Also serving Bay Park
Courtesy Titans Football & Cheer Titans President Ralph Vallarella and Cheer Director Maria Dente-Higgins with some of the boys and girls of Titans Football & Cheer.
carnival raises $33K and draws thousands to Greis Park
By KAyl A DECHTER kdechter@liherald.com
Despite soaring temperatures over the July Fourth weekend, thousands of people filled Greis Park for four days of rides, games, food and community spirit during the Lynbrook Titans’ annual Carnival — a tradition that has become a fixture of the Lynbrook summer while raising thousands of dollars for the organization’s youth football and cheer programs.
According to Titans President Ralph Vallarella, the carnival drew more than 3,000 visitors during its four-day run from July 2 through 5. Through the organization’s agreement with Dreamland Amusements, the Titans received more than $33,000 as their
share of ride-ticket and unlimited-ridebracelet sales, making the event the program’s largest fundraiser of the year.
“We were battling a heat wave, but our community still came out and showed its support,” Vallarella said. “We’re incredibly grateful. Every year it gets a little bigger, and it’s become something families really look forward to.”
After pausing in the 1990s — due to taking part in other events — the carnival returned in 2019 when village officials, Dreamland Amusements and the Titans partnered to revive it. Since then, Vallarella said, it has grown from a small parking-lot event into four busy days at Greis Park, drawing Lynbrook residents as well as residents of
lynbrook native appointed judge Page 4 His essay was the winner Page 11 learning to play the market Page 11
Lynbrook gets $850,000 grant for hockey rink
By KAyl A DECHTER kdechter@liherald.com
When 10-year-old Owen Burkhart steps onto the outdoor roller hockey rink in Lynbrook’s Greis Park, his most challenging opponents isn’t always the other team.
Sometimes it’s the sun.
“The sun is always in my eyes because I play goalie,” Owen said, “and it makes it hard to see the puck.”
For Owen and hundreds of other players who lace up their roller skates to take part in the Lynbrook Roller Hockey League each year, relief could be on the way. The village will receive an $850,000 federal Community Project Funding grant, secured by U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, to help construct an allweather canopy over the roller hockey rink. The project is expected to make the facility usable year-round while creating space for expanded youth sports, community events and police outreach programs.
Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to request federal funding for local infrastructure and community projects.
“These resources will help transform the public roller
rink into a year-round, multiuse facility, preserving an important community asset and ensuring it remains an accessible space for the families who depend on it,” Gillen wrote in an email to the Herald. “Beyond expanding recreational opportunities, the transformed rink will also strengthen community connections.”
Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino, who has been president of the Roller Hockey League for the past three years, said he got the idea for the rink roof when he learned about the federal grant opportunity.
“In the summer, it’s basically unusable because it’s so hot during the day,” Paladino said of the Greis Park rink. “Then, in the winter, snow keeps us off the rink. This canopy opens the door to year-round programming.”
Paladino assembled an application after researching the cost of installing a canopy, and, he said, Gillen called him after reviewing the proposal. “She loved the idea as a hockey mom herself,” Paladino said. “She said, ‘I’d love to go forward with the grant.’”
The federal funding will cover roughly half of the esti-
ConTinueD on Page 2
Canopy project to expand play, village programs
mated $1.7 million cost of the project. The village, Paladino said, is now seeking additional public and private partnerships to pay for what he described as a partially enclosed structure with a steel canopy and weather-resistant sides. If that isn’t possible, the village will still move forward with a traditional overhead canopy that would shield the rink from the sun, rain and snow.
“I hope we get our A-choice structure,” Paladino said. “But anything is better than what we have right now.”
Beyond allowing roller hockey games to continue in more consistent conditions, Paladino said the covered rink could host volleyball, deck hockey, lacrosse clinics, community fairs and other recreational programs throughout the year. The Police Department also plans to expand youth outreach initiatives at the facility.
“I’ve had great experiences there with my own family,” Paladino said. “All three of my kids played in the league, and I made lifelong friends. I’m hoping with this canopy we can improve the Roller Hockey League and give back to the village with year-round programs that expand beyond hockey.”
For coach Don Burkhart, the father of 10-yearold Owen, the biggest benefit may simply be consistency.
“Any moisture or light rain makes the rink very slippery, and you’re unable to roller skate,” Burkhart explained. “Even when it’s not raining, the surface gets super-hot. Without some protection from the weather, it’s challenging to play with those conditions.”
Rainouts frequently push games later into the summer, forcing families to juggle vacations and
camps with make-up games. Burkhart said he believed the canopy would make scheduling more reliable while attracting more players and programs.
“It brings more attention to Greis Park from a roller hockey perspective,” he said. “Right now, we really have spring and fall. With a roof, we can have all four seasons.”
Burkhart added that year-round access would help players improve without having to travel to neighboring communities. “Right now, if I want my son to get more rink time, I have to sign him up in another town,” he said. “If we have leagues all year here, he can stay close to home, play with his friends and keep developing.”
For Owen, though, the rink has always been about more than roller hockey. “My favorite part is playing with my friends,” he said, adding that the facility has become a place where children throughout the community can gather safely.
“It’s important because it gets people together and it’s a safe environment,” Owen said. “I felt safe playing there, and it’s close to my house.”
Gillen said that projects like the rink canopy are exactly what Community Project Funding is intended to support. “One of the best parts of my work in the House is bringing our tax dollars back home to enhance our district and improve the lives of residents,” she wrote in an email. “This project stood out for the lasting impact it will have on Lynbrook and Nassau families.”
Paladino said that construction will begin once the federal funding process and environmental review are complete. While no official timeline has been set, he hopes the project will be finished within the next two years.
with his son, Owen,
a
Hockey League event. Burkhart said that the planned all-weather roof for the rink will expand opportunities for players yearround on their home turf, eliminating the necessity of looking for more rink time in other towns.
Courtesy Don Burkhart Coach Don Burkhart
after
Lynbrook Roller
Local landmarks tell 250 years of history
By KAYLA DECHTER kdechter@liherald.com
Downtown Lynbrook has changed dramatically throughout the decades.
A 1915 image shows Atlantic Avenue lined with small storefronts, horsedrawn wagons, early automobiles and utility poles, reflecting a village that was still in its early years following incorporation in 1911. At the corner stands Keller’s Cafe, a popular gathering place decorated with patriotic bunting and American flags.
In the century since, Atlantic Avenue has evolved from a dusty commercial street into the heart of Lynbrook’s modern downtown business district. Many of the original wood-frame buildings have been replaced or renovated, streets have been paved and widened, and storefronts have adapted to meet the needs of successive generations of residents. While the businesses have changed, Atlantic Avenue remains a central hub for shopping, dining and community events.
According to Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook records, the village experienced rapid growth during the 1920s as former farmland was subdivided into residential neighborhoods, helping shape the Lynbrook residents know today.
On July 4, 1914, East Rockaway residents gathered beneath a large shade tree to watch a community baseball game as part of the village’s Independence Day celebration. At the time, baseball was one of America’s most popular pastimes, and holiday games often drew large crowds of families, friends and neighbors.
A photograph captures a rural East Rockaway long before much of the area
was developed, with open fields serving as gathering places for recreation and community events. According to local historical records, Fourth of July celebrations frequently brought residents together for sports, parades and patriotic festivities, reflecting the close-knit character of the village during the early 20th century.
The White Cannon Hotel was one of East Rockaway’s best-known landmarks during the early 20th century. Located along the village’s waterfront, the hotel served as a popular destination for visitors arriving from New York City and other parts of Long Island seeking recreation along Hewlett Bay.
According to local historical records, the area was once a thriving resort community, with hotels, boating facilities and summer attractions drawing seasonal guests. This 1910 photograph shows the hotel decorated with patriotic bunting and a large cannon displayed in front of the building, reflecting the property’s name and prominence within the community.
Another photograph offers a glimpse of East Rockaway’s waterfront during the village’s early years, likely between 1900 and 1915. The image shows a woman reading beside a small rowboat along a quiet creek or canal, reflecting the area’s reputation as a destination for boating, recreation and relaxation.
At the time, much of East Rockaway’s shoreline remained undeveloped, with wooded landscapes and waterways playing a central role in daily life. While the exact location is unknown, the photograph captures the peaceful character of the village during an era when residents and visitors alike enjoyed spending time on the water.
Photos courtesy Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook
A woman reads beside a rowboat along an East Rockaway waterway, likely between 1900 and 1915. The photograph reflects the village’s early waterfront character and popularity as a boating destination.
The White Cannon Hotel in East Rockaway in 1910. Once a popular waterfront destination, the hotel welcomed visitors during its early years as a summer resort.
Atlantic Avenue in Lynbrook around 1915, featuring Keller’s Cafe and a bustling downtown lined with early businesses, wagons, and automobiles.
The corner of Atlantic and Stauderman avenues today, where Lynbrook’s downtown business district continues to serve as the village’s commercial center.
Lynbrook native appointed Massachusetts judge
Former Lynbrook resident Kristin Michaud, the daughter of longtime Lynbrook residents Kevin and Peggy Michaud, was recently sworn in as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court.
Michaud, a graduate of Our Lady of Peace School and Sacred Heart Academy, was nominated to the bench by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. According to the governor’s office, the Juvenile Court’s mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, strengthen families, rehabilitate juveniles and promote safe, stable homes for children.
Since 2021, Michaud has served as an assistant clerk magistrate at the Somerville District Court. Before that, she worked as a private attorney and mentor on the Children and Family Law Panel and previously served as an assistant district attorney in Middlesex County.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University before receiving her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law.
Her father is a retired Lynbrook Police Department inspector and former chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department, and her mother is a past president of the department’s Ladies Auxiliary. Michaud and her husband have two children.
— Kayla Dechter
Taxation of The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT)
Your writer has often stated that, in elder law, there is more misinformation than information. For example, one of the most pernicious myths about MAPTs is that they lose the stepped-up basis at death. Indeed, a syndicated columnist under the byline “Ask the Expert” recently wrote “...the IRS has determined that assets in an irrevocable trust don’t qualify for a step-up in tax basis at your death.”
For those unfamiliar with the step-up in basis, it works this way. Let’s say you bought your house many years ago for $200,000 and when you pass away it is worth $850,000. The basis gets stepped-up from what you paid to what it was worth on the date of your death. If the heirs sell it shortly after inheriting, they pay no capital gain tax. Savings would be about $200,000 in taxes!
In 2023, the IRS issued a widely misunderstood Revenue Ruling stating that a certain type of irrevocable trust did not get the stepped-up basis. In tax law, it is well understood that (1) if assets pass at death they are includible in the estate and get the stepped-up basis, and (2) if the assets are given away during your lifetime, they keep your original basis. You either get the tax break of the
stepped-up basis and inclusion in the estate OR you get the exclusion from the estate but no stepup. Some aggressive tax lawyers tried to write a trust that purported to get both -- inclusion for capital gains tax purposes but exclusion for estate tax purposes. The 2023 IRS ruling simply stated that you cannot have your cake and eat it too. If the taxpayer claims the irrevocable trust is excluded from the estate for estate tax purposes, then no step-up in basis will be allowed.
Seeing as the estate tax exemption for New York is $7.35 million, most clients are not concerned about inclusion for estate-tax purposes, they want the step-up! Every elder law attorney worth their salt knows this and drafts the MAPT as a “Grantor Trust” keeping the trust assets in the estate.
A very common way of doing this is to provide a “power of appointment” giving the grantor (creator of the trust) the right to change who they leave it to. This way the gift is “incomplete” until death, as which time the grantor can no longer change it. Since the gift is only “completed” at death, it is included in the estate and gets the stepup.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
News brief
Lynbrook students earn their degrees
Several Lynbrook residents were among the students who graduated from Quinnipiac University during the school’s commencement ceremonies in May.
The graduates are Kiera Gaughran, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jaime Herrera, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Brandon Seltzer, who earned a Bachelor of
Arts in Communications; and Sean Walsh, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
Quinnipiac University, located in Hamden, Connecticut, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
— Kayla Dechter
lynbrook/east rockaway
Photo courtesy the Michaud Family
Judge Kristin Michaud, center, a former Lynbrook resident, was sworn in as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court. She is pictured with Chief Legal Counsel Jesse Boodoo, left, and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who nominated her to the position.
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, on
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
HERALD SPORTS
First rounders shine at Isles development camp
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Unlike 2025 when the New York Islanders selected three players within the first 17 picks of the NHL Draft, including eventual unanimous Calder Trophy winning defenseman Matthew Schaefer No. 1 overall, they had only one pick in the first three rounds this year.
That came at No. 13 overall when Schaefer, in Buffalo for draft weekend June 26-27, stepped to the podium to announce the selection of 6-foot-4, 203-pound left-shot defenseman Malte Gustafsson.
“I’m a big two-way defender, I like to contribute all over the ice,” said the 18-year-old Gustafsson, who played 27 games in the Swedish Hockey League with HV71. “I like to use my size, my length and I play physical. Being annoying is part of my game,” he added.
Gustafsson was one of 37 players at Islanders Development Camp June 29-July 2 and impressed in the Blue & White Scrimmage played before an overflow crowd July 1 at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.
Gustafsson signed a one-year contract to remain with HV71 for the 2026-27 season, but perhaps one day he’ll be teammates with fellow Swedes Simon Holmstrom, Emil Heineman and Victor Eklund.
The latter two became Islanders property during the early stages of the 2025 Draft when General Manager Mathieu Darche dealt defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal. Heineman scored 22 goals in his debut season on Long Island, while Eklund, drafted 16th, and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, 17th, were nothing short of dynamic in the SHL and Ontario Hockey League, respectively.
Eklund is very much looking forward to playing a full season in North America, either with the Islanders or recently relocated Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League. The 19-year-old winger registered 6 goals and 18 assists in 43 games for Djurgardens IF in the SHL and made his way to the Bridgeport Islanders (10 points in nine games) and ultimately Long Island for his NHL debut April 14. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, against Carolina.
“I think I made the right decision at the end of last season to come to North America and adapt as fast as I can,” Eklund said after the Blue & White Scrimmage. “Being here with the boys and playing in front of the fans is a lot of fun. Now I’m looking to get stronger, gain weight and be ready for camp in September.”
Aitcheson, who brings a rare combination of physicality and offensive sizzle, is ready for the next step as well after the 19-year-old earned the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman award after posting 70 points (28 goals, 34 assists) during the regular season and 27 in the playoffs (8, 19) for the Barrie Colts, helping them to the finals.
“Just putting my head down and putting the work in,” Aitcheson said. “This is another step to get ready for training camp. It’s been fun so far.”
Nobody had more fun at the Blue & White Scrimmage than Gleb Veremyev, an undrafted 23-year-old 6-5, 218pound forward born in Brooklyn. He had a hat trick to lead Team Blue to a 6-3 victory and also scored the winner in a shootout that followed the 40-minute game.
“I’m trying to take everything in this summer, and I feel like I have something to prove for the rest of my career,” Veremyev said.
Kashawn Aitcheson, one of the Islanders’ three first-round picks in 2025 is ready for the next level after starring in the Ontario Hockey League.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos
Goaltender Sam Hillebrandt made a stop on Jesse Nurmi during development camp held June 29-July 2 at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.
HERALD SchoolS
South Middle School eighth graders were ready to take on high school at their moving up ceremony on June 24.
Lynbrook middle school students move up to H.S.
Eighth graders at Lynbrook North and South middle schools celebrated their move to high school during separate ceremonies on June 24.
At South Middle School, Principal Kaitlin GaNun congratulated the Class of 2030, praising students for their kindness, resilience and growth throughout middle school. Valedictorian Sienna Mainhart and salutatorian Nicole Stimac reflected on overcoming challenges and encouraged their classmates as they prepare for high school.
At North Middle School, Principal Marianne Healy urged graduates to embrace new opportunities and not be afraid of failure, reminding them that setbacks often lead to success. Student speaker Rebecca Wolk encouraged her classmates to appreciate the friendships and memories they made during their time at North.
Graduates from both schools received their diplomas, officially becoming members of Lynbrook High School’s Class of 2030.
— Kayla Dechter
Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
ClearVote system set for November election
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The new voting machines Nassau County residents will use in November are designed to make casting a ballot faster while keeping the voting experience largely unchanged, according to election officials and the machines’ manufacturer.
Voters heading to the polls this fall will use an allnew voting system, after the county Board of Elections selected Clear Ballot’s ClearVote system following a competitive procurement process.
The system will replace the county’s traditional voting equipment, and Nassau will join more than a dozen New York counties that have already adopted ClearVote’s paper-ballot technology.
Although the machines are new, election officials said that voters should notice very little difference in how they cast their ballots. “To the public it will be pretty much the same as they’re used to,” Republican Elections Commissioner James V. Moriarty wrote in a news release. “These machines will be smaller, more efficient and new. New and better equipment.”
The ClearVote system uses full-sized paper ballots that voters fill out by hand or, for those requiring accessibility accommodations, through an ADA-compliant ballot-marking device that prints a full-sized ballot. Every voter ultimately casts the same type of paper ballot, regardless of how it is marked.
The biggest improvements, Democratic Elections Commissioner James Scheuerman explained, will take place behind the scenes, allowing election workers to administer elections more efficiently while preserving the familiar voting experience.
“It’s easier for us to build and run the election and it’s going to be the exact same for the voter, which is
what you’re looking for when you’re bringing on a new voting system,” Scheuerman wrote in a news release.
Once a ballot is filled out, it is inserted into a scanner that reads and records the vote while securely storing the ballot for auditing and recount purposes. Unlike some voting systems that rely on barcodes or summary cards, ClearVote records votes directly from the paper ballots, giving voters the chance to visually verify every selection before casting it.
According to Clear Ballot CEO Bob Hoyt, that transparency is central to the company’s philosophy.
“We believe the best way to establish voter trust is through paper ballots,” Hoyt said. “It allows people to verify their own vote before it’s cast so they know that it counted.”
The new scanners also process ballots significantly faster than older equipment. A ballot, Hoyt said, is scanned and accepted almost immediately after it is inserted — about one second — compared with four to five seconds on many older voting systems.
As soon as the ballot is processed, the screen confirms that the vote has been successfully cast and displays a running ballot count. “It processes the ballot almost immediately,” Hoyt said. “You get a message on the screen that your ballot has been cast, and you can actually see the ballot count increase.”
Clear Ballot first came to New York in 2017, providing high-speed scanners for absentee and mail-in ballots and conducting independent post-election audits.
The company introduced its first in-person voting system in the state in 2023. Nationally, its election technology is used in 14 states, serving more than 46 million registered voters.
Preparing Nassau County for the transition has been a months-long process. Roughly 500 voting machines have already been delivered for testing and poll worker training, with the remaining equipment — roughly 12 trailer loads — scheduled to arrive beginning later this month.
The company is also implementing a learning-management system that will help Nassau comply with New York’s mandatory poll worker training requirements by documenting training and providing ondemand instructional materials.
“If you train the election workers really well, and you have good equipment and good people servicing it,” Hoyt said, “you’ll probably have a really good election.”
Courtesy Clear Ballot Group
Nassau County voters will be using the new ClearVote voting system in the November election.
things to know about the lynbrook
Free concerts return to Greis Park through Aug. 15
By KAYLA DECHTER
Lynbrook’s annual summer concert series is back at Greis Park, offering residents five evenings of free live music, food trucks and family fun throughout the summer. Hosted by the Lynbrook Recreation Center, the concerts take place at the park’s gazebo and feature a different musical style each month. Here’s what to know before you go.
Five free concerts are scheduled through mid-August
The series began with “Rock Into Summer” on June 13 and continues with four more concerts, each running from 6 to 9 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. at Greis Park, 55 Wilbur St. Admission is free and the events are open to the public, rain or shine. The remaining lineup includes:
July 18: Party in the USA — American Ride Tribute Band performs the music of Toby Keith (7-9 p.m.)
July 25: Gazebo Rock — Rockers Revival performs classic hits from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s (6-9 p.m.)
Aug. 8: Americana Collective — O’Leary and Monahan perform acoustic pop, rock and Americana favorites (6-9 p.m.)
Aug. 15: Summer Send-Off — Ozzmosis closes the season with an Ozzy Osbourne tribute concert (7-9 p.m.)
Come hungry — food trucks will be on site
In addition to live music, each concert features a rotating lineup of food trucks serving dinner and desserts throughout the evening. At the season-opening “Rock Into Summer” concert on June 13, attendees enjoyed food from J&J Taste Food Truck and treats from Mr. Flavor Ice Cream Truck while listening to The Project perform classic rock hits. Upcoming concerts will feature returning favorites, along with Brooklyn Sausage and Pepper Truck at the July 25 and Aug. 15 concerts and No Good Burger Truck on Aug. 8. Food is available for purchase, giving concertgoers the chance to grab a meal or dessert without leaving the park.
Bring a chair and enjoy a summer evening outdoors
The concerts are held at the Greis Park gazebo, where families and neighbors can spread out with lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Hosted by the Lynbrook Recreation Center, the annual series has become a popular summer tradition, bringing residents together for free community entertainment in one of the village’s busiest parks. Additional recreation events and program information are available through the Village of Lynbrook Recreation Department.
Four-day event raises funds for football, cheer
neighboring communities.
From thrill rides and carnival games to classic fair food, there was something for visitors of every age. Dreamland Amusements debuted a new Ferris wheel this year, while the Titans unveiled two new tents donated by Lynbrook-based Puccio Tiles that provided shade and served as the organization’s home base throughout the weekend. The event featured the raffled of a custom Titans football helmet donated by Final Touch Auto Collision.
While the carnival is a popular summer tradition, its proceeds serve a larger purpose. “The money goes right back into the program,” Vallarella said. “It helps us pay for equipment, uniforms, insurance, league fees, field maintenance, safety training and all the things that allow us to keep registration affordable for our families.”
More than 320 children, ages 5 to 12, take part in seven football teams and six cheer squads. One of them is 9-year-old Michael Pellizzi, who will begin his fifth season with the Titans this fall after joining the program at age 5.
Michael said that his favorite Titans memory was playing at MetLife Stadium — home of the Giants and Jets — with his teammates and receiving the Heart of the Titan Award at the team’s year-end banquet in 2025.
“It’s really fun, and I’ve made a lot of new friends from different schools,” he said. “You have to be a team to win games. I’d tell anyone my age to join.”
For Vallarella, who first joined the organization in 2019 when his son signed up to play football, experiences like Michael’s are exactly what the Titans strive to create.
“We’re teaching football and cheer, but we’re also teaching responsibility, teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership,” he said. “My hope is that years from now these kids will look back on their time with the Titans as some of their best memories and want their own children to have that same experience.”
The Titans’ 15-member volunteer board begins preparing long before the first ride arrives at Greis Park. Vallarella credited the village, Greis Park staff, the Lynbrook Police Department and local businesses for helping make the event possible.
For Cheer Director Maria Dente-Higgins, the carnival reflects the same sense of community that has kept her involved since she volunteered shortly after her daughter, Lucy, joined the program at age 5 in 2022. Even while nine months pregnant, Dente-Higgins attended her first Titans practices before giving birth to a son, Guiseppe, just weeks later. She returned to coaching two weeks after Guiseppe was born, and is now the Titans’ cheer director.
“Titans really means family,” Dente-Higgins said. “The girls start as young as 5 years old, and many stay with us until they age out. Some even come back later as volunteers, and that’s really special because it shows how much this program means to them.”
The cheer program reached a record 168 participants this spring, its highest enrollment ever, with some families placed on a waiting list because there weren’t enough volunteer coaches.
Dente-Higgins said the work never really stops. As soon as one football season ends, volunteers begin preparing for the next with equipment cleaning, uniform fittings, registration and scheduling.
As another football and cheer season approaches, she said she was excited to welcome both returning and new families.
“My daughter has met some of her best friends through the Titans, and now some of their parents are my best friends,” Dente-Higgins said. “When it’s hot, we sweat together. When it’s cold, we share blankets together. It’s really a special organization in the Lynbrook community, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Members of the Lynbrook Titans Football & Cheer board and the Lynbrook village board with three young attendees at the annual Titans Carnival at Greis Park. From left were Titans Vice President Samantha Grenier, village Trustee Robert Boccio, Titans Treasurer Michael Pellizzi, President Ralph Vallarella, village Trustee Michael Habert, Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst and Trustee AnnMarie Tolle Reardon
emily o’Gard, far left, and Sophie Cardenas tried their hand at knocking down rows of cups in one of the carnival games at the Lynbrook Titans’ annual fundraiser at Greis Park.
Penny napoli, 7, far left, with her parents, Paul and Kerry, and her brother, Dean, 9, showed off the stuffed animals they won playing carnival games at the Lynbrook Titans’ annual fundraiser.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
ConTinueD FRoM PAGe 1
News briefs
Noah Papa, a sixth grader at Rhame Avenue Elementary School, and Max Keitel, a sixth grader at Centre Avenue Elementary School earned medals and a top three finish in the SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game Spring 2026 Middle School Competition.
East Rockaway places in stock market game
Two East Rockaway students earned third place in the SIFMA Foundation’s Spring 2026 Stock Market Game Middle School Competition, finishing among the top teams on Long Island.
Noah Papa, a sixth grader at Rhame Avenue Elementary School, and Max Keitel, a sixth grader at Centre Avenue Elementary School, received medals and $50 e-gift cards after placing third in the curriculum-based investing competition.
The Stock Market Game gives students a virtual $100,000 portfolio to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. Throughout the
competition, teams track market trends, analyze current events and make investment decisions while learning about economics, math and financial literacy.
The East Rockaway team finished behind first-place Woodmere Middle School and second-place Long Island School for the Gifted.
The SIFMA Foundation has operated the Stock Market Game since 1977, helping students develop financial and investing skills through hands-on experience.
— Kayla Dechter
East Rockaway senior wins essay contest
East Rockaway High School senior Jethro Jacques was recognized as the winner of the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection’s annual Drinking Water Week Essay Contest during a presentation at the school.
The contest invited Long Island students in grades 9 through 12 to write about this year’s theme, “Water Conservation in Action,” by proposing a practical way to conserve water at home, school or in their community.
Jacques’ winning essay focused on collecting rainwater by placing barrels beneath gutters to capture runoff after storms, offering a simple way to conserve water that might otherwise go to waste.
“Long Island’s future depends on the protection of our groundwater resources, and it is encouraging to see students engaging with these important issues,” LICAP Chair Ty Fuller said. “Jethro’s essay demonstrated both creativity and a strong understanding of how individu-
al actions can make a meaningful difference in conserving water and protecting our environment.”
The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection, established in 2013, works to protect Long Island’s aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Kayla Dechter
Photo courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District
—
Courtesy Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection LICAP Chair Ty Fuller (left) honors East Rockaway High School Senior Jethro Jacques (right) with certificate for winning island-wide LICAP Essay Contest.
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STEPPING OUT
Wild Child
This is not a typical tribute or pretend concert act. Wild Child relies on recapturing the original: sound, feel, mood, dynamics and delivery of the Doors music. It’s about the music and its delivery. Wild Child lead singer
Jazz is in the air
By Karen Bloom
Tilles Jazz Fest is going strong in its third season.
The festival returns to the historic LIU Post campus, on Saturday, offering a full day of world-class jazz, family-friendly fun and community celebration across four stages.
Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, this year’s edition again brings together legendary artists and rising stars. This is an immersive indoor/outdoor experience — from lawn picnics and second line parades during the day to headliner The Buena Vista Orchestra performing in the evening.
The day’s lineup includes the Bobby Sanabria Octet, the Grammy-nominated percussionist blends Afro-Cuban jazz with big band flair; Bluesy Beats and Jazzy Treats with Dan and Claudia Zanes, with a lively, family-friendly set of jazz rhythms; young vocalist Ruby Laks, a fresh, expressive voice in contemporary jazz; along with a swinging Second-Line Parade, led by Hot Jazz All-Stars, including up-and-coming trumpeter Bria Skonberg, when all artists and the audience are invited to join in.
As Tom Dunn, Tilles Center’s executive and artistic director puts it: “This festival captures the spirit of jazz, where iconic voices and emerging artists share the stage. It’s an energizing celebration of artistry, innovation, and community, set in a place that inspires creativity at every turn.”
The LIU Jazz Combo (current LIU students) and Long Island Rising Stars (LIU alumni and regional talent) welcome guests at festival entrances from 12:15 p.m. Members of the LIU Marching Band add energy to the New Orleans-style Second Line parade, closing the daytime festivities at 5:45 p.m.
The young superstars of tomorrow are certainly given their due, alongside the jazz greats. Of course, headliner, The Buena Vista Orchestra, surely deserves the spotlight. The orchestra (sometimes referred to as The Buena Vista Social Orchestra, Orquesta Buena Vista) is acclaimed as the world’s foremost Cuban music repertory ensemble — featuring a revolving lineup. Virtuoso Cuban violinist Rolando Morejón Reyes leads an exciting set of musicians pulled from The Buena Vista Social Club, AfroCuban All Stars, the bands of Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, Chucho Valdés, Willie Colón, and others.
To date, The Buena Vista Orchestra and related projects have toured the world and garnered global accolades, making it one of the biggest-selling and best known Cuban music projects in history.
On a more intimate scale are Dan and Claudia
Feel that beat
Zanes, who are delighted to bring what Dan Zanes described as their “community music” to this year’s festival audience.
“It was an exiting call to get,” he says, of the invite. He notes that while they’ve performed at Tilles before, their festival appearance allows the Zanes to show a different side of their musicianship.
• July 18, starting at noon
• Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100
• LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
Dave Brock’s Doors concert tribute debuted with a triple sellout at the Whisky a-Go-Go. Since then the act has been touring and playing at sold out national act venues and festivals around the world. Wild Child became the mold that “tribute bands” aspired to become, as they flooded the market with good and bad impersonations of famous artists. In 2010 Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors, invited Dave to tour with them as their vocalist on their concert engagements: a hug honorl Wild Child performances are praised as the closest thing to a real live Doors experience.
Friday, July 17, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
“I come from the folk and rock ‘n roll world, but Claudia, my wife and partner in all this, is a jazz singer. She was performing and touring as a jazz vocalist before I met her. And Tyree Austin who’s also going to be singing with us is also a jazz vocalist. He sings jazz and gospel. So the spirit of jazz is really in what we do.”
partner in performing and
Zanes, a Grammy-winner, occupies a unique place in American music — where sea shanties, English Music hall, play party songs, the spirit of early rock ‘n roll, soul, North American and West Indian folk music collide. For the past 20 years, he has toured the world with his band, Dan Zanes and Friends, sharing 21st century social music with enthusiastic crowds of all ages.
In the 1980s Zanes was a member of The Del Fuegos, the roots rock band that released several albums and toured heavily before spontaneously combusting in 1989. In 1994 he became a father and began trying to create music that he and his daughter could enjoy together as a shared experience — an updated version of the Folkways records he grew up on. In 2000, he released Rocket Ship Beach, which became an immediate hit with families in America. NPR called him “The Gold Standard in kid’s music.”
And while their music does have a certain kid-friendly appeal, Zanes is quick to point out that there’s much more to it than that. The Zanes prefer not to be categorized as “children’s entertainers.”
“Our music is social music. It’s very participatory. We come out of a lot of different folk traditions: North American folk traditions, blues, as well as Haitian folk traditions {influenced by Claudia who is Haitian-American). It’s for all ages, including young folks but also older.
“At our concerts there’s quite a bit of singing along. It’s a social experiment. Even though we’re a modern group we work with ancient traditions and one of those traditions is galvanizing people with song. There’s movement, there’s dancing. Three voices and a 12 string guitar is the foundation of what we do, with addition of trombone, horn and some percussion.”
He describes their sound as “joyful music.”
“These are hard times for a lot of people and music reminds us that there is so much beauty in the world and so much that we get from being with each other. There’s something about singing together that gives all a sense of life’s best possibilities. Behind it all is joy always.”
Guests are encouraged to come with lawn chairs and blankets for a day of relaxed listening and discovery. Youngsters will also enjoy the Kids Zone, with an instrument “petting zoo,” crafts and face painting. When everyone is ready for a bite, check out the food trucks and artisan purveyors with their tempting wares. Or bring your own picnic!
Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore
Following sold-out successes of his previous tours, Derek Hough is back. The Emmy-winning dancerchoreographer-entertainer — known for his dazzling performances on “Dancing With The Stars” — takes his audience on an exhilarating journey through dance with breathtaking choreography, vibrant visuals and his signature stage presence. The high-energy production celebrates the artistry and emotion of movement while showcasing the versatility that has made Hough one of today’s most celebrated performers. Experience a thrilling fusion of dance and music; the fan-favorite dancer explores styles ranging from ballroom, tap, salsa, hip-hop and everything in between.
Sunday, July 19, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter. org or (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Courtesy Anna Zanes Dan Zanes
Courtesy Tilles Center
Bobby Sanabria
Courtesy Andrea Escobar
The Buena Vista Orchestra
Courtesy Mark Mann Claudia Zanes
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
jul 16
Annual Cruise Nights & Summer Car Shows
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Summer Car Shows every Thursday evening along Atlantic Avenue. Check out the classic, vintage and modern cars, entertainment and food and drinks available from local bars and restaurants. Residents and visitors are invited to bring family and friends to enjoy the weekly showcase of vehicles and entertainment in downtown Lynbrook.
• Where: Atlantic Avenue between Stauderman and Merrick Road
• Time: Ongoing Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., through Aug. 27
• Contact: lynbrookusa.com
jul
17
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the familyfriendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2
• Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
Happy Birthday, Franklin!
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to celebrate the Eastern Box Turtle’s 50th Birthday! Make him a one-ofa-kind cake craft inspired by all his favorite things! Come help honor 50 turtle-tastic years at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
A Celebration of the Mighty Zep
jul
22
Family movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See “A Minecraft Movie,” the 2025 adventure comedy film based on the video game. Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home they’ll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected expert crafter.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! Get The Led Out returns to the Paramount with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” two electrifying nights of classic rock, running through June 28. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of Led Zeppelin and brought their music to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians, intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before! Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and highoctane recreation of Zeppelin’s iconic sound. From thunderous anthems to mystical acoustic ballads, GTLO captures the full range of Led Zeppelin’s brilliance — complete with the layered instrumentation and soaring dynamics that the band rarely performed live. With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion. When an album calls for three guitars, GTLO brings three guitarists to the stage — no shortcuts, no gimmicks. GTLO focuses on the legendary band’s early years and dives deep into beloved hits and rare cuts alike. Their approach is reverent and precise, more like a classical concert than a cover band — a true celebration of timeless rock.
jul
18
Summer Sensations with Risky Business
St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus hosts Summer Sensations featuring Risky Business. The evening includes food, drinks and entertainment for guests while supporting the local Knights of Columbus council, for $55 a person.
• Where: 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook
• Time: 7-11 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 887-2228 or grandknight@lynbrookkofc.com
Summertime vibes
Cover City Soundtrack takes over the Jones Beach Bandshell for a free, all - ages night of pop - punk anthems, emo nostalgia, and shoreline summer energy. Parents can relive their Warped Tour days while kids discover why this music still hits hard. Expect jump - worthy pop - punk, heart - tugging emo classics, and the kind of electric beach - night vibe only Jones Beach delivers. From toddlers to teens to full - grown elder emos, everyone can dance, laugh, and sing along. Bring your crew, your kids, your nostalgia, and your energy.
• Where: Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell, Field 4, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
• Time: 8-10 p.m.
• Contact: CoverCitySoundtrack. com
Magic in the Making
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes young witches, wizards, and magical makers to special afterhours evening in the gardens. Families are invited enjoy an evening of creativity and a little bit of magic. Activities include Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects exhibit, I LUG NY Challenge Zone, LEGO-free-play area, “My Own Creation” build contest, craft stations and spell-bound sports. Dress as your favorite wizard, witch or whimsical character! $34 general admission, $24 child, with member discounts. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 5-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.; also July 25
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Jam tribute and Foo For All with Foo Fighters tunes.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
Family theater
Lance the Eagle welcomes families to “A Semi-Quincenten-EAGLE Birthday” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. In this original production, families are invited to celebrate his birthday. His message: As the national bird, this party will be happening throughout the whole month of July. Come to think of it, I did hear something about a birthday for the United States of America as well. Hmm...must be a coincidence! I’ll be throwing a parade through LICM’s galleries and a celebratory spectacle in the Theater. Come ready to party!” Keep an eye out 30 minutes before each show for a special interactive pre-show! For ages 3+. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 22
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
‘Grease’ Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes all to Rydell High. Here’ the senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.
• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 7:30 p.m.; also July 26 and July 29
• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Rockin’ on Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with a double bill of Last Exit with a Pearl
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 4th day of August, 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following location(s):
(NR) EAST ROCKAWAY
LAWRENCE STREET (TH 276/26) - STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on Rhame Avenue shall come to a full stop.
LAWRENCE STREET (TH 276/26) - STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Rhame Avenue shall come to a full stop.
FRANKLIN SQUARE
TYLER STREET (TH 279/26) - STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Jefferson Street shall come to a full stop.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: July 7, 2026
East Rockaway BOE recognizes retirees, PTA
The East Rockaway Board of Education recognized graduating student leaders, longtime staff members and community volunteers during its June 16 meeting, which featured a series of presentations celebrating the accomplishments of students and employees across the district.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by East Rockaway High School student John Ginnochio. High school Principal Rich Schaffer then recognized the Class of 2026’s top academic achievers, valedictorian Charlotte Webster and salutatorian Victoria Schaefer. Although neither student was able to attend the meeting, board members applauded their accomplishments and wished them well as they prepare for college. Webster will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, while Schaefer will attend Molloy University. Both plan to study biology.
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 161219
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a PUBLIC HEARING and DECISIONS on Thursday, July 30TH, 2026 at 5:30 P.M. in the Court Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following cases:
HEARINGS: #1032190 Earle LLC, Isaak Sherman, - 190 Earle Avenue, Lynbrook - § 252-40 Rear yards. Rear yards are required of no less than 10 feet, except that no apartment house, multiple dwelling or club which shall hereafter be erected shall a have a rear yard of less than 20 feet. § 252-54 Off Street
Parking Requirements Required On Site Parking: 16 parking spaces, Proposed On Site Parking: 3 parking spaces #1033 - Yucel Yilmaz, - 21 Washington Avenue, Lynbrook - § 144-5
Height of fences. Permitted Height of Fence Frontward to Street: 4 feet, Proposed Height of Fence Frontward to Street: 6
feet. #1034 -
Harrontine Realty Corp - 159 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook § 252-64
Minimum setbacks, B. Corner Lots.- Required front yard setback: 5-0 feet, Proposed front yard setback: 0-0 feet.
DECISIONS - #1030Lynbrook Plaza LLC, Michael Jasgmohan418-420 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook, #1031 - Merrick SS Investors LLC, - 14 Merrick Road, Lynbrook. All interested parties should appear at the Public Hearing and may view case files at the Building Department, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00AM and 3:00PM. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 161209
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WATERFALL VICTORIA GRANTOR TRUST II, SERIES G, Plaintiff, vs. JORGE ARIAS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to Amend Caption, Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale After Inquest, and Appointment of Referee duly entered on July 31, 2014, an Order Extending Time to Set Sale and
Amending Caption duly entered on December 14, 2021 and an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly entered on February 2, 2022, 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 August 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 18 Catherine Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 226 and Lot 593. Approximate amount of judgment is $342,900.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008272/2009. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee
Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 161182
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
The board also honored three retiring staff members for their years of dedicated service to the district. Rhame Avenue Elementary School teacher Michael Cohen was celebrated by students, family members and colleagues, many of whom wore tie-dyed shirts in recognition of his love for the Grateful Dead. Custodian Alex Loveras was recognized for nearly four decades of service at Rhame Avenue Elementary School and East Rockaway High School, with family members joining the celebration. Teacher’s aide Linda Lindsley, also of Rhame Avenue, was recognized in absentia.
The district also installed its PTA officers for the 2026-27 school year during the organization’s annual Installation Flower Ceremony, recognizing the volunteers who help support students, teachers and school programs throughout the year.
Board members also thanked Sofia
Ferkov as she concluded her term as East Rockaway’s first student ex officio board member. They praised her leadership and said she established a strong foundation for future student representatives. Incoming student board member Nora Smith was introduced and is scheduled to be sworn in at the board’s July 8 meeting.
Before adjourning, district officials announced that restoration work on East Rockaway High School’s historic cupola is nearing completion. A community celebration marking the completion of the project is planned for September.
— Kayla Dechter
Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District Superintendent James DeTommaso (left) and Director of Facilities Jim Daly (right), honor custodian Alex Loveras for his forty years of service to the district.
Nora Smith was introduced as the next student ex officio member of the BOE.
Current student ex officio board member Sofia Ferkov was honored for contributions to the BOE this year.
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
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
EDITOR/REPORTER
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 jbessen@liherald.com
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 from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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 $35,360 + 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
Operations/ Office Coordinator Full-Time. Cedarhurst. $25–$30/hour. Seeking person with strong communication, organizational, computer skills. Resume: info@purebitessnacks.com
OUTSIDE SALES
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 $35,360 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
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDI-
ATE 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
Stat. Assist. Compile and anal. beauty category data to identify hi-perf. SKUs & trends; Synth. hist. sales & prod. records to forecast inventory needs; Maintain DBs & create
Eldercare Offered
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
Waterfront Dream Home
Spectacular 8,100-square-foot stately brick Colonial offering seven bedrooms, seven full and two half baths on 215 feet of prime waterfront property. Beautifully renovated throughout, this exceptional home features a dramatic two-story entry foyer that opens to a second-floor balcony. Walls of windows flood the home with natural light while showcasing magnificent water views. Designed for both comfortable living and elegant entertaining, the home offers an exceptional flow and generously proportioned rooms throughout. The main-level primary suite overlooks the water and features two enormous walk-in closets and a luxurious radiant-heated bath with double vanities, separate water closets, a steam shower, and a Jacuzzi tub. The 2,100-square-foot finished basement, renovated just 10 years ago, includes a theater, recreation room, gym, wine cellar, bonus room, and full bath. The resortstyle backyard features a heated Gunite pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, expansive patio, and a newly renovated 215-foot raised vinyl bulkhead with a private dock for your boat. Additional highlights include a grand circular driveway and an attached three-car garage. Every luxury amenity has been thoughtfully included. Located in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District #14, this remarkable waterfront estate is conveniently close to the LIRR, shopping, and houses of worship. Asking $5,570,000. Call today to arrange your private viewing of this exceptional waterfront residence.
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Apartments For Rent
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space When Available. For Details Call 516-860-6889/ 516-852-5135/ 516-582-9978
Ronnie Gerber
Licensed Real Estate
Salesperson C: 516-428-4298 O: 516-623-2776
ronnie.gerber@elliman.com
For Everything 5 Towns & More Douglas Elliman / Merrick
What to do about cracking concrete, Part 2
Q. We have large cracks in our concrete driveway and garage floor, and want to make sure they are repaired correctly, since they appear to be recently done, possibly within a year before we purchased the house. In particular, there is a nearly round hole that turned to gravel, kind of, and we want to know why it happened and avoid having it happen again. What can you tell us?
A. As I previously explained, concrete reacts to extreme weather changes, and isn’t as stable as people think. Nature moves mountains, so your driveway was no challenge to the forces of nature. Extreme cold causes concrete to contract — push in on itself — while heat has the effect of stretching rigid concrete to the point of literally ripping apart.
As with any material, water and movement are the most critical factors to work with. You’ll never win over nature. The hole is basically like a zit, a buildup of pressure in a weaker place across the surface. Concrete develops strength as a chemical reaction to the specific combination of materials it is made from. With too much water in the mix, it will be weaker, especially in a particular spot. With not enough water to support the chemical reaction of Portland cement, sand and stone, the concrete will be weak. It’s important to follow the directions on the package(s) to get the correct mix.
Like any successful repair or construction project, analysis and planning are extremely important. You should have a professional take a look at the problem before you repair it, to decide if a repair is even worth it. A short consult more than pays for itself if it turns out you’d be wasting money on something that isn’t worth a quick fix. If that round hole reveals that there’s no steel reinforcement, for example, then the rest of the driveway is on its way to needing more serious work in the near future. If the hole reveals that the mix was too wet or too dry, or was poured in weather that was too cold, or that admixtures were the wrong combination, you’ll just be throwing good money after bad.
When I see concrete work being done in extreme cold or excessive heat, as I’m driving by, I make a mental note to double back, over time, to see how the experiment worked or didn’t work. You can only shake your head when you understand the possible outcome. There are concrete repair mixtures that include epoxy adhesives, but, again, follow the directions to the letter if you’re making the less expensive, quick repair.
It was invaluable for me to work with a mason, carpenter and painter during summers off from architecture school. The mason taught me to wet the area before continuing after our lunch break, not adding wet next to dry mortar. The dry area was already curing. The fresh mortar would have the moisture sucked right into the drier surface, weakening both, and the work in general. Good luck!
Monte Leeper
Announcements
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Antiques/Collectibles
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BOAT OARS, ALUMINUM. 8.5' $50. Extra large and medium life vests $20 each. Text 516-647-1999.
EXERCISE SEAT/ CHAIR, "Body By Jake/ Ab & Back Plus. VG condition, $15. Lido (516)705-8398".
SERVICES
Appliance Srvc./Repair
APPLIANCE DOCTOR FOR ALL YOUR APPLIANCE REPAIRS! Prompt, Reasonable, Reliable. All Repairs Guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Serving Community 45 Years. $10 OFF Repairs. Seniors $12 OFF. 516-764-7011
THE APPLIANCE KING: Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Microwaves, Stoves, Refrigerators. WE RULE REPAIR ! $10 Off Repair With Ad. Senior Discount. Lic/Ins #201025, Call 516.640.8593
Cable/TV/Wiring
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opinions America must not abdicate its leadership
Almost 60 years ago, former Secretary of State Dean Acheson wrote a memoir, “Present At the Creation,” which focused on the reality that the United States had to remake the world — or at least Europe — in the years after World War II. That required a rejection and repudiation of the isolationist “America First” policy that had predominated after World War I until Pearl Harbor.
In 1945, Hitler and Nazi Germany had been destroyed, and postwar Germany was in ruins. Though England and France had been victors, the war left them seriously weakened. The British economy was in shambles, and France, which had largely surrendered to Nazi collaborators during the war, was economically damaged and politically unstable.
Most ominously, it soon became apparent that Stalin’s Russia was intent on expanding Soviet rule in Europe, with no regard for treaties or territorial boundaries. Agreements such as Yalta and Potsdam were ignored as Soviet communist rule was imposed on
Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, East Germany and most of Eastern Europe, creating what Winston Churchill so accurately labeled the Iron Curtain.
Fortunately, the United States would not repeat the tragic errors it made after World War I, which led to the inexorable rise of Hitler and World War II.
The first world war had left Germany impoverished, creating fertile ground for Hitler and the growth of Naziism. The U.S. had basically demobilized its armed forces after the “war to end all wars.”
As Hitler rebuilt the German war machine in the 1930s and Europe appeased Hitler at Munich, the U.S. was slow to respond, and then the America First movement opposed helping Churchill when England was under siege.
Ultimately, the Soviet empire would implode.
U kraine needs American support, and in Iran we need NATO’s support.
Today, our world is in need of another act of creation. Russian President Vladimir Putin envisions a new Russian empire, beginning with the invasion of Ukraine. This was the first invasion of one sovereign European nation by another in the almost eight decades since World War II. This continuing attack threatens European stability and, as we should have learned from the two 20th-century conflagrations, America’s security is imperiled. The concept of Fortress America, with oceans protecting us, is outmoded, and potentially suicidal.
In the aftermath of World War II, however, the U.S. assumed the leadership of the free world. Unlike Germany under Hitler, Stalin’s Russian expansion would be halted. America First would be no more. The Marshall Plan was enacted to rebuild West Germany and Western Europe.
To prevent a replay of Munich and appeasement, NATO was created so that an attack on one would be an attack on all. Isolationism was over.
While Europe has stepped forward and provided Ukraine with needed weaponry, the Trump administration has cut off arms sales to Ukraine, instead selling them to Europe, which will provide them to Ukraine. This is unnecessarily convoluted, and is causing Ukrainian lives to be lost. The administration somehow sees a moral equivalence between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which isn’t that different from equating Hitler with Churchill.
Our lead negotiator, Steve Witcoff, is a real estate guy from New York with
no diplomatic experience, and he hasn’t met with the parties in months. Ukraine is fighting valiantly, and actually beating Russia on the battlefield. But being outnumbered and outgunned, Ukraine can’t survive without American support. Echoes of Munich! Similarly, we will not prevail in our struggle against Iran by announcing that we will never use ground troops or by pretending we are winning when we are stalemated by the Iranians, who have the ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. To succeed we will need the support of NATO nations to use their minesweeper expertise to clear the strait. That would have been easier if we had informed NATO of our intention to attack Iran in the first place. Every effort must be made to obtain congressional support, and to level with the American people that no war is easy, especially a war against religious fanatics. And every war has risks. Telling the enemy we won’t ever use ground troops only increases the risk of having to use them.
These are perilous times, and we cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. America must show firm leadership. America First cannot be America alone!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
No need for Democrats to panic about Mamdani & Co.
These past few weeks have been difficult for middle-of the-road Democrats. Candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America have won roughly half of 70 or so contested primary contests nationwide. The Wall Street Journal called the DSA successes “the political story of 2026.”
But will the DSA drag the Democratic Party permanently to the left, or will it fade away, as the Tea Party did on the Republican side in the mid-2010s?
Over the past 50 years, I have seen the Democratic Party tugged left and center by a number of forces, but in the end the moderates have always won the tug of war. The first big DSA win was in New York City, when Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor. He has now been in office just over six months, and the political jury is still out on whether he will be able to hold on to his job for more than one term. To date, Mamdani has won some major victories, and kept his pledges to
the voters who supported him. He has gotten lots of money from Albany for pre-K and child care programs, and his promised rent freeze has been approved. He has not delivered yet on his promise of free buses, because that’s a cost that would hurt all New Yorkers who use mass transit, and can’t afford to subsidize bus riders.
GMamdani got elected by virtue of the fact that his only primary opponent was former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who turned out to be a weak candidate. Mamdani’s success can also attributed to the so-called socialists’ mastery of social media. Moderate Democrats have failed to use that medium as effectively, giving the DSA a gift that other candidates around the country have benefited from as well. Can the DSA become a major force in American politics? I personally doubt its long-term ability to survive, but I may be proven wrong. An August 2025 Gallup poll found that 39 percent of Americans had a positive view of socialism, while 57 percent had a negative view. Socialist positions like defunding the police, eliminating rent and solidarity with the Palestinian cause may ener-
overning in the modern era is a big challenge for a fledgling movement.
gize the base, but they remain liabilities in swing districts and national races. A recent article in the Atlantic reported that the DSA’s sectarian wing has refused to endorse a Democratic presidential nominee. That will undercut its political influence.
The recent DSA wins have been concentrated in cities such as New York, Seattle, Denver and Washington, where progressive voters dominate. The organization has no U.S. senators and only a handful of House members, and no member of the DSA has never won a statewide race. And the Mamdani victory is instructive. He won because he softened his image, distancing himself from defunding the police, and stuck to breadand-butter issues.
The socialist movement has an internal contradiction. Its ideologically pure wing alienates voters it needs to build majority coalitions, while its more electable candidates drift toward positions that look a lot like those of typical progressives. In the early 1970s, the New Democratic Coalition made a run at taking over the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, but failed because it
lacked a strong party structure. Electoral success in blue cities does not equal long-term political viability. For socialist candidates to establish durable legitimacy, they will need to demonstrate competence at governing. Mamdani is being watched closely to see if he can hold on to his base. To do so he will have to relax some of his stated positions, which has already unnerved some of his DSA supporters. One example, that went beyond his campaign pledges, was his decision to keep the city police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, in her position.
Some of my Democratic friends in high party positions have reached for the panic button, but I’ve urged them to hold their fire. The DSA and its base have yet to capture the Democratic centrists and hold them hostage. They may notch a few more wins, but governing in the modern era is a big challenge for a small, fledgling movement. History informs me that the moderates in the Democratic Party are still in charge, and, while threatened, are very much alive and well.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm.
SHERALD
Sports still bring us together
ports have always been about more than wins and losses. At their best, they remind us that we have far more in common than the headlines, social media feeds and political arguments would have us believe.
Over the past several weeks, Long Islanders saw two remarkable examples.
The New York Knicks’ championship run transformed Long Island and New York City into one giant community gathering. Bars overflowed with fans wearing blue and orange. Families planned evenings around playoff game tipoffs. Friends who hadn’t watched a game together in years reunited.
Even people who only casually followed basketball found themselves caught up in the excitement. Whether you watched from a crowded sports bar, a watch party or your living room, you became part of something bigger than yourself.
The FIFA World Cup offered a different, but equally meaningful, lesson.
U.S. forward Folarin Balogun’s red card sparked spirited debate among soccer fans. Many questioned the referee’s decision, others defended it, and nearly everyone had an opinion. Yet those conversations, like so many others about the competition, remained focused on the pitch. Fans dissected tactics, coach-
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ing decisions and player performances not as ideological opponents, but as people who simply loved the game.
That distinction matters.
In too many corners of public life today, disagreement quickly turns into hostility. Every issue seems destined to become another battle in an endless culture war. Sports remind us that there is another way. You can passionately disagree with someone’s opinion, make your case, and then sit beside that same person to watch the next match.
Even after Belgium eliminated the United States, American supporters found themselves tipping their caps to a talented Belgian squad. There was disappointment, certainly, but also respect. Some fans even joked that Belgium had earned a little good karma along the way for not making Balogun’s controversial reinstatement an issue. That’s the beauty of sports. Defeat doesn’t have to produce bitterness. Sometimes it simply produces appreciation for excellence.
The same spirit carried Knicks fans through every dramatic moment of their championship run. Complete strangers celebrated together after clutch baskets. Subway rides morphed into rolling pep rallies. Neighborhood restaurants and bars became gathering places where age, politics, profession and background mattered far less than
the logo on a jersey.
For a few hours at a time, everyone was simply a fan. Those shared experiences strengthen communities in ways that statistics never can. They create memories between parents and children, lifelong friends and even strangers who may never meet again.
Years from now, many people won’t remember every score or every lineup change. But they will remember where they were, whom they were with and how it felt when an entire room erupted in celebration.
Our communities need more moments like that.
Sports won’t solve our political differences or erase the challenges we face. They shouldn’t have to. Their value lies elsewhere. They remind us that healthy competition doesn’t require contempt, that spirited debate doesn’t have to become personal, and that people with different backgrounds and viewpoints can still cheer, groan and celebrate together.
The Knicks gave New Yorkers a championship to remember. The World Cup is giving the world another reminder of soccer’s unmatched ability to unite people across borders and cultures. Long after the trophies are lifted and the final whistles blow, that is the real victory worth celebrating.
Seeing for ourselves where a legendary writer lived
suffolk County has been the home of many literary giants. The number is unusual for any area. It includes Walt Whitman, James Fenimore Cooper, Kurt Vonnegut, James Jones, Truman Capote, Betty Friedan, Edward Albee, E.L. Doctorow, Joseph Heller, Lanford Wilson, Joe Pintauro, Terence McNally, Colson Whitehead, Peter Matthiessen . . . and John Steinbeck.
And now, you can get an extraordinary insight into Steinbeck.
The house in Sag Harbor in which Steinbeck and his wife, Elaine, lived has been preserved. That’s thanks to donations to the Sag Harbor Partnership, the participation of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas (Elaine’s alma mater), $750,000 from New York state, $11.2 million from the Town of Southampton’s Community Preservation Fund, and individual contributions from folks in Sag Harbor. You can go on a free Saturday tour of the 1.8 acres of property overlooking
Sag Harbor Cove, and visit inside the house, too, on Holiday Open House Weekends. My wife and I took the tour on the Memorial Day weekend.
Among the many features of the property is Steinbeck’s charming little six-sided gazebo, his writing studio. He named it, with a sign, Joyous Garde, after Sir Lancelot’s castle in the legend of King Arthur. Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize for literature and the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his renowned novel “The Grapes of Wrath.” Among his many other books were “East of Eden,” “Of Mice and Men,” “The Pearl,” “The Red Pony,” “The Winter of Our Discontent,” “Tortilla Flat,” Cannery Row” and “Travels with Charley: In Search of America” — which begins in Sag Harbor.
sHe and Elaine lived in the Sag Harbor house from 1955 until his death in 1968. Elaine continued to use the house until she died in 2003.
Our docent for the tour was Lori Raimondo, who is highly knowledgeable about Steinbeck. She told us how Sag Harbor reminded him of Monterey, Calif., on the Pacific Ocean south of San Francisco, where he had earlier lived. Monterey was a working-class waterfront town, like Sag Harbor in those days.
teinbeck wrote in a gazebo that had room for only a small desk and a chair.
Raimondo said that Steinbeck saw the house while looking at another one nearby, but was told it wasn’t for sale. He went over and knocked on the door, anyway, and the couple who owned it said they were just putting it up for sale.
He hung out with friends in the village, which in recent years has featured the John Steinbeck Waterfront Park. In the 1960s, he was a founder and honorary chairman of Sag Harbor’s Old Whaler’s Festival (now known as HarborFest). We lived in Sayville back then, and as a reporter for the Long Island Press, I went to Sag Harbor and interviewed Steinbeck on a festival day.
Framework by Tim Baker
In the house, Steinbeck’s creativity — and humor — were apparent immediately. Raimondo pointed out a mobile hanging in the living room, which, she noted, Steinbeck constructed from the spokes of an umbrella. Adjacent was a cozy kitchen area.
A main feature of the living room is a fireplace made with large stones, especially big in the context of the small house. Originally, Raimondo explained,
a collection of rifles hung above the fireplace, and she showed us photos of them. In a hallway that led down to a bedroom were many photos, including one of Steinbeck receiving the Nobel Prize. Up what is now a metal circular staircase — which replaced a ladder, Raimondo said — was a loft for the Steinbecks’ two sons, Thomas and John. Outside, we visited a small workshop building that, Raimondo told us, Steinbeck originally thought he could use for writing. But he found there were too many diversions in it. Then it was on to the simple Joyous Garde, which had room for only a small desk and a chair. It was a tranquil place for Steinbeck to write, with a serene view of the waters of Sag Harbor Cove through its windows. To arrange to take the tour, go to steinbeckhouse.org/visit. “There are two options for visiting,” it advises. One is a “regular Saturday visit,” on dates that are listed. The other is holiday open house weekends, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays on which both the grounds and the home are open. Take the tour. It is immensely worthwhile.
Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
Thrilling the thousands on chairs and blankets below, the Blue Angels celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday — Jones Beach
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