Gianna Longo/Herald Kerry Cullen has been working as a page at the Lynbrook Public Library for about three years. She graduated from Lynbrook High School in 2024.
By GIANNA LONGO Intern
Lynbrook High School has stocked Lynbrook Public Library, on Eldert Street, with a fresh, modern perspective, with three students or alumni working as pages who are responsible for the library’s organization.
Former students Kerry Cullen, Chloe Brown and Nora Kane’s paths merged at the library, as they took on a literary mission in their local library.
The paid position consists of arranging books on shelves and collecting media from the book drop, as well as keeping the library organized for around four hours per shift.
Cullen, 19, who graduated in 2024 and is now a rising sophomore at Ithaca College, studying music education, has been working as a page at the library for nearly three years.
“I alphabetize certain sections that get a little bit wonky here and there, and I also help with events sometimes, if I have free time, which is really fun,” Cullen said.
Cullen frequented the library from early childhood through her teenage years, so it was a no-brainer for her to apply for the noncivil service position.
“I begged my grandma to go take (my brother and I) like every night,” Cullen
Oil spill raises questions for
E.R. residents
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
East Rockaway resident Lorraine Guarnieri Keegan, 73, has lived by the water her entire life, in a canal-front home on West Boulevard just off Reynolds Channel.
She knows coastal living comes with a cost, like in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy hit, convincing her family to raise their home on stilts.
“When you’re born on the water, it’s in your blood,” Keegan said. “I feel like a mermaid almost.”
But nothing prepared her for the strange, shimmering fluid that recently appeared outside her porch.
A leak from a PSEG Long Island underground transmission cable on July 14 released hundreds of gallons of dielectric fluid into Mill River, turning the familiar blue water into an oily, rainbow-streaked scene.
According to a statement from John J. Salka, a public
information officer with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the leak was identified at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Access Road near the Mill River Bridge.
Elizabeth Flagler, Head of External and Internal Communications for PSEG Long Island, reported that the cable was immediately de-energized after the leak was discovered, and no customers lost power during the shutdown.
The cause remains under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest third-party damage to the cable’s external coating, which may have weakened the pipe’s integrity over time.
The leaked fluid, a light mineral oil used to insulate highvoltage lines, is not considered dangerous to humans. However, experts warn it can harm fish, birds, and other wildlife by coating surfaces and interfering with oxygen exchange.
“This type of oil can smoth-
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OBITUARY
Kathy Ribaudo, Lynbrook owner of San-Dee Lanes, dies at 82
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Kathleen “Kathy” Ribaudo passed away on July 6, at her home in Lynbrook from complications of congestive heart failure. She was 82.
Ribaudo, a Lynbrook resident, grew up in Woodside, Queens. She married her husband Carmine on February 13, 1970 and moved to Lynbrook, where they raised their three children, Diana, Steven, and Michael. They spent 22 years together and Kathy lived in their Lynbrook home until she passed.
“She was a great mother and Nana, incredibly generous, funny as can be, so hardworking and one of the best listeners,” her daughter, Diana Ribaudo Tjaden, wrote on Facebook. “She will be missed more than words can say, by so many.”
Kathy was the owner of San-Dee Lanes Bowling Center in Malverne for over 35 years. She and her friend Sandy Ingrassia purchased the business together.
“It is very difficult to out into words how much she meant to all of us here at San-Dee,” San-Dee Lanes officials
wrote in Facebook post. “Her comments, the stories, her laugh, her smile, her passion for the business and love of her family and customers should always be remembered.”
On Facebook, people that knew Ribaudo shared fond memories of time spent with her and at San-Dee Lanes. Kathy served the community beyond her own business; she served as president of the Malverne Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and was a long time trustee with the chamber. She was well known for dressing up as the Easter Bunny for Malverne’s annual Easter egg hunt.
“Through her vision and hard work, San-Dee Lanes became much more than just a bowling center, it became a corner stone of our community,” the chamber wrote on Facebook. “Kathy’s warmth, spirit, and dedication to our community will never be forgotten.”
Her daughter, Diana; her sons, Steven and Michael; her two grandchildren, Tyler and Isabella; and her youngest brother, Thomas, survive Kathy. She is preceded in death by her husband Carmine, and her brothers Denny, Donny, and Christopher.
San-Dee Lanes/Facebook
Co-owners of San-Dee Lanes, Kathy Ribaudo, left, and Sandy Ingrassia at a breast cancer recovery program fundraiser held at the bowling alley in 2014. Ingrassia passed in 2016.
Courtesy Malverne Chamber of Commerce
In 2021 the Town of Hempstead recognized Ribaudo for 33 years as a woman business owner.
Summer car shows return in Lynbrook
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted its second installment of the annual summer car show series on July 17, which will run through Aug. 28.
The weekly Thursday event transforms Atlantic Avenue into a community block party filled with classic cars, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
The shows, which are free to attend and open to the public, take place weekly from 6 to 9 p.m. between Stauderman Place and Merrick Road. Car owners can also participate at no cost.
Each event will showcase a mix of classic, vintage and modern vehicles, alongside performances by local musicians, dancers and entertainers.
Highlights include a recital by dancers from Starz on Broadway on July 31 and a dance workshop on Aug. 21. Additional attractions will include street painting and a community mural project.
This year, for the first time, the Chamber received a special permit allowing attendees to walk along Atlantic Avenue with alcoholic beverages during the shows.
For more information, visit LynbrookUSA.com.
-Ainsley Martinez
Tim Baker/Herald Eddie Guerrero, of Valley Stream sports a 1950 Chevy pickup hot rod.
The Rock Underground Music School preformed at the second installment of the car show event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on July 17.
Artist Carlo Thertus, of Lynbrook, far left, and executive director of the Chamber Polly Talbott smile in front of a mural painted by children and residents.
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted its second installment of the annual summer car show series on July 17, which will run through Aug. 28.
Elisa Castellano, 6, far left, Francesco Borgese, 7, and Alessandra Castellano, 9 pose in front of a 1955 Chevy Bel Air.
In Elder Law Estate Planning There’s More Misinformation than Information
Recently, we came across an article by a syndicated columnist that claimed that if you put your house into an irrevocable trust you lose your exclusion from the capital gains tax on the sale of the primary residence — $500,000 for a couple and $250,000 for a single person. The writer, being a financial planner and not a trust and estates lawyer, and despite claiming to be an “expert”, was apparently unaware that there are many different types of irrevocable trusts. One of the most common irrevocable trusts, the Medicaid Asset Protect Trust (MAPT), is designed to preserve these exclusions. MAPT’s are “grantor trusts” which mean they remain in the grantor’s name for all income and capital gains tax purposes.
This leads into a very common problem. Too often, clients receive advice on trusts from financial advisors, accountants and family lawyers, believing they are getting a professional opinion. We say that what they are actually getting is a personal opinion coming out of a professional’s mouth.
We often make the analogy that if, unfortunately, you have cancer then you want to
get advice from an oncologist, not your family doctor. If you have an elder law estate planning problem, you want to talk to an elder law estate planning attorney, not your general lawyer, financial advisor or accountant. Well-meaning professionals often give incorrect information.
Here are the most common myths about the MAPT:
• Myth: You can’t sell the house - Reality: We have done it thousands of times. The money is paid to the trust and remains protected. The trust can purchase another house, a condominium or simply invest the money and pay you the income.
• Myth: You can’t change the trust - Reality: You may change the trustees, or who you are leaving it to, at any time.
• Myth: You can’t take money out of the trust
- Reality: You get all the income (interest and dividends) and you may gift virtually any amount tax-free to your children.
• Myth: You cannot undo the trust - Reality: In New York you may revoke an irrevocable trust on the consent of all named parties. If one will not sign, we have a workaround.
Lynbrook man charged in assault of PSEG worker
Nassau County police arrested a Lynbrook man Saturday after he allegedly assaulted a PSEG employee working on Atlantic Avenue, authorities said.
According to detectives from the Fourth Squad, a 61-year-old environmental engineer for PSEG was investigating hazardous materials in the area of Marina Pointe Drive around 11:03 a.m. when he was confronted by the suspect, identified as John A. Spears, 33, of 123 S. Franklin Ave.
Police said a verbal argument escalated, and Spears repeatedly struck the worker, breaking his glasses. The victim called 911 and suffered pain to his right
hand and wrist but declined further medical treatment after being evaluated at the scene.
Officers arrested Spears without incident. While receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, police said Spears became irate and repeatedly kicked a wall, causing extensive damage. He is charged with second-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree menacing. He is scheduled to be arraigned Sunday, July 20, in First District Court in Hempstead.
— Ainsley Martinez
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Courtesy Nassau County Police Department
John A. Spears, 33, of Lynbrook, was arrested July 19 in connection with the alleged assault of a PSEG environmental engineer in East Rockaway.
ArAshdeep singh
East Rockaway tech honored for innovation in schools by BOCES
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Arashdeep Sin gh, a dis trict technician for the East Roc kaway Union Free School District, was amo ng 27 edu cators honored at the six th ann ual NASTAR Awards, hosted by Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Associatio n of Sch ool Tech nologists (NASTECH). The awards recogni ze out standing inn ovation, leadership, and support of techn ology acr oss Nas sau Cou nty schools.
The Herald spoke with Singh about his role, how he got started, and the lessons he’s learned on the job.
Herald: Can you tell us about your role in the school district?
Singh: I’m the help desk technician, so I handle minor problems — anything from
smart boards not working to computer issues. I’m more of the “boots on the ground,” covering all three school buildings. If anything needs to be physically done or checked out, I’m usually the one called.
Herald: How long have you been in this role?
Singh: I’ve been here for a little over two years now. I started in April 2023.
Herald: How did you get started?
Singh: I applied through an Indeed job posting. At the time, I didn’t know everything about the job, but I made it clear in my interview that I was willing to learn and put in the effort. After the initial screening, I had a second interview with Frank,
who’s our network supervisor. He asked me more technical questions along with someone from BOCES and a representative from Arlis, the company that handles hiring for my position.
One of the questions was how I’d approach helping a teacher who doesn’t know much about technology. I explained that I try to match the person’s comfort level—whether they want a basic or detailed explanation. I think that answer really resonated with them.
Herald: What kind of background did you have in tech before this job?
Singh: I went to Thomas Edison High School in Queens, which is a CTE school. My shop class was computer repair, so for two years I was opening up machines, learning the parts, and troubleshooting. I built my own computer at home and even helped my cousin build one. I’ve always had a passion for tech, and working in a school setting just felt right—it came full circle for me.
Herald: What would you say has been your biggest challenge or lesson learned?
Singh: Honestly, I struggled with imposter syndrome at first. I didn’t feel like I was qualified or smart enough. But over time, I realized that you learn from experience. You see the same problems again and again, and you get faster at fixing them. I’ve also gotten to know everyone in the district and how they describe tech issues, so now I can understand what they need even from a vague
Courtesy Nassau BOCES
27 educators were honored by Nassau BOCES, including an East Rockaway School District technican.
Former Lynbrook teacher named STEM supervisor in Wantagh
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
After spending nearly two decades as an elementary school teacher in Lynbrook, Bellmore resident Jessica Ryan has moved on to her new role in the Wantagh School District.
Ryan was named the elementary supervisor for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in Wantagh earlier this month after spending the previous 18 years as a fourth-grade teacher at Waverly Park Elementary School in Lynbrook, her first job out of college.
Ryan’s new responsibilities will include working with the different school principals at Forest Lake, Mandalay, and Wantagh elementary schools while providing professional development to those teachers “so that they are equipped to engage learners as mathematicians, scientists [and] engineers.”
“I really want to make sure that I’m continuing to find the best researchedbased practices to help enhance instruction,” she said. “Wantagh is an amazing school district. They have such strong teachers and I’m really looking forward to being a part of their team.”
Schools began to adopt STEM in the early 2000s as a way to emphasize those
four fields in educational initiatives and workforce development. While the acronym is relatively new, the concept of integrating these subjects and promoting them in education dates back to the mid-20th century and possibly earlier.
“I like to think about what are our children going to need to solve realworld problems,” Ryan said. “How can they think, analyze, and come up with creative solutions so that they can be proactive as citizens who are really thoughtful in their decision making.”
Ryan has also been an adjunct professor at Molloy University in the education department for the past 12 years and has co-authored a book called “Growing a Growth Mindset: Unlocking Character Strengths through Children’s Literature.”
“I have always been passionate about professional development,” she said.
“My work at Molloy has always been finding research-based practices, enhancing learning through technology, social-emotional learning, STEAM. So I feel like [Wantagh] is a great fit for me.”
A regular presenter at its “How to Make Math Count” conferences, she is a past recipient of the Teacher of the Year award from Nassau County Teachers of Mathematics.
Courtesy Jessica Ryan Bellmore resident Jessica Ryan was recently named the elementary STEM supervisor in the Wantagh School District after teaching for nearly two decades in Lynbrook.
PSEG cable oil leak pollutes Mill River
er small creatures and interfere with gas exchange in gills or other membranes,” J. Bret Bennington, professor and chair of the Department of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability at Hofstra University said. “It floats on water and can be skimmed off, but it is still an irritant.”
In response, DEC crews have deployed absorbent booms and containment barriers to prevent the oil from spreading further into the canal.
It’s a problem that intersects biology, toxicology, and energy policy. We need more interdisciplinary solutions
MIRIAM RAfAILoVICh
Professor of materials science, Stony Brook University
A drum skimmer is actively removing oil from the water surface, and the collected fluid is being transported offsite for proper disposal.
According to Salka, approximately 25,000 gallons of oily water have already been recovered.
More than 30 workers participate in the cleanup effort, and five vacuum trucks are currently in operation at the site. Flagler stated that crews will remain on-site around the clock until the area is fully remediated.
At least four birds have died as a result of oil exposure, according to rescuers. The dielectric fluid coats feathers, which impair flight, hinders insulation and leaves birds vulnerable to predators.
Miriam Rafailovich, a professor of materials science at Stony Brook University, said that incidents like this highlight deeper systemic issues in how power is transmitted underwater.
“These cables are all over the ocean floor and many are uncharted,” she said, noting that large vessels can easily cut them, especially in shallow waters. “When they get damaged, nobody knows who they belong to or who to call.”
Rafailovich has been involved in past research on oil spills and their environmental impacts. During the BP oil spill, she and colleagues studied how even trace amounts of oil affected marine organisms that sequester carbon dioxide.
“These tiny organisms, coccolithophores, form protective colonies and are key to carbon capture in the ocean,” she said. “Oil damages their organic material and compromises their ability to function.”
She added that mineral oils used in cable insulation are toxic to fish, crustaceans, and plant life, and emphasized the need for alternatives to traditional underwater transmission systems.
“This isn’t just an engineering problem,” Rafailovich said. “It’s a problem that intersects biology, toxicology, and energy policy. We need more interdisci-
A leak from a PSEG Long Island underground transmission cable released dielectric fluid into the Mill River on
Rockaway resident Lorraine Guarnieri Keegan, 73, has spent her entire life in a canal-front home on
PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island has built a 7.3-mile underground transmission line designed to increase the electric system’s reliability and resiliency in western nassau County.
plinary solutions.”
Devinder Mahajan, another Stony Brook professor who researched oil spill mitigation alongside Rafailovich, said the BP oil spill taught engineers two key lessons: how to prevent oil spills, and how to mitigate them.
“Techology has come a long way in the last 40 years,” Mahajan said.
Researchers at Stony Brook and elsewhere are exploring self-healing oils, nanocomposite materials, and alternative power transmission methods, such as hydrogen fuel and battery storage, to mitigate future environmental risks.
PSEG Long Island said repairs to the cable have been completed and cleanup operations will continue until the site is fully restored. The utility is also work-
ing with the U.S. Coast Guard, local municipalities, and wildlife rescue groups to manage the situation.
Residents who encounter wildlife affected by the spill are advised to contact local rehabilitation centers, including the Wildlife Center of Long Island or Sweetbriar Nature Center.
DEC continues to oversee the cleanup to ensure protection of public health and the surrounding environment.
To Keegan, disasters like floods are an inevitable part of life near the coast. But this, she said, was an unexpected burden.
“We’re hurting our waters, which we’re supposed to protect,” Keegan said. “We have to protect Mother Nature. That’s it.”
Martinez/Herald
What you need to know about the Mill River oil spill
Date: July 14
Location: Mill River, near Atlantic Avenue and Access Road
Cause: Suspected third-party damage to PSEG Long Island underground transmission cable
Substance leaked: Dielectric fluid (mineral oil used to insulate highvoltage cables)
Volume released: Estimated hundreds of gallons
Risks:
■ Harm to fish, birds and aquatic organism
■ Disruption of oxygen exchange and insulation in animals
■ Toxic to marine life, including key carbon-sequestering species
Actions taken:
■ De-energized cable
■ Containment booms and drum skimmers deployed
■ Roughly 25,000 gallons of oily water recovered
■ 30-plus workers and five vacuum trucks on-site
Ainsley
July 14. East
West Boulevard.
Courtesy
Lynbrook Schools replace fixures due to lead tests
The Lynbrook Union Free School District has removed or restricted use of multiple water fixtures after recent testing revealed elevated lead levels at several school buildings, according to a district notice.
The district’s “Lead in School Drinking Water Program 2023–2025,” conducted in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidelines, found lead concentrations exceeding 5 parts per billion at various outlets during June 19 first-draw testing.
Fixtures exceeding the action level were taken out of service pending remediation, with exceptions for handwashing sinks, which now bear warning signs to avoid drinking the water.
Among the affected buildings are Marion Street Elementary, Waverly Park Elementary, both middle schools, and Lynbrook High School. One fixture at South Middle School tested as high as 60 ppb, and a slop sink at the high school’s athletic shed tested at 66 ppb, the highest level found.
The district said all remaining outlets tested below state thresholds and remain in service. Parents and staff are encouraged to review the full report at LnbrookSchools.org.
For more information, contact district director of facilities James Saitta at (516) 887-0259. The lead testing documents can be found on the Lynbrook School District’s website.
— Ainsley Martinez
Photos courtesy Larry Bien
A driver was extricated and hospitalized after their vehicle overturned near a medical building on Sunrise Highway Sunday evening, according to the Lynbrook Fire Department.
Firefighters from Tally-Ho Engine Company 423 and Truck Company 428-8 worked together to remove the occupant, who was transported in stable condition to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital by ambulance 425A of the department’s Emergency Medical Company.
Driver rescued after vehicle overturns near Sunrise Highway medical building
A driver was extricated and hospitalized after their vehicle overturned near a medical building on Sunrise Highway Sunday evening, according to the Lynbrook Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at 5:51 p.m. to the eastbound side of Sunrise Highway, just west of Peninsula Boulevard, where a vehicle had flipped onto its side near the steps of the Northwell Health building. The car did not strike the building, officials said.
Chief of Department Clayton Murphy arrived first and reported the driver was trapped inside. Firefighters from Tally-Ho Engine Company 423 and Truck
Company 428-8 worked together to remove the occupant, who was transported in stable condition to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital by ambulance 425A of the department’s Emergency Medical Company.
Engine companies 421-2, acting as Engine 421, and Vulcan Engine 422 also responded in case a hose line was needed.
The vehicle reportedly hit two light poles on the south side of Sunrise Highway before overturning. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
— Ainsley Martinez
East Rockaway launches inaugural summer program
The East Rockaway Union Free School District launched its new summer B.O.O.S.S.T., Better Opportunities and Outcomes for Student Success Tomorrow, program this July, replacing the former summer CLIMB program.
The academic program, designed for students entering grades 1–6, uses spring i-Ready data to provide targeted support in literacy and math. It also includes STEAM enrichment activities.
Held at Rhame Avenue Elementary School from July 8–24, the program runs Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8 to 11 a.m. Families could enroll students in one, two or all three subject areas: literacy, math and STEAM. Instruction is led by East Rockaway teachers and interventionists.
The district coordinated with Joe Lorres’s summer camp program to allow students to participate in both academic and camp activities during the day.
The district plans to use fall i-Ready results to assess the program’s impact.
— Ainsley Martinez
Summer Playground brings days of rays to Lynbrook children
The Summer Playground program in the Lynbrook School District began in July with a schedule of structured activities for children.
Held at Lynbrook North and South middle schools, the program is open to Lynbrook School District students and Village of Lynbrook children entering kindergarten through eighth grade.
Students participated in Pirate Day on July 18, wearing eyepatches and
hook hands during an outdoor parade, followed by ices. Regular activities include arts and crafts, bowling field trips, tie-dyeing shirts, martial arts classes, and weekly themed events.
The program is scheduled to conclude with Carnival Day at the end of the month.
— Ainsley Martinez
Regular activities include arts and crafts, bowling field trips, tie-dyeing shirts, martial arts classes, and weekly themed events.
Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
Students participated in Pirate Day, wearing eyepatches and hook hands during an outdoor parade, followed by ices.
and the village board honored eight members of the
Fire Department with Life Saving Citations for their efforts this past May.
Firefighters honored for saving a life at Village of Lynbrook’s July meeting
Mayor Alan Beach and the village board honored eight members of the Lynbrook Fire Department with Life Saving Citations for their efforts this past May.
In the early morning hours, the department was dispatched to a medical emergency involving a woman in severe respiratory distress. The situation quickly escalated into a life-or-death crisis.
Lynbrook Fire Department Chief Clayton Murphy, joined by his three assistant chiefs, addressed the board and described the critical events of May 5.
According to Murphy, the patient— who is the mother of a Lynbrook Fire Department member—collapsed in front of her family and two Lynbrook police officers. She became unresponsive, pulseless and stopped breathing.
Ex-captain Joseph Lucchese, his wife Joellen, and the Lynbrook police officers on scene acted immediately. They began high-quality CPR, applied an automated external defibrillator, and delivered multiple shocks in an urgent attempt to restore her heartbeat.
Their efforts were soon supported by the arrival of Lynbrook’s Emergency Medical Company ambulance 425A and Northwell ambulance 4251.
The Lynbrook EMS crew—Captain Leo Cacciatore, Lieutenant Maria Cacciatore, Ex-Captain Jim Byrne, Ex-Captain Cathy Bien, Jaden Rivera, and Alyssa Cacciatore—took over patient care, executing a well-coordinated and advanced medical response.
With calm precision, they escalated care by continuing chest compressions, delivering rescue breaths, administering life-saving medications, and deploying a Lucas mechanical CPR device to maintain consistent compressions.
“Their determination and efforts paid off,” Murphy said. “While still at
the residence, the patient began to show signs of life as pulses returned. The team, fueled by hope and driven by duty, continued to assist with ventilations and stabilized the patient for transport.”
As they carried the patient from her apartment to the ambulance, Murphy, who was assisting with ventilations, observed a remarkable sign—she began to breathe on her own.
Encouraged, the team intensified their care en route to Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital.
Upon arrival at the emergency department, the patient showed further neurological improvement, even attempting to remove her intubation tube—a powerful indication of cognitive recovery and the effectiveness of the emergency care she received. She was admitted to the intensive care unit, where her condition continued to improve, surrounded by family members who feared just hours earlier that she might not survive.
“It is because of the swift, professional, and heroic actions taken by all involved that the family was afforded those meaningful moments,” Murphy said. “The members demonstrated exceptional valor, teamwork, and medical proficiency. Their unwavering commitment to preserving life in the face of critical adversity exemplifies the highest ideals of the Lynbrook Fire Department.”
Honored at the board meeting were Emergency Medical Company Captain Leo Cacciatore, Lieutenant Maria Cacciatore, Ex-Captain Jim Byrne, Ex-Captain Cathy Bien, Jaden Rivera, and Alyssa Cacciatore. Also honored were TallyHo Ex-Captain Joe Lucchese and Chief Clayton Murphy of Vulcan Company.
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Lynbrook
STEPPING OUT Forever ‘Wild about Harry’
The beat goes on in the annual tribute to the beloved musician
By Karen Bloom
Decades have passed since Harry Chapin’s tragic death, still his music and philanthropic initiatives remain at the heart of Long Island’s collective consciousness. Stuart Markus, the longtime mainstay of the local folk and acoustic scene, is committed to guardianship of the Chapin legacy, organizing what are now two memorial concerts each year.
Markus, based in Malverne, is clearly as fervent about Chapin’s music and humanitarian zeal as when he took on the role of organizing the tribute 22 years ago. From its start at Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead in 2004 to what became its longtime home at Chapin’s namesake theater in Eisenhower Park, and now in its second year at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Huntington’s Heckscher Park, the concert’s appeal continues to grow. So much so that a second show has been added — at the Landmark theater in Port Washington on Dec. 2.
“Sunday Morning Sunshine.”
Meanwhile over 30 musicians will gather with fans, on Sunday, to share in the joy of the man and his music.
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m still at this,” he reflects. “[After the first concert] I thought it would be cool to do this for a couple of years. Ultimately it became a cultural phenomenon.”
Folks livestream the event around the world, according Markus, who relates an unexpected email he received from a fan in Scotland.
“He wanted to plan a vacation around the concert, Markus says, chuckling, about the international response. “As long as there is enthusiasm, then I’ll keep doing it.”
Certainly that fervor shows no signs of waning.
“I’ve long thought it would be wonderful and extremely appropriate to do the show in Huntington, where Harry and Sandy lived and raised their family,” Markus says. “Harry is still held in such beloved regard by residents and public officials at all levels.”
Chapin’s shocking death on the Long Island Expressway en route to that ill-fated Eisenhower Park performance in July 1981 is very much rooted this tribute — for performers and the audience. In fact, several show regulars were among the crowd when what was supposed to be a joyous event turned into a vigil, according to Markus.
“Harry is so beloved in memory on Long Island,” Markus says. “You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who met him, whose school he did a benefit for, or someone who’s been helped by one of his charities. It’s so meaningful for the music community to come together and, in effect, do the concert he might have given.”
The troubadour’s catalogue always gets a creative interpretation by each act.
“I’ve always encouraged everyne to make the songs fresh and treat them as their own, however they imagine them. They’re not just reproducing them the way Harry did.”
Markus excited to include guitarist Gerald Bair, a longstanding member of Huntington’s folk scene, in this year’s lineup. Bair performs his rendition of
“A fan favorite, it’s an optimistic happy song about being in love,” Markus says.
Cantor Lisa Wharton, of Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, who performs with her husband Akiva Wharton, a percussionist, and Cantor Judy Merrick, of Plainview Jewish Center, return for their second appearance. They’ll do “I Wonder What Would Happen,” which Markus describes as an appropriately chosen “spiritual, gospel-feeling song.”
“They were a well-received addition last year and we’re glad to have them back, he adds.
The trio is, of course, joined by staples of the area’s music community. Returnees include Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg, Karen Bella, Roger Silverberg, Debra Lynne, Patricia Shih and Stephen Fricker, Roger Street Friedman, Media Crime, Christine Solimeno, Grand Folk Railroad, Robinson Treacher, Wonderous Stories, Toby Tobias, Mara Levine and Matthew Ponsot, in various ensembles.
As is their signature, Markus, with his trio Gathering Time, arrive on stage as the show nears its conclusion. Markus, with Christine Sweeney and Gerry McKeveny, perform their annual rendition of the iconic “Cat’s in the Cradle.” By then everyone is singing along.
Finally, as always, in the true spirit of Harry Chapin, all the musicians join together on stage for “Circle,” Chapin’s traditional closing.
“It’s such a philosophical but uplifting song and a fitting end,” Markus adds.
Just the way Chapin would want it.
More than just a concert, the free event, of course, involves a food drive. Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable items to support Long Island Cares, the regional food bank and humanitarian organization founded by Chapin in 1980. Long Island Cares’ staff and volunteers will collect donations at a tent near the entrance to the stage.
Bring seating to the show, which is held rain or shine. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook and the Harry Chapin Foundation YouTube channel.
Magical
Mystery Doors
If you missed Magical Mystery Doors during the band’s spring visit to Long Island, now’s your chance to check out this unique tribute act. The tight bandmates blend and layer the music to create something new and unique. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors changed the face of music as we know it. Their melodies have moved people everywhere to “Come Together” in their love of music. And that’s what happens at an MMD concert. Throughout the concert, the band combines some of these classic tunes in ways that surprise and delight time and time again. The melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” The pounding beat of Zep’s “When The Levee Breaks” coupled with the serene strumming of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Also the thematic sequence of “The Rain Song” – “Riders On The Storm” – “Here Comes The Sun.” These arrangements take you on an unexpected and exhilarating journey. Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.
Best of Broadway
Sounds of the Great White Way return to Eisenhower Park with Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway.” Back for its annual celebration of the greatest songs from the finest shows, the acclaimed touring Broadway concert never disappoints. The lively musical revue, hosted by Neil Berg, on piano, brings performers to light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. He presents creatively revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from some of the newest hits, along with his fascinating commentary and historical notes in between songs. This gorgeous, guided tour of the American art form that is musical theater, is a production both hypnotic and historical. The dazzling new edition is sure to have everyone humming along. Berg, an awardwinning composer-lyricist-producer, and his cast of vocal powerhouses brings everyone to their feet time and again.
Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny.gov for more.
— July 24, 2025
• Sunday, July 27, 8 p.m.
• Admission is free
• Heckscher Park, located off Main Street (Route 25A) and Prime Avenue, Huntington
Photos courtesy Keith Rossin
Everyone gathers to salute Harry Chapin during the rousing finale that closes the concert.
Cantors Judy Merrick, left, Lisa Ann Wharton and Akiva Wharton are all in for Harry.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JULY
‘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
Lynbrook Summer Car Show
Check out the weekly car show with live music and community fun. Free for spectators and participants.
•Where: Atlantic Ave. (Between Merrick and Stauderman)
•Time: Ongoing Thursdays through Aug. 28, 6-9 p.m.
•Contact: lynbrookusa.com
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys 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 Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated 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 Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
AUG
Magic Rocks!
East Rockaway Public Library.
•Where: 477 Atlantic Ave.
•Time: 7-7:45 p.m.
•Contact: eastrockawaylibrary.org
JULY
30
Movie night at the park
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “Transformers One,” the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: Movie begins at dusk
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Fossil Fun
JULY 25
Tuneful notes
Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops visit Eisenhower Park for their popular annual summer concert. Their vivacious style appeals to all ages, drawing everyone into their performance with their intense energy and dynamic musicality. Hear a variety of rousing tunes, including the music of Broadway and Hollywood.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY
26
Family movie
Cool off with a movie at Lynbrook Public Library. See “The Day the Earth Blew Up, a Looney Tunes Movie.”
Porky Pig and Daffy Duck become Earth’s only hope when their antics at the local bubble-gum factory uncover a secret alien mind-control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, they must save their town and the world while not driving each other totally looney. Rated PG.
•Where: 56 Eldert St.
•Time: 2-4 p.m.
•Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org
Movie
matinee
Lynbrook Public Library shows “A Complete Unknown.” The biopic depicts an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan when he arrives in New York City in 1961 with his guitar and forges relationships with musical icons on his meteoric rise. It culminates in a groundbreaking performance that reverberates around the world. Rated R.
•Where: 56 Eldert St.
•Time: 2-4:30 p.m.
•Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org
Unbox A-Saurus
Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists from Long Island Children’s Museum’s “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” gallery. She plans to unveil a never-before-seen dinosaur, if she can find a way to open its crate. Join her in the LICM Theater for this highly interactive show, when the audience will assist Dr. Patti in this “scientific” comedy. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 30
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
•Time: 7 p.m.
Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives on Long Island with his jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. You’ve seen him on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, “Masters of Illusion,” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Hailed by critics as “America’s Rock Illusionist,” Leon is a worldwide hit with audiences, critics and producers. He’s recognized for his onstage charisma, a fast-paced, high energy, rock n’ roll performance style — and his no-nonsense approach to magic. This interactive, family-friendly spectacular showcases mind-blowing tricks, award-winning sleight of hand and non-stop laughter. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it’s an immersive experience filled with wonder, laughter and jaw-dropping moments you won’t soon forget. From Radio City Music Hall to Planet Hollywood Casino and from Studio City Casino in Macau to his very own theater on the beautiful island waters of Saipan, Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention. Join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25.
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
JULY
27
Music for Sunday Afternoon
The Cambiata Cello Duo, Suzanne Mueller and Paul Lawrence Finkelstein, close out the series with a program spanning centuries and styles. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery at the lawn at The Barn. Concert is included with admission and reservations are not required.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
•Time: 3-4 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Rock on with Electric Rooster
The blues and rock cover band, with Lynbrook guitarist and vocalist, performs with special guest Humble Union at Bellmore Playhouse. $10 cover, includes free movie pass.
•Where: 525 Bedford Ave.
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: (631) 933-1299
Adult
JULY
28
Craft Night
Create a beaded suncatcher at this adult craft session at
Step into the shoes of a young paleontologist in this hands-on art and science activity at Long Island Children’s Museum. Create fossil rubbing art to take home at the drop-in program. For ages 3 and up.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
AUG
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.
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.
Contest ends August 10th midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
Scan this QR code https://www.liherald.com/mets-tickets-contest.html?#//
Students collaborate at Lynbrook Public Library
recounted. “I just lived there. People knew my name.”
Chloe Brown, 18, a recent Lynbrook High School graduate who also works as a page and will attend the College of Charleston in South Carolina in the fall, grew up an avid reader.
Brown was president of the high school’s book club and emphasized the need for younger people to find the joys of reading.
“I just think reading’s super important. It’s kind of like a lost art now, because nobody really thinks, ‘Oh, let me pick up a book,’” Brown shared.
After using the library to fulfill her requirement of volunteer hours, Cullen forged a relationship with the staff that she wanted to strengthen.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC
F/K/A REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., -againstROSEANN PALIOTTA, AS ADMINISTRATRIX, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR
MARTORELLA, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 3, 2025, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC
F/K/A REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., is the Plaintiff and ROSEANN PALIOTTA, AS ADMINISTRATRIX, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR MARTORELLA, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 12, 2025 at 3:30PM, the premises known as 9 PROSPECT AVENUE, EAST ROCKAWAY, NY 11518, tax map identification 0038-00497-00-00012, and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND
BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 616856/2022; Peter Kramer, Esq., as Referee; Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 154553
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us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2003OP1, Plaintiff, Against DANIEL P. MULVEY JR. A/K/A DANIEL. MULVEY A/K/A DANIEL P. MULVEY, ET AL
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/17/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 8/12/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 299 Peninsula Boulevard, Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, New York 11563, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0042 Block 00230-00 Lot 00120
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $383,348.12 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 610938/2020 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. JOHN P CLARKE, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 6/3/2025 File Number: 20-302674 CA 154542
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST NANCY LINARES, SARA MOTA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 134 Scranton 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 Lynbrook, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 42, Block 172, Lot 48. Approximate amount of judgment $720,130.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604527/2019. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-001406 86114 154442
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us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
“I just enjoyed the environment working there and the people I worked with, so before I even considered applying, I kind of had a family of people there that I enjoyed talking to,” Cullen explained.
Over the last three years, Cullen has seen firsthand the importance of public libraries.
“It’s definitely given me a lot of perspective, because there’s a lot of different people who come in, and to see what everybody’s reading, what everybody’s doing — it’s kind of fun to see how many different people use the library and for different things,” Cullen said.
Cullen also stressed the availability and accessibility of third spaces such as the library.
“We don’t have a lot of that in today’s society, so to have a nice air-conditioned place, especially in the heat, that anybody can come into and enjoy for however long is really nice. I think I didn’t really see that before as much as I do now,” Cullen reflected.
Cullen’s favorite part of the job is
interacting with her fellow younger generation, seeing their curiosity and answering their inquiries. “They’re just adorable,” she said.
Brown, on the other hand, said she values her older co-workers’ insights.
“It’s super-interesting hearing their stories, especially being one of the youngest … It’s interesting hearing their advice,” Brown shared.
Cullen said she believes that young people working at the library strengthens the relationship that young patrons have with the institution.
“I think the younger demographic brings a whole new social aspect to the library that people haven’t really explored before,” Cullen explained.
For Kathy Buchsbaum, the library’s assistant director, the young pages ensure that the library stays alive.
“It’s really important, because young people are the future, so we need to keep the young people engaged with the library,” Buchsbaum emphasized.
Buchsbaum also noted how the slim age difference between the pages and the children using the library helps everyone feel more comfortable. “It brings out the joy in the kids using the library,” she added.
Buchsbaum has hope for the future of public libraries, thanks to the presence of the library’s young staff.
“If they have a love of libraries by working in it or using it, I’m hoping they will continue to use a public library so they can foster a love of public librarianship and public libraries throughout their lifetime,” Buchsbaum said.
Cullen implored readers, audiobook listeners and movie watchers of all ages to continue to support the library. “Nothing is more punk than the public library,” Cullen said.
“You can make reading fun for yourself,” Brown added.
Also working as a page is Chloe Brown, 18, an avid reader and recent Lynbrook High School graduate who will attend the College of Charleston in South Carolina.
Continued from pAge 1
Gianna Longo/Herald photos
Kerry Cullen, 19, is a rising sophomore at ithaca College, studying music education. She said she enjoys reading and working in the library.
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
$19.30/hr.
• Monday-Friday; Shifts are assigned to the employee based on availability (8:15am-11:45 am, 10:45am-2:15pm, 11:30am-3:00pm)
• Monday-Friday as needed; 8:15am-3:15pm APPLY ONLINE
• www.olasjobs.org or www.recruitfront.com
• Email: HR@northbellmoreschools.org
• Call: (516) 992-3000 ext.3023
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary
Sprawling Ranch
REALESTATE
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Apartments For Rent
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
Welcome to 156 Lefferts Road, a beautiful residence nestled in one of Woodmere’s most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on an expansive 0.35acre lot, this home offers over 3,500 square feet of living space, perfect for comfortable family living and entertaining. Featuring 6 generously sized bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home provides ample space for a growing family or hosting guests. The layout is both functional and inviting, with bright, open living areas and well-proportioned rooms throughout. Located in an ideal, central location, this property offers convenient access to houses of worship, schools, shopping, and public transportation—all while maintaining a quiet, suburban charm. With its generous proportions, gracious layout, and prime location, 156 Lefferts Road is a rare offering—perfect for the discerning buyer seeking elegance, space, and timeless appeal in Old Woodmere .
In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation
Q. We live in Israel and, yes, we read your column. Our apartment building is just blocks from where a missile strike hit another apartment building and our hospital. Strange times we live in, when we have to run to our bomb shelter on the sixth floor when we hear sirens, just like you would run to the basement if a tornado siren went off. I was wondering, after neighbors were killed by missiles, is it possible to build a stronger safe room, because we need it and don’t want to die just because of where we live?
A. Fascinating question. I follow the news, and see the damage and fear from the sense of vulnerability you feel. When I received your question, I was, ironically, touring the behind-the-scenes research and testing facilities at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, just two days before bomber jets, like the B-2 stealth bomber I was standing under the wings of, were deployed to take out Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The massive impact of a missile is hard to resist, and although there are many military and non-military studies on bomb-proofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all scenario. The key to building a shelter that can resist a bomb is based on two basic premises. One principle of survival is to repel a bomb, and the other is to absorb the impact.
It’s interesting that engineers, whom I believe have played a strong role in our freedom over the centuries, studied, and succeeded in creating, designs that saved the lives of sailors on vulnerable P.T. boats. Those boat hulls were made of the same construction as concrete (gunite) pools. Gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength achievable, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch.
The pools and P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, they ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact. In some cases, torpedoes survived, embedded in the boats’ hulls, so the boats had to be abandoned rather than return to port, and then the torpedoes were detonated. Most important, the sailors survived.
Missiles are another matter, however. I’m not aware of any building that sustains a direct hit being able to survive, so the important principle is to sacrifice the building for the sake of the occupants — just like sacrificing those P.T. boats. In the case of a bomb shelter, engineers have to approach the design by developing several feet of redundant shells, layered with shock-absorbing gel layers of material. The inner shell needs to be extremely strong steel or gunite — reinforced concrete — to resist the shock. I employed impact design when developing a high-security station for our military in Saudi Arabia, and then for a gun range project. You would need the area and money for such a lifesaving project. I hope you remain safe!
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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Miscellaneous For Sale
DINING SET: 6 Chairs, Breakfront/ Drawers, $300neg. WHITE WICKER TWIN
ELIPTICAL MACHINE SOLE E95 With Manuel. Hardly Used. Good Condition $450 516-652-3146
DRESSERS: TWO BLACK Wood. Single drawer, 2 doors w/shelf. Formica top. W-32"xH-30"xD-18" $75 Both. 516-320-1906
GRACE FOODS, JAMAICAN style BBQ gift basket. List $49. Sell $20. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.
HOOVER HOUSEHOLD HEAVY DUTY RUG SHAMPOO Machine with all Attachments, and Cleaning Supplies. $85 516-486-7941
LAMPS: TWO OFF white End Table Lamps, Perfect Condition $85.00. Call 516-270-4783.
QUARTERS: ALL FIFTY STATES: Uncirculated, in presentation folders. 3 sets all 50 States. $50. 516-486-7941
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RECUMBENT BIKE, MARCY, indoor, manual $99 516-816-7383, Wantagh,
WOOD DESK WITH hutch. 59" high x 57." $75. Call Joan 516..868..8017
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Admiration of a former president from across the aisle
When I was elected to Congress in 1992, I certainly didn’t anticipate the close working relationship I would have with Bill Clinton, who was elected president that year. I was a lifelong Republican from New York, elected with strong Conservative Party support. Clinton was a staunch Democrat from Arkansas with roots in the anti-war movement.
I had met him in Manhattan in April 1992, two days before New York’s Democratic presidential primary. I was still the Nassau County comptroller, and had not yet announced my candidacy for Congress. A group of New York Irish-American Democrats led by elder statesman Paul O’Dwyer had scheduled a meeting with Clinton and his remaining challenger, Jerry Brown, the former California governor. Though we were far apart on the political spectrum, O’Dwyer and I were good friends.
When Clinton arrived, I was standing in the rear of the room. He made a brief opening statement before answering questions from a panel of four. What I
quickly noted was his relaxed familiarity with Ireland’s 800-year struggle with Britain and its most recent iteration, the more than two decades of war being waged in the streets and hills of Northern Ireland, euphemistically labeled “the Troubles.” There were no pandering references to green beer or shamrocks. Nor did he make the ritualistic denunciation of terrorism.
In an answer to a burning issue that would have lasting consequences later, Clinton said he would grant a visa to Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, the political party affiliated with the Irish Republican Army. He also said the United States had the obligation to speak out against human rights violations even if the offending nation was Britain, our closest ally. More than what he said was his ease in dealing with an issue that rendered most politicians tongue-tied or made them fall back on timeworn clichés.
comptroller was — and with both of us being entirely unaware how much our lives would be interlocked over the next several years, and not just on the Irish issue.
H onoring Carolyn McCarthy recently, Bill Clinton was as eloquent as ever.
Remaining in the back of the room while photos were being taken near the front, I waited until Clinton was leaving the room by the rear door. I shook his hand, and said, “Good job, Governor.” He smiled, thanked me and walked on, not having the slightest idea or caring in the least who the Nassau County
iClinton went on to become the 42nd president, and just a year later kept his campaign promise when he granted Adams a visa to enter the United States, which was followed by meetings with Adams in the White House and Congress, which caused seismic reactions throughout the British government and the American State Department as well. But Clinton’s leadership and determination, which included unprecedented presidential visits to the most dangerous locations in Northern Ireland, on which I accompanied him, as well as the diplomatic alliances he forged with British and Irish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, ending that brutal 800-year-long struggle.
There was more to the Clinton years than Ireland. There was also his decisive action that successfully ended the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Domestically, he worked across the aisle with Newt Gingrich to achieve welfare reform as well as the only balanced bud-
get in the more than three decades since.
While all this was happening, of course, Clinton faced the first presidential impeachment in more than 130 years, and until then only the second in American history. While he had made serious mistakes in judgment, I strongly believed that what he was accused of did not meet the Constitution’s requirements for impeachment, or for removing from office the duly elected president, and would set a dangerous precedent for future presidencies. I was proud to stand with Clinton as one of only two Republicans who voted against all four articles of impeachment. And I have never questioned that decision.
All this and more came rushing back to me several weeks ago, when I joined Clinton as one of the speakers at the Celebration of Life for former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who died last month. Though he had been out of office for almost 25 years, the former president was as eloquent as ever, movingly describing his admiration and affection for McCarthy’s heroism and strength of character in overcoming horrific personal tragedy to achieve so much good for America. Once again, President Clinton came through.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
It’s long past time to shut down the cellphone
am a person of infinite patience. My friends compliment me on my ability to patiently listen to ideas from both sides of the aisle. I love watching the daily news on my laptop and on my cellphone. I read opinion columns, and occasionally get to read a nonfiction book on some current topic. But I must confess that I am now in a state of news overload. I’m not quite sure when this illness kicked in, but if you think about all of the news events in recent weeks, you’ll easily understand why I, or anyone, could easily fall into a state of media-nausea. I think the first story that engulfed my ability to digest facts was President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Shortly after it passed in the House of Representatives, my phone began ringing off the hook with calls from important clients, asking about the impact of the budget cuts on Medicaid, SNAP and
other significant programs.
Alerted to the terms of the bill, I began a line-by-line review, and became more horrified once I understood the scope of the cuts. I couldn’t understand how the House could find billions of dollars to cut from Medicaid and claim that they were all related to rooting out “waste, fraud and abuse.”
Taking food away from children isn’t the way to save taxpayers real money. By mid-June I was wilting under the barrage of calls asking for advice on how to get the attention of the region’s federal officials.
First the bill, then the primary, then Epstein. It’s time to escape, and to ditch the device.
Come July, the Senate bill was ready for a formal vote, and its contents were even uglier. Rather than scale back the Medicaid cuts, the Senate found ways to increase them. The promised expansion of the SALT cap was altered to providing three years of an expanded credit and then reducing it to the old $10,000 cap. The elimination of taxes on Social Security disappeared, and the no-taxes-on-tips provision is scheduled to expire after 2028.
Now, weeks later, I’m being asked who I favor in the contest between Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams. I have no preference between the two, but there appears to be no way to beat Mamdani unless there is one independent candidate. At this point, neither Adams nor Cuomo shows any signs of getting out of the race in the interest of harmony. If both stay in, there’s no chance that Mamdani can be stopped.
Always looking on the bright side, I was pleased that the bill included such items as raising the state-and-local-taxes deduction cap to $40,000, and reduced taxes on tips and Social Security and many other goodies that were consistent with promises Trump made. I assumed that the Senate would support many provisions of the House bill and trim the Medicaid cuts. I assured many of my callers that there was hope that cooler heads would prevail, and the Senate bill would be palatable.
The torrent of calls asking for my opinion had just about ended when New York City Democrats chose the inexperienced Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as their nominee for mayor. When the final results came in on primary night, I shut down my cellphone. Dozens of friends and neighbors wanted to know how to stop Mamdani. Ironically, many of them didn’t vote in the primary because they were registered Republicans or independents, and in some cases they were registered Democrats who failed to vote. I refused to console any qualified voter who failed to vote.
Burdened by all of these panicked calls, I decided that the best thing I can do for my wife, Suzan, and I is to go away for a week or so and maybe shut down my phone. I can check messages from time to time, but that’s it. We’re leaving in search of a change of scenery.
No sooner I had made our airline reservations than the Jeffrey Epstein saga erupted. I told callers that we weren’t interested in visiting Epstein’s island or anywhere else attached to his name. My cellphone is now in the freezer, so don’t bother calling.
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
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Long Island’s water needs to be protected
long Island water users just won a major legal battle — but we are still far from winning the war for clean water.
A $10.5 billion national settlement with the multinational chemical manufacturer 3M over the widespread contamination of drinking water with PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — includes over $250 million for public water providers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This hard-fought-for financial relief will help cover the staggering cost of removing toxic substances from our drinking water. But it will be payment for damage already done, not a fix for what still threatens our sole-source aquifer every day.
Long Islanders rely entirely on a single underground water source, an aquifer that provides drinking water to more than 2.8 million people. It has been under assault for decades by chemical pollutants that seep through soil, spill into drainage systems and leach from landfills and industrial sites.
Among the most dangerous threats are PFAS compounds, man-made chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware that do not break down over time and accumulate in both the environment and our bodies. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health problems such as decreased fertility, developmental complications in children and an increased risk of some cancers and immune system issues.
In more than a few of our communities, these pollutants have created brownfields — usually industrial or commercial sites that are abandoned,
letters
Lights of Hope against cancer
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the Herald for its support of the first annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Lights of Hope celebration at Glen Cove’s Morgan Memorial Park on July 12. The evening was a celebration of cancer survivors as well as a remembrance of those who have passed. By adding the event to your calendar, and printing a well-thoughtout story, you helped to raise awareness of the event.
I would also like to thank the City of Glen Cove and the wonderful people in the area for their support. And I would like to thank Loggia 1016 of the Sons and Daughters of Italy for their sponsorship. The event would not have been possible without the community support.
I’m happy to report that donations exceeded expectations, and we will definitely be back
vacant or under-used, and where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of at least one, if not more, contaminants.
The settlement is a victory for local water providers, many of whom have led the charge in holding chemical companies accountable. But it also shines a light on an uncomfortable truth: Long Island is already paying dearly for decades of environmental neglect.
Since 2017, more than $1 billion has been spent on installing and maintaining sophisticated water-treatment systems, according to federal estimates. And even with this financial award, residents and ratepayers will continue to bear the burden of ongoing operating costs.
So, while restitution is essential, it is not enough. The fight for clean water cannot begin at the filtration plant. It must begin at the source — with laws, oversight and habits that will keep our groundwater clean in the first place.
To policymakers: This is your moment to act. Strengthen oversight of chemical manufacturing, storage and disposal. Expand groundwater protection zones, especially near vulnerable recharge areas. Invest in forward-thinking, sustainable water infrastructure that protects our aquifer before contaminants reach it. Laws must reflect the seriousness of the threat, the indispensability of the resource and the fact that the water cannot be replaced.
To state and local agencies and appointed officials: It’s time to audit the regulatory framework governing industrial, agricultural and even residential activities that affect water quality. Permitting and enforcement must be rigor-
ous. No project, permit or loophole should be allowed to jeopardize our only supply of drinking water.
Long Island residents and business owners are part of the solution. Everyday actions matter — from how you dispose of household chemicals to the fertilizers and cleaning agents you use. Learn about the long-term impact of routine habits. Information is available from a variety of sources, beginning with local and state health departments. Support local clean-water initiatives. Vote for leaders who prioritize the environment. And above all, treat water conservation not as a suggestion, but as a shared responsibility.
This is not alarmism. It’s realism. The aquifer beneath Long Island cannot be replaced, rerouted or remade. We have no second source to draw from if it becomes too polluted or depleted. Every gallon of water pumped from below is a gallon we must protect with vigilance, policy and foresight.
Yes, the 3M settlement is a victory — but it should also be a warning. We cannot afford to celebrate a payout while the source of our water remains under threat. Financial settlements help heal wounds, but they do not prevent the next injury. That requires a cultural shift — from passive reliance to proactive stewardship.
Clean water is the foundation of our health, our economy and our communities. Long Island must now recommit — urgently, and collectively — to safeguarding the aquifer that sustains us all. Let’s make sure that in the future, headlines about our water celebrate prevention, not just compensation.
Nassau County has a partisan grant fund blockade
each of Nassau County’s 19 legislative districts is allocated an equal sum in capital infrastructure funds to be applied toward hyperlocal initiatives through the Community Revitalization Program. This empowers each legislator to meet the needs of his or her school districts and communities by supporting projects for local schools, libraries, parks and first responder agencies.
The process for accessing those funds — which have already been allocated through approval of the capital plan — should be simple.
After a legislator completes an application, CRPs go to the county executive’s office. There it should be reviewed to ensure that it is complete, and that the project is suitable for county funding with a CRP. The completed item should then be sent to the County Legislature, where it should be placed on the calendar and approved. I say “should” because, since the
start of this legislative term, County Executive Bruce Blakeman has been fulfilling requests for the Republican majority, and stonewalling the Democratic minority.
tThe numbers speak for themselves. Since January 2024, Republicans have had 46 of their grant requests approved, while Democrats have seen none of their pending requests approved or considered in regular order. The only grants we received came after we drew a line in the sand with the county executive and forced his hand. This spring, we successfully leveraged our votes for the 2025 capital plan — which requires a 13-vote supermajority to pass — and secured funding for 14 pending CRP grants for first responders, totaling $1.3 million, as part of the 2025 capital plan bond ordinance.
um, in Glen Cove; and $100,000 for a local history center at Port Washington Library.
he county executive is blocking the use of funds OK’d for Democratic districts.
Beyond the individual projects, what does all this mean for you? Simply put, County Executive Blakeman is blocking Democratic legislators from using funding that has already been accounted for and allocated for improving their districts. Not only is this grossly inequitable, but by failing to complete his ministerial role in the CRP process, Blakeman is once again ignoring the job he was elected to do and bringing his exclusionary approach to governing into sharp focus.
The most galling part of all of this is how little sense it makes. Shouldn’t the county executive — who serves all 1.4 million residents of Nassau County, and is elected by the voters in all 19 districts — want to see projects move forward in every district? District 11 has a nearly even split of registered Democrats and Republicans, and this community is well aware of how Blakeman has been the biggest obstacle to progress on initiatives they care deeply about.
Still, more than 30 Democratic CRPs remain caught in the partisan blockade, and in District 11, that includes grants for $350,000 to improve Pascucci Field, in Glen Cove; $275,000 for an allability playground in Port Washington; $110,000 to upgrade Maccarone Stadi-
Letters
next year. Proceeds from Lights of Hope go toward cancer prevention, education and advocacy.
PETER O’CONNOR American Cancer Society volunteer
Editors’ note: The American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island walk will take place on Oct. 19, from 7 to 10:30 a.m., at Jones Beach’s Field 5. For more information, go to MakingStridesWalk.org/ LongIsland.
We’re safeguarding wildlife and waterways
To the Editor:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of the state’s Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.
Last year, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 105,700 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators across the state responding to more than 30,000 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal min-
ing, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions.
On July 7, three officers partnered with the Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard for a boat patrol on the Long Island Sound. The officers checked boats and anglers for compliance with state fishing regulations, navigation law and overall boater safety. They inspected a vessel north of Glen Cove, and discovered an expired fire extinguisher, expired flares, and only four personal flotation devices for the five people on board. The officers issued a ticket and warning to the boat captain, terminated the voyage, followed the vessel back to a nearby marina and advised the captain that they could take the boat back out if they brought another PFD on board.
In separate incidents that day across the Sound, officers ticketed anglers for possessing undersized porgy and fluke, including one angler who had more than two dozen undersized porgy, the smallest measuring 8.5 inches. Porgy must be at least 11 inches to be kept when fishing from a vessel.
DEC officers are on patrol to safeguard the state’s air, water, wildlife and public safety. To report an environmental violation or incident, call (844) 332-3267 for 24-hour dispatch, or report nonurgent violations at dec.ny.gov.
Since joining the Legislature in 2012, I have never witnessed this level of blatant partisanship in the handling of the CRP program. These funds belong to county taxpayers, and they cannot be used for any other purpose. With the refusal to process Democratic projects, many worthwhile endeavors are being held up, and the taxpayers in the districts we serve — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike — are the ones who are harmed.
As the leader of the Democratic minority delegation in the Legislature, I, along with my colleagues, will continue to call out this inequitable and, frankly, incompetent approach to governing that Blakeman has employed for the past three and a half years. As we continue fighting for resources that our communities demand and deserve, I encourage you to contact the county executive’s office, at (516) 571-3131, or bab@nassaucountyny.gov, and respectfully implore him to serve every community in the county equitably and fully.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
Framework by Tim Baker
DeLia
DeriGGi-wHitton
Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
