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Holy trinity orthodox Church celebrated its centennial on June 23, marking 100 years of faith and prosperity. the morning was filled with services and prayers, as clergy members and parishioners reflected on the momentous occasion..
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow was among the first of its kind when it was established in 1924. From humble beginnings, the church has grown and evolved over the last century, and today is a welcoming and diverse community of Orthodox Christians, who come from all walks of life and ethnicities.
Rev. Martin Kraus has been with Holy Trinity for the last 17 years. He and his wife reside in the community with their five children.
When the church was created 100 years ago, it was done with good reason.
For Orthodox Christians, many who were Eastern European immigrants, the closest parishes were in New York City. Those who resided in and around what is now East Meadow at the time often had to walk very far and take a streetcar into the city to attend religious services, Kraus said.
At some point, Kraus said, after a major snowstorm in 1915 blocked transportation into the city, it became evident that it was time to establish a church on Long Island.
Holy Trinity’s first Paschal Vespers, Continued on page 10
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By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
Two of “Long Island’s Best” were students at East Meadow High School.
The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington honored senior Veronica Vogel and junior Emily Marckesano, during its annual Long Island’s Best Young Artists exhibition.
The exhibition is the only judged competition on Long Island that accepts high school art submissions.
Each year, students in grades nine through 12 are invited to create pieces inspired by artwork shown in the museum.
Na guest judge. Vogel and Marckesano are members of the National Art Honor Society, which submits artwork to the Best Young Artist exhibition every year.
o two people’s art will ever look the same, and I love it
Vogel’s piece, “Earthly Bonds” — inspired by “American Rustic” by Adam Straus — is a gouache and oil pastel painting depicting three figures sitting on a bench and facing a house across a lake. Gouache and oil pastels are both mediums used to create art.
VERoNicA VogEl Senior, East Meadow High
School
This year’s exhibition ran from March 30 to May 5 and featured 87 pieces created by students from almost 70 different high schools around Long Island. The featured student artists were selected from among more than 450 applicants, and juried by Meredith Brown, the museum’s consulting curator, and Andrea Wozny,
Vogel based the painting on a photo taken of three of her friends sitting on a bench.
“I saw them there, I was like, this is the perfect picture to capture what I need to do for this competition,” she said.
Vogel said her artwork explores her perception of home, house and nature.
“It’s not really about the structure, it’s more about the family, the support, your friends,” Vogel said. “I find a very supportive environment to
Continued on page 2
be nature.”
Marckesano’s artwork, “Piece by Piece,” is an embroidered quilt made of six-sided pieces of fabric collected from friends and family. She was inspired by Amanda Valdez’s “New Me,” another fabric piece on display at Heckscher.
Marckesano said her piece is made of dresses, “well-loved clothes” and sentimental items from her grandparents and great-grandparents, all sewn together using a technique called English paper quilting.
“I really like to express myself with art,” Marckesano said. “And I like to include my family and my friends, just in drawings, or even like this piece that I created. It tied together my family and my friends and my connections with everyone. I feel like this was a very nice opportunity, and I’m really grateful for it.”
Vogel said she holds a deep appreciation for art.
“I love how expressive it is,” she said. “I love how everyone can do art.”
One part of art she enjoys the most is the personal touch.
“No two people’s art will ever look the same, and I love it,” she said. “It’s so unique. Me and my sister — I have a twin sister — both of us do art, but yet our artwork is so very different. It means different things to both of us.”
Vogel said she aspires to become a
pediatrician, but will continue to pursue art as a personal interest, maintaining a delicate work-life balance.
“I don’t want to ever stop creating — I want to always be able to draw, even if it’s just for myself,” she said. “But I don’t want to make a job out of it. I find that a lot of people who make jobs out of their art, like, they don’t enjoy it the
same, and they lose the love they had for it. I don’t want to lose that.”
On the opening day of the exhibition, artists were allowed to bring guests to view the collection.
“It was really, really nice,” Marckesano said. “I brought all my family and friends. I was very proud of myself. My family was very proud. And it’s just a
huge accomplishment. I’m definitely going to enter again next year if we continue to do it.”
Even though the gallery is no longer open for in-person viewing, all of the artwork featured in the student gallery, as well as the pieces that inspired them, can be viewed online at Heckscher.org/ gallery/?post=19484.
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By BRIAN NORMAN
Intern
Robert Neary, an East Meadow native, will return home once again next month to perform his hit tribute show, “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience,” at Eisenhower Park.
Having grown up in East Meadow, Neary got his start in show business after taking acting classes at Nassau Community College. One of his professors saw his talent, and pushed him to take a chance and pursue a career in Los Angeles.
And Neary did just that.
“I’ve been an actor for nearly 40 years,” Neary said. “I did everything from major guest star appearances, TV roles, and three Broadway leads in ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ and most recently a ‘Bronx Tale’ in 2017.”
After a career in acting, Neary said the business began to change, and shift its focus from his category and he needed to reinvent himself.
“I did a couple of more guest star roles on TV and then the business just kind of shifted as far as you know, my category and I wasn’t going out on auditions anymore,” he said. So I knew I had to reinvent myself. I knew Neil Diamond had retired — always been a huge fan of his — and I could always you know, mimic his voice but I never really done anything with it, but I decided to say you know what, I’m gonna put together the best tribute I can to the man.”
After an overwhelming amount of support from his friends and family, Neary started working on the material to put together his tribute show. In 2019, Neary finished up those materials and started looking for a band to play with. He came across The Mystic, one of Long
Island’s premier cover bands, at a music hall on Halloween in 2019 and immediately approached them with the idea.
“I didn’t have a band at the time and I saw The Mystic play at a huge arena on Halloween in 2019 and they were just fantastic,” Neary said. “I approached them with the idea, you know, joining me in this adventure, and they said absolutely. And so we put it together and during the pandemic, we perfected it and sent it out.”
Neary’s show took off, and since he’s been booked around the countr. The show made its return to Long Island in late August of last year, in the heart of East Meadow, where Neary grew up. The show was so well received that Neary was inivted back once more to perform at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County’s summer concer series.
“We did the show last year at Eisen-
hower, and the heads of the park just loved it,” Neary recounted. “She came right up to me after the show and said she’s booking us again for next year and I said great. She told me it was going to be bigger and better and I said I am definitely in.”
Neary is in the works of using content from his Einsehower Park performances to produce a documentary about his show.
“We actually filmed it with five cameras,” Neary explained. “And it this is going into as a documentary film of the whole concert of my show and how you know how it came to be. And it’s actually going to be released on Amazone Prime this fall as well.”
Since his last time on Long Island, Neary’s show has reached new heights. He was nominated for the Josie Music Awards Tribute Artist of the Year. The
Josie Music Awards is an organization that honors independent music in all forms and genres. The awards ceremony will take palce on Oct. 27 at the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee.
Until then, Neary is excited to return back to Long Island this summer to put on an even bigger and better performance than last time.
“Eisenhower Park was my park, I skated there, took sleigh rides there, played softball there,” he said. “It (was) right in my backyard. It’s amazing and it feels really, really, good to go back and play there again.”
Neary’s show will take place on July 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park. Admission is free, and it is recommended those planning to attend bring blankets and chairs. For more on concerts this summer in the park, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Nurses from Long Island received special recognition from Congressman Anthony D’Esposito for there dedication to the community on June 17.
The special congressional recognition came as a part of National Nurses Week, where residents were invited to nominate nurses who they believe go above and beyond to serve their community.
Stephanie Diller, from Malverne, was among those honored. She is also the widow of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in late March.
Sixteen nurses received the Distinguished Congressional Nurses Award. The nurses were honored with a ceremony at the Merrick Golf Course where D’Esposito presented them with awards.
Sarah Hawxhurst, Jessica KenneyBiggin, Anna Marie DiStanislao, Daniella Fusaro, Madison Valentino, Caitlin
Russell, Kristina Lo Sardo-Sitzman, Molly VanDusen, Kimberly Babich, Stephanie Diller, Tari Brodsky, Heather Armendinger, Carla DeLaurenzo-Hayes, Ben Cohen, Cindy Carey and Kimberly Pitts were this years recipients.
D’Esposito spoke at the ceremony about how important health care workers are and how he is proud to consider them neighbors on Long Island.
“I was honored to recognize some of these incredible local healthcare heroes for the work they do keeping our communities healthy,” D’Esposito said. “I am honored to count these brave nurses as neighbors here on Long Island, and I am so pleased that the public will get to learn more about their many contributions to the excellent health systems that serve the public here in New York’s 4th Congressional District.”
–Brian Norman
Following the Long Island portion of the Cricket World Cup, revenue in many sectors is expected to impact Nassau County in a positive way. Though the stadium, seen above, will be deconstructed, the grass and state-of-the-art irrigation system will remain in place, an improvement for Eisenhower Park.
By BRIAN NORMAN Intern
From June 3 to June 12, cricket took over Nassau County. A 34,000 seat stadium was built in Eisenhower Park for the 2024 Cricket World Cup, and many resident who live and work nearby the park were concerned with what kinds of impacts the tournament will have on local communities.
Issues like road closures, the park shutdown and traffic were major topics of concern. However, many may have overlooked some of the potential benefits that Nassau County can gain from hosting the tournament.
Island have been completely booked up because of the tournament.
Matthew Neugeboren, the director of sales at the Courtyard Marriot in Westbury provided insight about the increase in revenue that the hotel has generated because of the tournament, by comparing sales to previous years.
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Nassau County will be receiving $2.7 million dollars in direct revenue from hosting the tournament. County Legislator Tom McKevitt acknowledged that he knew hosting the tournament would be a huge undertaking and a temporary inconvenience, but his ultimate goal is to make Eisenhower Park look better after the tournament than it did before.
McKevitt and the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Museums Darcy Belyea, said that improvements to the “Let All The Children Play,” park along Merrick Avenue, will be coming as well as a complete renovation of the batting cages which have been closed for years. The ICC is also installing a brand new irrigation system in the field where the stadium was built, making it look greener and better when the stadium is taken down in July.
But, it’s not just improvements to the park. The tournament is benefitting the county in more ways than one. The hotel industry has seen an increase in revenue and room bookings as well, over the duration of the tournament. Belyea said that rooms across Long
“I mean year over year, we have seen a 20 percent increase in revenue this year, and certain days we have seen a 100 percent increase in food and beverage revenue at the hotel,” Neugeboren said. “What you also have to think about is that this is the time of year that the Belmont Stakes usually happens, so we’re comparing it to a time that already has a busy event going on.”
The room bookings across Nassau County have not only generated revenue for the hotels, but also for the county itself.
“The hotel-motel tax is a tax on every room that a visitor has to pay — a percentage of that money comes to the county, per New York state law,” Belyea said. “Our own law provides that a percentage of that money goes to us hiring a tourism and promotion agency, goes to the minority and the majority to be able to fund community projects. So it to me, is like bonus funds that comes into us quarterly and imagine what that second quarter is going to look like with every hotel being booked in June.”
The last Cricket World Cup was held in Australia two years ago and generated $150 million dollars. Belyea said she was proud that Nassau County was center stage for a tournament that generates 1.9 billion viewers around the globe.
“Nassau is back and it’s open for business, and I’m really excited about it,” Belyea said.
Legislator Tom McKevitt partnered with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to declare the month of June Aphasia Awareness Month, and honor Matthew Weingartner on June 18. Weingartner, only 36-years-old, was diagnosed with nonfluent Aphasia after his stroke in 2018 and has since become an advocate for aphasia awareness.
Aphasia is the loss of the ability to understand or express speech, and in some cases, can affect a person’s ability to read or write. Aphasia is caused by brain damage, most commonly a stroke. The most prominent person diagnosed with aphasia is Bruce Willis, but two million people nation-wide live with aphasia.
“Communication is a fundamental human need, so the loss of it can be debilitating and frustrating,” McKevitt said. “Aphasia is not as well-known as many other diseases of the brain, but it is just as common, and I hope that declaring June Aphasia Awareness Month and lighting the dome grey will bring more awareness.”
Weingartner spoke on the personal struggles that he has experienced with Aphasia and the significance of raising awareness and funding treatment options for this disorder. As Weingartner so profoundly said during his remarks, aphasia is a loss of language, not a loss of intellect. Weingartner shared the struggles, frustrations, and
triumphs that he has gone through on his post-stroke journey.
“While 2 million Americans struggle with aphasia, a language impairment that steals their voices but not their minds, many suffer in silence, unaware of the support and resources available; Matthew Weingartner’s inspiring recov-
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ery journey shines a light on this hidden epidemic, challenging us to raise awareness and empower those living with aphasia,” State Senator Steve Rhoads said.
“It’s an honor to have Matthew as a constituent, as he serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to maintain a
positive and resilient mindset during their recovery journey. Last year I was happy to work with Matthew on passing a resolution declaring June as Aphasia Awareness Month, coordinating an Aphasia Awareness Day at LIU Post, and working with the County Executive to light the County dome for aphasia awareness.
“Matthew’s continued advocacy highlights the critical need to enhance the visibility of aphasia at local, state, and national levels. That’s why I am proud to once again pass a resolution declaring June as Aphasia Awareness Month across New York State, acknowledging the significance of raising awareness and empowering individuals with Aphasia. Through ongoing collaboration with Matthew Weingartner and other dedicated advocates, we aim to break down barriers, provide resources, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those impacted by aphasia,” Rhoads added.
Blakeman presented Weingartner with a citation to honor his work in sharing his story and raising awareness for those who are struggling with aphasia. In honor of Aphasia Awareness Month, the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building will be lighting the dome of the building grey to symbolize the aphasia awareness ribbon.
–Jack Schwed
By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com
Thousands of people across Nassau County go to food banks and soup kitchens each month for much-needed sustenance. But soon, the food bank may come to them.
Long Island Cares, a nonprofit focused on helping hungry families, expects to debut its Mobile Food Truck in September.
The new service specifically aims to make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible to those who otherwise struggle to purchase them. When people have to pay for their medication, clothes and children’s school supplies, for example, spending the extra money on fresh produce is often out of the question.
“When people struggle with food insecurity, they oftentimes have to make difficult decisions with what they do with their money,” said Paule Pachter, chief executive of Long Island Cares. “And sadly, oftentimes what’s considered healthy food options — like lean chicken, lean proteins, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit — sort of become less important than paying for your rent. And so it becomes a focus — and almost, in my opinion, a responsibility — of food banks to make sure that people have access to the most healthy foods possible.”
Long Island Cares works with more than 350 local food pantries, but many
The Mobile Food Truck for Long Island Cares — expected to deliver fresh produce across Nassau County — was made possible by a $250,000 grant from Bank of America Long Island. Bank of America executives Mark Perez and Jaime Stojanowski, left — as well as Jennifer Porti, fourth from left — presented the grant to Long Island Cares representatives Jessica Rosati, Yenny Buitrago and Paule Pachter.
simply do not have the storage capacity to house the fresh produce people need.
The Mobile Food Truck, by contrast, could deliver enough fruits and vegetables to fill up nearly five refrigerators, Pachter said. Local pantries can simply schedule a time for the truck to visit them, and their produce needs will be supplemented by the truck’s refrigerated storage.
The program is more needed now than ever, Pachter said. Fresh produce — already more expensive than less healthy
options — has skyrocketed in price since the coronavirus pandemic, according to multiple studies in the National Institutes of Health. Only around 1-in-10 people get their recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Mobile Food Truck is expected to improve those statistics for hungry people on the island.
A refrigerated food truck is a concept Long Island Cares has worked on for a
while now — but it was a $250,000 grant from Bank of America’s Long Island branch that finally brought the produce truck to fruition.
With that money, Long Island Cares can buy the truck with refrigerated storage and wrap it with the charitable organization’s name.
The partnership isn’t new. Bank of America is one of the largest donors helping hungry people, Pachter said — the bank’s previous $500,000 grant to Long Island Cares was directly responsible for opening new satellite locations, including one that is coming to Valley Stream.
“Access to healthy, nutritious food is more important than ever, and the new mobile farmers market will allow Long Island Cares to distribute fresh produce to more individuals and families in need,” said Mark Perez, president of Bank of America Long Island, in a statement.
And the program helps more than the hungry.
“This can be seen, in many ways, as a real boon to both the state and regional economy, because we always make it our business to first buy from Long Island when produce is able to be harvested in season” Pachter said. “So, this is really supporting New York in many ways, and supporting the Long Island farm community in many ways. ”
To find food near them or to volunteer, visit the Long Island Cares website at LICares.org.
By SCOTT BRINTON Special to the Herald
Martin Buchman talked up the Long Island Greenway Trail outside the amphitheater at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow last week, a table full of maps, charts and pamphlets before him.
The retired high school teacher who’s also a board member of the New York Bicycling Coalition, said ground will break next year on the nearly 200-milelong cycling trail that will connect Eisenhower Park with Montauk, nearly 200 miles away.
“The real hope is to get bicycle infrastructure that does not compete with cars,” Buchman said.
The cycling advocate and enthusiast was at NUMC for the second annual Walk Bike LI Summit, at which “vulnerable road users” such as bicyclists and pedestrians were the primary point of discussion. He understands all too well the dangers cyclists face on the island’s heavily trafficked roads — and the need for safe spaces of their own.
Buchman has been hit twice by cars while riding his bike over the last seven years. The first time was Bike-to-Work Day in 2017. He was cycling 25 miles from Stony Brook to Plainview-Old Bethpage High School when a left-turning driver ran into him.
He broke his collarbone, and was one of three cyclists who wound up in the same emergency room together, all biking to work.
Buchman was struck a second time in 2022, cracking his fibula and needing 45 stitches to repair a gash in his lower leg.
A number of crash victims who enter NUMC — including pedestrians and cyclists — do so “hoping to walk out,” said Daniel Flanzig, a personal injury attorney at the Mineola-based Flanzig & Flanzig, who’s also a bicycling coalition member with Buchman. But “a lot of people do not. When my phone rings, somebody’s never having a good day.”
Nassau County recorded more than 37,700 crashes last year that killed 62 and injured more than 12,500 others, according to state statistics presented at the summit. Of those accidents, 421 involved bicyclists, with 358 injured and one person killed.
That means the injury rate involving vehicle-on-vehicle crashes was roughly 33 percent. The rate when a vehicle struck a cyclist was 85 percent.
Megan Ryan, NUMC’s interim chief executive and president, explained that most anyone who has suffered a traumatic injury in a crash throughout the county — in particular, a cyclist or pedestrian — will be sent to NUMC because it is a Level I trauma center. Ryan, who sits on the North Merrick education board, spoke of a high school student who was recently hit while riding his bicycle in her neighborhood and was rushed to NUMC. And then, on the day of the summit, a 12-year-old was hit by a car while riding his bike on the North Bellmore-Wantagh border. He was airlifted to Cohen Children’s Medical
When complete, the Long Island Greenway Trail will stretch from Manhattan to Montauk, measuring nearly 200 miles — 60 percent of which will be off-road. The trail will connect with the Empire State Trail, which begins at the Battery in Lower Manhattan, and runs 750 miles to Buffalo. The Greenway Trail will connect with 60 bus routes and 46 train stations, and will be within a 10-minute walk of 27 Long Island communities, according to the Trust for Public Land, which is spearheading the effort to construct the pathway.
Center in Queens, where he was reported in stable condition.
“Pedestrian safety, bicyclist safety, it’s very important,” Ryan said. “It’s something that I think is overlooked. We try to teach (pedestrian/bicyclist safety) for younger children, but it’s very important for the older students, older children, and adults, as well.”
Wendy Tepfer, executive director of the Community Parent Center in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, came to the summit to hear any
suggestions that might help improve the center’s driver education programming.
The center, Tepfer said, stresses the need to stay focused on the road, without distractions, in large part to protect cyclists and pedestrians. She noted that when drivers are distracted by cell phone calls, they are only able to focus 35 percent of their attention on the road, so their mind zeroes in on the cars in front of them while limiting their peripheral vision.
Pedestrians and cyclists, however, are
Given the 2.2 million cars in the region, cycling on Long Island involves a degree of risk. But it’s risk that can be mitigated, according to the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, with these safety tips:
■ Always ride to the right with the flow of traffic
■ Leave three feet of space between you and parked cars to avoid opening doors
■ Wear a helmet
■ Use bike lights
■ Use hand signals when turning
most likely to be found on the sides of roads — that is, in drivers’ peripheries.
“We talk about distractions all the time,” Tepfer said.
Cynthia Brown, executive director of the Westbury-based New York Coalition for Transportation Safety, said redesigning roads to improve safety is tough, if not impossible, because doing so often involves condemning properties to make way for new infrastructure.
“The only thing that you can really try to change,” Brown said, “is driver behavior.”
By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com
More than 100 billion gallons of water will be used for lawn maintenance alone across Long Island this summer — enough to fill 150,000 Olympic-sized swimming polls — and the cost shows up in more than just your water bill.
It’s also hitting the ecology hard, according to officials, which is why the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection is urging neighbors to be mindful of their water usage.
“The heat wave has to make us realize that water, particularly in Nassau County, is a finite resource,” Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, told reporters last week at the West Hempstead Water District.
“It is all of our responsibility to protect that water supply.”
The entirety of Long Island’s drinking water comes from natural aquifers. They’re like giant underground sponges — when it rains, the water seeps underground and is absorbed by sand and gravel, creating natural reserves of freshwater.
“In Nassau County, we’re experiencing what’s called groundwater mining, which means that we’re taking more water out of the groundwater system than the rain is able to replace naturally,” Esposito said. “This is not a good recipe for sustainability.”
Nicole Formisano/Herald
Protecting Long Island’s groundwater is about protecting its longevity and local ecosystem, said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
The groundwater serves three vital functions, explained Bret Bennington, chair of Hofstra University’s Department of Geology, Environment and Sustainability. First, it’s pumped to the surface to be used as freshwater. Then it directly feeds just about every lake, stream and tributary on Long Island. Finally, when it travels to the shoreline and is released along the coast, it prevents saltwater from moving in underneath the island. In other words, as long as groundwater
is continually flushing outward, the saltwater doesn’t intrude upon Long Island’s natural freshwater resources, which could ultimately destroy this vital reservoir.
There needs to be enough groundwater to adequately perform all three of those functions, Bennington explained. So, the problem isn’t that Long Island will entirely run out of water — it’s that the more neighbors drain these natural reserves, the more significant consequences they’ll see on the entire groundwater system.
Lakes and rivers become dry. Saltwater contaminates the fresh water under the island, rendering the reserves undrinkable. To compensate, more drinking water must be pumped from other reserves. The process snowballs into a vicious cycle — and it shows up on water bills.
“The more we pump, the more it costs to treat,” said Jason Belle, who chair the aquifer protection commission. “So, by reducing our pumps, not only do they reduce their water bill, it reduces the district’s bill, which will in turn keep the rates low.”
So how can people do their part? As the island approaches the peak season of water usage, officials said, perhaps the best way for residents to be efficient with their landscape-related water usage may be to adopt smart irrigation.
Smart irrigation is a “holistic approach to using water” in landscaping, said Mike Dwyer, director of the Irriga-
tion Association of New York. If someone notices a brown spot on their lawn, Dwyer said, don’t just turn up the sprinklers run time. Check out the sprinklers in that zone to see if they’re running efficiently.
Are the nozzles clogged? Are the sprinklers blocked by plant growth? Are the heads rising fully out of the grass?
Plus, not all brown spots are from lack of water — insects or disease may be culpable.
And rather than relying on timers, he added, switch to a controller based on evapotranspiration — or ET — which adjusts how long sprinklers will run depending on how wet the ground is.
Why water your lawns on a rainy day?
“We’re not here to tell people to not water their lawns,” Belle said. “All we’re saying is that you can have the best of both worlds — a nice healthy lawn, while also reducing the amount of water to achieve it.”
“There are many good reasons to preserve groundwater, whether it’s for drinking water, for our ecology, or for our sustainability,” Esposito said. “We’re asking people to start now. Don’t wait until August when we’re in another summer heatwave and a drought. Start good water conservation practices today.”
Those who take the conservation pledge on the commission’s website a OurWaterOurLives.com has a chance to win a smart sprinkler controller.
which is a liturgy of evening prayer completed on the Saturday ahead of Easter, or Pascha in Orthodoxy, were said in the home of Stephen Koshansky on May 5, 1918. This was the first Orthodox Christian service celebrated on Long Island.
Koshansky’s granddaughter, Kathy, is still part of the parish.
“She is still at our parish and serves as our vice president of our parish council,” Kraus said. “She’s been very active in getting the preparations for the hundredth-year anniversary, so it’s nice to have the continuation of the Koshansky family.”
IThe parish was formally organized in 1924 and made Holy Trinity Church the first Orthodox Christian parish in the Nassau-Suffolk area. The original temple building was completed in 1926, and replaced by the current temple building, at 369 Green Street, East Meadow, in 1962.
t symbolizes renewal, growth, and the active presence of the Holy Spirit in guiding us in the church.
MartIn Kraus Rector, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church
The 100th anniversary of the church was celebrated on June 23, which was also Pentecost, sometimes referred to as Trinity Sunday in Eastern Orthodoxy.
Pentecost is a Christian holiday that falls seven Sundays after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the followers of Jesus Christ. It is considered the birth of Christian Church.
The date in which both Easter and Pentecost occur changes year to year on the Gregorian calendar, as Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar.
An important holiday celebrated in all Christian churches, Pentecost has an even greater significance to Holy Trinity, Kraus explained.
“Each parish — some may be named after saints — and then you normally have your feast day on the coinciding calendar day on the church calendar,” Kraus said. “So, for Holy Trinity, it coincides with the Feast of Pentecost, which (fell) this year on June 23, so that’s why we’re celebrating our 100th anniversary of our church on June 23.”
Services at the church on Sunday included the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m., which Archbishop Michael of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey presided over, alongside Kraus and other clergy. It is a longer service, as compared to other Sunday services, and it was followed by an additional service for Pentecost.
The celebration did not end there. Later in the afternoon, the church community gathered at the Stewart Manor
the church’s evening celebration at the Stewart manor County Club was filled with music and dancing.
Country Club for a reception, marking the church’s unique beginnings on Long Island, and its history in East Meadow and nearby areas. Attendees included Holy Trinity’s parishioners, but also guests from nearby parishes.
Weekly services at Holy Trinity are conducted in English, which appeals to a wide background of people in the Orthodox faith, as other parishes may conduct services in Russian, Greek or Ukrainian, among other languages. The church is involved in various philanthropy efforts, Mark Vassilakis, who’s part of the outreach committee at Holy Trinity explained, and started to appeal to an influx of young people in the community.
“What we’ve seen nationwide, it’s
been happening in a lot of parishes, there’s been this huge explosion of young people coming into the Orthodox Church since the pandemic,” he said.
Kraus said it is wonderful that this is happening, and as a chaplain for youth with the diocese, he and his wife do a lot of work with youth retreats and summer camps that cater to kids.
“I can see our young kids struggling in the world today,” he said. “So, with our mission, we are really working hard to reach out and to help our kids understand how important they are to the world, and there is a future for them.”
The culmination of the 100th anniversary and the Feast of Pentecost means a great deal to parishioners at Holy Trinity.
at a party later in the day, parishioners were treated to a 100th anniversary cake — the bore resemblance to Holy trinity orthodox Church.
“It marks the moment when the apostles were empowered to spread the teaching of Jesus Christ, and establish this church on earth,” Kraus said of the feast. “And for us, celebrating our 100th year in conjunction with Pentecost is deeply significant for us because it symbolizes renewal, growth, and the active presence of the Holy Spirit in guiding us in the church. These things resonate profoundly with our celebration for 100 years.”
Go on an adventure on the rails at Long
By Danielle Schwab
All aboard! The lovable blue tank engine Thomas and his friends have rolled into Long Island. With a cargo full of interactive STEM activities for families to explore, Long Island Children’s Museum staffers — and visitors — are excited to welcome back the returning exhibit, “Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails.”
“Long Island Children’s Museum had opened the exhibit in early 2020 to great audience reaction,” explains museum president Erika Floreska. “Then Covid happened and the museum shut down. The exhibit sat in our empty building for months, anticipating the return of visitors. By the time the museum was able to reopen, the exhibit had to move on to its next scheduled destination.”
At long last, everyone can board once again as the train fulfills its intended route.
In real life, the islands just off the English mainland near Barrow in Furness, in Cumbria, has been home to the engines of industry — submarine manufacturing plant, undersea coal mining, petrochemicals and a hotly contested nuclear energy plant.
But for generations — baby boomers who read the Rev. Wilbert Awdry’s Railway Series books and the children of the ‘80s who experienced those stories, too, on a popular television series — the only island that counts in the gleaming distances of the Irish Sea is Sodor.
Sodor — home to Thomas the Tank Engine, that is, where the trains are as busy as ever.
“You’re stepping into another world, visiting Knapford Station on the Island of Sodor,” says Long Island Children’s Museum education director Ashley Niver.
Awdry originally created the beloved trains in the early 1940s as stories for his son, Christopher. The fictional tank locomotive has since captivated families worldwide.
While the look of trains has changed since Thomas first came to be, the message is clear: trains don’t lose their appeal.
“There is something super magical and enticing about playing with toy trains. It seems to triumph over any other vehicle,” Niver says. “When you see a train, it’s like, ‘Wow, that’s a special trip.’”
The traveling exhibit, created by the award-winning Minnesota Children’s Museum in partnership with Mattel’s Fisher-Price, rolled into the museum in late May and will continue to charm families through Sept. 8.
Targeted especially for kids between 2 and 7, the exhibit incorporates foundational STEM learning that can perhaps inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and physicists.
Through engaging play, families arrive at creative solutions to problemsolving using mathematical thinking and experimentation as they respond to challenges.
“Kids are learning how to engineer together,” Niver says. “It’s a really nice area where you can let your kids roam free. They can explore, and there’s a lot of socialization happening too.”
First, look inside a Sodor train.
“You’re welcomed with a bright, shiny Thomas, a giant life-size one which the kids can board,” Niver says. “Some levers and parts create train noises, whistles and steam.”
Then, help out the green train, Percy, repair a wobbly wheel. Continue on to move coal into Percy’s coal box and fill his tank with water. Also load luggage,
• Now through Sept. 8, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older; additional fees for theater programming
• View the events calendar at LICM.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City.
livestock and addtional cargo into two train cars.
Even become part of Thomas’ world by suiting up as a conductor, exchanging money, and selling tickets to passengers.
And naturally, it wouldn’t be a “Thomas & Friends” experience without some toy trains.
Families can play at an oversized Thomas wooden railway table, bringing people through all Sodor’s iconic destinations such as Tidmouth Sheds, Brendam Docks, and the Sodor Search and Rescue Station.
While in actuality trains connect us to various places both familiar and new, the “connection” here is an emotional one.
“What’s really important about Thomas is that he is super hard-working,” Niver says. “He’s the smallest train, but he never gives up, and he always tries to help people learn to work together, to cooperate, to be kind to one another.
“Children find him really endearing and connect on a deep level with him.”
As North Western Railway Controller Sir Topham Hatt always says: “Thomas is a very useful engine.”
‘And stars fill my dream…’
Get the Led Out rocks out with their tribute to what many consider rock ‘n roll’s greatest band, in ‘A Celebration of the Mighty Zep.’ From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group deliver all passion these bluessoaked rock anthems deserve. GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. No wigs or fake English accents, the band brings what the audience wants — a high-energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heartthumping intensity with a strong focus on Led Zeppelin’s pivotal early years.
Friday and Saturday, June 28-29, 8 p.m. $75. $45, $30. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
There’s also something nostalgic for the parents who grew up watching the televised version of Thomas. On view are model engines from the original live-action series, and copies of the original drawings along with 75 manuscripts, among the memorabilia documenting the history and evolution of Thomas.
to another, “Thomas &
From one generation to another, “Thomas & Friends” continues to captivate audiences in a powerful way.
children with that you can
“Anything that you remember raising your own children with that you can then pass down is the coolest thing, to have that connectivity years,” Niver adds.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Iolanthe’
through the
Mortals and immortals come face to face in the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company’s of Long Island’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic ‘Iolanthe.’ The comic opera, which debuted in 1883, is one of the most beloved of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Its perfect balance of words and music, humor and drama, and political satire resonates to this day. The whimsical story involves a half fairy/ half mortal shepherd lad who falls in love with wealthy heiress that sets up a conflict between the wily Lord Chancellor and the cosmically powerful Fairy Queen. Featuring some of Sullivan’s most stunning music, including ‘Oh Foolish Fay,’ and what is popularly known as ‘The Nightmare Song,’ expect an evening of first class entertainment and riotous fun suitable for all ages.
Sunday, June 30, 3 p.m. $30, $25 seniors/children. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or call (516) 323-4444.
The English supergroup, fronted by original member Geoff Downes, along with a brand new lineup, is reinvigorated and back on tour, appearing on the Paramount stage, Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m . Today, the legendary band comprises Geoff Downes, John Mitchell, Harry Whitley, and Virgil Donati. Their new tour, “Heat of the Moment,” additionally features Focus, Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash), Curved Air, and Roger Dean as special guests. Asia was the biggest selling album of 1982, Number 1 on Billboard for nine weeks and pioneers of the MTV era!
Downes’ new iteration of Asia first began to evolve last summer, at the concert held in memory of late lead singer, songwriter and bassist, John Wetton (King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, UK, Asia, John Wetton Band, Icon). Downes invited old friend John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Lonely Robot, Kino, John Wetton Band, Icon) and newcomer Harry Whitley to join him on stage to celebrate Wetton’s life by performing some of the classic Asia hits. Such was the uproarious reception to their set that Downes wondered if something magical was beginning to take shape. Downes’ new-look Asia once again features Mitchell on guitars and Whitley on lead vocal and bass. The quartet is made complete by the addition of Virgil Donati (UK, Southern Sons, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth) on drums. The band will perform the hits you know and love, including “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” and more. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
View the pyrotechnic spectacle, as part of Eisenhower Park’s annual holiday double bill, TD Bank’s Celebrate America, which also includes a concert, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Wednesday, July 3, 5:30-10 p.m. With performances by the popular local Allman Brothers tribute act Allmost Brothers and Chicken Head. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Enjoy a creative social evening, at Pinot’s Palette, on Sunday, June 30, 7:30-9 p.m. Paint a gorgeous sunset over a lavender field using colors that glow under black light while sipping on specialty cocktails and eating tasty empanadas. $48 per person. Food and drinks are purchasable upon arrival. Event requires painters to be 17 or older unless accompanied by an adult. 2557 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow. For more information, visit PinotsPalette.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.
Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.
Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 1, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story.
Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence. This week’s theme: Calling All Superheroes! Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
The band returns to My Father’s Place, Saturday, June 29, 8 p.m. Come celebrate the music, the memories and the good times with Billy, Bobby, Peppy and Mike! Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. 221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn,. For tickets/information, visit MFPProductions.com or call (516) 580-0887.
Salute Israel, while welcoming Eisenhower Park’s summer concert season, at the annual Celebrate Israel concert, presented by Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island, Sunday, June 30, 6 p.m. Israeli superstar Raviv Kaner performs. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For more information, visit Facebook. com/jcrcli.
Get your game on at a weekly bingo game at East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center starting at 6 p.m. Prizes, progressive games, bell jar prizes and refreshments will be provided. Proof of vaccination is required. 1400 Prospect Ave., in East Meadow. For information, contact (516) 4834205.
Visit Eisenhower Park’s Field #1 for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, July 3, noon-2 p.m. Enjoy “The Many Voices of Dennis Dell.” Dell’s vocally stylings transport his audience to another world. Hear your favorite songs brought to life with originality and authenticity. Bring seating. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Adopt your “fur-ever” friend this summer. There’s no better time to adopt a new pet than during the ”summer of love” at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Now through Sept. 1, all pet adoption fees are waived and include free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. There is a $10 license fee for dogs. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cats before stepping foot in the shelter online at HempsteadNY. gov/179/Animal-Shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page at Hempstead Town Animal Shelter. For more information, contact (516) 785-5220.
Items on The Scene 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 thescene@liherald.com.
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for a viewing of “Wild Style,” a 1983 film regarded as the first hip-hop movie, Saturday, June 29, 3 p.m. A hybrid project that exists as both a musical and a documentary, the film features hip-hop pioneers of the period, including Fred “Fab Five Freddy” Brathwaite, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, The Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush Brothers, Queen Lisa Lee of Zulu Nation, Grandmaster Flash, and Zephyr, who play themselves in a loosely scripted story shot entirely in the South Bronx, the Lower East Side, and MTA subway yards.
A Q&A follows with director Charlie Ahearn and critic-curator, Carlo McCormick. Seating is limited and reservations required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Support your local volunteer fire and EMS first responders while enjoying free unlimited beer sampling at East Meadow Fire Department’s Fire Fest at Fire Station 4, Saturday, July 13, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. With over 25 craft breweries, top food trucks, axe throwing, music, games, and more. $50 before June 30; $60 after. Must be 21 or over to attend. Bob Reed Lane at Carman Ave. For further information, visit @firefestemfd on Instagram or Facebook.
Enjoy a movie on East Meadow Public Library big screen. See Zelda William’s horror comedy “Lisa Frankenstein,” starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, on Friday, June 28, starting at 1 p.m. The plot follows a misunderstood teenage goth girl who meets and develops a relationship with a reanimated Victorian-era corpse. 1186 Front St. For more information, visit EastMeadow.info.
Broadway, TV, and Film star Robert Neary and Long Island native cover band The Mystic present a tribute to Neil Diamond at Eisenhower Park’s Lakeside Theatre, on Saturday, July 6, 7-9 p.m. Free admission. It is recommended that all attendees bring blankets or chairs. For more information, visit SoGoodTheNeilDiamondExperience.com.
NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
EISENHOWER PARK, East Meadow | Parking Field #6 All Events weather permitting. Call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.
Saturday, June 15
8:00-9:30pm Ja Rule at Mitchel Field Athletic Complex
Sunday, June 16 ..................
6:00-8:30pm Indian American Night
Wednesday, June 26
7:00-9:30pm Greek American Night
Saturday, June 29 ...............
6:00-8:30pm Chinese American Night
Sunday, June 30
6:00-8:30pm Israeli American Night
JULY
Monday, July 1
7:00-9:30pm German American Night
Wednesday, July 3
5:30-10:00pm TD Bank’s Celebrate America Fireworks & Show featuring The Allmost Brothers Band & Chicken Head Rocks
Friday, July 5 Fireworks Rain Date
Saturday, July 6
7:00-9:00pm
So Good – The Neil Diamond Experience
Sunday, July 7
6:00-8:00pm Opera Night with Christopher Macchio
Monday, July 8
5:00-6:30pm Senior Afternoon Concert: The Excellents and The Demensions
Thursday, July 11
7:00-10:00pm Rock of Ages Tribute: Shoot 2 Thrill - AC/DC
Completely Unchained - Van Halen Return to Paradise - Styx
Friday, July 12
7:00-9:00pm
Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute
Saturday, July 13
7:00-9:00pm Misty Mountain – Led Zeppelin Tribute
Sunday, July 14
6:00-9:00pm Harry Chapin Tribute Show & Food Drive with The Harry Chapin Band and Will Sing For Food
Monday, July 15
7:00-9:00pm The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, July 18................
7:00-9:30pm Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” by Plaza Productions
Friday, July 19
7:00-9:30pm Creole American Night
Saturday, July 20 ................
7:00-9:00pm Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway
Sunday, July 21
6:00-8:30pm Bangladeshi American Night
Monday, July 22 ..................
7:00-9:00pm Italian American Night
Thursday, July 25
7:00-9:00pm
Barometer Soup - A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet
Friday, July 26 .................
7:00-9:00pm Doo Wop Show: Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny, Phil Cracolici and The Mystics, Vito Picone and The Elegants, Jimmy Gallagher of The Passions
Saturday, July 27
7:00-9:00pm The Hilarious Hitmen, a Comedy Musical Spectacular
Sunday, July 28
Korean American Night
Monday, July 29
6:00-8:30pm
5:00-6:30pm
Senior Afternoon Concert: The Fireflies and The Devotions AUGUST
Friday, August 2 7:00-9:00pm
Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute
Saturday, August 3
6:30-9:30pm
Salute to Vets Show with Face to Face & American Bombshells
Sunday, August 4
6:30-8:30pm
The Midtown Men featuring Stars from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys
Monday, August 5................
7:00-9:30pm
Irish American Night
Thursday, August 8 7:00-9:00pm
Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack
Friday, August 9 .................. 7:00-9:00pm
45 RPM
Saturday, August 10 7:00-9:00pm
This is Garth featuring JD Leonard
Sunday, August 11 .............. 6:30-8:30pm
Living Colour
Monday, August 12
5:00-6:30pm
Senior Afternoon Concert: Vinnie Medugno & The Chiclettes
Thursday, August 15 7:00-9:00pm
UB40 : Red Red Wine Tour
Friday, August 16
7:00-9:00pm
Zac Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB)
Saturday, August 17 7:00-9:00pm
Doo Wop Show: Manhattan Skyline, Stan Zizka & The Del Satins, Larry Chance’s Earls
Sunday, August 18 .............. 4:00-8:00pm
Pakistani American Night
Monday, August 19 7:00-9:30pm Ukrainian American Night
Thursday, August 22 ........... 7:00-9:00pm
Let’s Sing Taylor - Taylor Swift Experience
Saturday, August 24 7:00-9:00pm Disco Unlimited
Sunday, August 25 .............. 7:00-9:00pm Don Felder former lead guitarist of The Eagles
Friday, August 30 7:00-9:00pm That Motown Band
SEPTEMBER
Sunday, September 1 ......... 7:00-9:00pm The Purple Experience - Prince Tribute
Sunday, September 8 5:00-7:30pm
Turkish American Night
Saturday, September 14 .... 7:30-10:00pm
World Renowned Puerto Rican Salsa Orchestra
Friday, September 20 7:00-10:00pm
Legendary House DJ TBA with LI’s Own DJ Theo opening
Sunday, September 29 2:00-9:00pm Latino American Night
Bring Blankets or Chairs
By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com
The arrival of joro spiders, which are native to East Asia, in the United States has sparked concern and some sensational headlines. According to experts, however, the potential impact on Long Island’s North Shore is likely to be far less dramatic than feared.
The joro spider, Trichonephila clavata, was first documented in North America in Georgia in 2014, and has since spread to several southeastern states. The spider takes its name from a creature of Japanese folklore called a jorogumo, a legendary spider and seductress that can shape-shift into a woman, breathe fire and control other spiders.
Despite recent headlines claiming there would be a joro spider invasion in the Northeast, local experts are skeptical about the range of the arachnid’s spread.
There have been reports suggesting the spider’s imminent invasion of northern states, including New York. But John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and the president of Humane Long Island, urges caution and perspective.
“They’re native to Asia, but they were introduced to Georgia and somewhat made their way to neighboring states,” Di Leonardo noted. “There is no evidence that they’ve made their way to New York.”
Despite the dramatic headlines about giant flying spiders, Di Leonardo emphasizes that these descriptions are greatly exaggerated. He explained that the female spiders’ bodies are only up to an inch long, and the males are smaller.
The joro spider, which has a distinctive yellow and blue-black pattern with red markings, has often been described as a venomous and invasive species, but Di Leonardo clarified that while they are venomous, their venom poses no significant threat to humans.
“They’re no more venomous than your average house spider,” he said. “We’re not talking about a brown recluse or black widow.”
Moreover, the term “invasive,” Di Leonardo said, might not even apply to joro spiders. He pointed out that despite the fact that they have been in the U.S. for around a decade, there has been no evidence of negative impacts on local ecosystems.
“They’re exotic and non-native, but there’s no science to show that they’re actually invasive,” he said. “If they were going to have a negative impact, we probably would have seen it by now.”
While fears of the spiders “ballooning” their way north are prevalent, Di Leonardo explained this phenomenon. Ballooning is a dispersal method known among tiny juvenile spiders, not adults. While it certainly helps young spiders spread themselves out, it’s not a means of long-range movement that will carry them across multiple state lines.
“They can’t really fly. I think that’s vastly overstated,” Di Leonardo said.
“They can kind of make little parachutes and balloon themselves when they’re only tiny babies.”
In terms of ecological impact, there could even be potential benefits. With rising temperatures contributing to an increase in insect populations, joro spiders might help control pests. According to a 2021 news release from the University of Georgia, where entomologists have been studying the spiders since they first appeared in the state, they have been observed eating other invasive species, like the brown marmorated stink bug.
“Spiders are our friends, not our foes,” Di Leonardo said. “I think humans have a largely symbiotic relationship with spiders. Of course we do have a natural fear of them, and it’s good to have a healthy fear, but let’s not be paranoid.”
Whether the spiders can survive in colder northern climates remains uncertain. The climate in Georgia is markedly different from New York, and it is still unknown whether the spiders can endure harsher winters. Despite the hyperbolic coverage, Di Leonardo stresses the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective.
“It’ll be a long time before we see them in New York, if ever,” he predicted. “Headlines and social media can easily turn a harmless thing into a perceived deadly threat.”
Di Leonardo also urged focusing on more pressing ecological issues, such as the impacts of animal agriculture on the environment, rather than demonizing these spiders. People have far more reason to be concerned about cross-species diseases and toxic and inhumane husbandry practices, he said, than headlines about giant flying spiders.
Research on Joro spiders is continuing, primarily in Georgia and other states where they have been found. Universities are studying their ecological impacts, though Di Leonardo noted that much of that work is local to areas where joro spiders have established populations.
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU LOANCARE, LLC, -againstJOSE S. MENDEZ, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 13, 2023, wherein LOANCARE, LLC is the Plaintiff and JOSE S. MENDEZ, 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 July 9, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1054 ADAMS STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 36-151-502, 503 & 504.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL, OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT UNIONDALE, UNINCORPORATED AREA, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613085/2019. Mark S. Ricciardi, 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. 147255
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007-HL1 ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-HL1, Plaintiff, Against MARISOL LORENZO, EDWIN LORENZO, ET AL. Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/16/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 7/11/2024 at 2:00PM , premises known as 388 Maplegrove Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553, And Described As Follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 50 Block 51 Lot 158
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $613,177.58 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 12-013295 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 5/7/24 File Number: 560-1721 SH 147170
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2018-RPL2, Plaintiff, vs. PAULA CUNNINGHAM, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 722 Clinton Street, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 11, Block 218 and Lots 35 - 39. Approximate amount of judgment is $549,521.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608418/2020. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee
Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147400
LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v. DALE JUNGER A/K/A
DALE R. JUNGER, ET AL, Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
THAT
In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on September 18, 2019, I, Judith Powell, Esq. the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on July 12, 2024 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows: 1611 N Jerusalem Road East Meadow, NY 11554 SBL No.: 50-388-54
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 611231/2017 in the amount of $267,342.65 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604 Tel.: 855-227-5072 147404
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST RICHARD ORTIZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 11, 2024 at 3:00PM, premises known as 7 MOCKINGBIRD LANE, LEVITTOWN, NY 11756. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Levittown, near Hicksville,
Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 172, Lot 0048. Approximate amount of judgment $585,728.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604115/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-001737 80727 147326
x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE IGLOO SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CLAUDIA
RIVAS A/K/A CLAUDIA
BARRERA-RIVAS AS ADMINISTRATRIX AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ABEL
RIVAS A/K/A ABEL
ANTONIO ORANTESRIVAS A/K/A TONY RIVAS, Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 8, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 15, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 61 Dorothy Drive, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 338 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $288,374.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615937/2022. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot
Two people were arrested in a Project 21 initiative, which targets the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to minors. It was conducted on June 20 in East Meadow.
Sami Al-Ammari, 33, of Staten Island, sold tobacco products to a minor at King Smoke Shop located at 503A Newbridge Road. He was charged with unlawfully dealing with a child, and two counts of criminal possession of cannabis and the sale of tobacco products.
Kiranpeet Kaur, 21, of Queens, sold tobacco products to a minor at Smoke
Shop-Pipes and Stuff located at 2384 Hempstead Turnpike. She was charged with unlawfully feeling with a child, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cannabis, the sale of tobacco products and possession of unstamped cigarettes.
Al-Ammari was issued a desk appearance ticket returnable on July 8 to the First District Court in Hempstead.. Kaur was arraigned on June 21 at the First District Court in Hempstead.
–Jordan Vallone
be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Jjais A. Forde, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 222196-1 147398
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ALCIDES P. RODRIGUES, Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 8, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 60 Bright Street, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 10, Block 309 and Lot 36. Approximate amount of judgment is $382,093.58 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609877/2023. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot
be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Wayne H. Wink, Jr., Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 231979-1 147534
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 July 23, 2024 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. 147532
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 42-2024
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held June 4th, 2024, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 42-2024, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 42-2024, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: June 4, 2024 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 147628
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, -against-
ADAN SALGUERO, 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 November 16, 2022, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST is the Plaintiff and ADAN SALGUERO, 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 July 30, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 740 BARRY PLACE, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-360-23.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613459/2019. Mark Ricciardi, 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. 147664
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
FULL TIME - PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Garden City Childcare Center
Immediate Start
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HANDYPERSON WANTED
Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211
LAW CLERK. FT. $61k/yr. Yao Legal Group LLC. Great Neck, NY. Reqs.: LL.M. / J.D., 12+ mo exp as law clerk / lgl asst / paralegal in a law off, exp in Surrogate’s Ct cases. Spprt atty in civil / crim litig, RE trxn, corp/biz law, estate dispt, etc.: 1) cndct lgl res; 2) dft lgl docs, file w/ Cts; 3) hdl stndrd discov; 4) trial prep; 5) corp dd, res. & comm. clsgs prep. Asst atty in off mgmt. Email CV to Dan Yao at dyao@yaolawoffice.com / mail CV to 15 Canterbury Rd Ste A3, Great Neck, NY 11021. Plz mention Job ID# 0611 in Cov Let.
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Manager On Duty
At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November 5-8 Hour Shifts. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For All Issues That May Occur During The Event, Seeing Each Through To Resolution. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For Emergency Personnel Hourly Rate $25-$30 To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
Path Monitor
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PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Project Manager (Baldwin, NY): Aiding in construction of foundation + superstructures of buildings. Delegating tasks to members & detailing drawings on CAD. Salary: $130,000/yr. Reqs: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering/foreign equiv.+ 12 mths exp in position/Asst. Project Manager. Mail CV to Moore Group Corp, 1 Jefferson Pl, Baldwin, NY 11510. Attn: S. Moore, Financial Controller.
WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!! HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers Serving The Community Over 20 Years Evon's Services 516-505-5510
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BETH DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY. 3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $3999; Purchase Together $9999. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316
Level. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Spacious room. Meticulously maintained charming property. Convenient location near shopping schools, park, and more.
Taxes: $11,838.69
Long Beach $892,500
Wilson Avenue. Contemporary. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.
Taxes: $14,770
Merrick $775,000
Stuyvesant Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Den/family room. First floor master bedrooms. Updates include skylight. Taxes: $13,794.63
Oceanside $700,000
Montgomery Avenue. Split Level. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Security system.
Taxes: $11,739.85
Valley Stream $765,000
N. Grove Street. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with custom cabinetry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Spacious rooms. Updates include new boiler and ductless air conditioning units. Convenient location near parks, dining, shopping and LIRR.
Taxes: $10,234.69
West Hempstead $730,000
Park Avenue. Expanded Cape. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Open layout. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office, with wet bar and exercise room. Spacious rooms with ample closet space. Paver patio and 1.5 car garage. Mother/daughter with proper permits. Convenient location near parkway, shopping, park.
Taxes: $11,373.37
Q. We’ve been interviewing contractors and architects to get an idea about adding a double dormer to our home. The conversations about what to do, how long it should take and the cost are just all over the place. How long should it take, and how much should a double dormer cost to build? Some contractors said they needed to see plans, and that they could personally get the permit in a day or two, and some architects gave us wild time frames that seem ridiculous, like a year or more from start to finish.
A. There are many contributing factors that determine construction cost, and even though you are focused on getting the partial second floor reconstructed to a full second floor, many unanticipated issues may need to be resolved. When a design professional comes to your home, they may be looking at how to join other roofs to the new construction, and how the exterior will look, shed rain and snow, fit in with or stand out from the architecture of neighboring buildings.
Then there are the legal issues. For example, many municipalities, since the time when the house was originally built, have changed their zoning regulations. This may mean that you can’t build directly on top of what you have, because setback distance requirements may have changed. Even though it might make sense to build right on top of the existing outside wall, some jurisdictions will require a lengthy delay, waiting for a zoning hearing to request to vary from their regulation so you can break the setback plane again.
If you decide to set the second floor back farther, it means that the upper walls will have to land on structure that has to be added, and there needs to be special care for waterproofing. This may seem simple, but often leads to problems with leaks and sagging structure if not handled properly. Regulation changes may not have taken the expense or logistics into account, and are often taken for granted, but either way the owner decides to go, the cost is greater than the original estimate.
The experienced design professional may ask about other things, like the deck, shed, pool, fences, hot tub or central air conditioning unit in the yard. These items delay the project and add cost. Requirements to legalize the location and construction of every one of these items have been around for at least two or three decades, so when the owner says their air conditioning or pool company wasn’t required to get a permit, this is a common fallacy. Knowing it is the owner’s problem or thinking it will never come up is generally the motivation to avoid the approvals, but it now also adds to the extra cost and time you may not have been anticipating.
Labor, overhead for licensing and insurance all add to why contractors’ costs will vary. Taking all of these cost and time issues into account is important. Choose based on more than price. Work with facts, not just sales language. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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n June of 2022, a drastically conservative Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ripping away our constitutional right to make our own health care decisions — a right Americans had held for nearly 50 years. This disastrous decision, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, was the direct result of Republicans’ decadeslong, methodical attack on women’s reproductive freedom, and it ignited a fervor among extreme anti-choice groups to challenge access to abortion care, in vitro fertilization and birth control at both the state and federal levels — including here in New York.
Two years later, the fight for our bodily autonomy persists in courtrooms, statehouses and Congress. This November presents a pivotal opportunity to reinstate Roe v. Wade as the law of the land, remove the government from our doctors’ offices, and protect women’s fundamental freedoms once again. Since Roe was overturned, legisla-
“progress” and “Albany,” unfortunately, have not been synonymous over the past few years, with good reason. Albany has gotten a lot of things wrong: bail reform, reckless spending increases, and energy policy, just to name a few. But sometimes, Albany does something right. Those instances — when Democrats and Republicans come together in good faith to address a problem — are when real progress occurs.
Most recently, that happened when the State Legislature acted to protect our children from the dangerous influence of big tech through social media. Virtually everyone knows of social media’s enormous influence, both positive and negative, on people of all ages. It has changed dramatically over the years. Once upon a time, your Facebook feed mostly consisted of posts
tors and governors in more than a dozen states have imposed harsh restrictions and outright bans on abortion. The repercussions have been devastating. Cases like that of a child rape victim who was forced to travel out of state for an abortion; or a woman who developed sepsis after doctors denied her an abortion for a nonviable pregnancy; or a woman who was denied an exception for abortion care for a nonviable pregnancy by a judge even when her ability to have more children was at risk, illustrate the dire consequences of these laws.
would impact New York.
Republican extremists like my opponent in the race for the seat in the 4th Congressional District, the incumbent, Anthony D’Esposito, would have you believe that women in blue states like New York will be spared this suffering because, they say, abortion is now solely a statelevel issue. That claim completely ignores the federal-level efforts that farright anti-abortion groups have launched to restrict reproductive rights nationwide, like the outrageous legal campaign to ban medication abortion and House Republicans’ support for a national ban on abortion — which
On top of these efforts, state-level bans can have spillover effects on abortion access in New York. In 2023, thousands of women traveled from abortion-hostile states to protected states, including 6,000 women who traveled to our state. This strains the capacity of our providers, impacting care and access for New Yorkers.
Despite the very real threat to abortion access here in New York, my opponent is continuing to push an anti-choice agenda that’s completely out of touch with the values and needs of Long Island.
D’Esposito’s record is clear: He endorsed a federal ban on abortion that would apply to New York. He endorsed Donald Trump — who proudly claims credit for dismantling Roe — for president. D’Esposito voted to fund misleading so-called “crisis pregnancy centers,” which peddle dangerous misinformation about reproductive health care to women here on Long Island, and backed restrictions on abortion access for military servicewomen. If re-elected, he will continue to empower, and ally himself with, antichoice extremists who aim to restrict
Albany gets one right for
from your friends or pages you chose to follow. Today it’s predominantly ads, sponsored content, and other posts that secretly developed, ever-changing algorithms determine are best suited for you. Basically, they decide what you get to see, with almost no ability for you to change it.
Control at that level is not only frustrating, it’s dangerous. Especially when it comes to children who, given their age and maturity level, are more easily swayed and influenced.
Making social media companies restrict addictive feeds for those under 18.
Social media has been tied to significantly higher rates of youth depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and self-harm. Some research found that time spent on social media is 10 times more dangerous than non-social media internet use. Among girls, the association between poor mental health and social media use is stronger than the connections between poor mental health and binge drinking, obesity or hard drug use. Concern about this is nearly universal among parents I speak to.
Self-policing is rarely a recipe for
our ability to decide when and how we start a family.
This election will be a turning point. We can rectify past injustices, restore our freedoms and implement policies to broaden reproductive health care. Achieving a pro-choice majority in Congress could reaffirm Roe as the law of the land, shield against attacks on birth control and IVF, and promote inclusive policies like enhanced contraception coverage and equitable maternal care. As a woman, as a mother of daughters and as someone who doesn’t believe the government should make our medical decisions, ensuring that this fundamental freedom is reinstated for women is personal to me — and I’ll do everything in my power to fight back against extreme attacks on our rights.
We stand at a crossroads in this election. By choosing leaders committed to protecting and expanding reproductive health care, we can counteract the damage inflicted by the Dobbs decision and by anti-abortion extremists like Anthony D’Esposito. Failure to do so risks irrevocable setbacks to our freedom. The choice is clear, and it is ours to make.
Laura Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, is a Democratic candidate in the 4th Congressional District.
success, but in many ways, that’s what social media companies have been allowed to do. Not surprisingly, it hasn’t worked, because there’s an inherent conflict of interest. Feeds have been specifically designed to create addiction. Addictive feeds keep users on the platform longer, where they see more ads and the company collects more of their data, all directed toward the goal of earning higher profits.
Big Tech’s failure to appropriately self-regulate is endangering children, which is why we needed to act. Democrats and Republicans in the Senate and Assembly worked together with Gov. Kathy Hochul on legislation to protect children from some of the harms they’re currently facing.
Under the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act, which I cosponsored, social media companies must restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18 unless parental consent is granted. These feeds are created based
on users’ behavior, such as how long they look at certain media or the materials they click on, and are designed to be predictive of what content will keep them on the platform for as long as possible. Companies will also be prohibited from sending notifications about feeds to minors from midnight to 6 a.m. without parental approval. The Child Data Protection Act, which I cosponsored as well, prohibits online sites from collecting, using, sharing or otherwise processing any personal data of those under 18 without informed consent. Minors’ data cannot be disclosed to third parties without a written binding agreement. Both bills passed the Legislature with broad bipartisan support and I’m happy to report that Hochul signed the bills into law on June 20.
Protecting children should always be a priority, never a political issue. Thankfully, that’s exactly how this was treated. For all the dysfunction and failures Albany created in recent years, it’s heartening to see that progress is still possible. Let’s hope this is a sign of better things to come.
Steve Rhoads represents the 5th Senate District.
as the hot days of June envelop Nassau County, a palpable sense of achievement fills the air.
It’s the season of graduations — when students from every corner of our communities take center stage to mark significant milestones in their academic journeys. Whether they’re stepping up from kindergarten, advancing through middle school, or donning their caps and gowns to receive high school diplomas, each graduation represents more than just an academic feat — it’s a celebration of resilience, growth, and the promise of a brighter future.
Here, this tradition of honoring our graduates is more than ceremonial. It’s a testament to our values as a community. It underscores our commitment to nurturing young minds and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Each graduation ceremony isn’t just a rite of passage, but a collective acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work that students, educators and families have invested throughout the academic year.
For those moving up from kindergarten, it’s a moment filled with innocence and wonder, marking the beginning of their formal educational journey. These young learners are applauded not just for completing a grade level, but for embracing the joy of discovery and laying the foundation for future academic success.
Their excitement is infectious,
To the Editor:
reminding us all of the boundless potential in every child.
Middle school graduations — often overlooked amid larger celebrations hold a special significance. They signify a pivotal transformation from childhood to adolescence. It’s a time of exploration, self-discovery and personal growth. Recognizing these students’ achievements empowers them to embrace the challenges of high school with confidence and determination.
And then there are the high school graduations — perhaps the most anticipated and emotionally charged of all. These ceremonies are not just about crossing a stage; they are about crossing a threshold into adulthood. They mark the culmination of years of academic rigor, extracurricular dedication, and personal development.
Each diploma handed out represents a unique story of perseverance, triumph over adversity, and the unwavering support of families and educators.
Beyond the individual achievements, celebrating graduations strengthens the fabric of our community. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging, reinforcing our shared commitment to education and the future of our youth. These ceremonies serve as poignant reminders of the impact that a supportive community can have on shaping young lives and inspiring future generations.
In a world often marked by rapid change and uncertainty, these rituals
Herald Senior Editor Jordan Vallone was absolutely on point in her criticism of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker in her column “Hello, Harrison Butker? Women can be heroes, too” (June 13-19). In his commencement speech to the graduating class of Benedictine College, Butker singled out the women in the class when he said, “I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
I would echo Ms. Vallone’s one-word response: Really? Is this the summation of values that Butker espouses for these young women who have spent four-plus years dedicated to their education? I would venture to say they are most excited about applying their hearts and minds to careers in their chosen fields. Butker went on to say, “I’m on the stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation … and embraces one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.” Really? Butker was only on that stage because he can kick a pigskin farther then most humans. And I’m fairly certain that when he was selected 233rd in the 2017 NFL draft, he wasn’t focused on his potential role as a stay-at-
provide a sense of continuity and tradition. They remind us of the enduring values that bind us together — values of knowledge, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
By celebrating our graduates, we not only honor their accomplishments, but also reaffirm our collective responsibility to nurture and uplift future leaders, innovators and change-makers.
As we gather to applaud the Class of 2024 and beyond, let us remember that their achievements aren’t just milestones in their lives, but milestones for our communities as a whole. Each graduation ceremony is a testament to the strength of our educational system, the dedication of our teachers, and the unwavering support of families and mentors. It is a moment to reflect on the past with gratitude, embrace the present with joy, and look to the future with optimism.
So, to all of our graduates — from kindergarten to high school — congratulations! Your hard work, determination and resilience have brought you to this momentous occasion. As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, may you carry with you the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the dreams that fuel your aspirations.
We stand proud of every one of you, celebrating not just what you have accomplished, but the boundless potential of what you will achieve.
in the world of new York politics, victories are few and far between, which is why Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent decision to delay the controversial congestion pricing scheme is cause for celebration. Let’s not forget, however, that this win comes with a rather large asterisk.
The congestion pricing proposal, set to impose a $15 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district, would create a significant financial burden for our middle-class commuters. Many of them rely on their vehicles for their daily commutes, and adding hundreds of dollars to their monthly expenses would exacerbate the financial strain they already face.
Downstate commuters, who are just beginning to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, should not be further penalized by this ill-conceived plan.
Additionally, the proposed surcharges on taxis and for-hire vehicles would hit an already struggling industry hard. These drivers, who provide an essential
service, would find their livelihoods taxed even further. It’s imperative to consider the consequences of such policies, which disproportionately impact those who can least afford it. Encouraging the use of public transportation over private vehicles without first addressing the notorious unreliability of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority would simply shift the congestion problem from one flawed system to another.
the governor has made the right decision, but for the wrong reasons.
I have been a vocal opponent of congestion pricing from its inception. The decision by Hochul to delay its implementation is undoubtedly a win, but we must not be fooled by the veneer of this decision. While this delay represents a victory stemming in part from our advocacy, we cannot overlook the governor’s political motivations. Hochul has made the right decision for the wrong reason, revealing a troubling disregard for the genuine concerns of new Yorkers.
The purported intent of congestion pricing — to reduce traffic and improve the environment — is commendable, but the reality is a different story. Hochul claims that the delay is to ensure that new York City’s fragile economic recov-
home dad.
Ms. Vallone’s article brought to mind Elizabeth Keller, a clinical medical physicist at Emory University. According to Wikipedia, a medical physicist is a health professional with specialized education and training in the concepts and techniques of applying physics to medicine, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Keller is married, and is now Elizabeth Butker, the proud mother of, you guessed it, Harrison Butker. Did he not pause to see the irony in his condescending speech before he delivered it?
Ten years ago, as a school board trustee in the East Meadow School District, I wrote an article about my musings on Graduation Day as to where our children would be in the future. I ended by saying that I envisioned myself sitting anxiously in a hospital waiting room years later. Across the room, I saw a young woman to whom I had handed a diploma quietly approaching me and saying, “Don’t worry, Mr. D., she’s going to be just fine.” I sincerely hope that she is now delivering these words to other worried loved ones.
Maybe Mr. Butker should think of his mom’s profession while writing his next commencement speech. Or better yet, just confine his thoughts to putting the ball through the uprights.
JOSEpH DAnEnzA East Meadow
ery isn’t hampered by too drastic a reduction in commuter-driven commerce, but in reality, it’s a strategic move to gain political favor in suburban districts where the plan is unpopular during a crucial election year. Despite the fact that half a billion dollars have already been spent on setting up new cameras, the “indefinite” delay seems to conveniently extend only until nov. 6, after which congestion pricing will likely be reinstated. Its true intent is to generate revenue rather than address the core issues plaguing our transportation system.
Michael Manville, an urban planning professor at the Luskin School of public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles said, “With a policy this controversial, it is always helpful if someone else goes first.” new York isn’t a laboratory, and its residents aren’t guinea pigs for experimental policies. Like Manville, many transportation experts and advocates hoped new York would serve as a test case for congestion pricing in the United States, but the stakes are too high to gamble with the livelihoods of our middle-class commuters and smallbusiness owners. new York deserves
well-considered, evidence-based solutions, not to be the proving ground for untested theories.
My consistent opposition to the congestion pricing plan is rooted in a commitment to protect Long Islanders from unjust financial strain. Instead of imposing further tax hikes and depleting state reserves, we need to focus on creating a streamlined and sustainable MTA that doesn’t perpetually seek new funds from Long Island taxpayers. It’s time to curb unnecessary expenditures and prioritize effective management of existing resources. This is the only way to achieve a reliable and equitable transportation system for all new Yorkers. Transit agencies can best demonstrate that they deserve additional funding by wisely utilizing the money they already have.
While the delay in congestion pricing offers temporary relief for Long Islanders and other downstaters, we must remain vigilant about the political motivations underpinning this decision. The imperative remains to advocate for genuine, long-term solutions that protect the interests of all new Yorkers, ensuring that their well-being is not compromised by short-term political expediency.
Ed Ra represents the 19th Assembly District, and is the ranking Republican Member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
Framework by Nancy Rosenblatt
There’s plenty more advice that Biden needs
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column, “Some advice Joe Biden badly needs”: please add the following to “It’s the economy, stupid”: It’s the grocery shock, stupid. It’s the gas prices, stupid. It’s the high interest rates, stupid. It’s the southern border, stupid. It’s the illegal migration, stupid. It’s the revolving crime, stupid. It’s the raging wars, stupid.
And above all, it’s the weaponization of the Department of Justice, stupid!
I was a lifetime Democrat until 2016, when I gave my vote to Donald Trump. The Iraq war and the Libyan war that Hillary Clinton had voted for were turning points.
no Russian told me to vote for Trump. I have not regretted my vote ever since.
In 2020, I was hesitant to vote for Trump, but the vaccine his administration had produced in Operation Warp Speed in just 10 months gave me hope. Despite hearing all the media about the Trump administration, I still voted for Trump.
With the weaponization of the DOJ, I have lost all hope in the Democratic party. KUSH MAKHIJAnI
High Performing in Ten Areas of Care
mountsinai.org/southnassau