are all in for Harry.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JULY 24
School Supply Drive
Nassau County Legislature Legislator
Seth I. Koslow is partnering with the Merrick and North Merrick public libraries to host his second annual back-to-school supply drive to ensure local students have everything they need for a strong start to the 2025-26 school year. From now until Aug. 18 during regular library hours, donors can drop off needed school supplies, including but not limited to backpacks, folders, spiral and marble notebooks, loose leaf paper, binders, tabbed subject dividers, pencil cases and sharpeners, pens, pencils (colored and No. 2), highlighters, erasers, markers, glue sticks, lunchboxes, index cards, rulers, safety scissors and more.
•Where: 2279 Merrick Ave. (Merrick Library and 1691 Meadowbrook Road (North Merrick Library
•Time: Regular library hours
•Contact: (516)571-6205
Summer concert series
The concert series at the North Bellmore Public Library continues with Victims of Rock, a classic party rock band, on the front lawn. Weather permitting. Chairs and blankets will not be provided, so attendees are advised to bring their own. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a nonperishable item for The American Legion.
•Where: 1551 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the
Magic Rocks!
Fossil Fun
Step into the shoes of a young paleontologist in this hands-on art and science activity at Long Island Children’s Museum. Create fossil rubbing art to take home at the drop-in program. For ages 3 and up.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JULY
31
Live After Five Don’t miss out on Merrick’s Live After Five. Merrick Community Civic Association hosts an evening dedicated to supporting local businesses. Participating restaurants and shops offer special promotions for the evening for all customers. Enjoy music at the Gazebo near the LIRR (weather permitting).
•Where: Along Merrick Avenue, from LIRR to Loines Ave, and into the Merrick Mall.
•Time: Beginning at 5 p.m.
•Time: 7 p.m.
Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives on Long Island with his jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. You’ve seen him on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, “Masters of Illusion,” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Hailed by critics as “America’s Rock Illusionist,” Leon is a worldwide hit with audiences, critics and producers. He’s recognized for his onstage charisma, a fast-paced, high energy, rock n’ roll performance style — and his no-nonsense approach to magic. This interactive, family-friendly spectacular showcases mind-blowing tricks, award-winning sleight of hand and non-stop laughter. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it’s an immersive experience filled with wonder, laughter and jaw-dropping moments you won’t soon forget. From Radio City Music Hall to Planet Hollywood Casino and from Studio City Casino in Macau to his very own theater on the beautiful island waters of Saipan, Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention. Join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25.
Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
JULY
25
Tuneful notes
Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops visit Eisenhower Park for their popular annual summer concert. Their vivacious style appeals to all ages, drawing everyone into their performance with their intense energy and dynamic musicality. Hear a variety of rousing tunes, including the music of Broadway and Hollywood.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Mindful
Morning
View Nassau County Museum of Art’s galleries in a small group session. Take time to observe, question and reflect without hurry, distraction, or judgment. Explore one or two works of art in the galleries, with intention as you focus on color, texture, form and
personal connections during the series of three sessions. Join for as many sessions as you like. Each will be a different opportunity to enjoy art together. Program is capped at 12 people. $20 per session, $10 members. Registration required.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: 10-11 a.m., also Aug. 8 and Aug. 22
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or 516-484-9337
JULY
26
Unbox A-Saurus
Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists from Long Island Children’s Museum’s “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” gallery. She plans to unveil a never-beforeseen dinosaur, if she can find a way to open its crate. Join her in the LICM Theater for this highly interactive show, when the audience will assist Dr. Patti in this “scientific” comedy. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 30
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
JULY
27
Music for Sunday Afternoon
The Cambiata Cello Duo, Suzanne Mueller and Paul Lawrence Finkelstein, close out the series with a program spanning centuries and styles. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery at the lawn at The Barn. Concert is included with admission and reservations are not required.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
•Time: 3-4 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
JULY
Family movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “Transformers One,” the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: Movie begins at dusk
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
•Contact: For the most up to date list of participating businesses, check out @MerrickLiveAfterFive on Instagram
Pops in the park
Christopher Macchio joins the Nassau Pops at Eisenhower Park for “Opera and the Classics.” Enjoy a lively evening that’s both familiar and unexpected.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Summer tunes
AUg
1
Rock on with Half Step’s tribute to the Grateful Dead at Eisenhower Park.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
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.
Rhoads hosting beach tourney to help Community Cupboard
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
State Sen. Steve Rhoads will be hosting the first annual charity volleyball tournament next month to support the Bellmore Merrick Community Cupboard.
The 4-on-4 tourney will take place at the Jones Beach Volleyball Courts in Wantagh on Aug. 9 and be open to all ages and skill levels. Teams are encouraged to dress in fun and creative uniforms.
The event will support the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard, a vital organization that ensures food security for local families in need. The Senator is asking the community to donate two cans of nonperishable food items per player as the entry fee. The cupboard is especially in need of household cleaning items, personal grooming items, tomato sauce, kids’ snacks, and condiments like oil, mayo, ketchup, and mustard.
On average, 50 families rely on the cupboard’s services every two weeks. The pantry operates at the Brookside School in North Merrick, the district’s headquarters.
Registration is required and participants can do so by emailing rowe@nysenate.gov through Aug. 4.
The 4-on-4
Courtesy Christopher Dalton
Wrestlers trade mats for bats to help kids
that will be put towards field improvements. Rogoff said he would like to run this event again in future years and make it even better with more planning time.
“It’s unbelievable that we were able to pull this off in such a short time,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing it annually with the TNA stars and, hopefully, we’ll be able to keep doing it year after year so that we can raise more money for the little league.”
Some of the TNA players included Jeff and Matt Hardy, Joe Hendry, Eddie Edwards, Nic and Ryan Nemeth, A.J. Francis, Mustafa Ali, Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel, Jason Hotch, John Skyler, Tessa Blanchard, Xia Brookside, Alisha Edwards, and Ash and Heather By Elegance.
The dignitaries on hand went beyond the rosters. State Sen. Steve Rhoads and 5th District Council Member Chris Schneider both threw out the first pitch and former major league baseball outfielder Johnny Damon – a member of the New York Yankees’ last championship team in 2009 – suited up for TNA.
Damon singled in three trips to the plate and flew out twice to right field, one of which was caught by little league mom Liz Kalkau. Nonetheless, he was still happy to be back in New York to play in the game.
“It’s always great,” he said. “The AllStar game was a couple of nights ago and this feels special as well. Every opportunity you get to bring people together, have a great time, it’s always great.”
Another happy participant was John DiMartino, who got to interact with the wrestlers at the plate while he played catcher for the MBLLA. In one instance, he took a playful ‘bump’ at the plate courtesy of Jeff Hardy as the ring vet was scoring a run.
“I’ve been watching him for years,” DiMartino said. “I had the ball and I’m just standing there. He gave me a nice little shove, and I flipped over. I think I’m ready for TNA.”
As for the game itself, the MBLLA coaches scored twice in each of the first two innings, including a long home run to center field by Jason DePascale, but the mat warriors got the rest of the runs in bunches – both traditionally and with
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: LCCS Solutions Group LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 06/02/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it
some chicanery – the rest of the way to win.
After the game, TNA world champion Trick Williams grabbed the microphone to cut a short ‘heel promo’ at the expense of the crowd.
“To the Merrick-Bellmore Little League,” he started. “We hope you didn’t take this butt-whipping too personal.”
Nobody knew what the final score was. It didn’t matter. The real winners were the little leaguers who left with plenty of autographs and improved facilities for next season.
Francis, another ‘villain’ wrestler, bragged about his role in the victory.
“I was 3-for-3, I stole two bases, I got a run, I got an RBI, I had two infield assists,” he exclaimed. “I did what I was supposed to do.”
Francis then briefly stepped out of character to reflect on the day’s festivities.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “I like doing events like this. You have the opportunity to give back to the community. These kids, they see us as heroes and for us to be able to have these personal moments with them, it really means a lot.”
MBLLA Roster
■ Chuck Amato
■ Brendan Kalkau
■ Jay Rogoff
■ Pete Munro
■ Sean Greene
■ Mike Branigan
■ Brett Rinella
■ Pete Strifas
■ Jason DePascale
■ Mike Pilas
■ Eric James
■ Paul Amarosa
■ Scott Gold
■ Tim Hill
■ Colleen Branigan
■ Liz Kalkau
■ Adam Cohen
■ John DiMartino
■ Paul Casale
eighteen-time tag team champion Jeff Hardy was one of tna’s pitchers.
mBLLa player Sean greene awaits the pitch.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
former Yankee Johnny damon returned to new York to suit up for the tna team.
gabriella Hassett sang the national anthem prior to the game.
EDITOR/REPORTER
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and
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Daily Substitute Teachers $125/day
• Monday-Friday as needed; 8:15am-3:15pm
APPLY ONLINE
• www.olasjobs.org or www.recruitfront.com
• Email: HR@northbellmoreschools.org
• Call: (516) 992-3000 ext.3023 1310489
The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.
We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage
If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.
Sprawling Ranch
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670 Apartments For Rent
MERRICK: 1 BR, 2nd Floor, No Pets. $1500/ Monthly. 2 Months Security Plus Electric. By Owner. 516-486-6139
Welcome to 156 Lefferts Road, a beautiful residence nestled in one of Woodmere’s most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on an expansive 0.35acre lot, this home offers over 3,500 square feet of living space, perfect for comfortable family living and entertaining. Featuring 6 generously sized bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home provides ample space for a growing family or hosting guests. The layout is both functional and inviting, with bright, open living areas and well-proportioned rooms throughout. Located in an ideal, central location, this property offers convenient access to houses of worship, schools, shopping, and public transportation—all while maintaining a quiet, suburban charm. With its generous proportions, gracious layout, and prime location, 156 Lefferts Road is a rare offering—perfect for the discerning buyer seeking elegance, space, and timeless appeal in Old Woodmere .
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In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation
Q. We live in Israel and, yes, we read your column. Our apartment building is just blocks from where a missile strike hit another apartment building and our hospital. Strange times we live in, when we have to run to our bomb shelter on the sixth floor when we hear sirens, just like you would run to the basement if a tornado siren went off. I was wondering, after neighbors were killed by missiles, is it possible to build a stronger safe room, because we need it and don’t want to die just because of where we live?
A. Fascinating question. I follow the news, and see the damage and fear from the sense of vulnerability you feel. When I received your question, I was, ironically, touring the behind-the-scenes research and testing facilities at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, just two days before bomber jets, like the B-2 stealth bomber I was standing under the wings of, were deployed to take out Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The massive impact of a missile is hard to resist, and although there are many military and non-military studies on bomb-proofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all scenario. The key to building a shelter that can resist a bomb is based on two basic premises. One principle of survival is to repel a bomb, and the other is to absorb the impact.
It’s interesting that engineers, whom I believe have played a strong role in our freedom over the centuries, studied, and succeeded in creating, designs that saved the lives of sailors on vulnerable P.T. boats. Those boat hulls were made of the same construction as concrete (gunite) pools. Gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength achievable, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch.
The pools and P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, they ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact. In some cases, torpedoes survived, embedded in the boats’ hulls, so the boats had to be abandoned rather than return to port, and then the torpedoes were detonated. Most important, the sailors survived.
Missiles are another matter, however. I’m not aware of any building that sustains a direct hit being able to survive, so the important principle is to sacrifice the building for the sake of the occupants — just like sacrificing those P.T. boats. In the case of a bomb shelter, engineers have to approach the design by developing several feet of redundant shells, layered with shock-absorbing gel layers of material. The inner shell needs to be extremely strong steel or gunite — reinforced concrete — to resist the shock. I employed impact design when developing a high-security station for our military in Saudi Arabia, and then for a gun range project. You would need the area and money for such a lifesaving project. I hope you remain safe!
© 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
Admiration of a former president from across the aisle
When I was elected to Congress in 1992, I certainly didn’t anticipate the close working relationship I would have with Bill Clinton, who was elected president that year. I was a lifelong Republican from New York, elected with strong Conservative Party support. Clinton was a staunch Democrat from Arkansas with roots in the anti-war movement.
I had met him in Manhattan in April 1992, two days before New York’s Democratic presidential primary. I was still the Nassau County comptroller, and had not yet announced my candidacy for Congress. A group of New York Irish-American Democrats led by elder statesman Paul O’Dwyer had scheduled a meeting with Clinton and his remaining challenger, Jerry Brown, the former California governor. Though we were far apart on the political spectrum, O’Dwyer and I were good friends.
When Clinton arrived, I was standing in the rear of the room. He made a brief opening statement before answering questions from a panel of four. What I
It’s
iquickly noted was his relaxed familiarity with Ireland’s 800-year struggle with Britain and its most recent iteration, the more than two decades of war being waged in the streets and hills of Northern Ireland, euphemistically labeled “the Troubles.” There were no pandering references to green beer or shamrocks. Nor did he make the ritualistic denunciation of terrorism.
HIn an answer to a burning issue that would have lasting consequences later, Clinton said he would grant a visa to Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, the political party affiliated with the Irish Republican Army. He also said the United States had the obligation to speak out against human rights violations even if the offending nation was Britain, our closest ally. More than what he said was his ease in dealing with an issue that rendered most politicians tongue-tied or made them fall back on timeworn clichés.
comptroller was — and with both of us being entirely unaware how much our lives would be interlocked over the next several years, and not just on the Irish issue.
onoring Carolyn McCarthy recently, Bill Clinton was as eloquent as ever.
Remaining in the back of the room while photos were being taken near the front, I waited until Clinton was leaving the room by the rear door. I shook his hand, and said, “Good job, Governor.” He smiled, thanked me and walked on, not having the slightest idea or caring in the least who the Nassau County
Clinton went on to become the 42nd president, and just a year later kept his campaign promise when he granted Adams a visa to enter the United States, which was followed by meetings with Adams in the White House and Congress, which caused seismic reactions throughout the British government and the American State Department as well. But Clinton’s leadership and determination, which included unprecedented presidential visits to the most dangerous locations in Northern Ireland, on which I accompanied him, as well as the diplomatic alliances he forged with British and Irish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, ending that brutal 800-year-long struggle.
There was more to the Clinton years than Ireland. There was also his decisive action that successfully ended the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Domestically, he worked across the aisle with Newt Gingrich to achieve welfare reform as well as the only balanced bud-
get in the more than three decades since.
While all this was happening, of course, Clinton faced the first presidential impeachment in more than 130 years, and until then only the second in American history. While he had made serious mistakes in judgment, I strongly believed that what he was accused of did not meet the Constitution’s requirements for impeachment, or for removing from office the duly elected president, and would set a dangerous precedent for future presidencies. I was proud to stand with Clinton as one of only two Republicans who voted against all four articles of impeachment. And I have never questioned that decision.
All this and more came rushing back to me several weeks ago, when I joined Clinton as one of the speakers at the Celebration of Life for former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who died last month. Though he had been out of office for almost 25 years, the former president was as eloquent as ever, movingly describing his admiration and affection for McCarthy’s heroism and strength of character in overcoming horrific personal tragedy to achieve so much good for America. Once again, President Clinton came through.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
long past time to shut down the cellphone
am a person of infinite patience. My friends compliment me on my ability to patiently listen to ideas from both sides of the aisle. I love watching the daily news on my laptop and on my cellphone. I read opinion columns, and occasionally get to read a nonfiction book on some current topic. But I must confess that I am now in a state of news overload. I’m not quite sure when this illness kicked in, but if you think about all of the news events in recent weeks, you’ll easily understand why I, or anyone, could easily fall into a state of media-nausea. I think the first story that engulfed my ability to digest facts was President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Shortly after it passed in the House of Representatives, my phone began ringing off the hook with calls from important clients, asking about the impact of the budget cuts on Medicaid, SNAP and
other significant programs.
Alerted to the terms of the bill, I began a line-by-line review, and became more horrified once I understood the scope of the cuts. I couldn’t understand how the House could find billions of dollars to cut from Medicaid and claim that they were all related to rooting out “waste, fraud and abuse.” Taking food away from children isn’t the way to save taxpayers real money. By mid-June I was wilting under the barrage of calls asking for advice on how to get the attention of the region’s federal officials. Always looking on the bright side, I was pleased that the bill included such items as raising the state-and-local-taxes deduction cap to $40,000, and reduced taxes on tips and Social Security and many other goodies that were consistent with promises Trump made. I assumed that the Senate would support many provisions of the House bill and trim the Medicaid cuts. I assured many of my callers that there was hope that cooler heads would prevail, and the Senate bill would be palatable.
First the bill, then the primary, then Epstein. It’s time to escape, and to ditch the device.
Come July, the Senate bill was ready for a formal vote, and its contents were even uglier. Rather than scale back the Medicaid cuts, the Senate found ways to increase them. The promised expansion of the SALT cap was altered to providing three years of an expanded credit and then reducing it to the old $10,000 cap. The elimination of taxes on Social Security disappeared, and the no-taxes-on-tips provision is scheduled to expire after 2028.
The torrent of calls asking for my opinion had just about ended when New York City Democrats chose the inexperienced Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as their nominee for mayor. When the final results came in on primary night, I shut down my cellphone. Dozens of friends and neighbors wanted to know how to stop Mamdani. Ironically, many of them didn’t vote in the primary because they were registered Republicans or independents, and in some cases they were registered Democrats who failed to vote. I refused to console any qualified voter who failed to vote.
Now, weeks later, I’m being asked who I favor in the contest between Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams. I have no preference between the two, but there appears to be no way to beat Mamdani unless there is one independent candidate. At this point, neither Adams nor Cuomo shows any signs of getting out of the race in the interest of harmony. If both stay in, there’s no chance that Mamdani can be stopped.
Burdened by all of these panicked calls, I decided that the best thing I can do for my wife, Suzan, and I is to go away for a week or so and maybe shut down my phone. I can check messages from time to time, but that’s it. We’re leaving in search of a change of scenery.
No sooner I had made our airline reservations than the Jeffrey Epstein saga erupted. I told callers that we weren’t interested in visiting Epstein’s island or anywhere else attached to his name. My cellphone is now in the freezer, so don’t bother calling.
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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Long Island’s water needs to be protected
long Island water users just won a major legal battle — but we are still far from winning the war for clean water.
A $10.5 billion national settlement with the multinational chemical manufacturer 3M over the widespread contamination of drinking water with PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — includes over $250 million for public water providers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This hard-fought-for financial relief will help cover the staggering cost of removing toxic substances from our drinking water. But it will be payment for damage already done, not a fix for what still threatens our sole-source aquifer every day.
Long Islanders rely entirely on a single underground water source, an aquifer that provides drinking water to more than 2.8 million people. It has been under assault for decades by chemical pollutants that seep through soil, spill into drainage systems and leach from landfills and industrial sites.
Among the most dangerous threats are PFAS compounds, man-made chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware that do not break down over time and accumulate in both the environment and our bodies. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health problems such as decreased fertility, developmental complications in children and an increased risk of some cancers and immune system issues.
In more than a few of our communities, these pollutants have created brownfields — usually industrial or commercial sites that are abandoned,
letters
Lights of Hope against cancer
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the Herald for its support of the first annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Lights of Hope celebration at Glen Cove’s Morgan Memorial Park on July 12. The evening was a celebration of cancer survivors as well as a remembrance of those who have passed. By adding the event to your calendar, and printing a well-thoughtout story, you helped to raise awareness of the event.
I would also like to thank the City of Glen Cove and the wonderful people in the area for their support. And I would like to thank Loggia 1016 of the Sons and Daughters of Italy for their sponsorship. The event would not have been possible without the community support.
I’m happy to report that donations exceeded expectations, and we will definitely be back next year. Proceeds from Lights of Hope go
vacant or under-used, and where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of at least one, if not more, contaminants.
The settlement is a victory for local water providers, many of whom have led the charge in holding chemical companies accountable. But it also shines a light on an uncomfortable truth: Long Island is already paying dearly for decades of environmental neglect.
Since 2017, more than $1 billion has been spent on installing and maintaining sophisticated water-treatment systems, according to federal estimates. And even with this financial award, residents and ratepayers will continue to bear the burden of ongoing operating costs.
So, while restitution is essential, it is not enough. The fight for clean water cannot begin at the filtration plant. It must begin at the source — with laws, oversight and habits that will keep our groundwater clean in the first place.
To policymakers: This is your moment to act. Strengthen oversight of chemical manufacturing, storage and disposal. Expand groundwater protection zones, especially near vulnerable recharge areas. Invest in forward-thinking, sustainable water infrastructure that protects our aquifer before contaminants reach it. Laws must reflect the seriousness of the threat, the indispensability of the resource and the fact that the water cannot be replaced.
To state and local agencies and appointed officials: It’s time to audit the regulatory framework governing industrial, agricultural and even residential activities that affect water quality. Permitting and enforcement must be rigor-
ous. No project, permit or loophole should be allowed to jeopardize our only supply of drinking water.
Long Island residents and business owners are part of the solution. Everyday actions matter — from how you dispose of household chemicals to the fertilizers and cleaning agents you use. Learn about the long-term impact of routine habits. Information is available from a variety of sources, beginning with local and state health departments. Support local clean-water initiatives. Vote for leaders who prioritize the environment. And above all, treat water conservation not as a suggestion, but as a shared responsibility.
This is not alarmism. It’s realism. The aquifer beneath Long Island cannot be replaced, rerouted or remade. We have no second source to draw from if it becomes too polluted or depleted. Every gallon of water pumped from below is a gallon we must protect with vigilance, policy and foresight.
Yes, the 3M settlement is a victory — but it should also be a warning. We cannot afford to celebrate a payout while the source of our water remains under threat. Financial settlements help heal wounds, but they do not prevent the next injury. That requires a cultural shift — from passive reliance to proactive stewardship.
Clean water is the foundation of our health, our economy and our communities. Long Island must now recommit — urgently, and collectively — to safeguarding the aquifer that sustains us all. Let’s make sure that in the future, headlines about our water celebrate prevention, not just compensation.
opinions
Blakeman is silent as Trump’s megabill fleeces Nassau
merriam-Webster defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.”
In local government, we don’t expect the type of courage that you saw in the people who stormed the beaches of Normandy or who run into burning buildings. We do, however, expect our elected officials to fight for us when danger is on horizon — not retreat or remain in the thrall of a sycophantic political cult.
Today, President Trump and his Republican accomplices in Congress voted to strip health care from nearly 17 million Americans, gut Medicaid to the tune of $1 trillion, rip nutrition assistance away from millions of families, drive up energy costs, destroy investments in clean, renewable energy and claw back funding for Pell grants — all to give billionaires more than $4.5 trillion in tax cuts they don’t need. What does this economic wrecking ball mean for Nassau County, an eco-
nomically diverse community of 1.4 million people? In addition to the $13 million in new tax burdens, it will strip away $90 million in hospital funding, and knock at least 66,000 people off Medicaid and another 16,000 off Affordable Care Act coverage.
With catastrophe looming, County Executive Bruce Blakeman failed to fight for us — the people who elected him — because he lacks the political courage necessary to stand up to Trump on our behalf.
DDon’t be distracted by the crumbs Republicans are throwing Nassau County on the state and local tax reductions that will sunset after five years. The monstrous GOP tax bill will make the middle and working classes poorer and sicker, destroy job creation in emerging economic sectors like green energy, and saddle my children and yours with trillions more in national debt — all so that Trump and his ultrarich cronies can buy more yachts.
Blakeman and the Republican legislative majority could demonstrate political courage by passing my legislation to bring Nassau’s astronomical business permit costs in line with our neighbors. Instead, they are burying it out of pure politics.
on’t be distracted by the crumbs the Republicans are throwing the county.
Catastrophic Medicaid cuts threaten to undermine services for students with disabilities and health care access for hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders. Cuts of $300 billion to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will end vital aid that helps keep 150,000 Long Islanders from going hungry. As Nassau University Medical Center — a health care lifeline for Nassau’s most vulnerable patients — hangs in the balance, Blakeman uses the hospital and its future as a political football rather than doing the hard work to save it.
introduced legislation to accomplish that and to give overcharged Nassau residents the refund they deserve. Blakeman and Nassau Republicans responded by telling the public, Tough luck. He could stop wasting money — over $20 million, at last count — on outside legal contracts for cases we can and should be handling in-house. The savings could be applied to fulfilling his promise to lower our property taxes — something that, no matter how he tries to spin it, still hasn’t happened in his first three and a half years in office.
Most important, Blakeman could finally fix Nassau’s broken, inequitable assessment system, which under his watch has only grown more unfair and more indefensible, making hardworking families that don’t grieve pay more taxes. Instead, he leaves the system dysfunctional so that the tax certiorari firms keep making windfall profits — and keep filling GOP campaign coffers.
While Blakeman hasn’t had the courage to speak up against Trump, his actions — and inaction — say more than his words ever could — like how he celebrated Trump’s nonsensical, regressive tariffs in the Rose Garden.
Letters
toward cancer prevention, education and advocacy.
PETER O’CONNOR American Cancer Society volunteer
Editors’ note: The American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island walk will take place on Oct. 19, from 7 to 10:30 a.m., at Jones Beach’s Field 5. For more information, go to MakingStridesWalk.org/ LongIsland.
We’re safeguarding wildlife and waterways
To the Editor:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of the state’s Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.
Last year, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 105,700 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators across the state responding to more than 30,000 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the
illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions.
On July 7, three officers partnered with the Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard for a boat patrol on the Long Island Sound. The officers checked boats and anglers for compliance with state fishing regulations, navigation law and overall boater safety. They inspected a vessel north of Glen Cove, and discovered an expired fire extinguisher, expired flares, and only four personal flotation devices for the five people on board. The officers issued a ticket and warning to the boat captain, terminated the voyage, followed the vessel back to a nearby marina and advised the captain that they could take the boat back out if they brought another PFD on board.
In separate incidents that day across the Sound, officers ticketed anglers for possessing undersized porgy and fluke, including one angler who had more than two dozen undersized porgy, the smallest measuring 8.5 inches. Porgy must be at least 11 inches to be kept when fishing from a vessel.
DEC officers are on patrol to safeguard the state’s air, water, wildlife and public safety. To report an environmental violation or incident, call (844) 332-3267 for 24-hour dispatch, or report non-urgent violations at dec.ny.gov.
With the real cost of living about to soar for families that are already living paycheck to paycheck — and the GOP tax bill poised to make it even worse — there is plenty our county executive can do to make life better and more affordable. He could realign our red-light camera ticket fees to ensure that the program is about public safety, not generating revenue. I
Instead of fighting for the future of Nassau County, Blakeman has proven that he only fights for himself, for attention, and for his own political future. He may think that running Nassau County is “his show,” but if he doesn’t have the courage to do his job, it’s time for us to change the channel.
Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.
Framework by Tim Baker
In the Marine Nature Study Area — Oceanside
setH i. kosLow
Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
