When a Lindell Elementary School parent learned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits — commonly known as food stamps — were affected by the federal government shutdown, she decided to take action.
“One of our parents actually approached me saying, ‘SNAP benefits are ending,’ so we wanted to be able to help our community in need,” Rachel Lonergan, the school social worker, said. “And then all of a sudden, PTA parents and staff members start coming up. Everyone’s aware of what’s going on in the economy right now.”
Megan Packard, whose son Brayden is a student in Travis Van Nostrand’s fifth-grade class, came up with the idea to help families reliant on SNAP benefits and reached out to Lonergan about organizing a food drive.
The initiative aims to support families in the community — particularly those among the roughly 31,450 Nassau County households relying on SNAP benefits.
Brayden and several of his classmates gathered to help load a car full of donated items for the Long Beach Soup Kitchen on Nov. 7.
“The soup kitchen serves so many in the community,” Lonergan said. “We want to be able to meet the needs of our
students and families.” She added that all of the donated food goes directly back to feed local families.
Lonergan said the biggest lesson for students is understanding the importance of giving back and recognizing how broader issues, like government decisions, affect everyone.
“It’s not to point out what classmate is needier than another,” she said. “It’s to know that this is an organization that serves our whole community — and
we’re a community at Lindell, so we need to support one another.”
The school’s approach to community service goes beyond traditional canned food drives. Lonergan works closely with the Long Beach Soup Kitchen to determine which items are needed most — from canned goods to toiletries and household essentials — so donations directly match the pantry’s shortages.
“We try to give throughout the year based on what their specific needs are,”
she said. “It’s just whatever their needs are. We want to help meet those because, again, it’s coming right back to us. It’s our families, our students, our parents.”
The Long Beach Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry is a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization established in 1983 to feed hungry people in the Long Beach area.
The kitchen has 40 active volunteers who make everything from scratch, serving about 2,000 to 3,000 meals each month. It operates from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday, on West Pine Street, and offers a to-go meal option for families and individuals who may not feel comfortable dining in. These meals usually include a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and a dessert.
Most of the food the kitchen prepares is donated by Trader Joe’s, which delivers soup, vegetables, fruits, meats, bread, and canned goods each week. The soup kitchen also accepts donations from neighbors and local groups, with additional contributions from Island Harvest and the Atlantic Beach Community Garden helping keep its shelves stocked year-round.
“For us, it’s really about making sure no one in our community goes hungry,” Lonergan said. “When students are full and fed, they’re available to learn — and that’s what it’s all about.”
For more information, visit LongBeachSoupKitchen.com.
Daniel Offner/Herald
Lindell Elementary School students in Travis Van Nostrand’s fifth-grade class donated food to the Long Beach Soup Kitchen on Friday morning.
HERALD SCHOOLS
Mission accomplished — Field of Honor done — students and staff take a well-earned rest.
Seventh graders honor the military veterans
Ahead of Veterans Day, which was commemorated on Tuesday, Long Beach Middle School seventh grade students placed American and military flags outside the from of school district offices as part the Field of Honor Day.
The students also watched a Veterans Day video and created thank-you cards to share with local military veterans.
Originally known as Armistice Day — at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month — marked the end of World War I — known as “the war to end all wars,” in 1918.
The day first observed in 1919 was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to include all U.S. veterans from all wars. It is typically marked by parades and ceremonies at places such as Arlington National Cemetery.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Students and teachers did their best marching soldier impersonation as they proceeded to plant the flags.
Photos courtesy Long Beach schools
Students showed their patriotic spirit by enthusiastically helping to create the Field of Honor.
Long Beach Middle School seventh graders with the flags they placed outside school district offices.
Seventh grade students held those American flags and waved wide and high.
Travel with Peace of Mind
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Planning For and
Executing Inheritances (Part Two)
Early on, we learned the estate planning phrase “There’s nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Who has children that are all the same?
Some children have received significant help from parents during their lifetimes while others haven’t. Many parents choose the “forgiveness provision” to address this situation at death, to either “equalize” any gifts made to some children during lifetime with those who did not or, in the alternative, to “forgive” any loans made to children and then make a gift in like amount to each of the other children by inheritance, before the estate is divvied up in equal shares. Conversely, lifetime gifts may also be ignored. Next up is the problem of children who are partially or wholly estranged. Many clients wish to leave them a token amount but there are pitfalls to consider. One who is left considerably less than their siblings will often be angry and upset. They may demand that their siblings disclose what they received and even to pony up an equal share. Not only that, but the burden of telling that estranged child
they are getting less and delivering the paltry amount is left to the children who you wish to favor!
In our view, it is sometimes better to leave an estranged child out altogether than to stir up all the issues surrounding an inheritance much smaller than equal.
There are many valid reasons, however, to treat children differently. Some may have alcohol or substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or special needs, they may be immature and irresponsible, poor at handling money or a “soft touch” and, finally, they may have a spouse that dominates them and you do not want to see that controlling spouse get your money.
Sometimes parents leave more to the “needy” child, the old adage being that “the tongue always turns to the aching tooth”. If so, other children’s feelings may need to addressed. A letter to be opened after your death, explaining what you did and why, may go a long way towards soothing hurt feelings and avoiding misunderstandings, what we term the “emotional legacy”.
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Girl Scout Troop 2486 — made up of Long Beach High School students who live in Island Park and Long Beach — spent the month of October collecting home goods and grocery gift cards to benefit Bethany House, a nonprofit shelter network that supports families in crisis.
The effort was part of The Great Give Back, an annual day of service in which libraries across New York State host community volunteer projects. Bethany House supports women and children experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, across Nassau County.
The scouts have volunteered with Bethany House in the past, preparing meals for residents.
“After learning more about the organization, the girls wanted to help the women and children of Bethany House in a more sustainable way,” said Teresa McCarthy, the children’s librarian at Island Park Public Library. McCarthy is also the leader of Troop 2486 from Island Beach Service Unit.
The result was a custom cookbook featuring recipes paired with instructional QR code videos filmed by the girls themselves. The project was designed to make home cooking more accessible for Bethany House residents working to
rebuild stability and routine.
The Island Park Public Library served as the main drop-off site for donations. Residents contributed highneed household essentials like toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products along with grocery gift cards, which help families budget for fresh food and personal care items.
The project culminated on Oct. 18 when Troop 2486 hosted a recipe-sampling event at the library. Patrons were invited to try dishes from the cookbook, learn more about Bethany House and speak with volunteers about ongoing needs.
Bethany House volunteer coordinator Jane McCabe attended to thank the troop and the community.
Troop 2486 members include Hannah Ackerman, Avery Alley, Magnolia Campbell, Caroline Luisi, Anna McCarthy, Kate Ragona, Keira Ricardo, Domenica Salamone, Sophia Stevenson and Maeve Ventre.
The project highlighted the idea that small acts of kindness add up. Troop 2486 demonstrated how young individuals can play a meaningful role in supporting their community when they need it most.
–Abigail Grieco
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/longbeach
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long beach
Courtesy Teresa McCarthy
The Girl Scouts of Troop 2486 partnered with the Island Park Library throughout October to collect donations and provide aid to Bethany House residents.
Kleinberg
Kleinberg Funeral
Hands-on learning sparks student curiosity
ing for teachers and students alike. Nurse explained that providing too much information can affect the flow of the curriculum.
”It can be a scary thing, but it’s an opportunity for students to get messy,” she said. “It exposes students to skills in advance, and allows them to connect it to something real.”
Students are now embarking on the second section of the curriculum — exploring ancient Egyptian civilizations, from buildings and structures to the practices and tools the Egyptians used. Examples include irrigation canals, simple machines, a shaduf — a hand-operated device for lifting water — and ramps.
“The goal is to expose students to planning, testing and improvement of structures, while helping them recognize how ancient civilizations play a role in modern technology,” Nurse explained.
Students will construct a pyramid using bricks made of cardboard, with poems inscribed on them as part of a joint effort among the extension curriculum classes. The pyramid will be on display on Dec. 18 as part of Egyptian Evening, when parents will be able to see students’ work for themselves.
Nurse said that students have been receptive to the new curriculum, which brings her “a ton of joy.”
“Seeing that excitement in students’
eyes is what it’s all about,” she said.
“These are our future doctors and engineers. The things we teach them now will help them to build a sustainable future.”
At the end of the 2024-25 school year,
Nurse and three other teachers were approached by middle school Principal Erica Northcutt about engineering the new learning approach. Northcutt, Science Director Cristine Torsi, Literacy Director Jennifer Hoffman and Social
Studies Director Richard Rogers were looking for a new way to engage students.
“The curriculum is designed to help move education forward by encouraging students to innovate and create through comparison of the past to inform the future,” Northcutt said.
She added that encouraging them to engage in hands-on learning that spans a range of content areas helps them sharpen transferable skills like inquiry, communication and problem-solving.
Throughout the quarterly projects, students will utilize the artificial intelligence platform MagicStudent to ask questions about both the time period and the experiences of people in the past — a function that both Nurse and Northcutt have praised.
Nurse described the application as “a strong thinking and learning partner” for students, and Northcutt added that it is “a powerful tool to complement their learning experience.”
There will be two more units in the curriculum. Unit 3, also written by Nurse, is called “Curious Minds: From Wonder to WOW!” and Unit 4 is “Tomorrowland: Building and Engineering the Future Today. ”
“I want to make sure what they’re learning applies to what’s beyond the four walls of the classroom,” Nurse said, “and to chase better questions and better evidence.”
Courtesy Natasha Nurse
Sixth-grade Stem and humanities teacher natasha nurse has spearheaded the creation of the middle school’s new extension classes.
With new Time-of-Day Rates, 3 PM to 7 PM is now “me time.” By doing chores that use a lot of electricity before or after those hours on weekdays, you take advantage of the times when energy costs less to produce. So, think laundry at 12 PM. Read a book or catch up on emails at 4 PM. Dishes at 8 PM. It’s all about timing your savings and saving your time. Some of the appliances that use the most energy are shown below. For the complete terms and conditions, go to psegliny.com/timeofday/terms.
Learn more. Scan the QR code or go to psegliny.com/timeofday.
LIPA chief discusses L.I.’s energy future
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
At the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 5, Carrie Meek Gallagher, the new CEO of the Long Island Power Authority, spoke about the future of energy on Long Island.
“Energy is very significant to our economy, our businesses and just our way of life here on Long Island,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.
Gallagher, who took over at LIPA from John Rhodes in June, spoke with dozens of energy experts and local business owners about her priorities for the public authority, which owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaway peninsula. She has over 25 years of experience working in energy and sustainability in the public sector, having directed the Long Island office of the state Department of Public Service, and been the acting deputy secretary to the governor for energy and environment, and the regional director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
“Everyone here is committed to making sure that Long Island’s energy need are met in a clean, efficient and safe way,” Pat Guidice, business manger of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049, said. “I can’t tell you how happy we at IBEW-1049 are that Carrie is now at the helm of LIPA, ensuring we have clean and efficient energy that will be provided to Long Island.”
“Carrie’s commitment to the people of Long Island is second to none,” Guidice added.
Gallagher said that her priorities are to ensure that there is a clean, reliable and affordable power supply, and to strengthen LIPA’s partnership with PSEG Long Island, which provides electrical service to customers.
“We need power — we need energy to run our economy,” she said. “We know affordability is really critical right now, so that’s something we’re continuing to
focus on.”
Entering contract negotiations with local and outof-state energy providers over the next three years, Gallagher said she is focused on cutting costs without impacting performance. She has also continued outreach about LIPA’s Time-of-Day program, which allows customers to choose when they use electricity, at varying rates.
Gallagher assured attendees that LIPA is prepared for days of high-energy demand. “We have enough capacity on any given day to meet even our peak demands,” she said.
Clean energy — which, she said, Long Island is very committed to — helps relieve the grid in times of high demand. South Fork Wind, she said, has been providing LIPA with power for over a year. She said that Long Island leads the state in solar installations, with nearly 100,000 customers and businesses receiving solar energy. While federal tax incentives for solar power will expire at the end of the year, Gallagher said that LIPA is working with state and local partners to create an alternative option for residents looking to go solar.
“Solar works here,” she said. “We know Long Islanders are willing to adopt it, and we want to continue that momentum, as it really does make a difference.”
According to the state Department of Public Service’s 2024 Electric Reliability Performance Report, Gallagher said, LIPA has outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York for five years. This shows that the agency has consistently provided energy to Long Islanders, and, she added, it continues to invest in ensuring that it can provide reliable and affordable service in the future.
Madison Gusler/Herald Long Island Power Authority’s new CEO, Carrie Meek Gallagher, spoke at the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 5.
Housing project for local vets advances
laney, who joined the Marine Corps at age 17, thanked veterans for their service, calling them “the people who keep the city and country running.” He shared a powerful story about the impact of his enlistment on his family.
“Whether you’re a parent, sibling or spouse, I believe that you, too, wear the uniform,” he said of a family’s sacrifice. “It may not be the physical uniform, but it’s the sacrifice that you give that gives the actual veteran who is fighting that support that they need to last.”
Mullaney noted that the deed for the Long Beach Motor Inn property deed had just been signed over to Tunnel for Towers, and the motel could now be demolished.
City Council President Brendan Finn, whose father served in the military and was a member of the VFW, shared stories of two veterans, Maj. Thomas Kennedy and Capt. Roger Donnelly. He highlighted their bravery and leadership, and the sacrifices they made. A roadside bomb in Afghanistan killed Kennedy in 2012. Donnelly served in Vietnam, and is still living.
“It’s important that we know these people’s names, we know what they did,” Finn said, “because they are the humble servants of America, and they deserve everything we can give them.”
Councilman John Bendo, who is also a veteran, spoke about the history of
Veterans Day and what it means to be a veteran.
Bendo noted that the armistice ending World War I was signed at 5 a.m., but didn’t take effect until 11 a.m. In that six-hour period, there were over 1,000 more casualties, including Henry Gun-
ther, an American who was killed a minute before the hostilities ended.
Bendo highlighted the 18 million living veterans in the United States, as well as the 6 percent of adults in the country who have served in the military, calling them an “elite club.”
“Veterans come from every walk of life,” Bendo said. “We represent every faith, every background and every corner of America. When we put on that uniform, we become one team, united by a shared mission and belief in this nation.”
Dan MacPhee, the commander of Post 1384, spoke about a Marine he met who had lost both his legs in Afghanistan, saying the encounter gave him a new “insurgence of respect” for veterans.
The commemoration began with an inter-generational presentation of colors by the Joint Veterans Organization, who were joined by Island Beach Girl Scouts, Long Beach Scouts and Long Beach Cub Scouts.
Rabbi Benny Berlin, of the BACH Jewish Center of Long Beach, gave the invocation, and Bishop Mark Moses, of the New Life Church of Christ gave the benediction. Peggy Costigan, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.”
Both posts have a long history of service. Post 972 celebrated its centennial last year, and Post 1384 is set to pass the mark this year.
“On behalf of all who have served,” Bendo said, “I want to say thank you to our families who sacrificed alongside us, to our communities that continue to support us, and to every person who believes in what this nation stands for.”
Aidan Warshavsky/Herald the color guard comprised different generations and a diverse set of flags.
Nassau County honors those who served
By DANIEL OFFNER
Special
to the Herald
In recognition of the thousands of men and women across Long Island who served or are actively serving in the United States Armed Forces, members of the Nassau County community gathered in front of the memorial at Eisenhower Park on Nov. 9 to honor local veterans for their courage and sacrifice.
The Veterans Day ceremony, led by the United Veterans Organization of Nassau County, celebrated the respect, resilience, and dedication of servicemen and women, while emphasizing the importance of veteran agencies that support those returning from active duty.
Morris Miller, past president and board member of the United Veterans Organization, served as master of ceremonies.
“As long as we are alive, we will never ever forget about our brothers,” Miller said. “They may not be with us physically, but they’re with us right here in our hearts.”
Eric Spinner, UVO chaplain and senior vice commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 652, led the convocation, offering a solemn prayer for all who have served.
“As we gather this Veterans Day in memory of all who have served and those who continue to serve,” Spinner said, “bless and protect our nation. Be merciful to our honored dead, whose valor, courage, and heroism inspire us to noble action and eternal vigilance in preserving our priceless liberty and our inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Spinner also led a poignant POW/ MIA remembrance ceremony honoring those who never returned home, explaining the symbolism of each item on the small table set in their honor.
“As you enter the ceremony area today, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor,” he said. “It is set for one, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her suppressors.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman thanked the veterans in attendance for their service and reflected on his family’s long history of military involvement.
“Today sometimes gets confused with Memorial Day,” Blakeman said. “Memorial Day is a sacred day. Not a holiday, but a day to remember those who died in the line of duty. Today is more of a celebration of the brave men and women who joined our armed forces to protect our freedom.”
Blakeman shared that both of his parents served during World War II, his son completed a five-year tour with the U.S. Marine Corps, and his nephew, who died on Sept. 11, 2001, was an U.S. Army veteran.
“Today, I am honored to be in your presence, to be your county executive, and to celebrate all of those brave and courageous men and women who served in the armed forces of the United States of America,” Blakeman said. “May God
bless you all, may God bless them, and may God bless America.”
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips commended veterans’ advocates for their tireless work.
“What they do isn’t fancy,” Phillips said. “It doesn’t get the limelight, but there is no one that works harder for our veterans than Ralph Esposito.”
She added that what makes Nassau County so special are the roughly 45,000 veterans who live here.
“In Nassau County, we will never forget. We will never stop honoring. We will never stop fighting for democracy,” Phillips said.
Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, spoke about ongoing initiatives to support local veterans, including food drives and plans for a new housing project in Island Park.
During the ceremony, he personally thanked Blakeman for recently signing over the deed to the former Long Beach Motor Inn site on Austin Boulevard to
the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The charitable nonprofit, founded in honor of New York City firefighter Steven Siller — who died on Sept. 11, 2001 — has committed to building 57 units of veteran housing on the site.
The Veterans Village will feature private bathrooms and kitchens in each unit, 24/7 on-site staff and clinicians, and services ranging from job training and entitlement advocacy to behavioral health care funded and operated by the foundation.
“You don’t know how important that is, especially on Veterans Week,” Esposito said. “This means a lot. Our veterans suffer every day, but we’re out there to help. We’re always there for you, and we always will be, as long as I have breath in me.”
The ceremony concluded with recognition of veterans from every branch of service, including those who fought in World War II and Korea, followed by a final salute from the Joint Armed Forces firing detail.
“As long as there are veterans among us, we will stand together to honor them,” Miller said. “Because remembering their sacrifice is how we keep their spirit alive.”
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Nassau County veterans and elected representatives marked Veterans Day with a reflective ceremony, thanking those who have served the United States.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, whose parents and son are veterans, addressed the crowd.
Sergeant at Arms Paul Masi led the Adavancement of Colors into the ceremony.
Ralph Esposito, who leads veteran services in Nassau County, spoke about new initiatives coming down the pipeline.
At The Bristal Assisted Living, we are privileged to celebrate the legacies of our residents, especially the brave men and women who have defended our freedom. Their courage and camaraderie inspire us all.
This Veterans Day, we pay heartfelt tribute to their service and sacrifice. It’s their stories, their spirit, and their unwavering dedication that make our communities truly extraordinary.
We honor their contributions with deep gratitude, today and every day.
Scan the QR Code to learn more about our veteran discount & other available resources or visit: thebristal.com/saluting-veterans
Isles awarded 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The next National Hockey League All-Star Game will be played at UBS Arena in Elmont.
For only the second time in franchise history, the New York Islanders will host the NHL’s All-Star game. The league announced Oct. 24 UBS Arena will be the site of the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend. The event is scheduled for Feb. 5, 6 and 7, and the weekend’s festivities will be broadcast by ESPN and ABC. Additional information on the midseason showcase, including ticketing and broadcast information, will be announced when available.
Islanders season ticket members will receive priority access to the event.
“We have been looking forward to UBS Arena playing host to one of our major League events since before construction of this wonderful arena began,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We have every confidence that the Islanders organization, led by Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky, will deliver a celebration that will make the greater New York region and the NHL proud.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Game three times (2019, 2020 and 2024) and in 2020 won the fastest skater competition, is excited about the event coming to Elmont.
“It’s exciting that the All-Star Game is coming to Long Island,” Barzal said. “UBS Arena is one of the best buildings in the league so it will be great to show off the dressing room and the amenities we have as players. It’s going to be great for our fans to see the best of the best take the ice on the island.”
Fans can sign up to receive news and updates on the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend by going to nhl.com/events/ all-star/nhl-all-star-weekend.
The NHL experienced a new wave of interest last winter when the traditional All-Star Game was replaced by the 4 Nations Face-Off, a four-team tournament contested by winners Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland.
The Islanders had originally been awarded the 2026 All-Star Weekend, but that was cancelled this past spring when the league decided not to hold the game in the same year as the Winter Olympic Games taking place in Milan, Italy. The idea then became to turn the weekend into a pre-Olympics event, but the NHL decided to nix that as well to allow players to focus on travel and preparation for the Olympics.
It is now expected each NHL Club will organize an Olympic Winter Games send-off for its respective players traveling to Italy, with more details to be announced in the near future.
Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, who has appeared in the NHL All-Star
The 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend will mark just the second time the Islanders will host NHL All-Star activities, with the first being the 1983 edition, featuring the Campbell Conference AllStars defeating the Wales Conference All-Stars 9-3, and Wayne Gretzky claiming NHL All-Star MVP honors at Nassau Coliseum with a then-record four goals. It’ll also mark the first All-Star Game in the state of New York since 1994, when the New York Rangers hosted it at Madison Square Garden.
STEPPING OUT
Gaelic Storm
‘Jump’ right in with Mickey and his pals
By Karen Bloom
Before we get ready for the big feast, take some time with your family to feast on some Disney magic. The holiday season lights up, once again, as the latest Disney On Ice tour skates into UBS Arena with “Jump In!,” now through Nov. 16. As always, Mickey and the gang start audiences off on some wild adventures from the moment everyone settles in their seats. It’s a jumpin’ and jivin’ ride that begins with a touch of Mickey’s Magical Mouse Pad. Yeah, that’s right, even Mickey has embraced technology with his special version of an iPad!
Truly an outsized spectacle, over 50 characters gather in this —all-new — extravagant showcase of some of Disney’s most beloved tales. Disneyphiles will jump for joy when new characters from “Moana 2” and Anxiety, the newly-introduced emotion in the “Inside Out 2” sequel, appear on ice. Anxiety is, of course, joined by the other characters we all know so well: Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear.
Everyone can navigate those thrilling high seas with Moana and feel all the feels in the vibrant world of “Inside Out 2” when these beloved films come to life on ice for the first time. And, naturally, there’s so much more.
Help Stitch fix a glitch as mayhem ensues across the ice, stroll the bustling metropolis of “Zootopia,” glide through the icy realms of “Frozen,” marvel at the playful“Toy Story” universe and travel to the vibrant world of Colombia with the Madrigal family in “Encanto.” Plus, everyone is always in awe when Ariel, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Tiana arrive in a dazzling parade of Disney princesses.
These unforgettable characters and their adventures are fully alive as families are transported to world where imaginations soar — and in true Disney spirit “anything can happen if you just believe.”
And that’s how it is for Andrew Austin. The Chicago, Ill.-based skater, who joined the Disney On Ice ensemble in 2022, after concluding his competitive skating career — is certainly living his dream.
He, naturally, has been a Disney fan since childhood (a prerequisite of sorts for skaters in the show). His first experience with Disney on Ice came around age 6, Austin recalls.
“I’ve always loved Disney, especially ‘The Lion King’ and ‘The Little Mermaid.’ A truly poignant memory for me is when my godmother took me [to the show]. I
• Now through Sunday. Nov. 16; times vary
• Tickets start at $40; available at ticketmaster.com or disneyonice.com
• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
have such a fond memory of being there with her.”
That memory has since become reality for Austin, who first laced up skates as 6-year-old.
“I soon realized I had a talent for skating and wanted to see how far I could push myself,” he says.”
At 23, Austin decided it was time, as he put it, “to make a new start and begin a new chapter.”
Disney beckoned and he never looked back.
“It’s all magical,” Austin says enthusiastically.
That word again. The Mouse House goes big on the magic — and the magic brings everyone together.
“It’s really about family togetherness and learning the magic of family so it’s a great time for all ages,” Austin says.
Like always, the skating brings a new dimension to the stories we know so well. You’ll see exciting visuals, thrilling stunts and mesmerizing choreography that fully immerse those both on ice and in their seats. The solos, pairs and fast-paced ensemble skating, along with acrobatic routines, keep everyone transfixed to the action unfolding.
“We’ve worked so hard to get to this point, the skating is truly top notch,” Austin adds.
Expect to see acrobatic stunts throughout the show. High-flying performers elevate skating to the next level, with gravity-defying aerial stunts.
It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes Gaelic Storm a true anomaly. The multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with. fans of every genre are attracted to their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. This dedication to their live show dates all the way back to the mid-1990s, when the band kicked off their career as a pub band in Santa Monica, Calif. Those performances ultimately led to their discovery that found the band appearing in the blockbuster film “Titanic” (where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class”), laying the groundwork for what would come, all while gaining a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band whose songs mix Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative.
Friday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. $68, $58, $48. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Princess Ariel soars above the ice to “Kiss the Girl,” and Rapunzel’s golden hair is brought to life by flowing aerial silks in a dazzling aerial routine with Flynn Rider.
Throughout it all, you’ll be singing along — no matter your age. Disney’s timeless catalog, including “Let It Go” (Frozen), “Try Everything”(Zootopia), “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (Encanto), “Get Lost” (Moana 2), and many more favorites, are all part of the exciting soundtrack.
Excitement is certainly a descriptive of the entire spectacle.
“It’s really special and exciting for the cast to see all those smiling faces. We’re so happy to see the how the kids connect with the characters ... I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” he continues.
A final word from Austin: “This really is about family togetherness and learning the magic of family, so it’s a great time for all ages. You’ll see how the magic comes from within.”
Matt Friend
Matt Friend has been described as “a gift to comedy.” If you’re not familiar with him yet, now’s the time to find out what he’s all about. Truly an old soul in the body of a 26-year-old, the comedian-actor-impressionist — a 2020 graduate of NYU’s Gallatin School — discovered a love for comedy at the tender age of four after watching Austin Powers and mimicking the characters’ voices. His passion has since propelled him to great heights, amassing over 1 million followers on social platforms. Known for his impressive repertoire of over 250 impressions, from Rami Malek to Timothee Chalamet, he’s a beloved comedic figure on social media, stages and red carpets worldwide. Mattcontinues to captivate audiences with his stand-up shows across the U.S. and abroad. Impressions aside, Matt is a true intellect — wise beyond his years — a student of show business, comedy, politics, and culture.
Friday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment Anxiety joins everyone’s favorite emotions as they embark on a new journey. Mickey and his pals welcome all to “Jump In.”
Known for his impressive repertoire politics, and culture.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
NOV
Board of Ethics meets
The Board of Ethics holds a public meeting at City Hall. There will be no formal agenda for this gathering. Please note that the meeting will not be streamed on the city’s YouTube channel. All are welcome to attend in person.
• Where: 1 W. Chester St.
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: longbeachny.gov
Historical program
Eileen Pollis, librarian and lifelong Long Beach resident, welcomes all to ‘The Idle Hour Mansion: A Prominent Part of Long Beach History’ at Long Beach Historical Museum. Explore the mansion’s many lives, from its listing on the 1914 Original Estates of Long Beach Map as Emma Condit Smith’s home to its time as the Pride of Judea Orphanage. The mansion no longer stands, but its rich history lives on through stories and memories. No admission, but donations welcome. Light refreshments served.
• Where: 226 W. Penn St.
• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: longbeachhistoricalsociety.org
Film Friday
NOV
14
Enjoy an action-packed screening of “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” at Long Beach Public Library. The team faces their greatest challenge yet — defending Earth from the mighty Galactus and his mysterious Herald. This thrilling superhero adventure blends cosmic action with family bonds. Rated PG-13.
• Where: 111 W. Park Ave.
• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Contact: longbeachlibrary.org or (516) 432-7201
Farmer’s Market
NOV
15
Every Wednesday and Saturday farmers, artisans, bakers and makers bring their best to share with the community. From fresh, locally grown produce to handmade goods and unique treats, every vendor offers worthwhile items.
• Where: Kennedy Plaza
• Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Let’s Skate
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
NOV 20
Champagne & Chopin
Join The Friends of Old Westbury Gardens for an enchanting evening of music, elegance and celebration. Enjoy a sparkling program featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Julian Gargiulo, the charismatic “Pianist with the Hair,” known for blending virtuosity, humor and heartfelt storytelling in his performances. Set within the intimate ambiance of the Red Ballroom, this special concert pairs Champagne and light bites with an unforgettable program of Chopin and other beloved works. $125, $200 for two tickets.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: landmarkonmainstreet. org or (516) 767-6444
For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. The band has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucets spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompsons Meltdown Festival in England. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Richard Thompson. An iconic figure in British folk-rock, Thompson is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist. As one of the founding members of the group Fairport Convention, Thompson would have a seismic impact on both U.K. folk and rock, incorporating elements of traditional music (most effectively on 1969’s Liege and Lief) in a way that sparked a new interest in authentic British folk. He left the group by age 21, which was followed by a decade long musical partnership with his then-wife Linda, to over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist. A wide range of musicians have recorded Thompson’s songs including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, Los Lobos, and many more. Thompson wavered between acoustic projects (2005’s Front Parlour Ballads) and more robust full-band efforts (2013’s Electric), but despite his status as an elder statesman of the singer/ songwriter community, he remained active and engaged as a writer and musician, releasing the powerful 13 Rivers in 2018, when he was 69-years-old. $75, $65, $55.
without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” With special opening weekend activities.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Opening drop-in programs start at 1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
LuminoCity Festival
LuminoCity is back at Eisenhower Park. Walk through a winter wonderland. Timed admission fee.
magical fundraiser with master magician Michael Gutenplan at Bright Eye Beer Co. Enjoy an evening of mind-blowing magic, great local brews and community spirit — all in support of the Soup Kitchen’s mission to fight hunger in Long Beach. Don’t miss this chance to experience wonder for a worthy cause!
• Where: 50 W. Park Ave.
• Time: 3-5 p.m.
• Contact: longbeachsoupkitchen.org
NOV
17
Chamber of Commerce Meeting & Mixer
The Chamber’s monthly General Membership Meeting & Mixer brings together local business owners, community leaders and city officials to discuss upcoming events, grants and important issues affecting LBNY. The gathering also offers a great opportunity to network and connect with others invested in the community’s success.
• Where: Bridgeworks, 780 Long Beach Blvd.
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: thelongbeachchamber.com
NOV
18
City Council Meeting
Long Beach City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Public comments are welcome during the meeting and during Good and Welfare, which follows each regular session. Meeting agendas are available two business days in advance from the Office of the City Clerk.
• Where: City Hall, 1 W. Chester St.
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: longbeachny.gov
NOV 19
Ask the tech guy
Do you have questions about your computer or laptop? Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, or downloading ebooks to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, to get answers to your pressing tech questions.
• Where: 111 W. Park Ave.
• Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: longbeachlibrary.org
NOV
23
Paddle-making and storytelling at Long Island Children’s Museum
Step into the world of traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with Chenae Bullock, the artist who crafted the mishoon (Indigenous canoe) featured in the Saltwater Stories exhibit. In this drop-in program, families discover the deep connection between paddles, water, and the land as you learn about their cultural significance. Visitors will have the opportunity to design and create their own mini paddles, while exploring stories, traditions, and creative activities that highlight the beauty of Indigenous craftsmanship.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
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.
NOV
News brief
Nominations for the next class of Amazing Women for the ninth annual Women in the Arts Awards Party and Fundraiser will be open until Sunday Nov. 30.
Women in the Arts nominations sought
The Artists in Partnership Inc. portal for nominations for the next class of Amazing Women to be honored at the ninth annual Women in the Arts Awards Party and Fundraiser are open until Sunday, Nov. 30.
The woman can be a visual artist, photographer, musician, dancer, healing artist, business owner, politician, teacher, community activist, rising star, etc., and her work touches or inspires you, or
has had a positive influence where you live or work — it could be you as well.
The Allegria Hotel will host the gala on Thursday, April 26 in celebration of Women’s History Month.
The nomination form can be accessed at AIP4Arts.org/women-in-the-arts.
Winners will be notified shortly thereafter. Questions? Call (516) 307-2787 and leave a message with your contact information. –Jeffrey Bessen
Courtesy AIP
Nassau University Medical Center received a $1 million anonymous donation, which will allow the hospital to expand women’s health services.
Donation adds to NUMC women’s health services
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau University Medical Center has received a $1 million anonymous donation to expand women’s health services, funding advanced 3D mammography and bone density technology that will improve early detection and preventive care for patients across Long Island.
The gift, secured by NuHealth Board Chairman Stuart Rabinowitz, will allow the hospital to acquire new 3D mammography systems with biopsy capability and an updated bone density scanner. Both are expected to transform care for two of the most significant health issues affecting women — breast cancer and osteoporosis.
“This extraordinary act of generosity will help us detect breast cancer and osteoporosis earlier, treat them more effectively, and save countless lives,” said Dr. Richard Becker, interim chief executive officer at NUMC. “This is an investment in every woman who entrusts her care to NUMC.”
Rabinowitz said the new equipment will modernize critical services at the East Meadow hospital.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring accessible care for every member of our community,” he said. “This investment will help us deliver on that promise for generations to come.”
The donation comes as NUMC’s existing mammography equipment, first installed in 2010, reaches the end of its serviceable life. The hospital serves as a key healthcare provider for underserved communities on Long Island, offering equitable, high-quality care to women who may otherwise face barriers to preventive screenings.
According to global data, more than 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 700,000 die from the disease. On Long
HERALD
CONTEST RULES:
Island, approximately one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime — with higher rates reported among low-income populations.
Early detection is critical. The new Hologic 3D mammography systems will generate high-resolution images that improve accuracy, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and lower callback rates by nearly 50 percent. The systems also feature self-controlled compression for improved comfort and allow both screening and biopsy on the same platform.
NUMC’s Mobile Mammography Unit, which already brings 3D technology into the community, will continue to provide outreach and screening services, while the new in-hospital systems will expand capacity and streamline diagnostic care.
The donation will also fund a Hologic Horizon DXA system, replacing an outdated bone density scanner. The new device uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density, assess fracture risk, and evaluate body composition with greater precision. Early detection of bone loss, particularly in postmenopausal women, can play a major role in preventing osteoporosis and related health complications.
Together, the new systems will provide a full spectrum of advanced imaging for women, combining faster, more accurate, and more comfortable screening experiences with NUMC’s ongoing mission of health equity.
Nassau University Medical Center, operated by the Nassau Health Care Corporation, is a public teaching hospital in East Meadow. As a leading safetynet institution, it provides compassionate, high-quality care to all, regardless of ability to pay, and serves as a regional leader in emergency medicine, women’s health, and preventive care. For more, visit NUMC.edu.
ATTENTION STUDENTS:
THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER
THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12
One entry per student
Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Requirements: All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.
Mail or hand-deliver to:
Wrapping Paper Contest
Herald Community Newspapers
2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to:
(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).
Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 21
Creative Tips
• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.
• Be creative & original.
• Use bright colors.
• Fill the entire page.
Herald file photo
NOVEMBER 19 • 5:30-9:00PM
The Heritage Club at Bethpage
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ISAO “SAMMY” KOBAYASHI PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANON U.S.A., INC.
ELECTRIC
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
ISAO “SAMMY” KOBAYASHI
President & CEO
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
ACCOUNTING
JERRY P. WARD
Managing Partner
EY Long Island Office
KIRTHI MANI
Chief People Officer
CLA
LOUIS C. GRASSI, CPA, CFE
Founder & CEO
Grassi Advisors Group, Inc.
SHEILA KURMAN
Chief Human Resources Officer
Prager Metis CPAs
ADVERTISING
BENJAMIN COGGIANO
President Walter F. Cameron Advertising
CONSTRUCTION
JOSH SEIDEN
Owner & President
LMJ Management & Construction
EDUCATION
EDWARD T. BONAHUE, PH.D.
President
Suffolk County Community College
MARIA CONZATTI, PH.D.
Chief Administrative Officer
Nassau Community College
RACQUEL A. BROWN
Associate Dean Administrative & Fiscal Affairs
St. John’s University
TIMOTHY E. SAMS, PH.D.
President
SUNY Old Westbury
PATRICIA GALTERI
MICHAEL STEWART
Chief Financial Officer
L.E.B Electric
ENGINEERING
MAQSOOD MALIK, P.E.
Founder, President & CEO
M&J Engineering, D.P.C.
MOHAMMAD MALIK
Chief Operating Officer
M&J Engineering, D.P.C.
Managing Attorney Meyer Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.
RONALD FATOULLAH, ESQ. CELA , Chair Elder Law Practice Group, Partner Trusts & Estates Practice Group Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP
MANUFACTURING & DISTRIBUTION
FRANK PALMA
PRINTING
NOREEN CARRO
President
LMN Printing of NY, Inc.
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
ROBERT M. GITTO
Vice President
The Gitto Group
TAX PROPERTY
REDUCTION SERVICES
SEAN ACOSTA
President
BILLY HAUGLAND II
Chief Executive Officer Haugland Group ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION
FINANCE
MICHAEL MARRERO
SBA Director, SVP BankUnited
HEALTHCARE
MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT
President & CEO Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care & Rehabilitation Center
SOFIA AGORITSAS, MPA, FACHE Vice President, Business Development Cohen Children’s Medical Center
HOSPITALITY
MICHAEL LESSINGS
Chief Executive Officer Lessings Hospitality Group INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE
JEFFREY L. REYNOLDS, PH.D. President & CEO Family and Children’s Association (FCA)
KATHERINE FRITZ President & CEO Long Island Cares
LONNIE SHERMAN President General Needs
MIKE ROSEN Chief Marketing Officer Guide Dog Foundation & America's VetDogs
TAMMY SEVERINO President & CEO Girls Scouts of Suffolk County
THERESA REGNANTE President & CEO United Way of Long Island
Property Tax Reduction Consultants
TECHNOLOGY
EUGENE SAYAN
Founder,Chairman, CEO Softheon
JOE SCIOSCIA
Executive Vice President
Vormittag Associates, Inc. (VAI)
MICHAEL CHAMBERS AND SEAN INFANTE
President & Vice President
Central Business Systems
TOM BIANCULLI
Chief Technology Officer
Zebra Technologies
TOURISM
MITCH PALLY
Interim President & CEO
Discover Long Island
SHARON WYMAN
Chief Operations Officer
Discover Long Island
TRANSPORTATION
MARLON TAYLOR
President
New York & Atlantic Railway
PALMINA WHELAN, CCM, FCMAA, MCIOB, NAC
Founder & Capital Program
Director of New Terminal 1 at JFK
Palmina Whelan Strategic Solutions
ROBERT FREE
President
Long Island Rail Road
13, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY. NAME: Inquiziti LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/02/25. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 20 Franklin Blvd. Apt#106, Long Beach NY 11561
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity 156274
LEGAL NOTICE
LIDO AND POINT LOOKOUT FIRE DISTRICT ELECTION NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Law, an election of the qualified voters of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, State of New York, will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M., for the purpose of electing one resident of the Fire District to serve as Fire District Commissioner for a term of five (5) years, commencing January 1, 2026. All residents of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District who are duly registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections by November 17, 2025 will be eligible to vote. The voting will be by election District as follows:
Headquarters, 102 Lido Boulevard (corner of Hewlett Avenue), Point Lookout, New York, not later than 3:00 P.M. on November 20, 2024, in petition form, subscribed by not less than twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the LIDO AND POINT LOOKOUT FIRE DISTRICT. All petitions should include signatures, and the printed names and addresses of each signatory.
No absentee ballot shall be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the Fire District Secretary not later than 5:00 P.M. on the day of the election.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the polls will remain open until 9:00 P.M. and for such additional time as is necessary to permit all qualified voters then present to cast their votes.
News brief
What’s happening with the Chamber?
The holiday season in Long Beach kicks off with two major community events hosted by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber’s next general membership meeting and networking mixer is set for Monday, Nov. 17, at Bridgeworks, 780 Long Beach Blvd., in Long Beach.
Election District No. 1 –
All qualified voters of the District residing east of the State Parkway Bridge approach will vote at LIDO and POINT LOOKOUT FIRE DISTRICT Headquarters, 102 Lido Boulevard (corner of Hewlett Avenue), Point Lookout, New York.
Election District No. 2 –
All qualified voters of the District residing west of the State Parkway Bridge approach will vote at the Lido Fire House of the LIDO and POINT LOOKOUT FIRE DISTRICT, 211 Lido Boulevard (corner of Regent Drive), Lido Beach, New York.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that candidates for Fire District Commissioner must file their names with the Fire District Secretary, Fire District
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Fire Commissioners has provided for the use of absentee ballots at this election. Applications for absentee ballots for this election, in accordance with the provisions of Section 175-b of the Town Law, are available on any business day at the office of the Fire District Secretary between the hours of 10 A.M. and 3 P.M., or can be downloaded at http://www.pllfd.org, and must be received by the Fire District Secretary at least seven (7) days before election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his or her agent. A list of absentee voters shall be kept in the office of the Fire District Secretary where it shall be available during regular office hours until the date of the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reason for such challenge. Such written challenge shall be transmitted by the Fire District Secretary to the inspectors of election on election day. Such list shall also be posted in a conspicuous place at the voting site during the election, and any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the absentee voter’s ballot of any person on such list, by taking his or her challenge of the acceptance of the absentee voter’s ballot of any person on such list, by making his or her challenge and the reason therefor known to the election inspectors before the close of the polls.
Andrea M. Richter, Ast. District Secretary By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners LIDO and POINT LOOKOUT FIRE DISTRICT
Peggy Pogue Steiner, Chairman 156813
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO ELECTORAL DEL DISTRITO DE BOMBEROS DE LIDO Y POINT LOOKOUT SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la ley, el martes 9 de diciembre de 2025, entre las 4:00 p. m. y las 9:00 p. m., se llevarán a cabo elecciones para los votantes cualificados del Distrito de Bomberos de Lido y Point Lookout, municipio de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, estado de Nueva York, con el fin de elegir a un residente del Distrito de Bomberos para que se desempeñe como Comisionado del Distrito de Bomberos por un período de cinco (5) años a partir del 1 de enero de 2026. Podrán votar todos los residentes del Distrito de Bomberos de Lido y Point Lookout que estén debidamente registrados en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau antes del 17 de noviembre de 2025. La votación se realizará por distrito electoral, de la siguiente manera: Distrito Electoral n.° 1: Todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que residen al este del estado en la entrada a Parkway Bridge votarán en la sede del Distrito de Bomberos de LIDO y POINT LOOKOUT, ubicada en Lido Boulevard 102 (esquina con Hewlett Avenue), Point Lookout, Nueva York. Distrito Electoral n.° 2: Todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que residen al oeste del estado en la entrada a Parkway Bridge votarán en la Estación de Bomberos de Lido del Distrito de Bomberos de LIDO y
POINT LOOKOUT, ubicada en Lido Boulevard 211 (esquina con Regent Drive), Lido Beach, Nueva York. ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que los candidatos a Comisionado del Distrito de Bomberos deben presentar sus nombres ante el Secretario del Distrito de Bomberos, sede del Distrito de Bomberos, ubicada en Lido Boulevard 102 (esquina con Hewlett Avenue), Point Lookout, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 19 de noviembre de 2025, en formato de petición, suscrito por no menos de veinticinco (25) votantes cualificados del DISTRITO DE BOMBEROS DE LIDO Y POINT LOOKOUT. Todas las peticiones deben incluir las firmas y los nombres y direcciones en letra imprenta de cada firmante.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for informal networking among local business owners, community leaders and elected officials. Speakers and announcements will follow a half hour later, offering updates on Chamber initiatives, local legislation, business grants and more.
The 12th annual Electric Light Parade will light up the West End on Saturday, Dec. 13. The parade, which begins at 6 p.m. at Ohio Avenue and travels down West Beech Street, has
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Comisionados de Bomberos ha dispuesto el uso de papeletas de voto en ausencia en estas elecciones. De conformidad con las disposiciones del Artículo 175-b de la Ley Municipal, las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia para estas elecciones están disponibles cualquier día hábil en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito de Bomberos, de lunes a jueves de 8:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m. y viernes de 8:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m., o pueden descargarse en http://www.pllfd.org. Deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito de Bomberos al menos siete (7) días antes de las elecciones si la papeleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a las elecciones si se entregará personalmente al votante o a su representante. Se conservará una lista de votantes en ausencia en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito de Bomberos, donde estará disponible durante el horario de oficina habitual hasta la fecha de las elecciones. Después de examinar dicha lista, cualquier votante cualificado podrá presentar una impugnación por escrito de la cualificación como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en ella, indicando el motivo de
become a favorite for families citywide. Floats, antique cars, fire trucks and bicycles wrapped in colorful Christmas lights will compete for awards honoring the most festive displays. After the parade, kids’ activities and restaurant specials will help keep the celebration going. More information at LongBeachny.gov/lightparade.
Founded to support the city’s business community, the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce partners with local, city and county officials to foster economic development and enhance quality of life. Through advocacy, events and collaboration, the Chamber promotes both businesses and the broader Long Beach community.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Public Notices Public Notices
dicha impugnación. El día de las elecciones, el Secretario del Distrito de Bomberos transmitirá dicha impugnación escrita a los inspectores electorales. Dicha lista también se publicará en un lugar visible en los centros de votación durante las elecciones, y cualquier votante cualificado podrá impugnar la aceptación de la papeleta de voto en ausencia de cualquier persona incluida en dicha lista, informando a los inspectores electorales sobre su impugnación y el motivo de la misma antes del cierre de las urnas. No se escrutará ninguna papeleta de voto en ausencia a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito de Bomberos a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el día de las elecciones.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que las urnas permanecerán abiertas hasta las 9:00 p. m. y durante el tiempo adicional que sea necesario para que todos los votantes cualificados presentes puedan emitir su voto. Andrea M. Richter, Secretaria Adjunta del Distrito Por Orden de la Junta de Comisionados de Bomberos DISTRITO DE BOMBEROS DE LIDO y POINT LOOKOUT PEGGY POGUESTEINER, Presidenta CERTIFICATION OF TRANSLATION ACCURACY Translation
AZ hereby certifies that the above translation is a true, accurate and complete translation of the source documents presented to us. We hereby certify that the translation is carried out by Professional Certified Translators and that we have no relationship with the documents’ holder whatsoever. This translation was NOT performed by a translation software, website or application. This document HAS NOT been translated by a family member, a friend or business associate. This is to certify the accuracy of the translation only. We do not guarantee that the original document is authentic or that the contents are true. In witness whereof, Translation AZ- a member in good standing of the American Translators Association - ATA Member # 264750 and National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators NAJIT Member # 9064 we have signed this Certificate by our duly authorized officer. www.translationaz.co m Andreea Saramet Customer Relations Manager, Translation AZ International Operations: Miami, Florida 1031 Ives Dairy Rd., Suite 228, Miami FL 33179 Tel. +1 (800) 620-4789 Email: info@translationaz.com Website: www.translationaz.co m 156814
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 11/19/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 596/25. - 597/25. POINT LOOKOUTRichard & Laura Ann Brown, Variances, lot area occupied, average front yard setback, side yard, rear yard, construct addition, 2nd story additions & raised platform with roof over all attached to dwelling; Variances, lot area occupied, maintain enclosed cellar entrance attached to dwelling., E/s Bellmore Ave., 200’ N/o Beech St., a/k/a 88 Bellmore Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Point Lookout within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 156787
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a license with Application ID: NA-0240-25-110544, for beer, wine & cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine & cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 2 - 4 W Park Ave Long Beach, New York 11561 for on premises consumption. The company’s name is Chiramen LB Inc 156746
HomesHERALD
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Costs have gone up how much?
Q. We’re wondering what to do, whether to act now or wait to redo our kitchen and bathroom. We got estimates last spring, but thought we should wait because of the way the economy is going. Our contractor now says costs may have doubled since then. How can that be? We know some materials have gone up, but enough to nearly double? What are you seeing, since you’re involved in this, and are there any suggestions you can make? Our bathroom plumbing is leaking and our kitchen is at least 70 years old, with cabinet doors that are ready to fall off the hinges. Is there any reason to wait?
A. I doubt that, for the foreseeable future, you’ll get a great price to do the work you describe, unfortunately. We’re experiencing a “perfect storm” event in slow motion, and unless people start making themselves heard by either voicing their concerns to those with power or responding by not paying the higher prices, this spiral of rising costs is going to take time to reverse.
There are many parts to any project. Let’s start with planning. I’ve seen that many people naively believe they can just hire somebody or do the job themselves. They believe that within the walls of their home they can do anything. Well, you can — until you get caught. When trucks with a company name, a dumpster or a delivery are spotted in front of your house, a roaming official may show up to inspect, then give you an unreasonable time frame, like 14 to 30 days, to get plans submitted by a licensed architect or engineer or face fines. So you hire the professional and, little by little, learn of things you didn’t know you needed, like a permit for your air conditioning and higher costs for insulation to pass the energy code. Your design professional must submit a detailed set of energy-compliance pages showing how your new work will meet strict requirements. These are already three expenses you may not have expected. A fourth extra cost could be for legalizing, with a time-involved zoning variance, the outdoor A.C. unit if the installers never bothered to check or inform you that where they put the unit won’t pass local zoning requirements, and they avoided the permit you now need.
Now you’re ready for estimates. One will be almost double the others, because competition does that. But you want great quality and Americanmade. So the price rises back up to nearly the level of the higher bidder. Why? Labor increased due to obvious shortages of employees who will work for less. Materials were affected by tariff reactions, and energy costs have risen. Many homeowners are trying to get work done in a mild panic, so demand causes shortages in supplies, which were just catching up after the pandemic.
It may take a groundswell of people choosing not to do work to change things, but historically, prices won’t drop significantly. Good luck!
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Local triumphs on a night Republicans didn’t expect
nassau County Republicans scored outstanding victories in last week’s elections, which, with the other exception of our neighbors in Suffolk County, were a political disaster for Republicans across the country. And those Nassau victories didn’t come easily, or without tension. Anyone who has ever jumped into the political caldron and run for elective office knows the surreal experience and anxiety of election night. Everything that could have been done has been done. It’s all over but the waiting — for either the joy of victory or the agony of defeat.
As is the tradition under county party Chairman Joe Cairo, Republicans held their electionnight gathering at the Coral House in Baldwin. The crowd began gathering about 8:30 p.m., a half-hour before the polls closed. Within an hour, the ballroom was filled to capacity. In a private room at the rear of the building, candidates and party leaders waited to receive and analyze vote tallies from the hamlets, villages, towns and cities that
comprise the nation’s oldest suburbs.
In the lead-up to election night, Nassau Republicans were as upbeat as they could be. The ticket was led by Bruce Blakeman, who was seeking re-election as county executive after a very successful first term. Blakeman had held the line on taxes and, most important, the county was judged the safest in America. Amid growing concern that the anti-police proposals of the favorite to become New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, would increase the crossover crime from Queens into Nassau, Blakeman’s proven propolice, anti-crime policies had strongly resonated with the Nassau electorate. To buttress his strong law-and-order stand, there were District Attorney Anne Donnelly, a career prosecutor, and Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, who stood 24/7 with his men and women in blue.
Tmore than an outside chance. Instead, barely an hour after the polls closed, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was declared the winner in what appeared to be a landslide. Not a good omen.
he election wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout that we anticipated.
But New Jersey would be different, we thought. Polls had shown Republican Jack Ciattarelli closing the gap on Democrat Mikie Sherrill (whom I’d served with in Congress). The final pre-election polls showed Sherrill with just a 2-point lead, and Ciattarelli having all the momentum. Instead, as soon as the state’s polls closed, Sherrill jumped to an immediate lead, which steadily grew.
was always a commanding presence at these moments, had not yet appeared. Shortly after 10 p.m., he entered the room, explaining that he was “under the weather” and been feeling rotten all day. He did, however, have numbers showing that with about 60 percent of the votes counted, Republicans were holding all our current offices, and might possibly pick up one or two more. There was a huge sigh of relief.
But all did not go smoothly on election night. The Nassau results came in slowly, so our attention was focused on the governors’ races in New Jersey and Virginia as possible indicators of what Nassau’s results might be. While the Virginia race had been expected to lean Democratic, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears was thought to have
Then, just after 9 p.m., there was more bad news. Mamdani was headed to a clear victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as Curtis Sliwa siphoned off votes that might have made the difference. In Nassau the votes were still barely trickling in, and all we could see was a blue wave everywhere. There was a feeling of foreboding about what might await us amid reports that the turnout in some Republican areas had been less than expected. This night wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout victory that had been anticipated.
Adding to the concern, Cairo, who
Cairo cautioned, though, that the night wasn’t over until all the votes were counted, saying, “There’s nothing more meaningless than the score at halftime.” About a half-hour later, he returned to announce that the Republican trend had continued. In fact, we had swept every contested seat on the City Council in Long Beach, where Democratic voters have a 7-1 majority, for the first time since 1971.
About 11:30, led by Blakeman and Cairo, Republicans made their way through the Coral House ballroom onto the stage to claim victory, to acknowledge the roaring crowd and to thank them for their efforts and support. Another election night was in the books. It wasn’t easy, but the blue wave had been stopped at the Nassau border!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Getting elected looks easy. Governing is the hard part.
The die is cast. New York City will have a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. But it’s one thing to campaign for public office, and another thing altogether to run one of the biggest cities in the world, with a demanding populace and innumerable challenges. It reminds me of the Robert Redford movie “The Candidate.”
On the morning after he succeeds in winning his senatorial election, Redford’s character, Bill McKay, asks, “What do we do now?”
Having observed a number of mayoral contests, I feel qualified to opine on what first steps a new mayor must take that will make or break his years in office. While there are many positions that Mamdani must fill starting Jan. 1, the most important one is budget director. New York City has a somewhat shaky financial picture, and having someone who can crunch the numbers and package the spending plan will be life or death for him.
The next-most-visible job is that of police commissioner. The New York City Police Department currently has an intelligent and respected leader in Jessica Tisch, who has served with distinction since November 2024. Prior to that she was commissioner of the city Department of Sanitation, where she won the respect of union leaders, who admired her smarts and her approach to the job.
At this stage, Tisch has nothing new to prove. She works well with the police rank-and-file, and has never run afoul of law enforcement unions. She could easily take a job in the private sector and get a big pat on the back for a job well done. On the other hand, she may be willing to continue in the police commissioner’s job until such time as the mayor asks her to take some action that she finds objectionable.
on departmental staffing levels. During the mayoral campaign, both former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani pledged to hire 5,000 new patrolmen, a pledge easier made than accomplished.
M amdani, like Robert Redford’s Bill McKay, may wonder, ‘What do we do now?’
The city needs thousands of new police officers to replace the large number who have opted to retire in recent years, but building up the department isn’t an easy job. Because of the city’s low starting salaries, the pay is unattractive. Many current members of the department have decided to take jobs in the suburbs, where entry-level pay is typically much higher. A new mayor can make all kinds of promises, but the key to getting new cops is higher pay, and as few policy challenges as possible. An overbearing mayor with too many liberal policies will chill the force’s future.
I’ve heard a variety of views about Mayor Eric Adams’s record in office, and there’s no question that he has had a number of ethical issues. Key commissioners and their assistants have been forced to resign due to conflicts and questionable actions. His most ardent supporters claim that the ethics issues have been overstated, but the record is there for everyone to examine, and it doesn’t look good.
The path forward for the new mayor will be most challenging. He is a neophyte, and knows nothing about the city’s true challenges. If he chooses qualified people for his administration, their successes will speak for themselves. If he makes serious mistakes, the Republican establishment will broadcast to the entire world that “we told you so.”
Mamdani hasn’t offered many opinions on how the Police Department should operate, other than suggesting that mental health professionals should accompany officers on patrol on calls involving people with mental health issues. He hasn’t offered any opinions on such programs as Stop and Frisk, or
One of the city’s current weaknesses is its Law Department. The corporation counsel’s office is badly in need of staff to handle the thousands of challenges it faces annually. There are about a thousand people in the department, but because it’s understaffed, taxpayers wind up paying a price in lost cases.
Even though Nassau is a borderline county and Suffolk is even more distant, we need a New York City that has low crime rates and is fiscally sound. An old political sage once told me that “when New York City sneezes, Long Island catches a cold.” Let’s hope the adage doesn’t hold true.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
Hochul must sign police radio access bill
at a time when we are grappling with an erosion of public trust, a new threat to transparency is emerging. Across New York, police departments are encrypting their radio systems — cutting off journalists, and, by extension, the public, from critical, real-time information.
It’s not just a press freedom issue. It’s a public safety issue.
From Atlantic Beach to Babylon, Long Islanders deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, especially during moments of crisis — a school lockdown, a shooting or a natural disaster. Instead, we are increasingly forced to rely on rumor, fragmented updates or, worse, no information at all.
In the age of social media misinformation, that’s not just frustrating. It’s dangerous.
Fortunately, state lawmakers have passed a bill that seeks to reverse this perilous trend. The legislation, S.416/A.3516, sponsored by two Democrats in the Legislature, Sen. Mike Gianaris and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, would guarantee credentialed journalists secure, real-time access to encrypted police radio communications.
It is now on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk, awaiting her signature. She must sign it.
letters
Let’s hear about the other sides of Trump, Peter King
To the Editor:
I have always respected Peter King’s political opinions, although I may not have agreed with some of them. I especially appreciate his efforts in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Northern Ireland in the late 1990s.
In his op-ed in the Oct. 30-Nov. 5 issue, “Trump has written the first chapter of a new Mideast history,” King praises President Trump, and rightly so, for his excellent work in bringing together a number of countries and leaders to bring an end to the horrific war in Gaza. Let’s hope it holds. Now, I hope King devotes a column to Trump’s actions (or lack thereof) and behavior as our “domestic” president. We are currently more than 40 days into a government shutdown in which military personal and federal workers are not being paid (but Congress is!), 42 million people have lost most of their SNAP benefits and health insurance prices will double in January. Surely our president could use his power — and he loves doing that — to bring solutions to these important issues. He could order his puppet, Mike Johnson, the speaker of the
For nearly a century, journalists have monitored police radio frequencies and alerted the public to developing emergencies. That’s how people on Long Island and beyond have learned about major accidents, crimes in progress and natural disasters. In some cases, lives have been saved thanks to timely, verified information reported by local media.
Now that lifeline is being cut off.
Proponents of encryption argue that it protects sensitive information and personal privacy. That’s a valid concern — but this legislation addresses it. Under the bill, access would be password-protected, monitored and limited to credentialed journalists. Reporters would not be able to transmit on the channels or interfere in any way. If anyone were to abuse the privilege, his or her access would be revoked. Critically sensitive communications would remain encrypted.
This is not about giving journalists a backstage pass to law enforcement. It’s about making sure the public isn’t left in the dark when seconds count.
We’ve already seen the consequences of delayed information. In Chicago, a delay in releasing police communications during a courthouse shooting in July prevented timely warnings to the
public.
Police departments that initially embraced full encryption are rethinking the policy. In 2022, the Palo Alto Police Department, in California, reversed its policy of encrypting police radio communications and restored real-time access for the public and the press. The reversal came after the department had encrypted its radio feeds in January 2021, citing a state memo that required the protection of personal identifying information.
New York should learn from that example. At a time when trust in institutions is fragile, blocking information — especially during emergencies — only fuels suspicion and confusion. It invites misinformation to fill the vacuum, and puts lives at risk.
Journalists are not adversaries of public safety. In many cases, they are its allies, helping to get accurate information to people who need it. Whether it’s a car crash that shuts down the Southern State Parkway or a threat that necessitates a school lockdown, the public has a right to know — and know quickly.
Hochul has long described herself as a defender of open government and transparency. Now she has a chance to prove it.
House, to reconvene Congress, negotiate and end this disgrace.
Also, I hope King will address the president’s manner and words in dealing with people. Shouldn’t a president try to unite people, and not mock and insult them, as he
has done on many, many occasions and probably will continue to do?
I look forward to those columns.
JIM HAWKINS Baldwin
opinions
When Long Island changed history
Long Island is well known for its beaches, the Hamptons, our pizza places and diners. But we harbor certain secrets — places where generally unknown events shaped history in big ways.
I stumbled on one several years ago, and it triggered the writing of my newest novel, “The Einstein Conspiracy.” It’s a historic thriller based on actual events that occurred on Long Island just as the world was descending into World War II. The secret I uncovered was actually hidden in plain sight: a modest cottage overlooking a harbor on the North Fork. I’d read that Albert Einstein rented the home in the summer of 1939, and there he composed a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt that changed the world.
The letter itself is well known to followers of Einstein. He and a colleague,
Letters
We need journalists now more than ever
To the Editor:
Your editorial in the Oct. 16-22 issue, “Real journalists, reporting real stories,” on the vital importance of journalism, resonated with me. I subscribe to three newspapers: the Herald, Newsday and the Daily News. I am a strong believer in the First Amendment, and the power and freedom of the press. We need you now more than ever.
The skepticism for the media lies in the current regime’s constantly labeling it “fake news.” It’s only “fake” when it doesn’t conform to the regime’s edicts. The man in the White House is unilaterally imposing his will, bullying universities, corporations, law firms and the press, and sending troops into states to suppress crime that doesn’t exist.
Our democracy is fragile. We must continue to use our voices and peacefully protest the eroding of our rights and freedoms, the inhumane treatment of non-criminal immigrants, and so much more, lest we become an autocracy. I will continue to support the press, and I thank you for your truth, integrity, honesty and hard work.
MARGUERITE WESTBROOk Lynbrook
Leo Szilard, drafted it to warn FDR that Germany was researching the production of an atomic bomb, and that the science of a chain reaction leading to massive destruction was feasible. At that point, the Holocaust was expanding in intensity, and Germany was planning war across Europe. While an atom bomb in Hitler’s arsenal was unthinkable, the United States government had no serious research program.
My fascination with that cottage ignited the spinning of my own imagination. I spent two years researching Einstein’s stay on Long Island. He arrived on the North Fork on May 1, 1939, right after giving a speech on opening night of the World’s Fair in Flushing. He brought his rickety 14-foot sailboat, which was named Tinef — Yiddish for junk, trash or rubbish. He sailed the Peconic, shopped locally, strolled on the beach at Nassau Point, played the violin with the neighbors. Einstein’s life wasn’t entirely idyllic. He had fled deadly persecution by the
Nazis, including several threats on his life. In America he sought freedom and tolerance. But it wasn’t long before Hitler’s dark shadow reached him.
A fter Albert Einstein spent some quality time in a cottage here, we built the bomb.
In February 1939, a proNazi rally in Madison Square Garden attracted 20,000 people. In Yaphank, 32 miles from Einstein’s North Fork cottage, the Aryan residents of a restricted neighborhood flew swastika flags, trained children to be American storm troopers and named their roads after Hitler, Goebbels and Goering. The community campgrounds were used for pro-Nazi demonstrations and rallies. They were so popular that the Long Island Rail Road ran a train from Penn Station called the Camp Siegfried Special. Meanwhile, in New York City, the FBI pursued an extensive, widespread network of Nazi spies seeking to penetrate our military facilities, defense plants and government offices.
As a member of Congress, I occasionally dabbled in the arts of spin and embellishment. The skill came in handy
FrAmework by Tim Baker
in the writing of “The Einstein Conspiracy.” In the weeks after my first encounter with the old Einstein cottage — now privately owned — I began my own spinning of a novel that pits two FBI agents against a Nazi undercover agent trying to stop Einstein from warning Roosevelt about Hitler’s bomb. It’s based on real places, people and events.
Nearly three months after Einstein and Szilard began drafting their letter, it was finally delivered to FDR on their behalf. A mutual friend insisted on reading it aloud in the Oval Office. The president responded, “What you are after is to see that the Nazis don’t blow us up.” That night, a committee was formed to coordinate a response. An embryonic atomic research program was organized to race Adolf Hitler to an atom bomb.
In time, it became known as the Manhattan Project.
Conceived right here, on Long Island.
Steve Israel represented Long Island in Congress for 16 years, and now owns Theodore’s Books in Oyster Bay. Information on his latest novel is available at einsteinconspiracy.com. He is currently on a national book tour.
