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EMFD to celebrate 95th anniversary or you have an opportunity to be part of saving somebody’s home or their business, there is T h e E a s t M e a d ow F i re no better feeling that you can Department of ficially first get — that is a reward in itself,” answered the call of its commu- he said. O n e o f We l t ’s f avo r i t e nity 95 years ago. The association of fire fighters has seen aspects of firehouse life is the the beginning and end of World time spent with other members. War II, the terror attacks of “Besides being a work envi9/11, and endured the Covid-19 ronment, it is also a social envipandemic, all while ronment,” he said. ensuring the safety “People call it a secof Long Island como n d f a m i l y, a n d munities. there are gatherTo celebrate the ings, picnics, formal anniversary, EMFD and informal affairs will host the Sixth that the firefighters Battalion parade are involved with, followed by a block dinners KASEy CHESWiCK installation party, an open comand other events to munity event offer- First Lieutenant get together socialing slides, jumping ly.” castles, face painting, fire preFor 35 years, Welt also vention materials, and other served as an instructor at the child-friendly activities. Fire Service Academy in Old Today, the department has Bethpage. He retired in 2013 members of all ages who share and noticed that class sizes the honor as first responders. have gotten smaller. Fire Commissioner Carey “There were actually at one Welt has been a member of the time waiting lists to join the firefighting community for volunteer fire service,” he said. over 50 years. He is the vice “Now, there are no longer waitchairman of the Nassau Coun- ing lists. While staffing is not at ty Fire Commission and a for- a critical point, you can always mer captain of EMFD Ladder use more people. Many hands Company 2. make lighter work.” “When you have the opporTo encourage new members, tunity to save somebody’s life, Continued on page 2

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo

jdalessandro@liherald.com

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

Golfing for a good cause in East Meadow The East Meadow Kiwanis Club gathered at Eisenhower Park on Aug. 11 for the annual Steven J. Eisman Memorial Golf Outing, the club’s largest fundraiser. Thousands of dollars are raised at the event each year to support scholarships and Kamp Kiwanis, honoring Eisman’s enduring legacy of service to the community. Above, Eric Stam, Scott Rosenberg, Leslie Kle, and Sam Magauero. Right, Ted Rosenthal with his daughter, Emily Rosenthal, and Taleen and Richie Krug at the outing. Story, more photos, Page 10.

family.

e’re all a big

Firefighters weigh in on department legacy Continued from page 1

firefighters receive special tax credits from the state. “There are some minor tax benefits that you get on your property if you’re a property owner,” Welt said. “There’s some tuition assistance if you’re going to Nassau Community College.” Among the people making use of these benefits is Kasey Cheswick, First Lieutenant in Ladder Company 2 and certified Emergency Medical Technician. She has been part of EMFD for eight years, six in her current company, and two in the Juniors division. Cheswick has a degree in Criminal Justice from Nassau Community College, made possible by the tuition assistance program offered to the volunteer firefighters. “I love it,” she said. “It’s definitely a great experience for anyone that is interested. You create a lot of connections that help you with careers, which is what a lot of people look for in the fire department.” Cheswick followed her father’s footsteps in becoming a volunteer firefighter, and her brother Connor is also a member of the same company. “I definitely think that it’s worth getting involved in,” she said. “You get to help your community, you build another family that you would never have if you didn’t join the fire department. We’re all a big family, and we all look

EMFD 95th anniversary events When: Sept. 6, 5 p.m. Where: Parade - At East Meadow Avenue, beginning from Stuyvesant Avenue intersection Block Party - Fire headquarters, following the parade Free admission out for each other.” One of the department’s newest members is Michael Dinolfo, an 18 year old probationary firefighter with EMFD’s Engine Company 2. Four years ago, he joined the EMFD Juniors and recently became a full member. “I grew up in East Meadow and always looked up to the firefighters who protected this community,” Dinolfo said. Graduating from the Juniors program was an important milestone for Dinolfo. “It feels like a full-circle moment, becoming the firefighter, I used to look up to,” he said. “The experience has been incredible so far. Every drill, every call, even just spending time around the

Photos courtesy Don Miller

original members of the east meadow fire department in the years immediately following its founding. firehouse has helped me grow, not just in skill, but in confidence. “For me, the East Meadow Fire Department isn’t just where I volunteer — it’s a family and a way to give back to

the community.” For more information on becoming a volunteer with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit EastMeadowFD.com, or call 516-542-4565.

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Supporting East Meadow Challenger League

EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Supporters of the East Meadow Challenger League gathered on Aug. 17 for a fundraiser, rallying to help repair flooded fields that have long hampered the baseball program for children with special needs. The fields at the East Meadow Ballfield Complex on Merrick Avenue often flood for days after inclement weather, frequently forcing games and practices to be cancelled. The Challenger League, part of the East Meadow Baseball Softball Association, provided a baseball environment to special needs kids who wanted to experience exciting, friendly and fun competition. The association held games for almost 400 kids, ranging from age 3 to 17, with game seasons in the spring, summer and autumn. Almost two years ago, the Semantics, a benevolent organization based in Oceanside that aids groups with fundraising efforts, donated $9,000 to the league to fix the field’s drainage issues. “No matter what they do (to fix the field), it is very difficult,” Maria Necci, president of Semantics charity, said. “They really need it to be fixed.” The league still needed much more money to prevent flooding long-term with new landscaping. One of the fields hit hardest was the Lee Cook Field, named after the director. “Lee Cook runs the Challenger League for the handicapped and physically challenged children on those fields,” Necci said. “Their games are always played at the Lee Cook Field. That’s the field seems to get the worst damage when it rains.” Necci was stirred to act to help children deprived of a place to pursue their passion. “They love being able to play ball, and it’s so sad that those fields are in such disarray,” she said. “Our mantra is ‘benevolence to those less fortunate.’” Cook, who had been involved with East Meadow’s baseball and softball organization since 1988, made a great effort to keep the league functioning despite the persistent floods. Small fixes kept the program operational, but signs of wear were beginning to show. “We’ve only been doing Band-Aid fixes on the field, and whenever it rains, it floods terribly,” Cook said. “Two of our directors came up with this ingenious plan to take a shop-vac, hook it up to two 130-gallon drums, and vacuum up the water off the field. It takes hours. It’s a never-ending battle against nature.” To help with the potential costs to fix the field’s drainage issues, Necci and Cook, who is also involved with the Semantics organization, organized a fundraiser to pay for as much of the renovations as possible. The Knights of Columbus, at 78 Hempstead Ave. in Lynbrook, hosted the fundraiser free of charge, with complimentary sodas, on Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. Admission to the event was $35 per person. The event featured a Left/Right/Cen-

Photos courtesy Maria Necci

The East Meadow community contributed to a fundraiser in support of the East Meadow Challenger League, a baseball and softball program for players with special needs. Rae Auci, Joe Auci, Maria Necci and Lee Cook, the league’s director, at the Aug. 17 event.

Rosemarie Matthews and Nicole McKenna were among the community members who gave back to the Challenger League at the fundraiser.

Courtesy Lee Cook

The Lee Cook Challenger Field frequently floods during inclement weather, leaving it unusable for days at a time. It is in need of major drainage repairs, which can be costly. ter tournament, a popular dice game in which each player starts with three tokens and three dice. Players around the table took turns rolling the dice to determine whether they kept their tokens, gave a token to another player, or removed it from play. If a player lost all of their tokens, they were eliminated — and the last remaining player was the winner. The winners of the tournament received goodie bags with gift cards and other treats. In total, the fundraiser brought in roughly $4,000.

The league offers an invaluable outlet for young people to socialize and grow, Ben Necci, Maria’s son and one of the league’s coaches said. “Kids learn how to, first of all, be a member of a team, how to overcome adversity, how to win and lose the right way,” he explained. “They learn how to be coachable, how to be compassionate — hard work ethic.” With a new field, the league could continue to fulfill its purpose, he said.“It’s been there for 75 years … and I would like it to be around for 75 more,” Ben said.

Fundraiser attendees played Left/ Center/Right, a dice game.

elevate the Conversation

August 28, 2025 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Back to school store redux

his time last year, I had the honor pairs of socks that each personal shopper and child could self-identify as to of writing about volunteer work size and color. for the Back 2 School Store — a But nothing prepared me for the Lev charitable project of the Nation“personal shoppers” who came down al Council of Jewish Women Peninsula the hallway towards the gym with twin and South Shore Sections. The essence girls about 7- or 8-years-old. Together of this event was to outfit K-5 children the four, like a well-oiled machine, set with all they need for back to school, from winter caps to sneakers, from out to find just the right jackets, just the stuffed toys to a fully stuffed school supright gloves and other items available in ply backpack. the gym. I could see that the My husband and I were so girls were pretty comfortmoved by the project that we able with themselves and came home to tell our three their “shoppers” and briefly adult children (two plus a caught the dialogue between fiancé) that this was an them when those electric event they would not want to green knit gloves had one miss next year. And before sister reminding the other we knew it, next year was of that same color for their now. dad’s work gloves. I made litWe convoy in two cars, tle to no eye contact with the getting into the parking lot Lev offspring, just watched and arriving for registration them make their way to the auren ev before 8 a.m. The atmosneaker section. sphere is pure energy: volStepping outside of unteers assigning the posts, volunteers myself for a second, this was a full-cirgoing to orientation, volunteers going to cle moment, all those years of caring for their posts. Last year I had tee-shirt disour children displayed and paid forward tribution; my husband working with with their care for others. boys shorts. This year, my badge read And when I met children with cool “hats, socks and gloves” and my character tee-shirts like Minions, Lisa spouse’s “coats”. But the best part was Simpson and Superman, I couldn’t resist our kids’ assignments: my daughter’s admiring their taste. One young man fiancé working in shorts (is this becomsmiled his thanks for my compliment, ing family legacy?) and our son’s and then, without missing a beat admitted, daughter’s work as “personal shoppers.” “I just got this tee-shirt yesterday.” Personal shoppers accompany chil“Wear it in the best of health,” I dren from room to room throughout our replied. “And have a great school year.” location at the Caroline G. Atkinson School in Freeport. The objective is one A contributing writer to the Herald since in which the children, without the 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ adults who brought them, select the advertising executive who teaches maritems they want to kick off a new school keting fundamentals as well as advertisyear. I had it easy, only four color choicing and marketing communications es for the knit beanies, “easy-to-try-oncourses at the Fashion Institute of Techto-check-size” gloves and thousands of nology and SUNY Old Westbury.

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MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/eastmeadow ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: emeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 246 E-mail: emeditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: (516) 569-4000 Press ”7” E-mail: subscriptions@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The East Meadow Herald (PP#), is published Weekly on Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to East Meadow Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $60 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County or qualified request in zip code 11554, 11555, 11590,11756. Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

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HERALD SPORTS Hofstra seeks to regain CAA supremacy By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra women’s soccer kicked off the 2025 season on Aug. 14 with a flair for the dramatic that served as springboard for the program’s best start in four years. In muggy conditions that caused multiple players to go down with cramps, the Pride appeared headed for an opening night draw before sophomore forward Hailey Moschitta headed in a feed from Maggie Peterson with 5.6 seconds remaining for a 2-1 victory against St. Joseph’s (Pa.). It marked the latest game-winning goal in the program’s 32-year history. “We were just knocking on the door all day,” said 20th-year Hofstra women’s soccer head coach Simon Riddiough of the Monmouth match in which the Pride outshot the Hawks 22-2. “We’ve got enough individual talent on this team that we can make a big play at any time.” Momentum from the St. Joseph’s victory carried over into a commanding 3-0 victory against Quinnipac back home at Captains Field on Aug. 17. Hofstra (3-1) then knocked off Columbia 2-1 last Friday for the program’s first 3-0 start since 2021 with its unbeaten streak ended in a a 4-0 setback at Yale on Sunday. The Pride are looking to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022 with a veteran squad of 19 returning players fueled for a deep postseason run after falling to Monmouth in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals for a second straight season. Hofstra captured five CAA titles in six seasons from 2017 to 2022. The many returners include last year’s leading scorer Millie Davies, who tallied seven goals and five assists. The senior midfielder from Manchester, England was an All-CAA selection the last two seasons and Riddiough said she has a solid chance to play professionally after college. The offense also returned graduate forward Mathilde Braithwaite, a Third Team All-CAA selection who had five goals as a senior. Senior midfielders Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir and Aimee Hodgson are also back on the pitch after tallying points last fall. Hofstra got a big scoring boost with the addition of Manon Lebargy, a Middle Tennessee State transfer who was C-USA Midfielder of the Year last season after scoring 13 goals with four assists. “She is a fantastic addition,” said Riddiough of Lebardy, who scored two goals in the Quinipac

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victory. “She brings a tremendous amount of energy that resonates with the whole team.” Peterson and Moschitta, who connected on the winning goal in the opening match, arew also expected to play an integral part of the offense this season. Alexia Des Croisselles, a Quebec native and Jacksonville State transfer, has also been involved with the offense early on registering a key goal in the Columbia victory. The defense has veteran leadership from graduate students Gabriella Marte and Olivia Pearse, a former standout at Seaford High School. Sasha McTiffin and Emma Johnson also bring plenty of experience in the backline. Pearse, who missed most of last season with an injury, has also displayed offensive ability this season on set pieces with two goals including the tying tally against St. Joe’s. “She’s a tremendous athlete,” Riddiough said. “She brings a lot of physicality and is a huge threat on set piece situations.” The depth of Hofstra’s defense was stung in the opening match when senior defender Ava Lanfredi went down with a high ankle sprain injury. The first-year starter from East Greenwich, R.I. is expected to miss a few weeks and Riddiough hopes she can return for when the heart of the CAA schedule commences. Sophomore goalie Lily Bailey has started in net this season after transferring from Morehead State where she recorded five shutouts as a freshman. Graduate student Carly Travers, a former URI and Eastport South Manor High School keeper, is a capable backup in net. Hofstra will look to continue its solid start to the 2025 campaign with home matches this Thursday against Fairleigh Dickinson at 7 p.m. and Sept. 6 versus Loyola (Md.) at 1 p.m. The Pride conclude the non-league schedule on Sept. 14 at home against Dartmouth before hosting Elon in the CAA opener on Sept. 18. The Pride was picked by CAA coaches to finish third in the conference’s north division behind defending champion Stony Brook and runner-up Monmouth. The top three finishers in the division, which also comprises Drexel, Northeastern and Towson, will qualify for the six-team CAA Tournament and a chance to earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. “If we stay healthy I think we can make a really good push for it,” said Riddiough, who has guided Hofstra to nine NCAA tournaments and seven CAA titles in his two decades leading the sideline.

Courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

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Prices, stalled growth fuel housing crisis

State pushes pro-development programs as Long Island towns weigh costs and community impacts By AINSLEY MARTINEZ, CHARLES SHAW & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers

Third in a series about housing on Long Island. Long Island’s housing crisis is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a battleground where zoning, politics and community identity collide. At its root, the issue is a chronic lack of supply, Richard Murdocco, a land use columnist and lecturer at Stony Brook University, says. “Our housing supply has always been inadequate,” Murdocco said. “The pandemic only amplified the problem.” Murdocco said that zoning laws, while often criticized, generally serve a purpose by preventing overbuilding and protecting the environment, including Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. Still, he noted that some restrictions could be updated to allow for more diverse housing types, adding, “Planning is about the balance of economic and social development.” Many Long Island communities rely heavily on single-family zoning, which limits options for renters and first-time homebuyers. Murdocco pointed to examples like allowing accessory dwelling units and legalizing safe basement apartments as steps that could help ease the affordability problem without contributing to overdevelopment. Vision Long Island, a Northportbased nonprofit, promotes Smart Growth planning by working with residents and local leaders to revitalize downtowns, encourage mixed-use development and build transit-oriented housing. Its director, Erik Alexander, said these efforts have produced more than 18,000 units near public transit in 45 communities over two decades, with over 60 downtowns completing visioning or master plans. “The balance comes from the planning — not from us imposing our will,” Alexander noted. “When regional authorities do that, it backfires.” He pointed to Matinecock Court in East Northport — a 146-unit affordable housing project proposed in the 1970s but delayed for decades by lawsuits, opposition and zoning hurdles — as emblematic of Long Island’s housing struggles. Construction finally began in 2021, and as it nears completion, advocates see it both as a symbol of resistance to affordable housing and a hardwon step forward. Alexander said the barriers extend beyond zoning or community opposition to include economics and funding. “Affordability is largely a function of subsidy,” he said, “and Long Island doesn’t get its fair share.” Alexander noted that although Long Island accounts for 15 percent of New

York’s population and contributes over 2 percent in taxes, it receives only about 3 percent of the state’s affordable housing funds. “People want walkable downtowns, community, affordability, safety,” he said. “We can have all of that, but it has to come from within.” Vision Long Island also collaborates with the Long Island Housing Partnership, the region’s oldest affordable housing organization. Since 1988, President Peter Elkowitz has led its mission to preserve affordability while respecting Long Island’s suburban character. Their efforts focus on accessory dwelling units, targeted zoning reforms, and large-scale redevelopment designed to fit into existing communities. Long Island’s complex governance — two counties, 13 townships and 95 villages — adds hurdles, with overlapping approvals from school districts, health departments, and sewer authorities slowing progress, Elkowitz said. “We are inundated with different levels of government that also have overlapping responsibilities,” he said. Programs like down payment assistance, offered through county and town governments, remain key to making homeownership more accessible. Accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs — small units within or beside singlefamily homes — are also growing in popularity, helping homeowners offset taxes and support multigenerational living, the Long Island Housing Partnership’s executive vice president, James Britz, said. “You’re renovating a single-family home, you’re not creating density in those cases,” Britz said. ADUs have been implemented in several Suffolk towns, including Huntington, Southold, Brookhaven, and soon Riverhead and Islip, while new developments are incorporating them from the start. A Bellport project will add 32 single-family homes with ADUs, and in Bay Shore, a multi-phase revitalization replaced blighted blocks with 118 new homes, sparking further investment and transforming the neighborhood. Advocates stress that there’s no onesize-fits-all solution, but sharing successes, prioritizing quality design and engaging communities early can build support, Elkowitz said. “If you do it right and you include the community, and you include something aesthetically pleasing and creative, the community usually gets behind you,” he said.

State efforts to provide affordable housing have faced backlash on L.I. To address the state’s housing shortage, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed the New York Housing Compact, which aimed to build 800,000 homes over the

Herald file/Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Then Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, center right, joined by other Long Island officials in 2023, opposed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Housing Compact. next decade. The plan, proposed for the 2024 fiscal year Executive Budget, included statewide zoning mandates requiring suburban towns to allow higher-density development near transit. The initiative was intended to address New York’s housing shortage: 1.2 million jobs had been added over the previous decade, but only 400,000 homes had been built. In that time, rents had risen 60 percent, and home prices 50 to 80 percent. According to the governor’s office, restrictive zoning, red tape and lengthy approvals had made building new housing more difficult. “The New York Housing Compact is a comprehensive plan to spur the changes needed to create more housing, meet rising demand, and make our state a more equitable, stable, and affordable place to live,” Hochul stated in a news release. The initiative faced strong opposition throughout the state, with over 200 elected officials in both parties voicing their opposition, according to Alexander. “It was completely out of touch — designed to help New York City developers build more cheaply out here,” he said. Long Island elected officials argued that the compact would strip local control over zoning. In March 2023, a month before the 2024 state budget deadline, local leaders — including former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin — gathered at the Capitol in Albany, promoting a petition signed by more than 20,000 residents against the initiative. “Removing the ability for local municipalities to oversee their housing development is wrong,” Clavin said, “and that’s why we brought a collective voice from all over New York state to Albany.” State Sen. Steve Rhoads called the housing plan “reckless and irresponsi-

ble,” saying residents should have a say in their communities. “Allow those of us who actually know Long Island, the streets of Syracuse or Buffalo, to determine what we are going to do with respect to our own jurisdictions and housing,” Rhoads said. According to reports, Hochul’s housing compact was pulled from the 2024 state budget after receiving little legislative support, but the state has made progress in expanding affordable housing. In February, the State Senate advanced a package of affordable housing bills aimed at helping homeowners and renters, including a home savings program for first-time buyers, free counseling and legal services through the Homeownership Protection Program, and a two-year look-back for senior and disability rent increase exemptions. The bills are currently awaiting action in the Assembly.

Pro-Housing Community Program sees strong support in Suffolk, but not Nassau After the Housing Compact plan collapsed, Hochul signed Executive Order 30 in July 2023, creating the Pro-Housing Communities program, which provides up to $650 million annually to communities that commit to modestly increasing housing supply. To date, over 340 communities have been certified. “There’s only one solution to New York’s housing affordability crisis: we’ve got to build more housing,” Hochul said in a statement. “The ProHousing Communities initiative is delivering the incentives communities are looking for, and this latest round of grant funding will make a real difference in every region of New York.” Downstate municipalities can earn ConTInueD on neXT paGe

State incentives feed local development fears Pro-Housing Community certification by showing 1 percent housing growth in the past year or 3 percent over the past three years, or by committing to future development through a Pro-Housing Resolution. Localities must earn Pro-Housing Communities certification to access key discretionary funding programs, which includes the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the NY Forward program, the Long Island Investment Fund, and the Public Transportation Modernization Enhancement Program. Suffolk leads Nassau in Pro-Housing certifications and letters of intent, reflecting a regional shift toward broader policy acceptance. A Herald analysis, which accounts for land mass and acreage, shows that about 58 percent of Suffolk communities are certified or have submitted a letter of intent, compared to roughly 13 percent in Nassau. Although several municipalities in the Town of Hempstead — such as Valley Stream and Freeport — are certified as Pro-Housing Communities, the town itself is not and has no plans to seek certification. The Village of Hempstead, however, recently earned certification, as development began on two buildings by Conifer-LeChase Construction with 258 affordable units, plus a 96-unit apartment complex on Bedell Street, half reserved for veterans, making it eligible for a $10 million Downtown Revitaliza-

Illustration by Ainsley Martinez

Suffolk leads nassau in Pro-Housing certifications, with about 58 percent of communities participating versus 13 percent, signaling broader regional acceptance in Suffolk. tion Initiative grant. In 2019, the state selected the township to receive a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award for Baldwin. Its assets — including the Long Island Rail Road, strategic downtown investments, and infrastructure improvements — positioned it as an ideal candidate with a head start on the process. “Currently, two housing projects contained within the DRI are underway in Baldwin, with another two projects in the planning phase, and another transit-

oriented development is approaching completion in West Hempstead,” Brian Devine, the Town of Hempstead’s director of communications, said. The town’s efforts to address affordable housing didn’t start with Baldwin. The Archstone Westbury project, which opened in 2006 at Meadowbrook Crossing, provided 396 units. According to Devine, it was the first Long Island project with an affordable housing component, with 20 percent of units designated as affordable and 10 percent specifically for residents ages 62 and older.

Except for the Village of Farmingdale, the Town of Oyster Bay is also not part of the Pro-Housing Community program. Public Information Officer Brian Nevin said that such programs come with strings attached, pressuring municipalities to meet “unrealistic growth quotas” that could strain infrastructure, schools and public safety while raising taxes for current homeowners. “The Town of Oyster Bay has consistently opposed Albany’s one-size-fits-all housing mandates,” Nevin said in an emailed statement, “which fail to recognize the unique character and alreadydeveloped nature of our suburban communities like ours.” Nevin added that the town is committed to development that balances growth with preserving suburban quality of life. Nearly 500 residential units are underway in Hicksville, including mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. The town, he said, is encouraging the state to remove “unrealistic mandates” and return to the original Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which has proven successful in Hicksville, Westbury and other nearby communities. “Our priority is to promote affordable and attainable housing options in a way that protects taxpayers and maintains the character of our neighborhoods,” Nevin said, “without ceding local control to Albany bureaucrats.”

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

Continued from PreViouS Page

August 28, 2025 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Teeing up for a good time at golf outing Members of the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow gathered to remember longtime Kiwanian Steven Eisman at a golf outing in his honor. Golfers strapped on golfing shoes, and donned visors, before hitting the course at Eisenhower Park on Aug. 11 for the annual Steven J. Eisman Memorial Golf Outing. The longstanding East Meadow Kiwanis Club fundraiser was renamed in Eisman’s memory to recognize his generosity and dedication to the community. The tournament, hosted by East Meadow Kiwanis and Borrelli’s Restaurant, is the club’s biggest fundraiser. Eisman was a very prominent community member serving as past president of East Meadow Kiwanis, the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and the Nassau County Bar Association. He took his Kiwanis positions one step further representing the club as lieutenant governor of the Long Island South Central Kiwanis division and parliamentarian for the New York District Kiwanis. He died in November 2015 after a battle with pneumonia at the age of 61. The event raises nearly $25,000 annually and is sponsored by many community members. Proceeds go toward sending children to Kamp Kiwanis, in upstate Taberg, a summer camp for underprivileged children. The fundraiser also gives the club the means to award scholarships. The annual memorial outing at Eisenhower Park not only celebrates the life and legacy of Eisman, but also strengthens bonds within the East Meadow community, ensuring that his spirit for giving back lives on.

Stu Goldman/Herald photos

East Meadow Kiwanis Club’s Golf Committee, Dana Schmid, Lindsey Gallagher, Tom Gallagher, Melody Schiller and Sharan Sokhey, were ready to kick off a good time at the Steven J. Eisman Memorial Golf Outing.

–Jordan Vallone

Joe Ricco, of East Meadow, hit a ball off a tee.

Andrew Benzenberg, Eric Benzenberg of Roslyn, Spencer Eisman, 7, and Scott Eisman — the grandson and son of the memorial honoree — at the outing.

Eager participants lined up for the East Meadow Kiwanis Club’s annual golf outing.

Brett Pasquarelli, Mike Litzner of Wantagh, Mike Litzner Jr., Brian Pasquarelli together at the golf outing.

Scott and Lucia Sullivan, both of Freeport, were ready to hit the Eisenhower Park course.

Scianablo challenges Ferretti’s appointment cshaw@liherald.com

Joseph Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, filed a lawsuit in Nassau County Supreme Court on Monday, challenging the appointment earlier this month of his Republican opponent, John Ferretti, calling it an illegal power grab that gives Ferretti, already a Nassau County legislator, the advantages of incumbency. Town officials, however, defended the appointment, saying it was made in full accordance with the law. Scianablo, a Garden City resident, sought to contest what he described as a GOP power grab and overturn Ferretti’s appointment. “What happened the other day in the Town of Hempstead was not democracy, it was political theater,” Scianablo said. “The script was written well in advance, the stage was set, but the taxpayers were locked out of the room.” Scianablo appeared with supporters outside the courthouse, nearly three weeks after Ferretti’s appointment on Aug. 5, the same day Supervisor Don Clavin resigned. Ferretti, of Levittown, was sworn in as interim supervisor. As a county lawmaker, he represented Levittown, Bethpage, North Massapequa, and parts of Farmingdale. Scianablo’s lawsuit alle ges that Republican officials violated the state’s

Charles Shaw/Herald

Joe Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, with supporters outside Nassau County Supreme Court on Monday after filing a lawsuit challenging John Ferretti’s appointment to the post. Public Officers Law, which requires 24 hours’ public notice for resolutions scheduled at meetings. Attorney Josh Kelner, who is representing Scianablo in the lawsuit, stated in a news release that the violations are “clear-cut.” “The Public Officers Law is explicit: public bodies must give notice so that citizens can make their voices heard before major decisions are made,” Kelner said. “The Town of Hempstead’s failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a clear violation of the statute.”

Ferretti’s appointment, Scianablo contends, was prearranged, and Ferretti acknowledged that both his and Clavin’s resignations were planned days in advance. The official meeting agenda for Aug. 5 omitted the resignation and appointment, but quietly transferred Clavin’s salary to fund Ferretti’s new role. In a statement emailed to the Herald, Brian Devine, director of communications for the Town of Hempstead, called the lawsuit a “publicity stunt” and added that the appointment did not

break any laws. “Supervisor Ferretti’s appointment was made in complete accordance with the law,” Devine wrote. “Scianablo even acknowledged this point when he announced his backing for legislation to amend the law with regard to local government succession of officials. This is a silly and disingenuous maneuver that will cost taxpayers money as a result of Scianablo’s frivolous lawsuit.” In June, Scianablo proposed an ethics-reform bill aimed at banning the practice of appointing town supervisors without a public election. In a longstanding pattern in the Town of Hempstead, six out of the last 10 supervisors, according to Democrats, were appointed rather than elected, often behind closed doors. Scianablo’s bill would prohibit midter m appointments to the town supervisor position and require a special election instead, ensuring, he has said, that residents — not political insiders — choose who leads the town. Scianablo, a veteran of the Marines and a former New York City police officer, argued that Ferretti’s appointment gives him the advantages of incumbency, including name recognition through taxpayer-funded mailers, public signage, media coverage and appearances at town events. “This is not democracy,” Scianablo said. “This is rigging the game on the taxpayers’ dime.”

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

By CHARLES SHAW

Donation funds Elitefeats running, training program By JACK SCHWED Intern

Courtesy Elitefeats

Glen Wolther, president of All Round Foods, presents a $360,000 check to Brendan Dagan, co-founder of elitefeats, alongside Olympic Marathoner Jane Vongvorachoti at Eisenhower Park.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 6:00-9:00PM The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale, New York

For decades, the Long Island running community has come together to stay active, deepen bonds and support important causes. Elitefeats, a leader in local racing events, announced in July the launch of a 16-week training program aimed to help the entire running community — from first-timers to seasoned competi-

TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT richnerlive.com/ healthcare-awards or scan here For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Amy Amato Executive Director, Corporate Relations and Events at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x224

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tors — reach their goals. This program will run from August to October, meeting each Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Eisenhower Park, Field No. 2. Each practice features a group warmup and a workout session tailored specifically to each participant. The program will be offered free of charge thanks to a donation of $360,000 from Westbury-based All Round Foods, led by Glen Wolther and Donna Rosen. Brendan Dagan, co-founder of elitefeats, expressed gratitude toward the two founders. “We are incredibly grateful to All Round Foods for their generosity and vision,” Dagan said. “Glen and Donna have a longtime dedication to Long Island’s running community, and their support is helping us break down barriers and expand access to running in a way that will change lives.” Wolther and Rosen previously donated $120,000 in funding to Elitefeats to help grow the running community on Long Island. Their more recent donation aims to expand it even further, making running accessible to every individual regardless of their background. “Running has brought people together and inspired countless communities,” Wolther said. “We wanted to help make that experience accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial means. It’s an honor to support elitefeats and invest in a healthier, stronger Long Island.” The sponsorship also provides direct financial support to running clubs across Long Island, helping these organizations grow and foster deeper community engagement. Additionally, it includes a partnership with HollarHype, granting all participants free access to the mobile app, which allows people to send runners real-time voice messages providing encouragement and support. Elitefeats’ partnership with All Round Foods represents one of the largest private investments ever made in the local running scene. Rosen said they made this donation as a way to give back to the community. “This is about giving back to the community that has supported us for so long,” Rosen said. “We believe in promoting wellness, inclusion and a sense of belonging, and this program is the perfect way to do that.” For more information about the program, visit Elitefeats.com.

How are you getting ready to go back to school? Sothanee Sainsurin

EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

Compiled by Herald Staff

James McManus

9, Baldwin

16, Calhoun High School

I traveled a lot this summer, so I’ve been reading about the places and writing in my journal. It makes me feel ready for all the new adventures waiting at school.

I’m going to get ready to learn new things. Brian Kacharaba/Herald

Photo by Sophea Sainsurin

Kurt Rauschenbach 14, Merrick

I haven’t really started yet, but my parents have been talking about me getting ready with going back to school shopping and just like getting to start like reading again, because the reading book is about to come out. Just getting back into the grind or whatever.

Jack Wolfrom

Emma Williamson

I’m gonna maybe read some books and get school supplies.

I play lacrosse in college, so I try conditioning as often as I can and going to the gym to get ready for the semester.

14, Merrick

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Charles Shaw/Herald

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Concerned about impact of Medicaid cuts By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

As they discussed what are considered to be the harmful impacts of Medicaid cuts included in the Republican tax bill signed into law last month, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen and Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds toured THRIVE Nassau in Westbury on Aug. 18. Reynolds is CEO of the Family and Children’s Association Long Island, a nonprofit that offers assistance to Long Island’s most vulnerable residents, with help in areas such as substance abuse, youth services and mental health. “We really wanted to make sure that people know about the really devastating impact the big, not beautiful, bill is going to have on our community — not just those in need, but all across our community, the threat to health insurance,” said Gillen, who also met with THRIVE’s staff and clients. “So many people, 1.5 million New Yorkers, are going to lose their health insurance.” THRIVE Nassau, created in 2019 by the Family and Children’s Association, provides a safe and supportive environment for patients’ recovery from addictions such as alcohol, drugs and gambling. THRIVE, which stands for transformation, healing, recovery, inspiration, validation and empower ment, offers interactive educational programs, peer-based support and more.

Courtesy Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s office

Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds, CEO of the Family and Children’s Association Long Island, and U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen discussed the impact of Medicaid cuts on Long Islanders. Concerns have risen as programs like it are now at risk of losing their funding. THRIVE is state-funded will not be immediately impacted, but others potentially will. At a time when similar programs began to see hope for the future, Reynolds said it was taken away by political changes in Washington. “We are heartened by the Long Island delegation’s commitment to fight against these potential cuts to make sure that the

voices of people who were impacted by substance use disorder are amplified,” Reynolds said, “and that the potential consequences associated with this are well known, and we’re going to continue to do that as well.” Gillen said she was fighting to ensure that Long Islanders who need Medicaid will retain their coverage, and with it their necessary treatments. A $7 million clinic project being developed for the Westbury community

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by the Family and Children’s Association would have provided an integrated clinic with support for substance use, mental health care and some primary care as well. But the future of Medicaid coverage and federal grants for next year and 2027 is currently unclear, so the project was canceled. THRIVE is far from the only program in Nassau County concer ned about the future not only for their prog rams, but their patients as well. Among the others is Confide Counseling Center, in Rockville Centre, which offers a substance abuse outpatient program staffed with addiction specialists, social workers and more. “We hope it’s not to the point where benefits are removed from patients to access the services provided,” Confide told the Herald. The concer ns among nonprofits focus not only on coverage for their patients, but potential cuts to their grant funding. Without that funding, programs like THRIVE wouldn’t be able to treat patients regardless of the status of their health insurance coverage. Some programs and services will be able to continue operating as planned. Integrity Treatment Partners, in Baldwin, is not at risk of losing funding, and there is currently no threat to its patients’ coverage for drug and alcohol treatment, according to partner Josh Goldfeder.

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August 28, 2025 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Over 40 arrested in county gang crackdown jdalessandro@liherald.com

One of the largest gang takedowns in Nassau County history unfolded from Aug. 13 to Aug. 18, apprehending alleged members of the MS-13, 18th Street and Trinitaros street gangs. County Executive Bruce Blakeman, District Attorney Anne Donnelly and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder highlighted the more than 40 arrests at a news conference at Nassau County Police Department headquarters on Aug. 19. “We had a very important sweeping pickup of people that were dangerous to our community and the whole region, not just Nassau County,” Blakeman said. “We want to send a clear message that gang activity in Nassau County will not be tolerated. “We in Nassau County are grateful for the federal partnership that we have with ICE, FBI, DEA and other agencies,” he added. “As a result, we are a safer community.” Undercover NCPD officers worked with federal agencies, including Immigration Customs and Enforcement and the FBI, in an intensive multi-day search to arrest the alleged gang members and charge them with a variety of crimes. “In total, we had 42 arrests over the four days,” Ryder said. “This is like

lichoiceawards.com

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

County Executive Bruce Blakeman with a weapon obtained during a gang-related arrest, at a news conference on Aug. 19. playing Whac-a-Mole. You poke your head up, we’re going to knock it back down. “We promised in the beginning that we were going to go after the worst of the worst,” he added. “You’re looking at it on the screen, that is the worst of the worst — and we’re not done yet.” The team was formed quickly after a home invasion and shooting on Aug. 9, according to Ryder, which was followed

by a stabbing that night and another shooting on Aug. 12, involving members of MS-13 and the 18th Street gang. Among the incidents was an attack and attempted robbery in Hempstead’s Kennedy Park, where a young pedestrian was injured with a machete and chased for two miles by four men involved with MS-13, Ryder said. The victim ran from Kennedy Park to Roosevelt, where he evaded the men.

Suspects are now being held in various jails and ICE detention facilities. Half of them are alleged gang members, authorities said. “I am pleased to say that 33 of these offenders are in ICE custody without bond pending removal,” ICE Field Office Director Bryan Flanagan said. “ICE is working diligently to implement the administration’s goals, to clear the backlog of illegal aliens that pose a threat to the security of our communities.” During the arrests, law enforcement recovered hatchets, knives, machetes and a loaded firearm, which were displayed at the news conference, as well as cameras and hand radios. The charges against those taken into custody included home invasion, attempted murder, sex trafficking and other felonies, Blakeman said. “These arrests are a testament to how committed we are in Nassau County to dismantling gangs and their toxic influence in our communities,” Donnelly said. “My office will continue to work closely with Commissioner Ryder and the Police Department to investigate, prosecute and take down criminal organizations that put families at risk. Thanks to the cooperation between agencies, the D.A.’s office was able to bring charges against 13 alleged MS-13 gang members connected with “brutal attacks” at the end of 2024, Donnelly added.

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO

E.M. students participate in CRISPR Science Camp

August 28, 2025 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Photos courtesy East Meadow School District

The East Meadow School District partnered with Columbia University to participate in the Cutting-Edge Science Camp at W.T. Clarke High School from Aug. 4-5 for incoming sixth graders.

The East Meadow School District partnered with Columbia University earlier this summer to host the third annual CRISPR Science Camp at W.T. Clarke High School, welcoming incoming sixth g raders for two days of advanced, hands-on learning. The camp provided students with an early introduction to topics that many do not encounter until later in their academic journeys, including DNA, cells and bacteria. Through engaging activi-

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ties, students were able to explore the building blocks of life while beginning to understand how scientific research is conducted. To make the experience even more enriching, East Meadow science teachers collaborated with graduate students from the Sternberg Lab at Columbia University, giving participants the chance to learn directly from those involved in cutting-edge research. Before students entered the science labs, they attended an informative session led by Debra Harley, the district’s director of mathematics and science, alongside Columbia University Professor Dr. Samuel Sternberg, who specializes in CRISPR technology. Together, Harley and Sternberg discussed the importance of innovation in science education and the opportunities that programs like this create for young learners. Once in the labs, students put on their scientist hats, conducting experiments and applying their newfound knowledge in an authentic laboratory setting. By the conclusion of the camp, participants left not only with a head start in their science education, but also with an appreciation for the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of genetics and biotechnology. –Jordan Vallone

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STEPPING OUT

The longtime festival returns with another lively tribute to the ‘World’s Greatest Entertainer’ By Iris Wiener

ecause Al Jolson is forever embraced by many as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” celebrating him every year has become an unmissable tradition. The Al Jolson Society is ready with the 26th edition of its annual festival, on Sept. 6, when guests will enjoy an exciting day of music, memorabilia and laughs. Jolson once said: “A responsive audience is the best encouragement an actor can have.” It was immediately clear to audiences that there was an incredible amount to which they would want to respond. The star of the ﬁrst talking picture, 1927’s “The Jazz Singer,” Jolson was an eponymous performer famous for his work in vaudeville and musical theater. In fact, there’s a street named after him on Broadway outside of the Winter Garden Theatre, where he sold out nine vaudeville musical revues. This is why Jan Hernstat, the International Al Jolson Society president and founder, feels it’s important to remember his stamp on entertainment as we now know it. “I always tell people that he was the ﬁrst superstar before that phrase was coined,” says Hernstat. “He was an international star at a • Sept. 6, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. • Information and tickets time when there was no available at Jolson.org or real media to promote call Jan Hernstat at what he did. There (516) 678-3524. wasn’t radio and TV. For • Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park somebody to be as big as he was worldwide. At a time when there was nothing to promote yourself, it really talks about your talent. You think of him and the guys who followed him, and there are so few people in the same category. Frank Sinatra. The Beatles. Bing Crosby. Elvis Presley. “This is why I’m celebrating his talent, his singing and his voice. He was an incredible star. I think it’s important for us to remember who he was and what he did.” The word “celebration” is an understatement when considering the many experiences planned for festival guests. One of the highlights is the auction of Jolson items. “We have a lot of good stuff up for auction that we haven’t had in the past,” Hernstat says. “People donated collections that go back 60 or 70 years. If someone comes as a collector, they would really enjoy it!” The schedule includes a number of unique performances and a luncheon buffet. Eddie Cantor’s grandson, Brian Gari, will be on hand to share stories and greet lucky attendees. Ed Greenbaum will once again be sharing his audio rarities. This year’s festival is serving up unique comedy with new acts from some old favorites. Noah Diamond demonstrates the iconic humor of Groucho Marx with

‘Well my heart went boom…’

Courtesy Jan Hernstat

Tony B gives a rousing rendition of the Jolson standards, an annual festival performance not to be missed.

a re-creation of a radio program the comedian did with Jolson. The unforgettable Bob Greenberg and Jonathan Smith (who have previously graced the stage as Laurel & Hardy) change gears this year and take on Abbott & Costello (expect to hear a rendition of “Who’s On First?”). Jeff Greenberg is returning with his delightful comedy. Plus, for the first time, guests will enjoy Jack West’s comedic stylings as he takes on the great Jack Benny. No Al Jolson Festival is complete without the main event, the musical stylings of Tony Babino. Known as “The Heart of Al Jolson,” Babino performs an entire concert tribute to Jolson, including hits “My Mammy” and “Swanee.” “He gets better every year,” says Hernstat of Babino. “One of the main reasons that we can continue to do things like this is because we have a Courtesy Jan Hernstat guy like Tony who is so talented and Al Jolson in a scene from his fi lm “The Singing Kid” sounds so much like Jolson. It’s a joy. in 1936. It was his final lead role in a musical film. Nobody else does what he does like he does it.” A part of what makes the full-day festival so special is that enthusiasts from all over come together to reflect on their shared passion. Hernstat says guests will be traveling from Philadelphia, New Jersey and even Kansas City to be in a room of likeminded individuals who appreciate Jolson’s magic. “Where can you go nowadays to see the old-time entertainers recreated?” asks Hernstat, as he considers the unique programming planned for the day. “[For us Long Islanders] it’s right in our backyard.” Hernstat hopes that through the work of the Al Jolson Society, members will be able to continue to reach out to Jolson fans who will help keep his legacy alive. “It’s harder and harder to find those people out there who are true Jolson fans. We’re not looking to convert anyone to become a Jolson fan; we just want to find the ones out there who are and let them know that they have this outlet for their enjoyment.”

Courtesy Iris Wiener

The festival “gang” includes, from left, Jeff Greenberg, Richard Halpern, Al Jolson Society President Jan Hernstat, vocalist Tony Babino, and Bob Greenberg.

Experience Beatlemania again when 1964 The Tribute brings the early 1960s Fab Four back to life. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the best Beatles tribute on earth,” the band channels the pre-Sgt. Pepper era with uncanny authenticity — from period instruments and vintage suits to spot-on vocals and playful onstage banter. This meticulous re-creation captures the energy and joy of The Beatles’ early live performances, offering a rare chance to feel what it was like when Beatlemania swept the globe.“1964” captures the quintessential moment in history, when The Beatles actually played before a live audience. For those that never saw The Beatles live and always wanted to know what it must have been like, this may be as close as anyone could possibly get — to feel the magic.

Friday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m. $82, $66.25, $54.75, $44.25, $31.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Brave Strangers Get ready to rock when Brave Strangers hits the stage with the music of Bob Seger. Founded by the passionate and talented Tony Paulino, this powerhouse 14-piece group delivers an authentic concert experience that captures the ﬁre, soul, and storytelling that made Seger a rock legend. From “Night Moves” to “Turn the Page” to “Old Time Rock & Roll,” Brave Strangers takes audiences on a high-energy ride through the songs that deﬁned a generation — and continue to win new fans today. With a three-piece female chorus line known as the Segerettes, the Runaway Train horn section, and a blistering eight-piece core band, their sound is as big and bold as the Motor City itself. If you’ve seen Seger live, you know the thrill. If you haven’t, this is the next best thing.

Friday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

Forever in tune with

August 28, 2025 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Exhibit AUG On Nassau County

CALENDAR • Time: 6 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

AUG Pre-Shabbat Concert

SOBeeZ, a ‘60s through ‘80s cover band, rocks out at East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center’s Bodson Garden. • Where: 1400 Prospect Ave. • Time: 5:30 p.m. • Contact: EastMeadowBethElJC. org

Rock on

Get in the groove with Led Zeppelin tribute band Misty Mountain and The Who tribute band Who’s Next at Eisenhower Park. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

AUG Craft fair in the park

A craft and vendor fair arrives at Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park, Field 8 • Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Contact: NasasuCountyFairs.com

Summertime tunes

Eisenhower Park welcomes Puerto Rican merengue singer Elvis Crespo. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

SEP

Fall Festival

East Meadow Chamber of Commerce invites all for a weekend of carnival rides, food, music, and more. • Where: Eisenhower Park, Field 2 • Time: 6-10 p.m. (rides only); Sept. 16, 6-11 p.m. (rides only); Sept. 17, noon-11 p.m.; Sept. 18, noon-7 p.m. • Contact: EastMeadowChamber. com

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Maren Morris

Maren Morris brings “The Dreamsicle Tour” to the Paramount stage with special guest Jade LeMac. Morris has broken boundaries, smashed records and affirmed herself as a dynamic vocalist, prolific songwriter and showstopping performer on her own terms. Among numerous accolades, she has garnered a Grammy, five ACM Awards, five CMA Awards, and three Billboard Music Awards. She has earned dozens of multi platinum and gold certifications worldwide and tallied billions of streams. Her catalog encompasses a trio of acclaimed albums, namely Hero (2016), Girl (2019), and Humble Quest (2022). Speaking to her versatility, she’s the rare force of nature equally suited to collaborating with Zedd on the 6x-platinum “The Middle” or duetting with everyone from Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow to Teddy Swims, Hozier, and Jessie Murph. Morris has sold out tours on multiple continents. Along the way, she also co-founded The Highwomen with Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Amanda Shires. In September 2023, Maren shared The Bridge, an EP featuring “The Tree” and “Get the Hell Out of Here,” and followed with a cover • Where: The Paramount, 370 of Billy Idol’s classic track “Dancing With Myself” in February 2024. She entered a bold new New York Ave., Huntington era with the release of her Intermission EP in August, which features “Cut!” and the MUNA- • Time: 7:30 p.m. produced and playful single “Push Me Over.” Maren promises to be unapologetically herself • Contact: ticketmaster.com — and it shows in this music and in what is next to come. $114.25, $92, $71.75, $65.25. or paramountny.com

AUG End of Summer Festival

Stop by Holy Trinity Orthodox Church for a festival. With a barbecue, live music and a flea market. • Where: 369 Green Ave., East Meadow • Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Contact: htocem.org

SEP

Back to school!

School is back in session across East Meadow with the first day of classes for students on Sept. 3. • Contact: EMUFSD.us

SEP

Picture Book Writing Workshop

Roseanne Frank, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, holds a weekly workshop at East Meadow Public Library. Adults aspiring to write and illustrate a picture book won’t want to miss this. • Where: 1886 Front St., East Meadow

• Time: 11 a.m., Fridays, through Oct. 10 • Contact: eastmeadow.info

SEP

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for the next storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Allison Sweet Grant’s “Leif and the Fall.” 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

SEP

Art Talk

Join John Grande when he visits Nassau County Museum of Art. The New Yorkbased artist reflects upon modern and contemporary culture with his constructed paintings, sculptures, and murals while carefully utilizing techniques and traditions as far-reaching those of Old Master painters, 19th-century artists to

20th-century advertising and Pop Art. His subjects are diverse, often readily recognizable and at times quite humorous: from glamorous Hollywood stars to the art world itself and the grittier subjects of street art. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students, members free. Limited seating. Registration required. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

SEP

Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for f her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23 • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

SEP

Parti-gras at the park

Poison frontman Bret Michaels and former Eagles member Don Felder bring their spirited concert to Eisenhower Park. Rock on to fan favorite tunes. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Water Lantern Festival The Water Lantern Festival returns to Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park Lakeside Theatre • Time: 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. • Contact: WaterLanternFestival. com

SEP

Art Talk

In concert

Eisenhower Park welcomes country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde. She delivers tales of broken hearts and the honky-tonk life. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

Having an event? Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

things to know: honoR ChoiR stUDEnts EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

Clarke students represent East Meadow on statewide stage By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

This summer, a dozen W.T. Clarke Middle and High School students represented East Meadow on a statewide stage. Selected through a competitive process, they joined peers from across New York in the American Choral Directors Association Summer Honor Choir at Siena College in Albany. The event highlighted not only their musical talent but also the strength of the district’s choral program.

A prestigious program for young singers

Recognition for Clarke’s choral program

The New York ACDA Summer Honor Choir is a selective program that attracts students from across the state who show advanced skill and dedication to music. Held annually at Siena College, the program immerses participants in two days of intensive rehearsals under the direction of distinguished conductors. Students explore complex choral pieces and sharpen their technical ability while learning to perform collaboratively at a high level. The experience culminates in a final concert, where singers demonstrate the results of their preparation. For many, it is an introduction to the type of musical rigor they may encounter in college-level ensembles and professional choirs.

The selection of 12 W.T. Clarke students reflects the depth of talent within East Meadow’s music program. Under the leadership of teacher Kaitlin Melker, Clarke choirs have built a reputation for excellence, often performing at district and community events. Participation in statewide ensembles like the ACDA Honor Choir not only gives individual students a chance to shine but also reinforces the school’s commitment to music education. Being chosen for such a program highlights the hours of practice and dedication required from both students and staff, while showing how extracurricular arts opportunities help young people grow as performers and leaders.

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

The honor choir featured students Ally Angell, William Benowitz, Nova Capace, Olivia Carmody, Brianna Cosme, Cooper Dasilva, Riley Greff, Catalina Hopkins, Arielle Marte, Bayli Pham, Sanya Taluja, and Ramari West. Each demonstrated exceptional musicianship during the audition process, which required not just vocal ability but also an understanding of music theory and a commitment to intensive rehearsals. Their success adds to the tradition of strong musical achievement in East Meadow schools. Opportunities like this help young artists build confidence, expand their musical horizons, and create lasting connections with peers who share their passion for singing. The district commended all participants for representing their community with distinction.

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Your Tax Wiz, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 06/03/25. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:1559 Spring St, East Meadow, NY 11554 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity 154836

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LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, -againstROBERT DYCKMAN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 16, 2014, wherein FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is the Plaintiff and ROBERT DYCKMAN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 15, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1939 LINCOLN AVENUE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554; and the following tax map identification: 50-536-20. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN EAST MEADOW, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 011136/2013. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq. Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155077 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), A CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff -againstADRIANNE EDMUNDHENRY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 15, 2025 and entered on June 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY September 19, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Talbot Drive, distant 67.81 feet Southerly, as measured along the Easterly side of Talbot Drive from the Southwesterly end of a curve connecting

Long Island commuters otices push back on MTA hikes

the southeasterly side of Franklin Street with the Easterly side of Talbot Drive; being a plot 100 feet by 76 feet by 100 feet by 76 feet. Section: 11 Block: 397 Lot: 6 Said premises known as 5 TALBOT DRIVE, WESTBURY, NY 11590 Approximate amount of lien $588,124.25 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 020702/2009. EVETTE C. ENNIS, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7254.725 {* EAST MEAD*} 155198

LEGAL NOTICE Formation of BIG FOODIES LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/5/2025. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Taniya Dewan, 155 Tremont St., Westbury, NY 11590. Purpose: Any lawful activity 155283 LEGAL NOTICE Formation of LIL FOODIES LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/5/2025. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Taniya Dewan, 155 Tremont St., Westbury, NY 11590. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 155281 LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the EAST MEADOW FIRE

DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 18th day of August, 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal Law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: THE EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT SHALL EXPEND A SUM NOT TO EXCEED NINETEEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED ($19,800.00) DOLLARS FROM THE SECTION 6(G) GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW BUILDING AND GROUNDS CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF A RENOVATION OF THE STATION NO. 1 DRIVEWAY, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND RELATED EXPENSES. This resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days unless, in the meanwhile, a permissive referendum as provided by the General Municipal Law is required to be held. Dated: August 18, 2025 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST: ERIC BECKER Secretary 155425 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. RICHARD NESSIM, et al, Defts. Index #610844/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 3, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 45, Block 174, Lot 19. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” HOWARD COLTON, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102346 155361

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By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board faced strong opposition at its headquarters in Brooklyn from Aug. 19-20, when commuters packed public hearings to challenge the agency’s plan to raise ticket and toll prices starting in January 2026. The proposal, released July 30, would mark the MTA’s first round of increases since 2023, when both fares and tolls climbed by more than 4 percent. Officials say the changes are necessary to maintain service levels and support a transit system still recovering from the financial strain of the pandemic. Tim Baker/Herald file One of the more notable Fair hikes may soon impact LIRR commuters due changes would be on the Long to a proposal by the Metropolitan Transportation Island Rail Road, where the MTA is proposing an average Authority that would increase fares and tolls 4.4 percent fare hike on one- starting in January 2026. way peak, monthly, and weekly Whitestone, Throgs Neck and Verrazzatickets. Off-peak city tickets would increase by 25 cents, to $5.25, and no-Narrows bridges, as well as the peak city trips would rise to $7.25. Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey Monthly tickets would be capped at $500. tunnels. The Cross Bay and Marine In addition to the price hikes, the Parkway bridges, which carry discountMTA plans to overhaul its ticketing sys- ed tolls, would rise from $2.60 to $2.80. tem. All one-way mobile tickets would The last toll increase came in 2023. automatically activate upon purchase Hundreds of riders and drivers and expire within four hours. Paper attended the forums to register their tickets would follow the same rule. Cur- opposition, voicing frustration over rently, those tickets remain valid for up higher costs at a time of rising rents, to 60 days, with 10-trip passes lasting six food bills, and other living expenses. But months. The new framework eliminates the MTA defended the plan as a necesthe round-trip ticket in favor of a “Day sary step to sustain reliable service. Pass,” which would allow unlimited “We strive to make fare and toll travel until 4 a.m. the following morn- increases small and predictable,” said ing. If approved, the fare changes would MTA Chief of Commercial Ventures represent the LIRR’s first increase since Jessie Lazarus while re-introducing the August 2023, when prices rose by 4.5 plan during the first night of the hearpercent. ings. “In fact, 15 years ago, the MTA East Meadow LIRR riders expressed adopted a pattern of small and predictfrustrations over the possible hikes. able fare and toll increases every two Craig Adragna, an East Meadow resi- years. And we’ve acted in compliance dent who takes the train out of Bell- with this policy ever since, which has more, is a union steamfitter and said it protected us all from those double-digit can be hard to find steady work with percentage increases we experienced in contracting issues in New York City. the 1980s and helped the MTA keep serCurrently, Adragna said he pays $300 a vice levels steady.” month for the LIRR and $150 a month Lazarus stressed that while no one for other MTA operated trains while welcomes higher prices, the agency traveling to work. must balance affordability with opera“Now the city is charging drivers for tional costs. They pointed to investdriving in the streets that we pay for,” ments in expanded service and affordhe said in a written message to the Her- ability programs such as reduced fares ald, “and now again the LIRR wants to for students and low-income riders. increase our ticket fees. When does it all “Let’s ground ourselves in the fact stop? Why does the cost of living each that residents in the New York region six months need to rise when pay have the lowest transportation costs in checks are staying the same — it’s start- the country,” she said. “As the overing to be more practical to just buy a car whelming majority of New Yorkers and drive in again.” understand because they take public Drivers would also see higher costs. transit every day, the MTA is what keeps The MTA’s plan calls for a 7.5 percent New York affordable. And fares and tolls toll increase on its nine bridges and tun- are what keeps the MTA running and nels for E-ZPass users. That would raise running frequent service.” the standard crossing fee from $6.94 to The proposal is subject to final $7.46 on major spans such as the RFK, approval by the MTA board this fall.

E1 08/28

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E2 08/28

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Did we have the right kind of engineer? Q. We were looking at our permit plans and noticed that they were stamped by an engineer we never met. I looked him up, and found out he’s a chemical engineer, but he sealed our plans for the structure. It made me wonder, can a chemical engineer do that, seal plans for structural? I know there are many different types of engineers from reading your column, like electrical engineer, mechanical, plumbing, etc. Can a chemical engineer be responsible for beams in our house? It just seems like the contractor, who took care of everything, just got a guy to stamp the plans. What can you tell us? A. That’s a great question, but you may find the answer confusing, as I did when I posed it to the Engineering Division of the New York State Office of the Professions. This is the board that qualifies professionals through exams, issues licenses and reviews complaints for prosecution. The person I spoke to was articulate and clearly had onte eeper been asked this question before. She stated that the state Office for Engineering Licensing does not license by “discipline.” This means they do not specifically differentiate among mechanical, electrical or plumbing engineers, and they “assume” the person providing the service will use good professional judgment. They also told me that a complaint can be filed if the person has acted in a way that shows they were not qualified or competent to perform the service. This means you would have a structural failure, revealing that the person acted outside the scope of their competency, education and training. In every instance, the answers I got were sprinkled with assumptions that a person would not knowingly practice in a field they were not qualified for. Clearly, or actually unclearly, the answer to your question would seem simple, but nothing I researched, and nobody I spoke to, had a clear answer, leaving it up to the licensed professional to “do the right thing.” I remember designing a large renovation for a family in which the father was an aeronautical engineer who had designed the wing attachments on aircraft. He asked to sit with me while I designed the main beams of his home. I took him, step by step, through the process, and he was very confident at the end that his home was structurally sound. Even though he had the capability to follow the process as an engineer, he didn’t do this kind of work, and admitted that it was different from what he did. It makes me wonder if the chemical engineer even knows his seal was being used for this structural design, or whether it was properly calculated. I often find that structure is over-compensated and more expensive than necessary in these instances. There are even cases of plans bearing the seal of people long deceased, so at least the chemical engineer is still alive to answer your question. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

© 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.

E3 08/28

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Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opinions

cross New York, families are struggling to afford what should be the most basic necessities — heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, clean running water and the electricity to power homes, businesses and lives. In today’s New York, those basics are quickly becoming luxuries. New Yorkers now pay 48 percent more for electricity than the national average — and 35 percent more than residents in neighboring Pennsylvania. For working families, seniors on fixed incomes and small-business sTEVE owners, the rising RHoADs cost of energy is becoming more than a monthly inconvenience. It’s becoming unsustainable. The situation is made worse by Albany’s increasingly aggressive push for electrification — mandating electric vehicles, electric heating and cooling systems, electric stoves and even electric school buses. These policies are being rushed forward without the infrastructure, energy supply or affordability safeguards in place. The result is a dangerous combination: higher bills and a less reliable power grid.

It’s not just consumers who are raising concerns — it’s the state’s own energy experts. During a recent heat wave, the New York Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s power grid, issued multiple energy warnings due to dangerously low operating reserves. These warnings weren’t a fluke. With a few weeks of summer still ahead, the likelihood of more grid instability looms large. The state’s Draft Energy Plan even quietly acknowledges that households relying on natural gas — a clean and affordable energy source — could face significantly higher bills as Albany continues to ban gas in favor of electricity. And what’s behind the sky-high bills New Yorkers are already paying? Nearly 20 percent of the average utility bill now goes directly to government-imposed fees, surcharges and subsidies. These hidden costs fund policies and programs many families neither asked for nor benefit from — and that percentage is only expected to rise. The state Public Service Commission, which was created to protect ratepayers, has instead rubber-stamped repeated rate hikes by utility companies, leaving consumers footing the bill. Enough is enough.

It’s time for a reset. That’s why Gov. Kathy Hochul must declare an energy state of emergency and immediately pause these reckless, top-down mandates. There must be a serious, statewide reassessment of how to balance laudable environmental goals with economic realities. Protecting the environment and ensuring affordable, reliable energy are not mutually exclusive. New York can lead in innovation without leaving working families behind. That means maintaining natural gas as part of our energy mix, modernizing aging power plants and embracing real solutions like green hydrogen, nuclear energy and carbon capture — technologies with the potential to drive down emissions while keeping the lights on and the bills reasonable. State Senate Republicans have put forward common-sense solutions to ease the burden on families. That includes supporting efforts to pump the brakes on costly mandates banning gas stoves and forcing school districts to spend billions on electric buses — before the infrastructure or funding exists to make those transitions viable. Bipartisan legislation has also been introduced to allow private water companies access to grant funds for system improvements, helping relieve ratepayers’ burden.

t’s time for a reset. Gov. Kathy Hocul must declare an energy state of emergency.

Another proposed measure would eliminate the special franchise tax on private water companies — a move that could slash some water bills by more than 30 percent. To deliver immediate relief, legislation has also been proposed to give ratepayers a break of up to $600 on their utility bills, which would put real money back in the pockets of those struggling to keep up with rising costs. The stakes are too high to continue down the current path. Rolling blackouts, exploding energy bills and forced conversions to electric systems that many can’t afford are not signs of a greener future. They are warnings of policy failure. New Yorkers deserve an energy policy grounded in common sense — one that prioritizes affordability, reliability and real progress over rigid ideology. That begins with honest leadership, transparent planning and an unwavering focus on the people who pay the price for Albany’s decisions. Every resident, from Bellmore to Buffalo, should be able to count on affordable energy. Because heat in the winter and A.C. in the summer shouldn’t be considered luxuries — they’re necessities. And no New Yorker should be forced to choose between paying the electric bill and putting food on the table. Now is the time to course-correct — before the lights go out. Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate District.

Finding the car keys in the refrigerator

here comes a time in family life when the balance of responsibility begins to shift. After decades of caring for our infants, toddlers and teens, and launching our children off to careers and relationships — and if we’re lucky, a decade or two, or even three, of joyful independence — we realize that we’re slowing down a bit. The grown children have their own years of freedom before new responsibilities as caregivers arise. Adult children begin to realize that they have RAnDi aging parents. Older parents KREiss need an occasional hand up. But when to step in, exactly, and how much? Hear me: The critical factor is for kids to offer help without diminishing their parents. When your kids start checking up on you, if they want to do no harm, they best have a light touch and a sense of humor. Recently, one of our grown kids visited. “You’re walking really well, Mom,”

he said. OK, I thought; he must have read an article about older people having mobility issues. However, I am not one. I walk just fine. And fast. And steady on my feet. I let the moment pass. The next day he offered to arrange my pillbox. “What’s to arrange?” I said. I take two pills, and one of them is Vitamin D. On another visit, my daughter examined the house for “fall risks.” Despite her good intentions, I was not going to let her toss the Tabriz rug I personally carried back from Istanbul. There were other moments, like the kids saying, “You already told me that story,” or “Why not leave your car keys in the same place every day so you won’t keep looking for them?” My son-in-law spent at least an hour going through my pantry and tossing anything with an expired date. All of these intrusions come from a place of good intentions, but chuck that. It feels like hovering to me, and patronizing and ageist. I’ll know when I need help, and I won’t hesitate to ask. And yes, I realize this sounds slightly unreasonable. On the other hand, I am very grateful

to be living in a multigenerational family that keeps a watchful eye on us and visits often, even when we aren’t that much fun. We all know that millions of older people don’t have the blessings conferred by caring children. They may not get to go out or eat the right foods or enjoy the support of family and friends. I’m speaking from a point of privilege in that regard. This is tricky emotional terrain on all sides, best negotiated openly and with a light touch. With that in mind, I am ready now for my kids’ next visit/inspection next month. I put my shoes in the fridge and four cans of refried beans in the bathtub. Finding humor in advancing age isn’t always easy. Toward the end of my mother’s life, she lived with us for a few months. She had a helper who took her to the supermarket, where she enjoyed picking up a few things. One day they walked in the front door with a fresh challah bread. “Look at this bread,” my mom beamed. “It’s a beauty.” She forgot she had bought the same bread the day before. But before I could summon the grace required in the

hen your kids start checking up on you, they better have a sense of humor.

moment, I said, “That’s the second bread you bought for tonight.” That was seven years ago, and I can still see the flustered embarrassment on my mother’s face. We might have made a joke of it, but my tone was chiding, and I regret not summoning my better angels. Now that I am in my eighth decade, heaven help the kid who says, “You told me that already” or shows impatience when I can’t find my phone or walks around my house dimming the bright lights. The landscape of older age holds perils for me and some of my fellow boomers who may have replaced hips or knees or failing eyesight or chronic pain. Some of us can remember everything just fine. Some can remember everything, but not right away. Some can’t remember much. Kindness lies in not pointing out the lapses, but listening to a story a second time. When we’re among our own kind (that would be other older people), we make jokes about fading memory and increasing wrinkles. When our kids point out any diminishing capacities, it feels like a rebuke. My advice and wish: Walk more slowly, kids, when you walk alongside us; soon you will be walking in our footsteps. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

The high cost of Albany’s energy mandates

HERALD

Herald editorial

Jordan Vallone Senior Editor

A school year of excitement and uncertainty

August 28, 2025 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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s August winds down, another academic year is approaching for Nassau and Suffolk’s 124 school districts. Yellow buses are getting their final inspections, teachers are setting up classrooms, and families are shopping for supplies with that mix of excitement and anxiety that marks the end of summer vacation. But this coming school year carries more uncertainty than usual. Long Island schools are preparing students for a world that seems to shift beneath our feet daily. Kindergartners are beginning their educational journey in schools grappling with fundamental questions about the future of education itself. While 5-yearolds will still learn to read and write, they will also encounter technology that was science fiction just a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how students access information, complete assignments and develop skills. The question isn’t whether AI will transform education — it’s how quickly, and whether our schools can adapt fast enough to harness its power while teaching students to think critically about its limitations. Teachers will learn alongside their students, figuring out when to embrace AI tools and when to insist on traditional methods. Administrators will write policies for technology they don’t yet fully understand. Parents will try to help with homework that involves apps and platforms they’ve never seen. We’re all on this learning curve together, and that’s not something to be embarrassed about — it’s the reality of living through a technological revolution. Perhaps nowhere is this uncertainty more acute than in our middle schools, where students are forming their first serious academic interests and beginning to imagine their futures. These young people will eventually graduate from high school and college into a job

market where artificial intelligence may have eliminated entire career categories while creating others we can’t yet envision. How do we prepare seventh-graders for careers that don’t exist? How do we teach them to value human creativity and critical thinking in an age of machine learning? Long Island’s high schools face an even more complex challenge. They must prepare students for college admissions that increasingly emphasize authentic achievement over test scores, in an environment where the priorities of colleges and universities have become politically charged. The specter of federal education cuts adds another layer of complexity. The proposed elimination of the Department of Education could reshape everything from special education funding to college financial aid. Programs that have supported Long Island students for decades — from Title I funding in our most challenged districts to federal student loans that make college accessible — face an uncertain future. Combined with rapid technological changes, the gap between Long Island’s poorest and most affluent school districts — sometimes right next door to one another — could expand to unthinkable size. We must not lose sight of districts that need resources the most. These potential cuts extend beyond education budgets. Federal research funding that has sustained STEM careers could evaporate. Environmental programs that employ thousands of Long Island residents hang in the balance. Government functions that provide stable middle-class employment may be transformed or eliminated. These challenges are causing real anxiety for families across the Island. Parents wonder whether they’re preparing their children adequately for an unknowable future. Students feel pres-

letters Extremism, too, will affect the world’s future To the Editor: Re Peter King’s column last week, “Isolation, antisemitism will affect the world’s future”: It seems the world has to wait for those who have survived the horrors of war to pass into history before it can be primed for the same mistakes to be made again. Ignorance or agenda rule the day, and people, as ever, are easily led by demagoguery. I find it frightening that neither party practices commonsense, moderate approaches to problems. Whereas once upon a time, the two political parties orbited closely around a center point, those halcyon days are but a dim memory. Nowadays, each party orbits far, far away from a center that I believe is the American character. The answer to our problems will not be

sure to make educational choices without knowing which paths will lead to viable careers. Teachers question whether their expertise remains relevant as technology advances. And all of this is compounded by the new statewide cellphone ban, whose consequences on learning, behavior and social dynamics are nervously anticipated by students, parents and teachers. The anxiety is valid and understandable. Rather than pushing these concerns aside or pretending everything is fine, our communities need to create spaces where families can voice their worries and seek support. School counselors, parent groups and community organizations must be prepared to help families navigate not just academic decisions, but the emotional toll of living with constant uncertainty. Success in this coming year won’t be measured solely in test scores or college acceptance rates, though those remain important. The real measure will be whether our students graduate with the adaptability to thrive amid constant change, the critical thinking skills to navigate an information landscape increasingly shaped by AI, and the resilience to build meaningful careers even as traditional paths disappear. Long Island has faced uncertainty before and emerged stronger. The key has always been acknowledging challenges honestly while focusing on what unites us: Ensuring that every child develops not just knowledge, but wisdom. As classroom doors prepare to open, we must acknowledge that we’re sending our children into uncharted territory. Our job — as parents, educators and community members — is to give them the tools to draw their own maps. School bells are about to ring. The future is speaking a language that we’re all still learning.

opinions

ffordable living in Nassau county is a great concern for most residents. as a former member of the Legislature’s Finance committee who now serves on the Rules committee, i have kept an eye on wasteful expenditures, missed opportunities for substantial revenue, and employment-generating projects. Nassau county residents deserve to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. so let’s take a closer look. the county has lost two major development opportunities this year, one at the Uniondale hub sCott m. and another on DaVis the Nassau community college campus. in april 2023, county executive Bruce Blakeman, with great fanfare announced an agreement with Las Vegas sands for a $6 billion project at the hub anchored by a casino and resort. according to Blakeman, it was a can’t-miss opportunity that would transform the property occupied by Nassau Veterans Memorial coliseum. that can’t-miss opportunity missed. this april, the sands abruptly announced that it was no longer pursuing this project. also in 2023, NYU Langone, the coun-

ty and Ncc commenced negotiations to build a $3 billion medical facility on campus. Blakeman boasted that the project would create “the number one hospital in america.” this March, NYU Langone unexpectedly withdrew from the project, stating that “external factors” made the project “too burdensome to proceed.” With that, $9 billion in projected growth for Nassau’s future, thousands of construction jobs, employment opportunities and millions in tax revenue to sustain vital services were erased. critical investments for the greater good continue to stagnate. since 2022, the county has accrued nearly $100 million in opioid lawsuit settlement funds, but only $9.1 million has been disbursed to agencies for prevention, treatment and recovery services. the prevalence of opioid use requires an immediate and sustained response, and utilizing these settlement proceeds increases the likelihood of long-term success, which in turn lessens crime as well as the societal and financial burdens of addiction borne by us all. as for wasteful expenditures, Blakeman has nearly tripled the amount of money spent on outside counsel contracts to represent the county instead of using the county attorney’s office. according to Newsday, some of these

contracts went to firms that have donated to Republicans, including Blakeman. the cost of these contracts increased from $6 million in 2022 to over $20 million in 2024. Last year alone, the county spent nearly twice as much on outside counsel than on the entire county attorney’s office. in early 2024, with a Republican majority vote, the county’s $200,000 annual contract for legal advertisements with Newsday was canceled and replaced by the New York Post, even though Newsday published over 1,600 articles about Nassau county in 2024, whereas the Post published only 155. in January, Newsday sued the county, alleging First amendment violations and retaliation for news articles and editorials that county officials considered unfavorable. in May, the Republican majority in the Legislature authorized up to $1.7 million to retain a Manhattan-based law firm to defend the lawsuit, at a rate of $1,400 to $2,200 an hour. the administration and the legislative majority have also approved $3.2 million to fight a court ruling that Nassau county wrongfully charged more than $400 million in red-light camera ticket fees. they have not planned for the possibility that the county will be forced to return millions of dollars to impacted drivers. then there’s Blakeman’s provisional

ritical investments continue to stagnate, amid wasteful expenditures.

Letters found in jackboots, nor will they be discovered in those wearing flowers in their hair, but somewhere in between. RichaRd PeteRs Merrick

‘Hochul’s partisan war’ started in Texas, Jake to the editor: Re assemblyman Jake Blumencranz’s op-ed in the aug. 14-20 issue, “this ain’t texas: We must end hochul’s partisan war,” decrying the push for redistricting in New York: it’s hard to disagree with Mr. Blumencranz’s statement that “voters should choose their representation — not the other way around.” But then what, exactly, should New York do to counter texan efforts to subvert that very principle with their blatant attempt to create more Republican districts so that the house of Representatives represents only one party? We should certainly be above such partisan tactics. But we cannot passively be held to a higher standard while others are pushing us toward one-party rule. this is “hochul’s partisan war”? i suggest that Mr. Blumencranz address his valid concerns to the texas lawmakers. RichaRd schWaRz Bayville

Are those in power aware of seniors’ struggles?

deputy sheriff program, known as his “militia.” after he did not respond to our requests for basic information, in the interest of public safety and protecting taxpayers from exposure to financial liability, Legislator debra Mulé and i sued Blakeman — which could have been avoided if he had simply followed the law. it is important to note that, while our counsel in that case is pro bono, the administration has again retained outside counsel, at a cost of up to $200,000. as for county finances, the independent, nonpartisan Office of Legislative Budget Review recently reported that the Blakeman administration would be on pace to run a $100 million deficit in 2025, if not for the use of reserves made possible by last year’s one-time infusion of money from the federal american Rescue Plan act. in doing so, they have created the illusion of a balanced budget while, in fact, they are spending more than they are taking in. as we move forward, it is imperative to eliminate unnecessary expenditures and make fiscal decisions based on reasonable revenue projections. Blakeman is now crafting the 2026 budget during a time of tremendous uncertainty in which significant federal funding cuts are likely. We must be more fiscally prudent and not risk the county’s financial health by gambling on potential revenue sources that can disappear on a whim. Scott M. Davis represents Nassau County’s 1st District.

Framework by Caroline Opinsky

to the editor: senior citizens like me have had to adapt our purchasing habits, often choosing less expensive alternatives or forgoing some foods, like beef, completely. as reported, the major driver of the rise in the cost of beef is drought. so, what does President trump do? he ends all initiatives that would curtail climate change. that and imposing taxes (tariffs) on the beef we import has made seniors on fixed incomes think twice, not about whether they can afford steak, but hamburger meat. couple that with the deportation of america’s ranch hands and meat-packers, and some seniors are facing food insecurity for the first time. this disregard for senior citizens is apparent in local government, as well. a staggering 12.1 percent increase in hempstead’s tax levy at a time when many seniors are having a hard time brings it to a crisis level. While seniors struggle for sustenance, it is unconscionable that the town spends our tax dollars on raises to undisclosed friends and family and utilizes public funds for partisan campaign mailers. For the town to then hand out t-shirts that prominently list their candidates’ names at senior events shows a pro-

A summer day on the Mediterranean — Tel Aviv, Israel

found insensitivity to their plight. Reminds me of when trump tossed paper towels to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico, underscoring the disconnect between those

in power and the communities they serve. cLaUdia BOReckY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club

EAST MEADOW HERALD — August 28, 2025

All that glitters isn’t gold: a closer look at county finances

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August 28, 2025 — EAST MEADOW HERALD