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Lodge gives awards to high-achieving students
The Per Sempre Lodge in Lynbrook celebrated academic achievements on June 17, awarding scholarships to 12 students. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Lynbrook businesses support opening of luxury apartments
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
The Langdon, a new six-story apartment building at the corner of Broadway and Langdon Place, brings 201 rental units now open for leasing, which local businesses hope will stimulate the local economy.
Businesses located near the new complex expressed optimism about the potential for increased foot traffic and customers.
Craft Kitchen and Taphouse, located on Stauderman Avenue one block from the building, may see a boost, according to co-owner Tom McNicholas.
“I think it’s great for the area, and it’s practi-
cally a one-minute walk away, which hopefully will help our businesses and others,” McNicholas said.
Nicole Carusone, co-operator of Vincent’s Pizza at 14 Atlantic Ave., said she welcomes the development and hopes it brings more customers to the area. Vincent’s Pizza has been operating in Lynbrook since 1978. Carusone’s husband, Joseph, is a second-generation owner.
“I hope it will bring in new customers, and be beneficial to the village,” she said.
The Langdon features 55 studio apartments, 111 one-bedroom units and 35 two-bedroom units. It includes onsite parking for 205 vehicles.
Monthly rents begin at $3,030 for studios,
Late resident is inspiration for EpiPen bill
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
After New York state passed legislation to allow law enforcement and other personnel on Long Island to carry and administer epinephrine autoinjectors, like EpiPens, in case of allergic reactions, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen announced that she and fellow Rep. Andrew Garbarino would introduce legislation for a federally funded program to help equip law enforcement vehicles with EpiPens, among training efforts.
“This is a bipartisan issue, and this is a public safety issue,” Gillen said at a news conference at Lynbrook Police Headquarters on June 18.
The legislation, deemed Gio’s Law, honors Lynbrook resident Giovanni Cipriano, who was 14 years old when he died after an allergic reaction.
His mother, Georgia Cornago, a Lynbrook resident, advocated strongly to have first responders be able to aid children in case of similar incidents.
“This has been a long journey filled with heartbreak, hope and perseverance,” Cornago said. “To all the advocates, the moms and dads of children living with this daily threat, and to those who are no longer here, I see you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I will continue to fight for you.”
The pilot program, Gillen said, will set up $25 million for nationwide access to epinephrine. A single package of EpiPens come in a pair, for one adult and one child, which is the standard supply for a single police vehicle.
After her son’s death, Cornago created a nonprofit, Love For Giovanni, to increase awareness on food allergies, and help provide resources for managing them.
She said she considers the introduction of the federallyfunded grant a success, but she will pursue other goals on her agenda— including advocating
on page 24
Lynbrook actor goes operatic for new musical production Delaney r. Page
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Delaney R. Page stars as Little Buttercup in the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island’s production of “H.M.S. Pinafore.” Performances run June 29 in Garden City, East Islip, Port Washington and Commack. For tickets and info, visit GasLocoli.org/tickets.
Herald: What got you interested in musical theater or singing in the first place? And what are you primarily focused on now?
Page: I actually began singing before I can even remember anything else—it’s just always been there for me. I sang casually through college, and then I had a really wonderful teacher who opened my eyes to the emotional
depths involved in operatic singing. That’s what truly sparked my interest. From there, I started learning how to bring acting into my singing, which eventually led me to Gilbert and Sullivan. I found the Light Opera Company of Long Island about 10 years ago, and since then I’ve just continued exploring how to combine emotion, acting and music in performance.
Herald:What are some examples of how you connect emotion to your performance? What’s been one of the biggest lessons for you in transitioning to operatic singing?
Page: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that every character has motivation, and even if it doesn’t directly connect to your own life, you can always find a way to relate to it personally. For
instance, I’m playing Little Buttercup in “H.M.S. Pinafore” right now. She’s often portrayed as an older woman, and while I’m 35, I still find strong connections to her spirit. She’s described as frivolous—but in a lovable, warm way—and I see a lot of myself in that. I also find parallels between her and characters like Carmen—independent, emotional, and driven by secrets and desires. So even though Buttercup keeps a secret, it doesn’t make her less joyful or sincere. I try to bring that sense of joy into her character and my performance.
Herald: Has joy always been a central emotion for you as a performer?
Page: Absolutely. Joy is my core emotion. It’s how I try to move through life. I think everyone has a dominant emotional frequency, and for me, it’s joy. That really resonates with Little Buttercup’s character, and it’s a gift to share that feeling with the audience. It’s not just about embodying the role—it’s about making people feel something real. That’s the magic of this work.
Herald: You mentioned being part of the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company for
about 10 years. Is “H.M.S. Pinafore” your first show with them?
Page: Oh no, I’ve done many roles with the company over the years! Last year I played the Fairy Queen in “Lolanthe,” which was a major role and a fantastic experience. I’ve also done smaller roles like Kate in “Pirates of Penzance.” We even did a Christmas Carol adaptation where I played the “Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come,” very different from my usual bubbly roles, but still a lot of fun.
Herald: What’s been special for you about playing Little Buttercup?
Page: What I love most is that she’s playful and open-hearted, but she’s also layered—she’s hiding something, and that creates a fascinating emotional tension. She’s warm and maternal, but also mischievous. I really connect with her spirit. Performing her signature number, “I’m Called Little Buttercup,” is such a joy because it sets the tone for her character in this wonderfully cheeky way. And she gets the opera’s final solo, which is this beautiful emotional release where everything comes to light. It’s such a full-circle moment for her and for me as a performer.
Courtesy Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island
Students, friends honor former music teacher
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Former students, colleagues and friends gathered June 21 at Haviland Kitchen and Bar to celebrate the life of Daniel Ezell, the longtime East Rockaway music teacher, choral director and theater mentor who died at home in February. He was 73.
Ezell taught in the East Rockaway School District from 1999 until his retirement in 2014, serving as choral director, vocal coach for the school musicals and advisor to student classes.
“Dan Ezell was a great teacher and person,” said Don Poland, a fellow educator and owner of Haviland, where the celebration was held. “He brought people with their music to new heights with his knowledge and experience, helping them reach for the stars.”
A memorial film, “Remembering Daniel Ezell – Friend and Teacher,” created by filmmaker and longtime collaborator Shari Berman, was screened at the gathering.
HBorn in Mississippi on Dec. 28, 1951, and raised in Louisiana, Ezell graduated from Vidalia High School in 1969 and earned a bachelor’s in music education from Evangel College in 1973.
After a stint in the corporate world, including roles at Deloitte and Goldman Sachs, he completed his master’s degree at Hunter College in 1995 and returned to the classroom, teaching in Washingtonville and later East Rockaway.
e taught me to believe in myself, and he taught me how important it is to make sure you help others to believe in themselves.
SHARI BERMAN Colleague of Daniel Ezell
“He taught me to believe in myself, and he taught me how important it is to make sure you help others to believe in themselves,” Berman said. “That was what he was all about.”
Berman, who met Ezell while both were temping at Goldman Sachs in the 1990s, recalled being recruited by him to choreograph the musicals.
“He was always interested in music. He originally went to school to be a concert pianist, but decided he wanted to teach and really share his love for music with younger people,” she said.
Ezell’s impact on East Rockaway’s performing arts scene was profound, said Siobhan Conner, a former student who graduated in 2013.
“I loved how involved he was and how much he really cared about the process,” Conner said. “He came to every one of my college performances and would take me out to dinner often.”
Though he retired at 62, Ezell stayed deeply connected to former students and
colleagues.
“Every time he watched the movie ‘Legally Blonde,’ he would text me and remind me of his favorite parts of the show,” Conner said. “I am very lucky to have known him.”
He served as vocal director for numerous musicals, including “The Music Man,” “Oliver,” “Annie,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Berman said his favorite productions were “Crazy for You,” and “West Side Story.”
“He couldn’t believe the school could pull them off. He was just overwhelmed that we managed it,” Berman said.
In addition to his teaching, Ezell was a prolific writer, completing plays, a novel, a one-act musical and two full musicals, “41 Minutes” and “Club of Queens,” Berman said. He also worked on productions at St. John’s University and often exchanged scripts with Berman, both offering each other feedback.
Ezell converted to Judaism in his forties after tracing his ancestry during a trip to Italy. He once shared that Judaism “found him,” and it became a central part of his identity.
He was known for his love of classical music—especially Bach—as well as Karen Carpenter, Barbra Streisand, the Ray Conniff Singers, and the music of Michel Legrand.
His favorite films included “The Godfather,” “The Sound of Music,” “Cabaret” and “The Bourne Identity.”
Friends recalled his dry humor and his
signature ability to slip a clever one-liner into any conversation.
Ezell is survived by his sisters, Becky Julkenbeck and Marilyn Norfleet.
“Dan and I both agreed that it really matters to continue having humanity,” Berman said. “He really was that kind of person, someone who stayed in people’s lives, who believed in them, and who made sure they believed in themselves too.”
NUMC’s leadership fires former president
By JORDAN VALLONE
jvallone@liherald.com
The new leadership team at Nassau University Medical Center have fired Megan Ryan, the hospital system’s former president, chief executive and legal officer.
Ryan, who began her position in December 2024 after serving as interim president, was placed on administrative leave on June 10. The move followed a revamp of the board overseeing NUMC, as part of a state budget package that included legislative changes directly impacting the hospital system based in East Meadow and the A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale.
In late-May, Ryan sent a letter to Dr. Irina Gelman, the Nassau County health care commissioner and former chair of the board at NUMC, stating her intent to resign from her role on July 20. Her administrative leave was set to last through the same day, or “an earlier date to be determined pending further review,” according to minutes from the hospital’s June 10 board meeting.
The move to terminate Ryan comes at the end of a turbulent month for NUMC.
On May 31, Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Stuart Rabinowitz, a former Hofstra University president and expert in law, education, and public policy, as chair;
Amy Flores, a vice president at JPMorgan Chase; Dean Mihaltes, a health care executive and licensed pharmacist; and Lisa Warren, a business leader and longtime nonprofit advocate on Long Island.
Two additional board members, Dr. Lisa Zakiya Newland, a professor and chair of the Department of Social Work at Molloy University, and Rory Lancman, vice chair of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority and director of corporate initiatives and senior counsel at the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, were recommended by the State Legislature and appointed by Hochul on June 3.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman strongly opposed the changes, calling the moves “illegal” in early June. Under the state’s new provisions for the hospital, Blakeman has the authority to appoint two members to the hospital’s board, but refused to do so at a news conference in which he slammed the state’s decisions and stated the county’s intent to file a lawsuit.
Gelman, who sided with Blakeman, said “employee morale was at an all-time low,” at NUMC, and criticized the lack of a transition plan in place by the state as the hospital undergoes further changes.
County Democrats, including Legislator Seth Koslow, who is running against Blakeman for the county executive seat
Tim Baker/Herald
Megan Ryan, the president, chief executive and legal officer at NUMC, was terminated from her position by the hospital system’s new leadership. Ryan was on administrative leave through July 20.
this November, called Blakeman’s move “a refusal to do his job.”
As a member of the county’s minority caucus, Koslow joined fellow legislators to demand transparency in regard to events that transpired with the NUMC board prior to the state’s takeover — including both an FBI probe and an alleged robbery at the home of Matthew Bruderman, the former hospital chair.
Ryan’s termination was with “cause,”
according to a letter issued by Dr. Richard Becker, the new interim chief executive of the hospital. The letter showed that Ryan authorized payments of $3.5 million to herself and others around May 30, after the state legislature began its revamp of the board. It further stated that $1 million was in excess of amounts that were due to Ryan and other employees.
The payments allegedly served no valid purpose.
Newsday reported that Ryan’s defense attorney Alex Hartzbland said Ryan and former employees were entitled to the payments, which were authorized based on time lawfully accrued. Hartzbland told Newsday reporters that it is another “politically motivated hit” against Ryan as the new hospital leadership attempts to “distract from the state’s own corruption in the handling of NUMC’s finances.”
In an emailed statement from earlier this month, Gordon Tepper, the Long Island press secretary for Hochul, said the changes at the hospital are “the best possible news for anyone who relied on NUMC.”
“Due to years of gross mismanagement under his watch, the hospital is in financial peril,” he said. “This is a desperately needed intervention. The state’s priorities for NUMC have always been ensuring quality patient care and achieving financial stability.”
Courtesy Dignity Memorial
Daniel Ezell, the longtime East Rockaway music teacher, choral director and theater mentor died at home in February. He was 73.
News briefs
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce will host its annual summer car shows every Thursday evening from July 10 through Aug. 28, on Atlantic Avenue between Stauderman and Merrick.
Car shows make comeback on Thursdays
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce will host its annual summer car shows every Thursday evening from July 10 through Aug. 28, on Atlantic Avenue between Stauderman and Merrick.
The shows will run weekly from 6- 9 p.m. and are free to attend.
Car owners can also participate at no cost this year.
Each event will feature a variety of classic, vintage and modern vehicles on
display, along with live music and performances by local singers and dancers.
The family-friendly series is open to the public to promote community engagement and local participation.
The events provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to gather, view an array of automobiles and enjoy entertainment in a public outdoor setting.
— Ainsley Martinez
Mayor’s Golf Outing open for registration
Lynbrook’s annual Mayor’s Golf Outing, an all-day fundraiser aimed at supporting the Lynbrook community, will take place on Aug. 11 at both Inwood Country Club and Seawane Club.
The deadline for registering is July 31. Proceeds from the event benefit the Lynbrook Community Chest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Lynbrook residents facing financial or economic hardships.
Registration and event details are available at Lynbrook.PerfectGolfEvent. com.
— Ainsley Martinez
Tim Baker/Herald
Marc Losquadro, far left, Brian Stanton, Ralph Romanelli and Matt Fauerbach were among the attendees of Mayor Alan Beach’s 2024 golf outing.
• Pre-Arrangement Counseling
• Serving All Faiths
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Hempstead Avenue (at Peninsula Blvd) Lynbrook, New York 11563 516-599-3600 • fax 516-599-3602 email: info@flinchandbruns.com www.flinchandbruns.com
F. Ferrante • Michael J. Grant Edward A. Bruns President Emeritus
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
In April of 2015, these two Nobel Peace Prize laureates celebrated His Holiness’s 80th birthday by meeting for a week at the Tibetan leader’s exiled home in Dharamshala, India. Their purpose? To answer the question: How do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?
“From the moment of birth, every human being wants to discover happiness and avoid suffering. Sadly, many of the things that undermine our joy and happiness we create ourselves. Often it comes from the negative tendencies of the mind, emotional reactivity, or from our inability to appreciate and utilize the resources that exist within us. We create most of our suffering. So it should be logical that we also have the ability to create more joy. It simply depends on the attitudes, the perspectives, and the reactions we bring to situations and to relationships with other people. When it comes to personal happiness there is a lot that we as
individuals can do”, says the Dalai Lama
“The problem is that our world and our education focuses on external, materialistic values. We are not concerned enough with inner values. I believe everyone has the responsibility to develop a happier world. We need, ultimately, to have a greater concern for others’ well-being. In other words, kindness or compassion, which is lacking now. We must pay more attention to our inner values. We must look inside,” he further states.
Lasting joy – joy as a way of being – arises from the serenity of deep well-being and benevolence, say the authors.
A strong sense of concern for the well-being of others will make you happy in the morning, says the Dalai Lama, even before coffee. Even ten minutes of meditating on compassion, on kindness to others, and you will see its effects all day. That’s the way to maintain a calm and joyous mind.
rglickman@liherald.com
(516)
Courtesy Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce
Book Synopsis: “The Book of Joy” — Part 1 of 4
HERALD SPORTS
Long Island tops NYC in All-Star Classic
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Donning the uniforms of the past two collegiate national champions, Ohio State and Michigan, respectively, added a special touch to last Saturday’s inaugural National Football Foundation All-Star Classic featuring the top high school seniors from Long Island and New York City at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.
After the Boomer Esiason Foundation enjoyed a tremendous 24-year run presenting the Empire Challenge game culminating in 2019, its replacement
made a striking debut despite real-feel temperatures in the upper 80s.
Long Island, behind Islip quarterback Brady Nash, Garden City running back Michael Berkery, Westhampton kicker/safety Brody Schaffer and a run defense as stifling as the weather, led after every quarter of a 33-15 victory before a crowd of 1,500. Nash completed 10 of 14 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score to earn the Boomer Esiason Player of the Game award.
“The last time this game was played, we were all in sixth grade,” said Nash, who completed scoring strikes to Berk-
ery and Half Hollow Hills West’s Jesse Brooks. “As the week went on, it got more and more serious. You could tell how much it meant to everyone,” he added.
Schaffer went 4-for-4 on extra points, booted a 24-yard field goal and had a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter, and Massapequa’s Tyler Villalta added a touchdown run for Long Island, which compiled a topnotch coaching staff led by Garden City’s Dave Ettinger.
Carey head coach Mike Stanley, who led the Seahawks to last season’s LI Class II title and a perfect 12-0 campaign, served as the offensive coordinator. Reade Sands, who coached Sayville to the Suffolk Division III title last fall, ran the defense. Additional highly successful coaches on the L.I. staff were Manhasset’s Jay Iaquinta, who enjoyed lengthy stints in Lynbrook and Hewlett, Wantagh’s Keith Sachs, who led the Warriors to the Conference IV title last fall, Oceanside’s Rob Blount, Longwood’s Sean Kluber, Half Hollow Hills East’s Alex Marcelin, BayportBlue Point’s Mike Zafonte and St. Anthony’s Joe Minucci.
Angelo Portillo (Sachem North) formed a wall all afternoon.
Long Island’s lead swelled to 23-9 by halftime. An early turning point came on the first play of the second quarter when a bad snap over the head of New York City punter Andrew Stosko (Xaverian) resulted in a safety to make it 9-3.
“This is such an awesome experience for the kids,” Stanley said. “Their attention to detail in practice was outstanding and they did a really nice job of executing on both sides of the ball.”
Lincoln’s quarterback-receiver tandem of Kory Reese and Solomon DeCoteau hooked up for both New York City touchdowns.
New York City/Erasmus Hall head coach Danny Landberg said logistics were a challenge and several obstacles prevented the team from having a full roster at any practice. “It was fun to be a part of this but it was really difficult to come to Long Island two hours each way for practices,” he said. “We made four of the eight sessions and attendance varied.”
Long Island trailed 3-0 before Nash directed an 11-play, 68-yard scoring drive capped by his 2-yard touchdown run. The starting O-line with center Clint Chichester (Longwood), tackles Dylan Kakareko (Oceanside) and Howie Silverstein (Carey), and guards Brennan Kurtz (Ward Melville) and
Carey’s Chrisian Todaro returned the ensuing free kick 26 yards to the NYC 35 and Long Island’s offense needed only four plays to take a 16-3 lead on Villalta’s 2-yard touchdown run. Both offenses reached paydirt on their next possessions. A 40-yard pass from Reese to another Lincoln teammate, Gicah Paul, set up DeCoteau’s 12-yard touchdown grab to cut the margin to 16-9 after a failed two-point conversion try. Long Island answered with Berkery’s 37-yard touchdown catch.
Long Island’s defense, led by run stuffers Bellport’s Trevon Holland and Wantagh’s Shareef McMillian, pitched a shutout in the third quarter and Schaffer’s field goal extended the lead to 26-9 entering the fourth.
Freeport’s Curtis Ealy III and Bayport-Blue Point’s Dylan Spano had sacks for Long Island, which outgained NYC by a 339-232 margin.
“We got the win and it was so much fun,” Nash said. “I’m a Notre Dame fan but it’s cool we get to keep these jerseys.”
Michael Berkery (Garden City) had one of Long Island’s touchdowns, a 37-yard reception in the second quarter.
photos by Derrick Dingle/Herald Long Island’s Dillon Tveter (Oceanside) avoided New York City’s Saquonne Lawton (Curtis) during last Saturday’s National Football Foundation’s All-Star Classic.
Driving the future: Southern State upgrades and the role of responsible driving
By MADISON GUSLER & CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD of the Heralds
Final part in a series on the Southern State Parkway.
State.
In April, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $7 million plan to reconfigure ramps at Exit 15 of the parkway. The state will eliminate the southbound exit ramp, and all traffic will exit via a redesigned northbound ramp. Exit 15N will consolidate both north- and southbound traffic entering the intersection at Corona Avenue. The changes aim to improve traffic flow for the more than 8,000 vehicles that use those ramps each day.
The Southern State Parkway is one of the busiest highways in New York state. It opened in 1927, and its original design has not been able to meet the demands of Long Island’s increased population and consistent roadway congestion, which has resulted in many deadly crashes.
Nearly 100 years later, work on the 25.3-mile parkway has ramped up, in an effort to ensure the roadway’s safety, and longevity.
Stephen Canzoneri, a public information officer for the state Department of Transportation Region 10, noted that New York has one of the most aggressive road and bridge renewal programs in the United States, and that it is investing more in the modernization of its transportation infrastructure now than at any point in the state’s history.
Upgrading Infrastructure to improve safety
Canzoneri explained that a $34.1 billion, five-year capital plan adopted in 2022 to invest in major infrastructure projects is the largest of its kind in state history. This plan, which is entering its fourth year, includes substantial investments in modernizing roads and bridges on Long Island, including the Southern
At the end of the ramp, a new traffic signal will be installed, as well as crosswalks, a pedestrian refuge island, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps. The westbound connection to the parkway from Corona Avenue will be enlarged for easier left turns, accompanied by improved signage to better direct drivers.
There will also be a reconfiguring of Exit 13, with a new single exit ramp providing access to both Central Avenue and Linden Boulevard. The entrance ramp from Central Avenue to the eastbound Southern State will be rebuilt, the traffic signal will be updated with pedestrian countdown timers, and the sidewalks along Central Avenue, between Stuart Avenue and Linden Boulevard, will be improved. This project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin construction in 2027 Enhancements at Exit 41A, from the eastbound Southern State to the northbound Sagtikos State Parkway, include increased safety measures. In 2024, new
reflective signs were installed and pavement markings were added. This year the ramp will undergo concrete pavement work, and a new concrete barrier will be installed.
Between 2021 and 2024, a significant portion of the parkway and several ramps were resurfaced with new asphalt, and highly reflective pavement markings were installed in an effort to increase driver safety. In an email to the Herald, Assemblyman Michael Durso, whose District 9 encompasses towns in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, wrote that in 2023, Wrong Way and Do Not Enter signs were refreshed or installed at all parkway ramps.
“Safety is always the top priority of the New York State Department of Transportation,” Canzoneri said. “We
continuously review safety measures in place on all our highways on Long Island and across the state, implementing enhancements wherever it is necessary.”
Safety improvements rely on responsible driving Canzoneri noted that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“Working with our partners in law enforcement, local government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways. But motorists must do their part,” he said. “We urge everyone to obey the rules of the road, drive responsibly and remain alert, especially in work zones.”
Durso echoed Cazoneri’s sentiment
Traffic building on a typical day on the westbound Southern State Parkway.
Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen speaking on driver safety.
Planners hope to create a safer Southern State
that safety is a shared responsibility, writing that “all of the wrong way crashes that occur along the Southern State Parkway have involved impaired drivers.”
However, Durso noted an ongoing effort to address roads that have become unsafe. “As Assemblyman, I continue to work with the New York State Department of Transportation to pass along concerns from constituents and identify areas that can be improved,” he said. “Safety is my top priority.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes Exits 13 to 28 on the parkway, serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Gillen recently sent an open letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about a spike in traffic fatalities.
Working with our partners in law enforcement, government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways, but motorists must do their part.
STEPHEN CANzONERI State Dept. of Transportation
“Traffic crashes are the single leading cause of accidental death among young people on Long Island, and the second-leading cause for all residents under the age of eighty,” she wrote. “Every seven minutes on average, a serious traffic accident happens on Long Island. The failure to secure our roads has led to thousands of lives being cut short, families being ripped apart, and a terrible void left in too many communities.”
Gillen urged Duffy and the DOT to open an investigation into these accidents, and advocated for larger investments to improve roadways and increase driver safety. She is also pushing for the state to lower the legal blood alcohol limit.
“Many road safety groups have endorsed lowering our drunk-driving limit to a blood alcohol content of .05,” Gillen wrote in an email to the Herald, noting evidence that lowering the limit reduces the number of accidents and saves lives. She noted that the state of Utah, which lowered its drunk-driving threshold to .05 in 2018, saw a nearly 20 percent drop in fatal car crashes over the next calendar year.
“There is already a push to bring this limit to New York at the state level, and I’m exploring federal options to make this the law of the land across America,” she wrote.
Gillen also mentioned distracted
SOUTHERN STATE PARKWAY - EXIT 15
a draft of plans for the Southern State parkway’s exit 15, where two exits are being replaced by
the parkway near exit 13. “We need to increase high-visibility traffic enforcement,”
driving and speeding motorists. “My plan to make our roads safer includes stepping up enforcement on reckless and dangerous driving,” she wrote.
“That means giving our law enforcement agencies the tools and resources to police unsafe driving.”
Gillen stated that it’s crucial that
drivers reduce their speeds. “No matter what day or time you drive on the Southern State Parkway, there are people recklessly speeding and street racing,” she wrote. “We need to increase highvisibility traffic enforcement, and I’ll continue to push for New York State to increase the number of troopers on the
Southern State Parkway and other Long Island roads to keep people safe.”
“It’s important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Durso wrote. “We remind residents to abide by the posted speed limit, put down your cellphone, and never drink and drive.”
Tim Baker/Herald
u.S. rep. Laura gillen says.
New York State Department of Transportation
one.
Per Sempre Lodge honors students success
Eight of the recipients were children or grandchildren of lodge members, while four others were sponsored by neighboring lodges.
A crowd of approximately 150 gathered for the event.
Eleven of the award recipients were in attendance to accept their honors in person, including Frank Chiodi, Gemma Posillico, Juliana Ceccetti, John Dragon, Kate Mullen, Daniela Zito, Isabella Esposito, Sophia Bella Salegna, Matthew DeCicco, Sophia Gilleeny and Stefano Capobianco.
District 3 Co-Chairperson Eleanor Gabbogy, New York State Scholarship Co-Chair and District 3 Chairperson Rosemarie Baffo Stathes, and Mendez Lodge Officer and Scholarship Chairperson Elaine D’Arrigo presented the awards.
— Ainsley Martinez
Elaine D’arrigo Mendez, lodge officer and scholarship chairperson,
honors scholar Juliana Ceccetti for her academic achievements.
The Per Sempre Lodge in Lynbrook celebrated academic achievements during its annual scholarship night on June 17, awarding scholarships to 12 students.
Eleanor Gabbogy, far left, the district 3 co-chairwoman, scholar Frank Chiodi and Rosemarie Baffo Stathes, NYS scholarship co-chair, celebrate Chiodi’s scholarship on June 17.
Eleanor Gabbogy, far left, scholar Gemma Posillico and Rosemarie Baffo Stathes attended the scholarship night for the Per Sempre Lodges’ members.
left,
Melissa Baptiste/Herald photos
The Per Sempre Lodge officers, state and district chairs applaud students for their scholarship awards and academic success at the celebration on June 17 in Lynbrook.
Courtesy East Rockaway Public Schools
Centre Avenue and Rhame Avenue Elementary Schools hosted a special guest, Katie Duffy Schumacher, founder of the “Don’t Press Send” campaign, for a presentation on digital responsibility and mindful online communication.
Students explore safe online practices with guest speaker
Centre Avenue and Rhame Avenue Elementary Schools recently hosted a special guest, Katie Duffy Schumacher, founder of the “Don’t Press Send” campaign, for a presentation on digital responsibility and mindful online communication.
Schumacher’s visit included separate sessions tailored for grades K–3 and 4–6, focusing on helping students understand the role of technology in their lives and how to interact with it in healthy and respectful ways. She emphasized the importance of valuing in-person interaction over screen time and shared tools for setting healthy boundaries in our increasingly digital world.
Among the key takeaways from her presentation were:
Technology has a place—but it must be balanced. Children should know when and where devices are appropriate, how long they should be used, and how to communicate thoughtfully while using them.
Adults are still learning, too. Many parents did not grow up with smartphones or social media and may not have the knowledge or experience to guide their children effectively without support.
Parental oversight is essential. At the elementary level, parents should be fully monitoring all device usage. Ms. Schumacher stressed that children are not developmentally equipped to judge what is appropriate online, making parental controls and open communication vital.
The 3 R’s: Rules, Responsibility, and Respect. These guiding principles should
govern every child’s online behavior. Students were reminded that kindness, inclusion, and thinking before clicking are always the right choices.
Schumacher also led students in reflecting on what it means to be a true friend: someone who is safe and trustworthy, not just someone they’ve met online.
She encouraged students to speak up when they feel ignored in favor of a screen by saying, “I can wait until you are done. I deserve your attention.”
In her discussion, she urged students and parents alike to prioritize offline activities that bring joy, maintain balance, and ensure that all contacts and communications are known and understood by adults at home.
As a takeaway, all students received packets to bring home, offering guidelines for parents to establish thoughtful device usage rules.
Each elementary classroom also received a copy of Schumacher’s children’s book, “Bye Bye Wifi,” a story that reinforces the lessons of balance and mindfulness.
Earlier in the week, Schumacher also brought her message to middle school students at East Rockaway Jr./Sr. High School, reminding them that kindness, caution and responsibility should guide their digital behavior as well.
For more information about the “Don’t Press Send” campaign and its mission, visit DontPressSend.com.
— Ainsley Martinez
The Herald is hiring a Newsroom Coordinator to power our opinion pages, manage special sections, and help keep our 27 editions running strong. You’ll work side-by-side with editors, writers, and digital teams—all from our Garden City newsroom.
It’s fast-paced. It’s meaningful. It’s your first step into the heart of journalism.
• Coordinate columnists across 27 local editions
• Write and publish digital and print content
• Help produce our biggest annual features
• Collaborate with award-winning journalists
• Based in Garden City, NY
• Apply today - email resume to chirsch@liherald.com
• Salary range 34,500-$37,500
• www.journalismjobs.com/ job-listing/1690878
• Full job description:
liherald.com
Lynbrook community celebrates 100 years of West End School
West End Elementary School, established in Lynbrook in 1925, has turned 100 years old.
On June 17, students, alumni and community members gathered to recognize the momentous occasion.
Students and the community helped plant a tree, which was donated by the West End PTA.
The PTA also provided a stone plaque to mark the burial of a time capsule to be unearthed in 2075.
Students helped select the items to be put inside, which included a fidget spinner and a photo of their teacher, Dave Ajello, dressed as Batman.
“This morning is about more than just planting a tree,” principal Leah Murray said. “We are planting a living symbol of West End’s roots, strength and bright future.”
Third grader Sophia Valerio shared her essay, “What Does It Mean to Be a West End Champion?” and wrote:
“It means being part of a big family where we all care for each other and learn together.”
The West End chorus stood on the lawn to sing songs from The Beatles album “Revolver,” including “Good Day Sunshine,” “Taxman” and “Here, There and Everywhere.”
Emily Peterson Coyne, West End PTA president and an alumnus, reflected on the schools’ many changes, but also how it’s stayed the same.
“The amazing staff and leadership are
what make West End so special and memorable,” she said. “They were and are the pillars of what keeps this school standing strong.”
After students and community members helped place soil atop the tree’s roots and bury the time capsule, superintendent of schools Paul Lynch addressed the
audience, speaking about Lynbrook’s original residents in the early 1900s.
“They came to the west end of Lynbrook, and they carved up the old farms,” he said. “They carved the farms into lots, and the lots became houses, houses became homes, homes became a neighborhood and the neighborhood became
Lynbrook Schools community members gathered for a ceremony honoring West End School’s 100th anniversary, planting a tree and a time capsule.
this community, and that community created West End.”
After the ceremony, students and staff gathered on the back lawn to celebrate with carnival games, mini golf, music and ices.
— Ainsley Martinez
Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
If you’ve been holding onto old jewelry, coin collections, or luxury watches, there’s never been a better time to cash in. Gold prices have hit record highs—recently soaring past $3,400 an ounce—prompting a surge of smart sellers looking to turn forgotten valuables into financial opportunities.
Whether it’s broken gold chains, estate pieces tucked away in a drawer, or a collection of coins passed down through generations, Collectors Coins Jewelry & Watches in Lynbrook is helping local residents get top dollar, sometimes within minutes.
“We’re seeing more people than ever walk through our doors with old jewelry, shocked at how much it’s worth,” says Jason J. of Collectors Coins Jewelry & Watches. “One customer came in expecting a few hundred dollars and left with several thousand.”
At Collectors, all evaluations are done on-site—no shipping, no long waits, no uncertainty. From 9k to 24k gold, they pay close to current market value with transparent pricing and no pressure.
What You Can Sell
• Gold & Precious Metals – Bring in gold of any karat, whether it’s a single earring or a collection of rings and necklaces. You’ll receive a professional appraisal
and competitive offer based on today’s soaring market.
O• Coins & Bullion –U.S. silver coins (pre1965 dimes, quarters, half dollars), gold bullion, American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, Chinese Pandas, African Krugerrands, and full collections—all are welcome. From loose coins to mint sets, Collectors offers immediate payment and fair evaluations.
ne customer came in expecting a few hundred dollars and left with several thousand.
JASON J., Collectors Coins Jewelry & Watches
• Luxury Watches – Vintage chronographs from the 1950s, Rolex, Omega, Cartier, and Patek Philippe watches—even those without papers or boxes—can be worth thousands. Collectors’ team evaluates brand, condition, and market demand to get you the best possible return.
• Jewelry & Diamonds – From designer names like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and David Yurman to vintage diamond engagement rings, Collectors buys both individual pieces and full collections. They evaluate more Collectors buys both individual pieces and full collections. They evaluate more than just melt value—considering design, brand,
and resale potential.
• Sterling Silver –Turn unused flatware, tea sets, trays, bowls, and candlesticks into cash. Collectors buys by weight, purity, and collectible value.
• Certified & Uncertified Diamonds – From GIA-certified stones to vintage pieces and loose diamonds, Collectors offers a fair, expert appraisal—no certification needed to receive a strong offer.
Why Sell Now?
Many clients use their payouts for practical or meaningful goals— like paying off debt, funding home improvements, or finally booking that long-overdue vacation. With the market booming, your valuables could be worth significantly more than you think.
Located conveniently in Lynbrook, Collectors Coins Jewelry & Watches offers free, nopressure evaluations and immediate payouts. Jason J. and Daniel G. bring years of experience and a commitment to honest, friendly service. The gold market won’t stay this high forever. Don’t miss your window—stop in today and discover what your valuables are truly worth.
Learn more at lynbrookgoldbuyers.com
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$3,545 for one-bedroom units, and $4,900 for two-bedroom units.
The project also includes 20 affordable apartments designated for households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income. These units include six studios, 11 onebedroom apartments, and three two-bedroom apartments. Monthly rents for the affordable units are $2,212 for studios, $2,527 for onebedrooms, and $3,147 for two-bedrooms, according to the Long Island Housing Partnership.
Applications for the affordable housing lottery are due July 7.
Iadvantage for residents.
“It’s the heart of a beautiful, walkable village,” Breslin said. “It’s a different feel from other places on Long Island.”
The development’s proximity to the LIRR station has raised concern among some Lynbrook residents. Complaints include concerns about train noise and changes to the village’s character.
t’s the heart of a beautiful, walkable village.
JustIn BreslIn Realtor
The 278,014-square-foot development is a joint project by Garden City-based Breslin Realty Development Corporation and Fields Grade Development of Hoboken, New Jersey.
Justin Breslin, vice president of Breslin Realty Development Corporation and manager of leasing for the project, said the location offers a significant
One resident said there is a fear of “making Lynbrook too similar to New York City.”
A couple from Long Beach who toured the property last week said they are strongly considering The Langdon in their apartment search.
They reported that they “did not hear the train from inside the apartment.”
The Langdon is part of a broader push to increase housing options on Long Island, particularly near transit hubs, as demand for rental housing continues to grow.
Rental prices at the Langdon
■ Studios: From $3,030 (Affordable: $2,212)
■ 1-Bedrooms: From $3,545 (Affordable: $2,527)
■ 2-Bedrooms: From $4,900 (Affordable: $3,147)
■ Affordable Housing Lottery deadline: July 7
For households earning up to 80 percent of area median income.
Continued from page 1
Ainsley Martinez/Herald
the Langdon, a new six-story apartment building at the corner of Broadway and Langdon place, has 201 rental units now open for leasing.
It’s Your Flag… Display
The American Flag on the other side of patriotic sponsors listed below great tradition of independence. display this flag in their window Let’s show everyone that we’re
Wishing our neighbors a happy Fourth as we celebrate Declaration of
Display It Proudly!
One lucky member of the audience will WIN 4 TICKETS to watch Long Island Ducks vs Hagerstown Flying Boxcars at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m.
One lucky member of the audience will WIN 2 TICKETS to watch New York Mets vs San Fransisco Giants at Citi Field.
Sunday, August 3 at 1:40 p.m.
STEPPING OUT
From fire to water
Embracing Indigenous tradtion at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
The proud culture and legacy of Shinnecock Nation will be full display soon, representing the region’s cherished heritage. Everyone is invited to celebrate the arrival of a newly crafted dugout canoe at the museum, on June 30.
The Arrival Ceremony — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — is an opportunity for connection with our Indigenous community. Traditional songs, music and remarks from community leaders and culture bearers provide gratitude, context and a spiritual welcome as the canoe is greeted at its new home. Families can also participate in hands-on activities and sample traditional Native foods.
• June 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
The 10-foot 500-pound white pine mishoon, commissioned by Long Island Children’s Museum, was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation.
Named “Pewea Koowa,” or “Little Pine,” the vessel reflects the enduring relationship between Long Island’s waterways and the Indigenous communities who have lived in balance with the region’s waterways for generations.
“One of the most important things is for us to understand that the indigenous population is still here, as an active, living part of our community. We’re often taught ‘that’s the old times’ or ‘that was hundreds of years ago,’ when actually, no, they’re here. They’re part of us,” Museum President Erika Floreska says.
Carving the mishoon involves deep care — rooted in ancestral knowledge. It was crafted by hollowing out a 1,700-pound white pine tree using fire, controlled burning and hand tools — a method passed down through the generations.
“The best way to learn is to be an apprentice, because you have to know how to identify the right tree for the vessel,” says Bullock, who guided the project (her seventh mishoon) as lead artisan.
“You strip the bark off. You get the log right where you want it to be. Then, you roll it over and begin to start the fire on top of the log,” Bullock explains. “Once you light that fire, your eyes do not leave that mishoon at all. You are on that mishoon until it is complete.
“Paddling a mishoon in Shinnecock waters was a profoundly special experience for me. Throughout my life, I have crafted numerous mishoons, participated in a handful of maiden voyages, and paddled in many of them. However, this particular journey was unparalleled, as it took place in my home waters. Water holds memory, and I believe that in this moment, we unlocked memories for our community, as well as for the land and water that we cherish.”
Symbols carved into the vessel offer further cultural meaning. Bullock added a whale tail to honor the importance of whales in Indigenous life here.
“It begins to teach the kids what these mishoons were used for. It’s kind of hard for people to think about how our ancestors took these mishoons and actually hunted whales. Whales are a big part of our culture,” Bullock adds.
The mishoon will be placed in the museum’s upcoming permanent exhibit, “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me”, opening In October.
“It’s important to celebrate what makes Long Island unique and this connection to the ocean, but also our responsibility for taking care of it. The mishoon is a really good representation of the history, the ecology and the climate,” Floreska says.
In the spirit of reciprocity, resources for a second mishoon will be gifted to the Shinnecock community in September.
“The tradition of gifting and showing reciprocity in relationships is very important to represent the balance between each other. The idea of them gifting [the mishoon] to us, us gifting to them, is very symbolic,” she adds.
Everyone can also contribute to the making of a wampum belt from quahog clam shells, led by artist and educator Tecumseh Caesar during the event.
This ongoing collaboration between Indigenous communities and the museum offers meaningful ways for families to explore deep connections — not only to the land and water, but to histories that continue to shape the present.
“There’s a whole culture that we’ve inherited and that we have a responsibility to include and think about as we all work together to shape the future,” Floreska reminds us all.
Get The Led Out
Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! Get The Led Out returns with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” for two electrifying nights of classic rock, The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these bluessoaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and highoctane recreation of Zeppelin’s iconic sound. From thunderous anthems to mystical acoustic ballads, GTLO captures the full range of Led Zeppelin’s brilliance — complete with the layered instrumentation and soaring dynamics that the band rarely performed live. . With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion, GTLO focuses on the legendary band’s early years and dives deep into beloved hits and rare cuts alike. Their approach is reverent and precise, more like a classical concert than a cover band — a true celebration of timeless rock.
Friday and Saturday, June 27-28, 8 p.m. $75, $45, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Paula Poundstone
Get ready for an evening of razor-sharp humor and brilliantly unpredictable comedy with the one and only Paula Poundstone. When she’s not dishing out laughs as a beloved panelist on NPR, she’s hosting her wildly popular podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. It’s a quirky “comedy field guide to life,” filled with offbeat segments like taste tests, “cat of the week” tributes, and interviews. Her stand-up résumé is as robust as it is hilarious, with HBO specials like “Cats, Cops and Stuff, Goes to Harvard” and “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” In 2017, she added “bestselling author” to her list of accomplishments with “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness “— a laugh-out-loud account of her quirky quest for joy. Oh, and if her voice sounds familiar to your kids? That’s because she played Forgetter Paula in “Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out.”
Friday, June 27, 8 p.m. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JUNE
‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.
• Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220
Prom Night
Check out Lynbrook High School students in their prom attire at the community celebration for families of all ages.
• Where: Atlantic Ave. (Between Merrick and Stauderman)
• Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Fee: Free to attend
• Contact: Polly Talbott at (516) 317-2075
East
Rockaway Prom Night
Join with East Rockaway High School students in their prom attire at the community celebration for families of all ages.
• Where: 1 Main St. (Talfor Boat Basin)
• Time: 4 p.m.
JUNE
Summer Reading KickOff Dance Party
Lynbrook Public Library hosts a celebration to start the Summer Reading Program. With games and dancing.
• Where: 56 Eldert St.
• Time: 11-11:45 a.m.
• Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s unveils its new exhibition, “At Play,” a survey of artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms.
Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max
He said, she said
create and explore. This week families create a vibrant firework painting. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Stargazers
Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island for a nighttime skywatching session at Old Westbury Gardens. Free with admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 7 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: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 767-6444 or landmarkonmainstreet.org
Share in some lively repartee when four stand-up comedians — two men, two women, two are married, two are single — sling comedy barbs at one another in The Ivy League of Comedy’s “Skirmish of the Sexes.” The troupe — known for their elite brand of clever comedy as seen on late-night TV and Comedy Central appearances — is armed and ready with high-brow, clean fun. Laugh the night away wty tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams. Check out this lively comic take on the age-old dichotomy of who’s right and who’s wrong — done with panache and good humor. The lineup features Tony Deyo, known for his sharp, quick material and near-perfect comedic timing almost certainly gained from his years as a professional symphony musician; Calise Hawkins, a single mom who stands out with her hair, but also her smile and her onstage likability. Also Shaun Eli, rightfully called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or successfully fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun Eli shows you that there’s hilarity in the ordinary. And Ophira Eisenberg (pictured), host of the comedy podcast Parenting Is A Joke with iHeart and Pretty Good Friends, who delivers a unique blend of smart irreverent standup and storytelling. $40, $30.
Beckmann among many others. Works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view June 28 to Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
JUNE
29
Kiwanis Bicycle Challenge Ride in support of others. The Nassau Bicycle Challenge (formerly Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge) supports the work of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Foundation. It supports charities such as Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Lyme Disease
Foundation, Kamp Kiwanis, NOSH, Boys and Girls Club and charities aligned with those of Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World”, including Kiwanis’ signature programs of Klothes 4 Kids, Koats 4 Kids and Kicks 4 Kids. The beautiful ride through the Gold Coast features picturesque vistas and water views. Choose from a 25 mile loop with 1,060 feet of vertical climb or the more challenging ride with an additional 10 mile loop, totalling 35 miles, with 1,600 feet of vertical climb. Routes are clearly marked and ride is equipped with a rest stop. Snacks and water provided. Sponsorships also available. Online registration ends June 24, but walk-ins are welcome. Online registration is $50, day of is $60.
• Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff
• Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine
• Contact: n2nbc.org
Art of Poetry: Readings by Nassau County Poet Laureates
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for this inaugural poetry event. Join current Nassau County Poet Laureate, writermusician-educator Alan Semerdjian who hosts readings by former Laureates Paula Curci,
Evelyn Kandel, Linda Opyr, and Gayl Teller. Readings will respond to the artwork on view in NCMA’s new exhibition. Pre-registration recommended. $15, $10 seniors, $5 children, members free.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 4-6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Autism Fundraiser
Join in the free community fundraiser. With classic cars, motorcycles, vendors, and barbecue, supporting New York Families for Autistic Communities, co-hosted by Knights of Columbus.
• Where: 78 Hempstead Ave.
• Time: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• Contact: grandknight@ lynbrookkofc.com
JULY
Little Learners Art Lab
3
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to handson materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play,
TD Bank ‘Celebrate America’ Eisenhower Park welcomes the annual TD Bank Celebrate America Fireworks and Show. Enjoy tunes with Chicken Head and Glenn Strange Band, followed by fireworks. As always, bring seating. Rain date is July 5.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG
11
Lynbrook Mayor’s Golf Outing
Join in a fantastic day of golf, networking, and community spirit at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual event. It is held at Inwood Country Club and Seawane Club. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, mingle with local leaders, and support the community. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a fun day on the course, this event promises something for everyone.
• Where: 50 Peppe Dr. and 1300 Club Dr.
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: Register at lynbrook. perfectgolfevent.com
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.
‘Burn, baby, burn’: An evening of disco, soul
Jazz, soul and R&B icons took the stage at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park for a Juneteenth celebration on June 19.
Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. It first became a holiday in 1865, three years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation, when enslaved people in Texas were declared free.
The performance featured The Trammps, which includes Earl Young, a drummer who is considered one of the leading figures in Philadelphia’s soul scene during the 1970s. The group’s hits include “Disco Inferno,” famously featured in the 1977 movie, “Saturday Night Fever,” starring John Travolta.
Other hits include “Hold Back the Night,” “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “Disco Party,” among others.
A band paying tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire, a classic six-time Grammy-award winning musical group that has spanned a vast range of genres throughout their career, including R&B, soul, funk, disco, jazz and pop.
Earth, Wind and Fire has sold over 90 million records worldwide, producing countless hits, such as “September,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Reasons.”
Although the event was cut short due to rain, each musician played with enthusiasm, making the celebration all the more memorable for those who attended.
—Jack Schwed
The Trammps, a group know for songs including ‘Disco Inferno,’ which was included in the movie, ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ were part of the performances.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
A crowd filtered into the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre on June 19 for a performance featuring jazz, soul and R&B icons.
Teen’s legacy inspires grant for EpiPen access
for more education on food labeling.
Cornago remembers the anxiety introduced when her son became older and more autonomous, and said she felt many situations were no longer within arms reach, particularly when Cipriano went to school and had to navigate food labels himself.
“You have to be constantly on alert,” she said.
Cornago received help from Susan Kelly, of Lynbrook, who is a nurse manager at Happy and Healthy Pediatrics in Mineola.
Kelly’s daughter was diagnosed with severe nut allergies in 2007.
“When Giovanni passed away in our village, I thought that I needed to do more,” she said. “This is a global situation. It affects everybody.”
She began blogging, writing local editorials, and speaking at schools, churches and libraries to advocate for Gio’s Law statewide.
Lynbrook Police Inspector Sean Murphy, who spoke at the event, said his daughter also experienced a severe allergic reaction as an infant—one he and his wife were unprepared for.
About 1 in 10 adults in the United States have some kind of food allergy, according to the advocacy group Food Allergy Research and Education. A severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires quick medical intervention, such as with an epinephrine injection.
He expressed gratitude to local officials and advocates for their efforts in EpiPen access, and called the legislation “life-saving and changing.”
The Village of Lynbrook equipped law enforcement officers with EpiPens starting in 2017, after Cipriano’s death.
“We thank Lynbrook and the mayor and the police department here for their advocacy and their leadership on this issue, who have always used the EpiPen program to help save lives,” Gillen said.
Mayor Alan Beach said the Village achieved this by negotiating with NorthWell Health to provide free EpiPens to law enforcement.
“Now we see Georgina, and two members of a congressional delegation from both parties, take this up to the federal level,” Beach said. “It really speaks to the importance of having this bill passed, and it brings us great pride knowing that (this) was started right here in the Village of Lynbrook.”
gillen, near right, and Cornago with a photo of Cornago’s son, giovanni Cipriano, who was 14 when he died after suffering an allergic reaction.
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE
ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE R. ERCOLE JR A/K/A GEORGE ERCOLE; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 4, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee
Gio’s Law, at a glance
will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 29, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 169 Spencer Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 441, Lot 232. Approximate amount of judgment $367,743.07 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008271/2009. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee
A proposed $25 million for a pilot program to supply and train police nationwide in epinephrine use.
Key advocates:
■ Georgia Cornago, Giovanni’s mother and founder of Love for Giovanni
■ Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D)
■ Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R)
■ Susan Kelly, Lynbrook resident and allergy advocate
Background:
■ New York State already allows law enforcement to carry epinephrine.
■ Lynbrook police began carrying EpiPens in 2017.
■ The law is bipartisan and aimed at life-saving emergency response.
Next steps:
Bill introduction in Congress and efforts to expand public education on food allergies and labeling.
Courtesy Laura Gillen
Lynbrook police inspector Sean murphy, far left, mayor alan Beach, georgina Cornago, u.S. rep. Laura gillen and pediatric physician marc Sicklick introduced legislation for an epipen grant on June 18.
Ainsley Martinez/Herald
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
Alterations Seamstress Flexible P/T, Experienced For Women's Clothing And Gowns. Work From Home. Must Have Proper Sewing Machine And Be Able To Speak And Read English. Lawrence Location. Text 516-314-4810
AUTO SALES
Gregoris Subaru Seeking Responsible Mature Individual To Join Family Run Dealership Will Train The Right Person Sales Experience Preferred But Not Necessary Salary, Commission, Benefits $50K-$75K/ Year 516-825-8700, Ask For Jay
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Health Care/Opportunities
HEALTHCARE WORKER with 40Yrs Experience Working with the Aging/ Geriatric Population is Seeking Position Caring for a Senior with Flexible Scheduling. 516-640-4204
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Q. Our house was damaged by a fire over 10 years ago, renovated and finished. We are now refinancing, and discovered we have no “closed” permits for the work. Our bank says that they can’t continue processing until plumbing, electrical and building permits are finalized and we give the bank a copy of our certificate of occupancy. We aren’t sure why this happened, and we can’t reach the contractor or the plumber. We got a certificate that our electric was inspected. Can you explain what to do, how this happened and how long this could take? The bank is pushing us to get this done.
A. Speed and control of the project are the reason this happened. People doing construction need to get in, get out and get paid, and often there is little attention to documentation. Construction, with permits, has many steps that can be ignored. It’s rewarding to work with people in construction who respect the process.
Even with your emergency repair, the whole job, from planning to final paperwork, had to be done completely. The concern about time, and how quickly plans can be made and a permit received, sets the tone for the rest of the work. In his “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” Benjamin Franklin phrased it well: “Haste makes waste.” Rushing through planning can lead to delays if the plans are incomplete.
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At each step, it seems, speed is of utmost importance. Banks, lawyers, insurance companies, contractors, real estate salespeople and building officials all have an interest, at some point, in moving you through the process of pushing for plans to be finished, a permit to be obtained and the construction work commenced. But plans and permits aren’t done by pushing a button on a computer. By diminishing this part of the process and only concentrating on getting the work done, other important parts are also ignored.
The back end of the job is making sure that each step of the work was inspected, and passes inspections. Covering up work before it is inspected is very common and done with purpose, often to avoid losing time, covering up inferior work or because the customer isn’t as important as their wallet.
You needed a full outline, a checklist, to follow through. The checklist would have shown you needed a final electrical inspection, for which you received a written certificate; a final plumbing inspection, which your plumber was required to arrange; and a final building inspection, which your contractor should have arranged. After the final inspection, you would have then received the final document you needed.
You’ll need to call your building department and confirm what inspections are needed. If you can’t find the plumber, you’ll need to either request the final plumbing inspection or spend the money to have another plumber follow through with starting the paperwork over again. Once these have been done, you’ll request the final building inspection walk-through, and hopefully thereafter receive the final certificate of completion. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Monte Leeper
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opinions Saying goodbye to Bernie Kerik
Former New York City Police
Commissioner Bernie Kerik died recently. In many ways, Bernie’s death marked the beginning of the passing of an era. He was the commissioner when New York was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, and he became a symbol of New York’s resistance and courage with his leadership in the days, weeks and months afterward.
Before becoming commissioner, he was a heroic police officer and detective, receiving numerous departmental awards, including the Medal of Valor.
Rosemary and I were proud to call Bernie our friend, in good times and bad. And there were some bad times, primarily when he was imprisoned for ethical crimes for which he was later pardoned. A number of us believed that he had been targeted for prosecution, and that his sentence was excessive. But Kerik would be the first to admit he was no saint. He did his time and went on with his life. Besides occasionally getting together with him for dinner, I looked forward to the massive barbecues he hosted for police officers and veterans
at his home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. I believe in judging people on the entirety of their lives. For those who knew him or even just observed him, Kerik passed that test. The respect and admiration for him were amply demonstrated by the crowd of mourners at his funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, who shared memories of Bernie — especially his loyalty to friends, his patriotism and his unwavering leadership after 9/11.
In addition to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the attendees included law enforcement officials, government leaders and well-known New Yorkers.
HCairo and I went after President Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally. On the day of the funeral, Kash described Kerik as a “titan among men” and “our warrior in the Colosseum when the world needed saving.”
e came to symbolize New York’s courage in the aftermath of Sept. 11.
The day of the funeral, Rosemary and I arrived early. Among the first people we met outside the cathedral was famed journalist and media personality Geraldo Rivera, a longtime friend of Kerik’s. Rivera and I spoke about the times we spent with Bernie during his tough days, and how tough he was during those days.
Also outside the cathedral was FBI Director Kash Patel. The last time I had seen Kerik was with Patel last October at Il Milano Restaurant in Manhattan, where County Executive Bruce Blakeman, county Republican Chairman Joe
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and FDNY Commissioner Tom Von Essen, the city officials who were closest to Kerik in leading New York back after 9/11, appeared heartbroken and devastated. Current Mayor Eric Adams also attended, and I commended him for authorizing this ceremonial tribute to Kerik.
I also spoke with the NYPD’s longest-serving commissioner, Ray Kelly, and current Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Kelly succeeded Kerik, and served for 12 years as commissioner. I met Tisch when she served as Kelly’s deputy commissioner for information and technology.
The NYPD Pipes & Drums performed, and many hundreds of NYPD officers lined up to pay their respects. Before the Mass began, Rosemary and I had the chance to meet in the cathedral with Dolan, a true man of God and a man for all seasons who always supports the efforts of the men and women in blue.
The hearse carrying Kerik’s remains arrived outside the cathedral as the bag-
pipes blared. Then the flag-draped coffin was carried up the steps of the cathedral to be blessed by Dolan, who led the funeral procession of family members and friends up the center aisle to the altar. Rosemary and I sat with Joe Lhota, formerly Giuliani’s deputy mayor, who is now chief of staff at NYU Langone Medical Center.
The funeral was definitely a celebration of Kerik’s life, best summarized by an opening sentence of NYPD Chaplain Msgr. David Cassato’s eulogy, which elicited laughter and knowing smiles as he patted the coffin: “Each of us has a Bernie Kerik story.” Kerik’s brother and his son Joe, a hero Newark SWAT team cop, also delivered moving eulogies.
At the conclusion of the funeral, Kerik’s coffin was carried from the cathedral. Taps was played. The American flag was taken from the coffin and presented to Bernie’s widow, Halla, by Patel and Giuliani. Accompanied by the pipe band playing “America the Beautiful,” the hearse headed slowly south on Fifth Avenue. A man who had done so much to lead New York through its darkest hour was leaving the arena. But the memories would remain. Bernie Kerik, R.I.P.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
We need to stop the attacks on America’s elected leaders
Alot of people are upset about the recent reports of the murder of the former speaker of the Minnesota legislature. If there is a list of concerned citizens, please put me at the top. Having served in elected office for 23 years, I have good reason to be worried about the fate of thousands of public officials who dedicate their lives to serving us. We are living in very sick times, and it’s time for the American people to become a part of the solution and not the problem. Less than two weeks ago, a deranged man took it upon himself to launch a carefully orchestrated campaign to kill elected officials in Minnesota. He created an enemies list and armed himself with AK-47s and other deadly weapons. You will note that I do not describe his victims and intended targets as Democratic lawmakers because party affiliation does not give potential murderers a free pass to kill only certain people. The Minnesota horror show coincid-
Ded with the eighth anniversary of the mass shooting during a practice session for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia. U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, a Republican, suffered serious injuries that have left him with permanent disabilities. His attacker also shot three other people. It is coincidental that Scalise’s attacker was angry with Republicans, and the Minnesota killer had grievances with Democrats.
These events are part of a long history of people acting out of hatred for elected officials. In January 2011, U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot during a constituent meeting in Casas Adobes, Arizona. Six innocent people were killed that day. The assassin was Jared Lee Loughner, who had a longstanding grievance with Giffords. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
today, whether you’re a Democratic or Republican official, there’s a target on your back and there are an abundance of people out there who want to harm you.
emocrat or Republican, there are lots of people out there who want to harm you.
Some people think the solution to this madness is providing more security guards for certain officials. That easy fix would cost taxpayers billions of dollars, and is not the solution. Instead, the first step is to voice loud criticism of anyone who supports violence against any elected official. Shortly after the Minnesota slaughter of two innocents, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee baselessly suggested that their assassination was connected to the political left.
The second solution to this constant wave of horror is very much in the hands of the political establishment, starting with President Trump, who has escaped two attempts on his life. It is incumbent on him to set a new tone against violence by either side. While the nation might be split politically, a president who speaks out on this issue is doing all Americans a favor.
Aside from my worry for the people who currently serve the people, I am deeply concerned about the impact these attacks will have on potential candidates for public office. I think if I were interested in running for the first time, my family would be begging me to reconsider. If qualified people decide that being an elected official is too dangerous, the country, and our system of government, will be the losers.
Since that time there have been countless cases of violence against public officials. President Trump has been the target of two assassination attempts, and just two months ago, another deranged person attempted to kill Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro by setting fire to the governor’s mansion. Sadly,
“This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way,” Lee wrote on his personal X account with an image of suspected murderer Vance Boelter. In a follow-up tweet, he wrote “Nightmare on Waltz Street” in a misspelled reference to Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Waltz. Lee’s comments were met with a firestorm of complaints, but to date he has not retreated from his inflammatory remarks. If they go uncensored by the Senate leadership, America is the loser.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that this cycle of violence will end, but it won’t be without all Americans being a part of a new crusade.
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.
Jerry Kremer
Summer is too deadly for teen drivers
Summer should be a time of freedom, fun and new experiences for young people. But for teenage and young-adult drivers, the warmest months of the year come with a chilling nickname: the 100 Deadliest Days.
During this span, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike significantly. The reasons are numerous and well documented — but the solutions are equally clear and achievable, if families and communities act with urgency.
Between 2019 and 2023, 13,135 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving teen drivers. One more person per day died in those crashes during the summer than at any other time of the year, according to an American Automobile Association analysis of accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why is this time of year so deadly for young drivers?
The first and most obvious reason is increased time on the road. School is out, teens have more freedom, and that translates to more hours behind the wheel — many of them without adult supervision. This newfound autonomy can lead to increased exposure to risky situations, especially for drivers still learning the nuances of safe vehicle operation, who often create those situation.
Then there are the social factors. Summer is filled with gatherings, beach trips and late nights with friends. Often, teen drivers are not alone in the car, so
letterS
Suozzi gets it
To the Editor:
It was refreshing to see a Democrat, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, offering ideas about the concerns of everyday people in his op-ed last week, “Centrist Democrats need to listen, learn and lead.”
Suozzi wrote a column not once bashing President Trump.
He went one step further. He sent a letter to the president about working together to address border security, immigration reform and a path to legalization, and the release of a bagel manager from Port Washington who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Working with the president may not make Suozzi popular with his fellow Democrats, but the majority of the people approve of both parties cooperating.
It’s what the people want, not about the power of the parties.
Recent developments involving Iran are more reasons why we should heal our divi -
each fatal crash involving a teen has the increased chance of claiming a number of lives. The distractions of conversation, music, phones and peer pressure can divert a driver’s attention at exactly the wrong moment. Reading and sending text messages, as well as watching and recording TikTok and Instagram videos, while driving are accidents waiting to happen, too.
Inexperience compounds the problem. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted, teen drivers are still developing the judgment and skills they need to respond to rapidly changing road conditions. They may fail to recognize hazards, misjudge distances or respond too late to hazardous situations. Add common behaviors such as speeding and driving under the influence, and it becomes clear why summer teen crash statistics rise so predictably.
Other risks are more situational, but just as serious: unfamiliar routes, fatigue from erratic summer sleep schedules, heat-related vehicle problems and heavy seasonal traffic. Each of those factors can test a teen’s ability to maintain control behind the wheel.
What can, and should, parents do without unnecessarily limiting their children’s freedom? First, set clear rules about when, where and with whom they can drive. That includes enforcing curfews and limiting the number of passengers that can accompany them. Research has consistently shown that the presence of more than one teenager in a car increases the risk of a
crash.
Second, lead by example. Teens model the behavior they see. Parents should avoid using phones while driving, follow traffic laws and show that safe driving is a lifelong habit — not just the subject of a lecture.
Open, honest communication is also vital. Conversations about the dangers of drinking, drugs and distracted driving should be ongoing, not one-time talks. When teens understand the reallife consequences of risky driving, they’re more likely to make responsible choices.
Technology can help, too. Apps that provide driving feedback and location tracking — like those recommended by Family1st GPS — offer an added layer of safety and accountability. These tools aren’t about spying; they’re about creating a support system.
Emphasize safety basics: always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and keeping eyes on the road and off the phone.
The 100 Deadliest Days will continue to claim many more lives than they should until families, schools and communities step up. Public service campaigns, driver education refreshers and localized policies — like New York state’s Zero Tolerance law, which dramatically reduced the allowable blood alcohol content for drivers under age 21 — can make an impact.
This summer, let’s treat teen driving safety like the urgent public health issue it is — and make sure that the road to adulthood isn’t cut short by tragedy.
Israel’s strike on Iran wasn’t just self-defense
in a world clouded by confusion, moral relativism and media distortion, Israel just reminded us all what moral clarity looks like. When Israel launched a bold, decisive strike on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, it wasn’t just protecting itself — it was protecting the free world. For weeks, the media narrative tried to create a rift where there was none. Headlines spoke of division between Israel and the United States, between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump. But many of us saw through the noise. This wasn’t a fracture — it was four-dimensional chess when the rest of the world was playing checkers.
Israel’s message was clear: It will not sit idly by while the world’s largest state sponsor of terror builds weapons of mass destruction. And although America eventually got involved, too, Israel’s confidence to act came from the knowledge that, with the right leadership, the United States stands with her — not above her, not behind her, but beside her.
Under Trump, that bond was restored
tto historic strength. After years of Obama-era snubs and Biden-era appeasement, Trump re-centered U.S. foreign policy around moral clarity. He recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moved our embassy, defunded those who sponsor terror, and walked away from the disastrous Iran deal that emboldened radicals and endangered peace.
Contrast that with the Biden administration, which too often treated Israel as a problem to be managed rather than an ally to be honored. From equivocation on Hamas to mixed messages in the wake of the attacks of Oct. 7, Biden’s team seemed more interested in global optics than in the survival of the Jewish state. Israel noticed. So did Iran.
bollah, Hamas and the Houthis. And it reminded both friends and foes that Israel is not a passive target — it is a moral force backed by strength, intelligence and resolve.
he world is a safer place today because Israel — and the United States — took action.
When Israel struck Iran’s air bases, enrichment facilities and command posts two weeks ago, it didn’t ask for permission — and it didn’t need to. It acted as a sovereign democracy under siege, doing what every nation has the right — and the obligation — to do: defend its people and pre-empt a greater catastrophe.
Let’s be clear about what this strike accomplished. It weakened Iran’s nuclear program. It disrupted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ infrastructure. It sent shockwaves through Hez-
Letters
sions. There are many external actors who would like to see our country torn apart. We shouldn’t make it so easy for them.
TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside
Enough of subminimum wages
To the Editor: Organizations in New York can pay a person with a disability as little as 5 cents hour, and it is legal. This must end.
It’s time for the state to eliminate the subminimum wage and treat people with disabilities with the fairness they deserve. The State Senate has passed Bill S.28 to do just that, and now it’s time for the Assembly to act before their session ends.
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome, I’ve seen firsthand what people with differing abilities can accomplish
when given the chance. My son, John Cronin, co-founded a business with me, John’s Crazy Socks, and we have learned that hiring people with differing abilities isn’t charity; it’s good business. More than half of our employees have a disability. They work hard, produce extraordinary results, and earn the same wage as their colleagues.
The subminimum wage law, a relic of 1938, allows people with disabilities to be paid as little as 5 cents an hour. That’s not just outdated, it’s wrong. It tells people that their labor, and their lives, are worth less.
New York should lead the nation by ending this discriminatory practice. No more second-class workers. No exceptions. I urge the Assembly to pass S.28 and help build a more inclusive and just future for all.
MARk X. CRONIN
Cofounder and president, John’s Crazy Socks Farmingdale
Now, step back. Look at the world.
In our own cities — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago — we see mobs marching not for peace, but for Hamas. We see antisemitism masquerading as activism, with chants of “Intifada!” echoing across college campuses. Our police officers are attacked in the name of “justice.” Biological reality is erased in the name of “equity.” Parental rights are trampled. Free speech is punished. Truth is exchanged for ideology.
What’s happening in Israel is a microcosm of what’s happening across the globe: a war between order and chaos, good and evil, light and darkness. And Israel just struck a powerful blow for good.
Those celebrating the regime in Tehran ought to remember that the Iranian people themselves have been its greatest victims. For nearly half a century they’ve suffered under clerics who rule through fear, censorship, torture and war. Perhaps this moment will accelerate the day when the people of Iran reclaim their history, dignity and freedom.
In the Middle East, nations like Saudi Arabia are watching closely — and many are quietly relieved. The Sunni Arab world has no interest in a nucleararmed Shiite theocracy destabilizing the region. Israel’s actions have made peace more plausible, not less. The Abraham Accords were only the beginning. There is more to come if courage prevails over cowardice.
I believe we are living in biblical times. We are watching prophecy and politics collide. And we must decide what side we are on.
I stand with Israel. I stand with America’s traditional values — faith, family, freedom. I stand with the parents fighting for their children, the citizens demanding security and the nations defending their existence.
To those who think this was just another strike, another regional flareup: wake up. This was a turning point. It was the moment the free world, through Israel’s hand, reminded evil that it does not get the final say.
To those marching in our streets, waving the flags of terror, threatening Jews and spitting on American ideals, I say this: your moral compass is broken. You are on the wrong side of history, and you will lose.
The world is safer today because Israel and the United States acted.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
FrAmework by Tim Baker
Dancing at Juneteenth Freedom Day — Uniondale High School
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