CLIFF/GLEN HEAD
Glen Head commuters made backup plans for getting to work while Long Island Rail Road strike was in progress.
LIRR strike ends after agreement What commuters are saying at the Glen Head station
By BRIAN KACHARABA & JUlIA CAPITEllI jcapitelli@liherald.com
The three-day Long Island Rail Road strike ended late Monday after five unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reached a tentative agreement following several days of negotiations, officials announced at an evening news conference.
Union and MTA representatives announced the deal after negotiations resumed in the afternoon and continued into the night, ending the work stoppage that had halted service and caused widespread travel disruptions across Long Island and in New York City.
“We have good news tonight,” Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and spokesman for the Long Island Railroad Bargaining Coalition, said. “We’re pleased to
announce that the parties have reached an agreement.”
Sexton said that details of the agreement would not be released immediately, citing the need for member review ahead of ratification votes. However, public radio station WYNC reported that the four-year deal includes retroactive pay and expires in July 2027.
“Due to the nature of the negotiations, we cannot discuss the specifics,” he said. “What I can say is we are looking forward to our members getting back to work and doing what they do best, which is serving the region.”
He added that any premature disclosure of details could complicate ratification.
“We don’t want to fail ratification,” Sexton said. “If they get part of this story through the media, it may impact their deci-
North Shore passes ‘26-’27 school budget
By JUlIA CAPITEllI jcapitelli@liherald.com
The North Shore School District’s $129 million budget passed by a vote of 1,141 to 463 on Tuesday night. And Board of Education President Andrea Macari and Trustee Brian Hanley, who each ran uncontested, were re-elected, Macari with 1,174 votes and Hanley with 1,094.
“We have to thank everybody, right?” Macari said after the announcement of the results. “Everybody worked so hard.”
In February, district residents approved propositions for bond and capital-reserve funding projects at all five schools.
I think it’s a statement on the community’s support of the schools.
travel from one school to another for accommodations can remain at one school all day. There are no cuts to positions or programs. The budget also includes allocations for new equipment, such as new buses that the district says are at the end of their useful lives. Funds are also earmarked for the addition of new Advanced Placement classes at the high school and the continued financing of AP exams. In March, Superintendent Chris Zublionis described the exams as an academic “equalizer” among students.
CHRIs ZUBlIoNIs Superintendent
The 2026-27 spending plan is 2.9 percent larger than the current budget, largely due to employee benefits, contractual salary increases and specialeducation services that schools are legally required to provide. North Shore is also adding more special-education services at the elementary schools, so students who currently have to
“I think it’s a statement on the community’s support of the schools,” Zublionis said after the budget vote, “and the level of support has increased over the last two years, and I think it’s a statement on the work the board has done, the district has done. Fiscally responsible and also maintain programs.”
While the district will lose $80,000 in revenue next school year because of the settlement
ContInued on paGe
Julia Capitelli/Herald
things to know about american history
Learning with Ed Lieberman
By JULIA CAPITELLI
jcapitelli@liherald.com
Former Sea Cliff Mayor Ed Lieberman held a presentation May 14 in honor of the United States’ semi quincentennial anniversary. With more than 25 people in attendance at the Village Library, Lieberman spoke about the nation’s history. He highlighted many significant people and events and included personal and historical anecdotes. Local musician Frank Ferrara accompanied Lieberman, performing throughout the presentation. Here are three facts about the United States’ history.
n John Locke inspired Founders
John Locke, an English philosopher and physician of the 17th century, authored “Two Treatises of Government” in which he wrote about natural rights and government’s role in defending them.
Lieberman said Locke, who had lived through the execution of King Charles I and the English Civil War, was the most influential philosopher of the Enlightenment.
“He believed government legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed,” Lieberman explained, “to protect our natural rights, those being life liberty and property.”
The Founding Fathers later adopted “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as rights delineated in the American Declaration of Independence.
n Aaron Burr was tried for treason
After losing the presidential election of 1800 and killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804, Aaron Burr traveled to Marietta, Ohio in 1806. The former vice president attempted to create an empire out of the Western states and Louisiana which would have meant detaching them from the Union. This event would later be known as the Burr conspiracy.
“That’s his staging ground,” Lieberman said, “to commit this conspiracy.”
Burr was captured in early 1807 and tried for treason but was acquitted by the Supreme Court. There was not enough evidence for a conviction, though Lieberman said that Chief Justice John Marshall’s hatred for Jefferson played more of a role in the decision than any evidence of Burr’s innocence.
n
Adams predicted holiday, not perfect
The Second Continental Congress voted for independence for the colonies on July 2, 1776. Adams recounted the events of that day to his wife, Abigail, in a letter on July 3, 1776 in which he predicted the date of the annual independence celebration.
Adams also wrote in the letter that he expected celebrations to include parades, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.
“He got everything right,” Lieberman said, “except the date.”
July 4 was later chosen to commemorate the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence. A celebration broke out in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777 which marked the first anniversary.
Porchfest brings Sea Cliff residents out to enjoy the music
By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com
More than 1,000 residents and music lovers strolled the streets of Sea Cliff as 22 local bands performed on porches throughout the village on Saturday.
The event was organized Sea Cliff-based nonprofit Love Your Neighbor Project. It serves as a yearly fundraiser for the organization. This year, roughly $30,000 were raised, according to Jaime Teich, Love Your Neighbor Project’s founder.
“The growth,” Teich said, “not only from the amount of financial support, but the amount of people support was tremendous this year.”
The nonprofit’s work includes giving scholarships to students in the community, giving grants to community members for impactful projects, helping neighbors in need and contributing to Go Fund Me’s opened by neighbors.
Teich explained last week that the money raised during Porchfest plays a large role in the organization’s ability to support the community.
Not only local residents showed up. People from Westchester, Brooklyn, as well as elsewhere on Long
Island attended, according to Teich.
“I heard so many people say, ‘I met this person, I met that person’,” she said, “and there’s something special about that.”
Porchfest ran from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with two bands performing simultaneously throughout the first four hours. Performances were divided into a “North tour” and a “South tour.” The tours combined at 3 p.m. with only one band playing at a time for the rest of the night. Sea Cliff resident Sean Llewellyn puts together the Porchfest schedule each year.
Teich said that this year’s Porchfest was particularly well-received.
“There was something different about this year, we heard that a lot,” she said, “and nobody can quite put their finger on it. It was as if the laughter was louder, and the smiles were brighter, and the crowd was mellow, and so into being in it.”
Food trucks were parked near Clifton Park for attendees to eat on the go. Restaurants and other businesses in the village were also open.
Love Your Neighbor Project has partnered with dancer and environmental activist Martita Goshen to present “The Way of the Whale,” including a workshop and dance performance on June 5.
Julia Capitelli/Herald photos
Mae Curiale, left, performed alongside her father, Matthew.
Sea Cliff residents Heidi Hunt, right, and Joe Hughes are regular musicians at the village’s Porchfest.
Kingfisher closed out the night at 115 Central Ave., known in the village as ‘The Woodshed.’
Matt Pinto and the Matt Pinto Family Band rocked the stage at their Porchfest venue on Sea Cliff Avenue.
Paumonok Stompers brought jazz to Porchfest with their performance at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Registration opens for beach yoga News briefs
Registration for the Town of Oyster Bay’s beach yoga program is now underway. Classes will be held at both the North Shore, at Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay, and the South Shore, at Philip B. Healey Beach at Florence Avenue in Massapequa. The program will run for 10 weeks beginning on June 15 and include options for sunrise and sunset sessions.
“Our beach yoga program offers a unique and relaxing experience that blends the mindful movements of yoga
with the natural beauty of the sunrise or sunset, all while surrounded by the calming atmosphere of the beach,”
Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh wrote in a statement.
Registration is now available online at OysterBayTown.com/sports beginning for town residents on May 18 and on May 25 for non-residents. Fees include $75 for residents and $100 for non-residents. For more information, visit OysterBayTown.com or call the Recreation Division at (516) 797-7945.
Reminding residents of tax deadline
Town of Oyster Bay property owners who missed the May 11 deadline for paying their 2025-2026 school taxes can still pay the bill by June 1 with a New York State mandated two percent late payment penalty while avoiding additional interest and fees from accruing on their property.
Late payers should immediately contact the receiver of taxes’ office at (516) 624-6400 if they did not receive a second notification with a delinquent tax bill. Payments postmarked after June 1 cannot be accepted since the collection warrant will have expired. Those payments must be sent to the Nassau County Treasurer at 1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11501.
In September, the Nassau County treasurer will be mailing notices to all property owners with taxes in arrears. Homeowners who fall under those circumstances are encouraged to contact the Nassau County treasurer at (516) 571-2090 to determine the amount due. They may also visit the treasurer’s office at 1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11501.
“Taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay are already paying some of the highest school taxes in the nation,” Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato wrote in a statement, “and I want to make sure that our residents do not pay more out of pocket than they have to.”
Teaching Oyster Bay children to swim
Registration for the Town of Oyster Bay’s summer swim lessons will begin on May 26. Swim lessons are available at all town pools (Syosset-Woodbury Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Park, Bethpage Community Park and Marjorie Post Park) for children ages five to 14, and pool membership is required for registration. Lessons begin June 29.
“Joyspan”
Subtitled “The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half”, this book reflects the natural progression of our desire to increase our lifespan (the number of our years), to increasing our healthspan (the number of our healthy years), to increasing our joyspan (the number of our joyful years). The author defines joy as an inner feeling of well-being or contentment, as opposed to happiness, which comes and goes, often according to external circumstances.
Burnight writes, “To thrive in old age means to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and satisfying life despite the challenges of aging. It involves maximizing physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, social connections, and a sense of meaning. Thriving doesn’t mean being free of all health problems or challenges, rather, it emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find joy and value in life.”
Research shows that those who thrive late in life:
Grow: They continue to explore and expand
Connect: They put time into new and existing relationships
Dr. Kerry Burnight
Adapt: They adjust to changing and challenging circumstances
Give: They share themselves
As a Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Dr. Burnight was struck by the radical difference in how people experienced their own aging process. “For some it is a frustrating, degrading, painful trajectory of ever-increasing decline. For others, there is visible delight, spirituality, and joy in occupying their eighth, ninth, and tenth decades.”
The thieves of joy are (1) comparison with others (2) frustration with health and mobility limitations (3) feeling like you are a burden (4) feeling heartbroken over the loss of a loved one, and (5) feeling defeated as if your best days are behind you. Nevertheless, she says, “Like the sun, joy is always there. But when it’s hidden by clouds, we mistakenly say it’s gone. Joy is resilient and can break through the clouds because it’s an innate part of the human experience.”
“One might say that following this doctor’s prescription will increase your “joyspan” and decrease your “oyspan”!
“Because we live in a Town situated between the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, water safety is an essential for children and families in the Town of Oyster Bay,” Town Councilman Tom Hand said. “This is why our swim lesson program has been such a valued community resource for many years – giving children the opportunity to build confidence, learn and improve swimming skills, and safely enjoy the water under the supervision of American Cross-certified lifeguards.”
Each session is two weeks in duration, Monday through Friday, with a total of four sessions offered over the course of the summer. Lessons last 45 minutes each and no makeup lessons
will be offered.
Sessions:
■ Session 1: June 29– July 10
■ Session 2: July 13– July 24
■ Session 3: July 27– August 7
■ Session 4: August 10– August 21
Times offered each session include:
■ 10:45 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Noon - 12:45 p.m.
3:15 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Registration will be available online at OysterBayTown.com/sports starting May 26. Pool membership is required for registration. There is a fee of $75 per swimmer for each session.
For more information, visit OysterBayTown.com/pools or call the Aquatics Division at (516) 797-4131.
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North Shore receives grant for new press box
By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com
North Shore School District has received a $150,000 grant secured by Assemblyman Charles Lavine for the purchase of a new press box at the North Shore High School athletic fields. Lavine met with Superintendent Chris Zublionis and North Shore students at the field on May 8 to present the grant.
The community voted in February to approve bond projects including upgrades to athletics facilities like bleachers, the track, and stadium lights. Replacing the press box is a separate element that Zublionis said would “complete” the stadium.
Each year, the district applies for grants from New York State for specific purposes. Zublionis explained that while the old press box was safe, it was in need of extensive repair or replacement.
“The old one was cinder block,” Zublionis said, “and it was working, but we wanted a more modern, prefabricated press box.”
The press box is used during sporting events at the high school’s turf field, like football and lacrosse games. Students and staff can do audio-visual work and livestream. It is currently used by student managers of the school’s lacrosse team and
any announcers calling games.
“It’s a much more comfortable and bigger space up there than it used to be,” said Interim Athletics Director Kevin Dahill, “so that’s useful.”
Zublionis said that there is interest among students in creating a television broadcasting program at North Shore. He added that the new press box presents an opportunity for a new learning space.
“Athletics could be a space where broadcasting, filming, film editing start to plant some seeds there, maybe with a club first,” Zublionis said. “Hopefully eventually a class.”
Zublionis and Dahill thanked Lavine for his work in securing the grant. Lavine has secured other funding for the district in the past, such as a $250,000 grant for upgrades to the middle school athletic field in 2022.
“I am proud to have been able to secure the funding for the amazing new press box at North Shore High School,” Lavine wrote in a statement to the Herald. “The dedicated administrative team at North Shore School District, including outgoing Superintendent Chris Zublionis, deserves recognition for advocating for facilities improvements throughout the school system, enabling students to reach new levels of excellence in and out of the classroom.”
Courtesy North Shore School District Assemblyman Charles Lavine, second from right, presented the grant to the high school.
The North Shore meets its newest Eagle Scout
By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com
Nikolaos Stavrianos of Glen Head was formally recognized as an Eagle Scout during a May 15 court of honor ceremony, becoming the first member of Troop 43 to earn scouting’s highest rank in about eight years.
Stavrianos, 19, graduated from North Shore High School in 2025 and recently completed his first year at the University of Tampa, where he is studying international business and entrepreneurship.
Family members, scouts, religious leaders and elected officials gathered at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sea Cliff to celebrate the achievement, which only a small percentage of scouts attain nationwide.
“I was really stressed out. I didn’t know for sure if I would get it,” Stavrianos said in an interview after the ceremony. “But once I found out… I felt a sense of accomplishment.”
Stavrianos said he began scouting in kindergarten, initially joining Cub Scouts before moving into Scouts BSA. Over the years, he said the program taught him leadership, independence and teamwork.
“It’s definitely a lost type of art that is not as common,” he said. “I really like the part where it teaches you a sense of independence.”
He said becoming an Eagle Scout gradually became a personal goal as he advanced through the ranks. For his Eagle Scout project, Stavrianos completed accessibility and beautification work at Alley Pond Park, a park he said held sentimental value because his grandfather used to bring him there.
Stavrianos said he worked with New York City Parks officials to reopen roadside access to a trail
that had become overgrown and difficult for people with limited mobility to use.
The project included installing flower beds around trees near one of the park areas.
During the ceremony, numerous speakers praised Stavrianos for his leadership and service. Representatives from local municipalities, Nassau County, New York State Police and scouting organizations presented him with citations and certificates recognizing his accomplishment.
Religious leaders also emphasized scouting’s connection to faith and service. Father Gregory Gounardes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, himself an Eagle Scout, read a congratulatory letter from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrating Stavrianos’ achievement.
Scout leaders at the ceremony reflected on the years of work required to earn the rank, noting that only about six percent of scouts achieve Eagle Scout status.
Stavrianos said the strong turnout at the ceremony left him feeling grateful and supported.
“I was absolutely overjoyed,” he said. “I felt so loved.”
He said he was especially moved by the presence of friends, family and community leaders who attended on short notice.
Stavrianos said he hopes his achievement encourages younger scouts in the community to remain involved in the program and pursue Eagle Scout themselves.
“I hope it sparks some type of inspiration in the other scouts,” he said.
Stavrianos said he plans to remain connected to scouting and Troop 43 as an adult leader when during school breaks.
Courtesy Stavrianos family Stavrianos had been a member of Troop 43 since kindergarten, and is one of only six percent of scouts who reach eagle.
Nikolaos Stavrianos, right, received his pin from his parents George and Paula.
Elected officials from across Long Island, including Mayor Elena Villafane of Sea Cliff, congratulated Stavrianos on his achievement
Will Sheeline/Herald photos
District looks to future after budget vote
between Nassau County and Long Island Power Authority’s Glenwood Landing plant, Zublionis said in March that this is a less significant impact than in recent years. He added that 2027-28 revenue loss from the settlement will present a larger challenge.
Macari was first elected to the school board in 2020, and has served as president since 2023. She said she was “ecstatic” that the community support the schools and students by voting to pass the budget.
“It is a great honor to serve this community again,” Macari said, “and I look forward to another three years of service.”
Hanley is completing his first term on the board. He said earlier this month that putting together the bond proposal that passed in February was a “great learning experience.”
“I am grateful to the community for their continued confidence and support,” Hanley said after being reelected.
The district announced last month that Zublionis would be leaving North Shore, having accepted the superintendent’s position at Plainedge Union Free School District. His last day at North Shore will be June 30.
Tom Dolan has been selected to serve as interim superintendent beginning July 1. Dolan held the position at North Shore during the 2021-22 school year, prior to Zublionis’s appointment.
Macari said last week that bringing in Dolan while the district faces financial challenges “does put my mind at ease.”
The Board of Education is beginning the search process for a new superintendent, and has said it plans to have one in place by July 2027.
Herald file photos
andrea macari was first elected to the Board of education in 2020, and has been its president since 2023.
Brian Hanley said he was grateful for the community’s support after being re-elected.
Unions and MTA announced deal Monday night
sion.”
The agreement is subject to a 30-day period in which union members will review and vote on the tentative deal before it becomes official.
The shutdown began after five railroad unions went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday following the expiration of a federally mandated cooling-off period. The work stoppage led to widespread delays across Long Island, with shuttle buses operating on limited routes and commuters urged to work remotely where possible.
Sexton also said that tensions escalated late in the negotiations on Friday night, when the MTA introduced proposed health care contributions for newly hired employees, an issue he said had not previously been part of bargaining discussions.
Tina-Marie Neos, a 26-year Glen Head resident, said the shutdown was “a little inconvenient.” She works as director of accounting and finance for a home care company, commuting to New York City twice a week and working from home on the other three days.
Neos said she typically takes the train from Glen Head station to Grand Central Station in the morning and in the afternoon, a train on the Ronkonkoma line that turns into the Oyster Bay line. In a comment Neos left on a Facebook post,
she shared that a contingency plan would have consisted of driving into Queens and taking a bus from there.
“I have the luxury of working from home,” she said. “But I’m sure there’s a lot of people that don’t, and I can’t even imagine.”
Neos also said that she was slated to have a day-long in-person Occupational Safety and Health Administration training on Monday. She was meeting with someone from Philadelphia who she said was unable to get to New York.
Heather O’Neil, who works as a guidance counselor, wrote in a Facebook comment that she typically takes the train from Glen Head and that her commute is usually 55 minutes. She added that she drove on Monday, making her commute an hour and a half in the morning and two hours at the end of the day.
pay with affordability for commuters and taxpayers.
“I’m truly pleased to share that the five Long Island Rail Road unions and the MTA were able to come together and reach a fair deal this evening,” Hochul said. “The contract achieved two principles: protecting affordability for Long Islanders and commuters while giving fair wages to the employees.”
’m happy and relieved (the strike is) over. It was quicker than I thought.
TIna-MarIe
“I had to take off (Tuesday) because my wife needs to be in the city,” O’Neil wrote, “and between pick up/drop off schedules, it made both of us driving into the city logistically impossible.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the agreement was reached after continued bargaining focused on balancing worker
Officials said that the LIRR would begin restoring service in phases starting Tuesday at noon, with limited hourly service on four main branches, before expanding systemwide service later in the day. The MTA said that the contingency bus service that operated during the shutdown would continue Tuesday morning before being phased out as train service ramped up.
Neos said that she thought the strike was unexpected.
“The trains were timed so beautifully, everything was going well, and then I’m like, ‘Wait, we’re having a strike?’” she said. “It just came out of nowhere. I was not prepared for this.”
Neos added that she does not plan to travel to New York City for work Thursday or Friday but will begin commuting
again on Tuesday.
“I’m happy and relieved (the strike is) over,” she said. “It was quicker than I thought. I thought it was going to drag on.”
Hochul said that roughly 3,500 LIRR employees would receive raises under the agreement, while fare and tax increases would not be part of the deal. “I also did not accept a deal for compromise affordability for Long Islanders,” she said. “At a time when everything is going up, I’m not going to allow taxes or fares to go up. Period. Full stop. Got it done.”
Officials said that additional details on full system restoration were expected as crews completed inspections, repositioned equipment and returned employees to scheduled assignments.
“The communities of District 11 rely heavily upon the LIRR to get to work,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton wrote in a statement to the Herald on Tuesday, “and this made the strike profoundly disruptive for thousands of families. I am thankful an agreement has been reached and that train service will soon by fully restored.” It was the first Long Island Rail Road strike since June 17, 1994. That strike lasted two days before a contract settlement was reached.
Additional reporting by Roksana Amid
Welcoming summer on the North Shore
By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com
Families and North Shore residents celebrated the unofficial start to summer at the annual Feast by the Shore presented by St. Boniface Martyr Church in Sea Cliff. The four-day festival at Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing included carnival games, rides, raffles, a wristband
giveaway on social media, hot food and concessions, and live music.
Feast by the Shore ran from May 14 through Sunday and was sponsored by many local businesses and families. Hundreds turned out for the event which offered activities for all ages. Among the live music acts were local bands and musicians like Alibi, Chicken Head and Will Winchester.
Julia Capitelli/Herald Photos The Feast by the Shore at Tappen Beach included carnival games and rides.
The event ran from May 14 to Sunday, with activities for children and adults.
Live music throughout the four-day festival included ‘The How’ and local bands and musicians.
The feast included several concession stands, including an ice cream truck.
The annual event is presented by St. Boniface Martyr Church in Sea Cliff.
Familis from the North Shore and beyond attended the annual Feast by the Shore.
Library calls ‘Bingo!’ after successful fundraiser
The Friends of the Gold Coast Library kicked off fundraising at the library’s new building with a Bingo Night that drew more than 80 community members for an evening of and community spirit.
Guests gathered to enjoy games, prizes, refreshments, and the chance to connect with neighbors. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, local business sponsors, and volunteers, the event raised more than $2,000 to support library programs, services, and resources beyond the library’s operating budget.
The evening’s success was made possible by generous donations from local businesses and the hard work of dedicat-
Over 80 community members gathered at the new Gold Coast Library to play Bingo, enjoy refreshments and support the library itself.
ed volunteers, including Deborah Orgel Gordon and North Shore High School students Jaelyn Rivera and Madison DeVoe, whose enthusiasm and support made the night memorable for all attendees.
The Friends of the Library is an independent nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the Gold Coast Library, its programs, services, and facilities through fundraising and membership. To learn more about becoming a Friend, volunteering, or donating, visit GoldCoastLibrary.org/fol.
—Will Sheeline
BELMONT PARK VILLAGE
Courtesy Friends of the Gold Coast Library photos
The event raised over $2,000 to support library programs and services.
The event was organized by members of the Friends of the Gold Coast Library, a nonprofit that supports and promotes the library.
County panel kicks off anti-fraud campaign
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Throughout the country, an easily overlooked category of crime has become a multi-billion-dollar industry: Insurance fraud costs consumers $806 billion every year, taking financial bites out of construction, transportation, real estate and other industries. Long Island’s local business leaders are sharing their strategies to avoid contributing to that statistic.
Some 160 business owners and employees welcomed advice from elected officials, security firms and fellow business people at a panel at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage on May 13.
This was the first panel connecting government agencies and local businesses to share information about fighting insurance fraud, according to John Capece, Nassau County’s consumer affairs commissioner.
“This is the first time in Long Island history that we have a meeting with all the building departments and the Department of Consumer Affairs to host a seminar for training and for communication,” Capece said.
The panel, sponsored by the Long Island Builders Institute, is intended to be the first of many. Capece conceived of the idea to kick off a larger effort to improve consumer safety by helping community members and local businesses identify and avoid malicious actors.
“We want to stop them because they prey on the elderly and the vulnerable people that don’t understand contracts … they get sucked into something where they think they’re going to save so much money and they don’t,” Capece said. “We want to educate the
Panelists discussed the optimal ways of handling everything from home improvement contractor licensing, permitting, solar installations and contracting oversight to responding to fraudulent insurance and
training certificates and staged construction accidents, as well as other topics impacting homeowners and the building industry.
Panelist Gina Farese is a solar energy entrepreneur and a member of Nassau County’s Home Improvement Advisory Committee and many other groups in the industry. She has seen many cases of improper business dealings, ranging from roofing coverage to workers who aren’t on a contractor’s official payroll.
“There’s a lot of things that are broken and so far gone, and I’m seeing so many homeowners get, unfortunately, taken,” Farese said. “So many people just care about their bottom line … at the end of the day, it’s just making sure that the homeowners are protected properly, and educating people.”
Mary Harkins serves as counsel to the county’s Department of Consumer Affairs. She advises Capece and the department on the interpretation of local laws, with a focus on contract violations.
“Now we’re able to address it more proactively, rather than just reacting,” Harkins said. “Our licensing division is about, like, six people, some part-time, and we’re dealing with 10,000 licenses plus about 800 new applications per year. It’s a lot of responsibility, but in reality, we’re moving on it.
“We’re trying to uncover the really great contractors out there,” Harkins added. For bad actors in the industry, the department, she said, is “trying to identify them and take corrective action.”
The number one way to protect yourself against risk, Capece said, is to verify that any contractor in your home is legitimately licensed.
For more information, call Nassau County Consumer Affairs at (516) 571-2465.
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald Panelist Gina Farese and Nassau Consumer Affairs Commissioner John Capece advised more than 160 community members about the risks of insurance fraud.
Balboni returns to Adelphi as its president
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Adelphi University has named Michael Balboni, a former state lawmaker and a longtime public servant, as its 11th president.
Balboni, who will take office June 1, is the first Adelphi graduate, the first Adelphi parent and the first Long Island native to lead the Garden City university. He succeeds Interim President Christopher K. Storm Jr., who will move into the newly created role of senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. Christine M. Riordan was Adelphi’s 10th president.
“This transition is a homecoming for me, a true full-circle moment,” Balboni said. “Because I know Adelphi from almost every possible angle, I have an intimate understanding of the DNA of this university and the transformative power of the education it provides.”
Balboni graduated cum laude from Adelphi in 1981 with a degree in biology, and has remained closely connected to the university, including as an adjunct faculty member and, most recently, as chair of the board of trustees. He built a career in law, government and public safety, serving in the Assembly and State Senate and later as New York’s deputy secretary for public safety.
Balboni said he plans to serve as Adelphi’s “chief external advocate,” using his experience in government, law and public policy to raise the university’s profile, expand partnerships and pursue new funding.
“I plan to leverage my professional network and my knowledge of the legislative landscapes in Albany and Washington, D.C., to elevate our institutional visibility,” he said.
He added that he will pursue state and federal grants, build corporate partnerships and work to raise Adelphi’s regional and national profile.
William Fuessler, acting chair of the university’s
board of trustees and chair of the presidential search committee, said Balboni’s background makes him well suited to lead the university at a challenging time for higher education.
“To thrive, Adelphi requires an innovative leader and a proven executive capable of navigating complex financial and operational headwinds,” Fuessler said. “Michael Balboni brings precisely this expertise.”
Fuessler added that Balboni’s public- and privatesector experience will help the university secure resources and support institutional growth.
Balboni takes over as colleges and universities nationwide face pressure from shifting enrollment patterns, rising costs and growing scrutiny over the value of a college degree. Adelphi, he said, is entering that period in a position of strength.
Adelphi received a record 17,000 first-year applications for the upcoming fall semester, and has posted record first-year enrollment in two of the past three years, Balboni said. The university also has a balanced budget, a stable financial outlook and a $282 million endowment, up 69 percent since 2016.
“For workforce readiness, proving the return on investment of a degree is critical,” he said.
Affordability, efficiency and new partnerships will be central to his presidency, Balboni explained, as Adelphi works to demonstrate the value of a college degree. The university will focus on aligning programs with market demand in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and health care, while expanding internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad opportunities.
“I want to make sure our students all have the experiential opportunities through internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad,” Balboni said, “so they have real-world experiences employers want.”
Courtesy Adelphi University
Michael Balboni will take office June 1 as Adelphi University’s 11th president. He will be the university’s first graduate, the first Adelphi parent
STEPPING OUT
By Karen Bloom
The holiday weekend may feel a little different this year with the beloved FourLeaf Air Show shifting to over to Fourth of July as part of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Still, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, including a patriotic drone show to fill in for the annual flying spectacle that will illuminate the night sky over Jones Beach on May 24.
No matter how the weekend unfolds, one tradition remains firmly in place: gathering around the grill for a barbecue with family and friends.
Of course, no Memorial Day barbecue would be complete without the familiar favorites — juicy burgers sizzling over an open flame, hot dogs nestled in toasted buns and steaks grilled to smoky perfection. But today’s cookout offers far more than the traditional staples. By adding dishes with bold marinades, fresh seasonal ingredients and unexpected sweet-and-savory flavors, hosts can bring new energy to the holiday barbecue while still honoring the classics everyone loves.
The beauty of grilling is its versatility. From colorful kebabs and charred vegetables to caramelized fruit and herb-infused sides, even the simplest ingredients take on extra flavor over the fire. The tried-and-true will always remain a go-to, but the holiday is also the perfect opportunity to refresh the menu with creative twists and crowdpleasing additions that may just become new favorites.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs
Kabobs add sizzle to the season. With their easy preparation and quick cooking time, kabobs are a simple way to enjoy many of your favorite fresh flavors.
Sizzle into summer
Fire up Memorial Day
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
To make sauce, place 3 tablespoons mustard in medium bowl. Add oil and garlic powder, and whisk until uniform. Cover and refrigerate. To make marinade, in small bowl, combine vinegar with remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Stir until uniform.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken and marinade in large sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
Gently knead marinade into chicken through bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak 4 in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Alternately thread marinated chicken and onion chunks onto 4 skewers. Bring grill to mediumhigh heat.
Brush both sides of kebabs with sauce. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes with grill cover down.
Flip kebabs and grill for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy.
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Enhance the flavor of fruits and veggies at your barbecue. Try another way to eat pineapple by grilling it and pairing with a lime dip for a tasty treat.
• 1 pineapple
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons honey
Lime Dip:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
Peel pineapple; cut into wedges.
In resealable plastic bag, combine brown sugar, lime juice and honey. Add pineapple wedges, seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour.
To make dip: In small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in yogurt, honey, brown sugar, lime juice and lime zest. Cover and refrigerate.
Heat grill to medium heat.
Remove pineapple wedges from plastic bag; discard marinade. Grill pineapple wedges, covered, 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Serve with dip.
Grilled Lemon Chive Corn
Grilling adds an extra special flavor to corn on the cob. Try it with a lemon chive butter topping.
• 4 ears fresh sweet corn, in husks
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Pull back husks from each ear of corn, leaving husks attached to base. Remove corn silk. Fold husks back around corn; tie at end of each ear with string or strip of outside corn leaves. Soak in cold water 30 minutes. Drain.
Place corn on grill, uncovered, 20 to 30 minutes or until tender, turning often. Meanwhile combine butter, chives and lemon juice.
Serve corn with lemon-chive butter.
‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’
Spring blooms with a taste of summer as Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to the Paramount stage, celebrating the music of Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and Zac Brown Band. Long Island–based and led by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, the group also features Linn DeMilta (Lovely Linn) on lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios on guitar, Frank Stainkamp on keyboards, Dan Prine on bass, and Mike Vecchione on drums. Together, they’ve spent more than a decade channeling the laid-back spirit of beach-country favorites. With a setlist built for singing along, the band blends crowd-pleasing hits with an easygoing, sun-soaked energy that evokes margaritas, ocean breezes and carefree nights where, as they like to say, it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere.”
Saturday, May 23, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Decoration Day
Step back into time to when Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Throughout weekend, the living-history site comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of the 19th century, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into how Long Islanders once marked the occasion.Stroll the village while enjoying period craft demonstrations, storytelling and stirring brass band concerts that echo through the historic streets. The weekend culminates with the signature Decoration Day observance, re-creating the holiday as it was first commemorated in the early 1870s. Costumed Civil War “veterans” lead a patriotic parade and heartfelt ceremony honoring departed soldiers, capturing the spirit, pageantry and reverence of an earlier era. The parade and ceremonial program begin at 2:15 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, May 2324, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org or call (516) 572-8409.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip Grilled Lemon Chive Corn
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY 21
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art joins in the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Its landmark exhibition explores how Long Island has reflected and shaped the story of American art. From Revolutionary-era portraiture and folk art to nineteenth-century landscapes, Impressionism, and the bold innovations of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, the exhibition highlights how every major art movement found expression here. Featuring paintings, decorative arts, and historical objects displayed together in immersive settings, the exhibit celebrates the region’s enduring influence and its rich artistic legacy. On view through July 12.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
2026 Spring 5K
MAY
23
Planting Fields
Arboretum hosts its annual spring 5K. The first 350 racers to finish will receive a collectible finisher medal and a personalized race bib. Registration before April 25 is $40 per person. After April 25, registration is $45 per person and $50 on the day of the race.
• Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
• Time: 7:30 a.m.
• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
MAY
24
Hempstead House Tour
See the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion at Sands Point Preserve, the former summer residence of Howard Gould (1912-1917) and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim (19171930). For adults, but children 5+ are allowed. $10 per person.
• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point
• Time: Noon and 1:30 p.m.; also May 31
• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901
MAY
30
Notes In Nature: String Quartets Visit Planting Fields for the next concert in the “Notes in Nature” series. Celebrate
JUN 16
Gary Clark Jr.
Blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter has built a reputation as one of the most exciting live performers of his generation. Blending electric blues, rock, soul, R&B, and hints of hip-hop, his sound is both rooted in tradition and boldly modern. His guitar tone often recalls legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but his songwriting, socially aware lyrics, and willingness to experiment make him stand out as a contemporary artist. On stage, he is known for extended solos, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals that move from soft falsetto to gritty growls, making every Gary Clark Jr concert feel unforgettable. Anyone who has listened to a Gary Clark Jr. album or watched the four-time Grammy Award winner perform live knows that he’s a gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer. And never more so than on his last album, 2019’s illuminating This Land. But while This Land signaled a breakthrough in displaying his musical versatility beyond the blues, his latest album, JPEG RAW, represents a quantum leap.
the coming of summer under the open sky at the Main House’s Cloister Garden with a captivating evening of string quartets inspired by nature and romance. Experience the vocal and virtuosic Long Island Chamber Music collective set against the picturesque backdrop of Planting Fields. $45 per person in advance, $50 at the door if seats are available. Includes a complimentary glass of wine.
• Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create with kids at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. $20, $10 child; members free.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Noon-3 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Take 2
MAY
31
The Sea Cliff Arts Council welcomes all for an afternoon of sing-a-longs, old favorites and originals with Candice Barnello and James O’Malley. $10 per person.
• Where: 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff
• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Contact: SeaCliffArtsCouncil. org
JUNE
Historical Walking Tour
3
Take a walking tour through history at Sands Point Preserve. Join an expert docent to discover the history of the buildings and grounds, from the Goulds to the Guggenheims and beyond. Tour begis outside Castle Gould, followed by a walk to the freshwater pond, and ending in the grand rooms of Hempstead House. This program is strictly for adults and children 12+. This is an energetic walking tour involving uneven terrain, hills, and stairs. $25 fee. Registration required.
and arranged alphabetically from A to Z by scientific name. As you explore, you’ll discover a curated “best of” selection of ornamental trees and shrubs that thrive on Long Island and throughout the greater New York area. This tour offers expert insight, seasonal highlights, and inspiration you can bring back to your own landscape. $25 per person. Registration required.
• Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
• Time: 10-11 a.m.
• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
JUNE
6
Garage Sale Day
The Sea Cliff Civic Association hosts
Sea Cliff’s annual Garage Sale Day. Residents and organizations are invited to participate. Visit the website for information on how to register. $25 per participant.
• Where: Village-wide
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Contact: seacliffcivicassociation.com
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point
• Time: 6-7:30 p.m., also July 1
• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901
JUNE
5
‘The Way of the Whale’ Love Your Neighbor Project and Martita Goshen’s Earthworks presents “The Way of the Whale: Ancient Echoes Beneath the Surface” in celebration of World Environment Day. It takes place at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Visit Love Your Neighbor Project’s Facebook page for tickets.
• Where: 253 Glen Ave., Sea Cliff
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: lynp.org
First Fridays: Secrets of the Synoptic Garden
Step into one of the most unique gardens in the region with Arboretum Director and expert horticulturist Vincent Simeone when Planting Fields First Fridays series continues. In this engaging guided tour, Vincent brings the Synoptic Garden to life, an extraordinary living collection planted in the 1960s
JUNE
Art talk
Nassau County Museum of Art hosts an engaging conversation with New York-based artist Dee Shapiro. She’s s known for her richly detailed abstract paintings that explore geometry, color, and the expressive possibilities of form. Here she discusses the works featured in NCMA’s exhibition “250 Years of Art on Long Island,” examining how her abstract practice connects to the region’s artistic legacy and reflects broader themes of innovation, continuity, and creative identity of artists on Long Island. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students, members free. Limited seating and registration required.
7
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
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.
Student-athletes commit to their futures
Ten North Shore High School senior athletes signed national letters of Intent on May 12. A letter of intent is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an institution. Once signed, the institution agrees to provide that student with financial aid (if eligible under NCAA rules) for one academic year in exchange for that student’s agreement to attend the institution for one academic year. Additionally, all colleges and universities that participate in the NLI program agree to not recruit these student athletes once he or she signs the NLI.
Congratulations go out to the following North Shore athletes featured donning their college spiritware of the schools that they will be attending next Fall 2026: Joanna Kenney, Chloe Connolly, Hannah Sadowski and Danielle DeMillio will attend Boston College, Binghampton University, SUNY Geneseo, and the Wentworth Institute of Technology respectively for track. Preston Samtani, Amos Wright, Lorenzo Riccuiti, Isabel Guerrero and Henry Cardoza will attend the University of Chicago, Moravian University, Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Mount Saint Vincent respectively for soccer. Angelo Anobile will attend Salisbury University for lacrosse.
Courtesy North Shore School District photos
Ten North Shore High School signed national letters of intent on May 12.
High School
Principal Eric Contreras and other members of the administration congratuled the students on their hard work and determination.
HEAD HERALD —
21, 2026
Marriage derailed
Dear Great Book Guru, I was at the Love Your Neighbor Project’s Porchfest last weekend. What fun! With twenty-two bands and close to a thousand people attending, the event was a huge success. While listening to one of my favorite bands - Hunt and Hughes - I overheard someone going on about a book she had just readset on Martha’s Vineyard and in Manhattan, it was a tale of a fairytale marriage abruptly ended. Any thoughts?
Porchfest Fan
revealed.
Dear Porchfest Fan, “Strangers” by Belle Burden is a fascinating memoir. Burden had been happily married twenty years to James, a very successful attorney when she learns he has been involved with a much younger woman and wants a divorce. The couple and their three young children were sheltering during Covid in their home on Martha’s Vineyard when this is
The story itself is compelling as she tries to understand how they had once been so happy and now were strangers, but Burden’s family lineage brings this book to a different level of interest. She comes from immense wealth and is a descendant of a host of iconic figures such as John Jay, the first Supreme Court Justice, the Vanderbilts, and the Paleys. As she goes through the various stages of grief, she finds solace in work and her children, but she remains plagued by the realization she knew so little about this man with whom she had shared such happy moments.
It’s a beautifully written “memoir of a marriage.” Highly recommended!
Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.
things to know about asthma and allergies
Asthma and allergies
By ROKSANA AMID
ramid@liherald.com
As spring allergens continue to circulate and asthma rates remain high across the country, health advocates are encouraging residents to learn more about respiratory health during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 106 million people in the United States live with asthma and allergies, making them among the nation’s most common chronic health conditions.
Here are three things to know about asthma, allergies and the growing focus on education and prevention.
n Asthma impacts millions of Americans and can be triggered by everyday conditions
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says nearly 28 million Americans have asthma, a chronic disease that causes the airways to become swollen and inflamed, making breathing difficult. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
While asthma has no cure, health experts say it can often be managed with medication, avoiding triggers and following an asthma action plan developed with a doctor.
Common asthma triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, smoke, pet dander, air pollution, exercise and respiratory illnesses such as colds and the flu. Seasonal allergies can also worsen asthma symptoms for many people during the spring and summer months.
According to AAFA, asthma can affect people of all ages and may interfere with sleep, school, exercise and day-to-day activities if left uncontrolled. The organization also notes that environmental conditions and access to healthcare can play a major role in how effectively asthma is managed.
n Allergies are among the country’s most common chronic conditions
Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance, known as an allergen, as though it were dangerous. Common allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander, foods, dust mites, insect stings and certain medications.
Symptoms can range from sneezing and congestion to itchy eyes, rashes and breathing issues. In more serious cases, allergic reactions can become life-threatening and require emergency medical treatment.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that more than 100 million Americans experience allergies each year. The organization encourages people to monitor pollen forecasts, improve indoor air quality and work with healthcare providers to develop treatment plans.
Each year, AAFA also releases its “Allergy Capitals” report ranking the most challenging metropolitan areas for seasonal allergies based on pollen levels, medication use and access to allergy specialists.
Health advocates say awareness is especially important during the spring months, when tree and grass pollen levels tend to rise and trigger symptoms for many residents.
n Research and public education remain major priorities
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says research continues to play a critical role in improving treatment, prevention and quality of life for people living with asthma and allergies.
In addition to supporting scientific studies and patient education, the organization focuses on improving healthcare access, addressing environmental triggers and raising awareness about health disparities connected to respiratory disease.
AAFA, which was founded in 1953, describes itself as the oldest asthma and allergy patient advocacy organization in the world. The nonprofit regularly publishes educational materials, research reports and public health resources designed to help families better understand asthma and allergies.
During National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, advocates are encouraging residents to speak with healthcare providers about symptoms, learn about environmental triggers and take steps to reduce exposure both at home and outdoors.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Trustees, Village of Sea Cliff
Date: June 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York
Subject: Proposed cable television franchise agreement between the Village of Sea Cliff and Cablevision Systems Long Island Corporation.
At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the proposed agreement. The agreement may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York, during regular business hours. Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at, or participation in, the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.
Dated: May 18, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 160375
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
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF SEA CLIFF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) VILLAGE HALL LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
BID DUE
DATE: Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3PM PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff is seeking proposals from qualified landscape architects, landscape designers, and/or landscape contractors for the Village Hall Landscape Design and Improvement Project.
The project includes the redesign and relandscaping of the grounds surrounding Village Hall located at 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York. The Village seeks a thoughtful, aesthetically pleasing, low-maintenance landscape plan that enhances the civic appearance and historic character of Village Hall while creating a warm, welcoming, and enduring public space. This procurement shall be conducted as a Best Value procurement, with proposals evaluated based upon both design quality and cost.
A non-mandatory prebid site meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY 11579. Sealed proposals must be received by the Village Clerk no later than Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the following address: Village Clerk Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff 300 Sea Cliff Avenue Sea Cliff, NY 11579 Late submissions may be rejected. Copies of the Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Village Clerk’s Office at Village Hall or by contacting: Bruce Kennedy Village Administrator Email: bkennedy@seacliffny.gov Phone: (516) 671-0080
The Village reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities or irregularities, request additional information, negotiate modifications to proposals, award portions of the work, and/or cancel or reissue the RFP if deemed to be in the best interest of the Village.
Dated: May 19, 2026Sarah Beaudin Sea Cliff, NY Village Clerk 160376
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF BROOKVILLE TREASURER’S NOTICE Notice is hereby given that I Winsome Citarella, Treasurer of the Incorporated Village of Brookville, Nassau County, New York, have received the 2026/2027 Tax Roll and Tax Warrant of the Incorporated Village of
Brookville for the collection of the Village Real Estate Taxes therein levied. I designate the below location where I will receive taxes from June 1, 2026 and including July 1, 2026 in the following manner: U.S. MAIL: Winsome Citarella, Tax Receiver Village off Brookville 18A Horse Hill Road Brookville, New York 11545
PERSONAL DELIVERY: 09:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. - Monday to Friday
Taxes may be paid to me during said period without additional charge. All taxes for which payment has not been received by me and remains unpaid after July 1, 2026, shall have added an additional five percent (5%) interest for the month of July, and for each month and fraction thereafter, an additional (1%) interest payment, which shall be computed at the maximum percentage rate permitted, pursuant to the Real Property Tax Law, until said taxes and accrued interest are paid in full. Winsome Citarella Clerk Treasurer Village of Brookville Dated:May 15, 2026 160374
or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF BROOKVILLE PLANNING BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Planning Board of the Incorporated Village of Brookville, Nassau County, New York, in the main administration building of AHRC located at 189 Wheatley Road in said Village on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The hearing will be on the site plan review application of 16 Horsehill Road LLC, owner of a 2 acre parcel of land located in the Village at 14 Wenwood Drive, Brookville, NY and known as section 17, block 09, lot 121, on the Land and Tax Maps of Nassau County. Applicant seeks site plan approval for the construction of a new 2 Ω story dwelling and swimming pool.
The above application is on file at the Village office located at 18 Horse Hill Road, Brookville, NY 11545 where it may be reviewed between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm by appointment (516-626-0973) during the regular hours of the usual business days until the time of the hearing.
All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard and to express their views.
May 14, 2026
Edward Haleman Chairman 160372
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF BROOKVILLE 18 Horse Hill Road Brookville, N.Y. 11545 516-626-0973
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Architectural Review Board (ARB) of the Incorporated Village of Brookville, NY on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 immediately following the 6:00 PM Planning Board public hearing(s) at the A.H.R.C. at 189 Wheatley Road in Brookville.
The Architectural Review Board will be hearing the following applications: 1.16 Horsehill Road LLC, 14 Wenwood Drive, Brookville, NY New dwelling, swimming pool and sports court
2.Nocerino, 16 Old Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY - Cabana
3.Montgomery, 2529 Cedar Swamp Road, Brookville, NY - Roofmounted solar panels
4.Zhang, 3 Highpoint Court, Brookville, NY Entry piers and gate The above applications are on file at the Village Office, 18 Horse Hill Road, Brookville, and may be viewed Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until the time of the hearing. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard.
May 12, 2026
Edward Haleman Chairman 160373
opinions Keeping neighborhood traditions and values alive
Recently I attended an early-cut screening of a documentary on Farrell’s Bar in Brooklyn. The film is about much more than just a bar.
Though the world is always turning, these days it seems as if it’s turning more rapidly than ever. Traditions, values and principles are changing dramatically, and some are gone forever. None of us, of course, should want to live in the past or resist progress, which can bring so much good and improve our lives. But in the rush toward progress, we can’t afford to abandon institutions that encourage friendship and lasting bonds, especially in these fast-paced times.
Farrell’s is a legendary institution that has survived the rush of time. Now in its 93rd year — it opened just after the end of Prohibition — it remains a central neighborhood place for the Windsor Terrace community. It’s an oasis of calm in a desert of turmoil. Farrell’s has never betrayed its blue-
collar culture, embodied in its support for cops, firefighters and veterans. (Though newer, the Good Life, in Massapequa Park, and the Embassy Diner, in Bethpage, are cut from that mold.) Farrell’s isn’t far from Brooklyn Prep, where I went to high school, and a short distance from where my father grew up and my grandparents lived until the late 1970s.
iThough I’d heard about Farrell’s and read about it in Pete Hamill’s stories, I stopped in for the first time during my very unsuccessful campaign for New York state attorney general in 1986. One of my closest friends and biggest supporters was Jimmy Boyle, who had been president of the FDNY’s Firefighters Union and a fixture in union politics for years. Boyle thought Farrell’s would be an ideal location for a campaign stop.
small part of it true, I climbed up on a chair in the middle of the room and began my speech by admitting that “even though my father was a cop, I have to say, you guys aren’t half bad yourselves.”
had a small role in cementing the legacy of a legendary hometown bar.
After much friendly booing and catcalls, I thanked those guys for their support and assured them that I’d always be there for them. (A sad footnote: Boyle’s son, Michael, was one of the 343 firefighters killed on Sept. 11, 2001.) Though I went on to lose the election by 1.2 million votes, I had been a winner in Farrell’s, and for the next few years I’d stop by periodically to relive the one bright moment of the campaign.
independent filmmakers Jay Cusato and Rob Martin to produce a documentary on the bar, as a living metaphor for neighborhoods and good people who refuse to allow their values and lasting memories to be plowed over.
On March 8, 2020, Cusato and Martin interviewed me at my home, one of many people they talked to. At the time, their project was close to completion — or so they thought. The coronavirus hit New York before the week was out, and the documentary was put on ice. I actually thought they’d abandoned it until just last month, when Cusato contacted me to let me know that, in the spirit of Farrell’s, they had stayed on the project, titled “Why Farrell’s?” and invited me to a private screening at the St. Francis College campus on Livingston Street in downtown Brooklyn.
Sure enough, when I arrived just before noon that September day, Boyle had packed the place with loud, supportive firefighters, and a few cops had found their way in. It was as enthusiastic and as friendly a reception as I’ve ever gotten in politics. After Boyle gave me a phenomenal introduction, only a
FLater, when I was in Congress, I would join Brooklyn friends from high school and make pilgrimages to Farrell’s. Though they couldn’t drink on the job, two detectives on my security detail, Jimmy Skopek and Melissa Zimmerman, took a particular liking to Farrell’s, especially its old-neighborhood flair.
Then, about 10 years ago, a friend of mine from Massapequa, Pat Fenton, wrote a well-received Off-Broadway play centered on Farrell’s. That inspired
It was a great experience. Though several interviews remain to be done, and sound and lighting issues need to be worked out, “Why Farrell’s?” is outstanding, so accurately depicting the values that the bar is doing so much to preserve. My role was minor, but I’m proud to be part of what is truly a meaningful work of art.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Heralding a new dawn at Crescent Beach
or roughly 17 years, Glen Cove’s Crescent Beach has been closed to swimmers. The cause was initially fleeting; the solution was complex, and the process at times was extremely frustrating.
Now that nearly two decades have come and gone, the project has come to fruition and the beach is open for the summer, so it’s a good time to reflect on how we got to this moment.
The cause of the closure wasn’t the beach at all — it was the stream that runs west of the beach. When Ralph Suozzi was mayor, Nassau County began testing Crescent Beach for bacteria in the water, and detected levels 1,000 times higher than the permissible amount.
At the time, I was a city councilwoman, and the city’s Parks Department began its investigation with various dye tests to determine if faulty septic systems were the culprit. While Glen Cove is 90 percent sewered, some neighborhoods near the beach were not, which made it a logical starting point.
ABecoming a County Legislator in 2012 gave me the chance to delve further into the issue. Based on the initial hypothesis, I secured $12 million in Nassau’s capital plan to expand sewer service. While we didn’t use most of this funding, subsequent studies determined that two new pump stations, along with miles of sewer lines, would be needed to fully sewer this portion of Glen Cove at a cost of more than $30 million.
As our probe continued, engineers discovered roughly 20 pipes in a stream near the beach, and bacteria levels were very high at the mouths of two of those pipes. Further testing determined that the source of the bacteria was animals, not humans. So I met with former Mayor Tim Tenke and the homeowners, who agreed to purchase Helix filters to purify the water coming out of the pipes from their properties. We’re all so grateful to those homeowners, whose cooperation set us on a path toward resolving the issues at Crescent Beach.
that accumulated remained in the water when it reached the stream. Natural, bacteria-reducing plantings were added there as a solution.
fter nearly two decades of work, the beach is open for swimming again.
The last major hurdle was cleared with a $250,000 project to upgrade a culvert near the stream that was almost entirely blocked. The Department of Public Works, which has done yeoman’s work at Crescent Beach, also regraded sand to prevent runoff, and installed signs reminded residents to keep dogs away from the stream.
Slowly but surely, bacteria levels in the county Department of Health’s routine sampling began to drop. By the end of last summer, we received optimistic signals that the beach could soon be able to open. Last month, we got the news we’d all been waiting for — Crescent Beach could welcome swimmers again!
Mario Calderon and Rocco Graziosi, of the DPW, and Recreation Director Spiro Tsirkas were true forces of nature in getting this done.
Another concern that needed to be addressed was water runoff — it crossed a wooded area in what was almost a natural viaduct. Because the pathway was so carved out, any bacteria
There are so many people to thank for their efforts and support for this project. Four mayors — Suozzi, Reggie Spinello, Tenke and Pamela Panzenbeck — were involved, and they worked tirelessly, Democrats and Republicans alike, to achieve this outcome. The city contributed greatly by improving the parking lot and bathrooms. Vinnie Martinez,
The state Department of Environmental Conservation; the county Department of Health; Eric Swenson, executive director of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee; and Dr. Sarah Meyland, who guided us in selecting the plants for filtration, were instrumental partners, as was former Sea Cliff Mayor Bruce Kennedy, who literally put on his boots to help me inspect outflow pipes. I also want to thank retired Nassau DPW Commissioner Ken Arnold, who always took meetings with me to discuss this beloved beach, and Steve Hearl, vice president of H2M Architects & Engineers, for his expert assistance. After being asked countless times, “When are you going to open the beach?” I can finally say that day has come — and it is truly an example of levels of government working together and never giving up. It’s a model for what can be achieved through cooperation in pursuit of a common goal that prioritizes the environment and our quality of life.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
Memorial Day means more than barbecues
Memorial Day weekend arrives each year with familiar signs that summer is finally at hand. Beaches begin to fill. Backyard grills fire up. Families and friends gather after months of work, school and routines that too often keep them apart. Across Long Island, from Jones Beach to Montauk, the holiday has long marked the unofficial beginning of a season people eagerly await.
There is nothing wrong with celebration. In many ways, that freedom to enjoy ordinary moments with the people we love is part of what generations of Americans fought to preserve.
But Memorial Day asks something more of us as well.
Especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans should remember that Memorial Day is not simply another three-day weekend on the calendar. It is one of the country’s most solemn observances — a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
That distinction matters.
Veterans Day honors all who served. Armed Forces Day recognizes those currently in uniform. Memorial Day is specifically for those who never came home.
Their sacrifice stretches across every generation of American history. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War,
from the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, over 1 million service members gave their lives believing the country they defended was worth that sacrifice.
Many came from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Their names appear on memorial plaques, downtown monuments and flags lining local streets. Long Island itself carries deep connections to America’s military history.
Roughly 1,180 Long Islanders died in World War II: 855 from Nassau and 325 from Suffolk. At least 552 service members lost their lives in the Vietnam War. After the Sept. 11 attacks, 56 Long Islanders died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From Revolutionary War sites to Gold Star families who sacrificed during the wars of the past two decades, our region has long contributed to the nation’s service and sacrifice. Memorial Day offers communities an opportunity not only to recognize that history but also to share it with those of younger generations.
As America prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence in July, this Memorial Day carries even greater weight. Anniversaries often invite celebration, reflection and pride. But they should also invite humility. The freedoms Americans treasure did not sustain themselves across two and a half centuries. They endured because generation after generation answered a call to serve, often at extraordinary personal cost.
It can be easy for the deeper meaning of Memorial Day to become overshadowed by travel plans, social gatherings and retail sales. Modern life moves quickly, and holidays increasingly blur together into commercial events disconnected from their origins. But Memoria Day deserves more intentional remembrance — and that does not always require grand gestures.
Attending a local parade or remembrance ceremony before heading to a barbecue is one way to honor the fallen. Visiting a veterans’ memorial or cemetery and taking a few quiet moments to read the names engraved there is another. Americans can also observe the tradition of flying the flag at half-staff until noon, and share stories with children and grandchildren about relatives who served, ensuring that those stories are not lost.
Honoring sacrifice does not diminish the joy of the weekend. In fact, it deepens it. Gratitude gives meaning to celebration. A nation that remembers its fallen understands more clearly the value of the freedoms it enjoys. This year, amid the sound of waves, fireworks and laughter that will soon define the summer season, Americans should make room for remembrance, too. Memorial Day is not ultimately about the start of summer; it is about the cost of freedom, the weight of service and the obligation of a grateful nation never to forget those who gave everything in its defense.
opinions
Some in Washington say
all’s well. Families know better.
The sticker shock Americans are feeling at the gas pump, in the grocery store, opening their utility bills and paying for health care aren’t some abstract political talking points. The high cost of living is a daily reality for many families trying to make it through the week.
Gas prices surged 15.6 percent this month, with regular gas sitting above $4.50 per gallon. Grocery prices made the biggest onemonth jump in nearly four years in April. Inflation is up to 3.8 percent, the highest in three years. For the first time since 2023, it’s outpacing wage growth. For millions of Americans, every trip to work, school, the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment now comes with a painful reminder that the cost of living keeps climbing.
Just last week, President Trump was quoted as saying, “I don’t think about
Americans’ financial situation — I don’t think about anybody.” Previously, he has called affordability, or a lack thereof, a “hoax.” Despite what he refuses to see, the cost of living is the defining issue facing this country right now.
F or many people, the affordability debate is about survival, not ideology.
The numbers tell the real story very clearly. A new Marist poll found that most Americans think their cost of living is not very affordable (44 percent) or not affordable at all (12 percent). More than six in 10 Americans do not believe the economy is working for them. Those aren’t partisan numbers. Those are kitchen-table realities.
Gas prices are a major reason why. The same poll confirmed that a whopping 81 percent of Americans say that current gas prices are putting at least some strain on their household budget. One-third say the strain is major. Only 19 percent say they feel no strain at all.
It’s not just gas prices, either; a reckless tariff policy has caused prices on everyday goods to skyrocket. Gutting green-energy projects has raised utility
Framework by Ellen Jaret
prices by cutting supply so it can’t meet demand. Our historic debt, created by the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” has massively driven up interest rates, making everything more expensive. Sky-high inflation has hit families from every direction.
All of these cost drivers, when put together, can feel insurmountable. Families are facing hard choices, and being forced to think twice about expenses they never considered before. For some that means cutting back on summer travel. For others it means buying less food at the grocery store. And for workers with long commutes, it means watching more and more of each paycheck disappear before they even get home.
Administration officials who continue to deny affordability as a major issue for Americans only grow more and more disconnected from what ordinary people are experiencing. Telling Americans to hit the road when gas is hovering above $4.50 per gallon, as our transportation secretary did two weeks ago,
is a little like telling struggling families not to worry about grocery bills while food prices continue to rise.
For many people, this debate is no longer about ideology. It’s no longer about Democrat vs. Republican, liberal vs. conservative, left vs. right. It’s about survival. Can they afford groceries this month? Can they afford their commute? Can they afford a family vacation, or even a weekend getaway?
That’s why affordability remains the central issue in the country today. Not political slogans. Not cable television arguments. Real life.
Washington can debate statistics and messaging strategies all day long. But families don’t experience the economy through press releases. They experience it every time they swipe a credit card, fill up their tank or open a utility bill.
And right now, too many Americans feel like they’re falling further behind. Now we must come together and work across the aisle to bring costs down for the American people. There is no mission more urgent.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
Overlooking Mgarr Harbour on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, Malta
Relocating is undoubtedly one of life’s more overwhelming experiences — deciding what comes with us, what fits into the next chapter, and where everything belongs. Vivian knows this firsthand, having recently transitioned from a larger home into a smaller space. Much like our emotions, what once felt big — fear, stress, uncertainty — slowly settles into smaller emotions, such as clarity, peace and comfort. Piece by piece, our belongings find their place, and eventually, so do we. Find the items that made the move!
Real Estate Salesperson | c.516.236.0537 Gold Circle of Excellence | vivianparisi@danielgale.com Sea Cliff Office | 329 Glen Cove Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY
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Flower pillow, orange couch, portrait of women, cookbooks, green chair.
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