Classic cars lined Atlantic Avenue on July 16 as Lynbrook’s Summer Cruise Nights continued to draw residents and visitors downtown for an evening of live music, family activities and local dining. Hosted by the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, the free weekly event featured dozens of classic, vintage and modern vehicles, along with entertainment for attendees all ages.
The popular Thursday-night tradition continues through Aug. 27. Story, more photos, page 3.
By WIll SHEElINE & KAYl A DECHTER of
Lynbrook Police Officer Patrick Kelly immediately sprang into action when someone shouted “Call 911” in an American Airlines lounge at LaGuardia Airport last November, saving the life of an 88-year-old man who had collapsed.
Kelly, 41, a 13-year veteran with the Lynbrook Police Department and a lieutenant colonel with the U.S. Marine Corps, rushed to aid the man who had become unresponsive. Kelly, a lifelong Oyster Bay resident and Marine Corps reservist, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which helped the elderly man breathe again and regain a pulse.
For his life-saving actions, the Town of Oyster Bay honored Kelly with a ceremony at its July 21 board meeting, recognizing him and other first responders whose quick thinking and training saved lives in three separate incidents.
The recognition also highlighted the training and experi-
ence Kelly has brought to the Lynbrook Police Department throughout his career.
“I heard somebody say, ‘Call 911,’ and you could tell there was some commotion,” Kelly recounted after the ceremony. “It was obvious immediately in the moment — you could tell this guy was in trouble.”
The incident occurred on Nov. 1 in LaGuardia’s Terminal B, while Kelly was waiting for a flight to New Orleans on military assignment to the 4th Marine Division’s headquarters.
He said he found the man sitting beside his wife on a bench, unconscious. After determining that the man had no pulse and was not breathing, Kelly carefully laid him down and began to perform CPR.
“It was clear that he was in distress,” Kelly said. “I couldn’t feel a pulse. He wasn’t breathing. He wasn’t responsive.”
After several rounds of chest compressions, the man began taking what Kelly described as a single deep, labored breath. A weak pulse
Continued on page 8
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN and KAYLA DECHTER agriffin@liherald.com
Lynbrook resident Lauren Barroso has turned a lifelong passion for horses and wellness into a new community space with the opening of Stable Studio at the New York Equestrian Center in West Hempstead.
L AuREN BARRoSo Founder, Stable Studio
The studio, which opened in April, offers yoga and wellness classes designed to complement equestrian training while welcoming riders, their families and members of the surrounding community.
For Barroso, 34, the studio represents the realization of a longtime dream. A lifelong horse lover, she has ridden at the equestrian center for nearly two decades and has taught yoga for more than 10 years. When the center’s president, Alex Jacobson, approached her with the idea of bringing yoga to the facility, she immediately saw an opportunity to combine her two passions.
“As soon as that idea came about, I realized it was a prayer that was answered when I was little, asking to
live in a stall,” Barroso said. “It’s like I have my very own stall.”
As she explained, horseback riding and yoga share many of the same principles, emphasizing balance, focus, breathing and body awareness. Riding also relies on a unique partnership between horse and rider, with each responding to the other’s movements and energy.
“The difference with this sport is, it’s with another being, another animal,”
she said. “When you’re riding, you become their eyes and they become your legs. It’s this incredible connection that you communicate with energy.”
The studio offers yoga for equestrians, restorative and yin yoga, exercise classes and sound healing sessions, which use specific vibrations and frequencies to promote well-being. The classes are designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance and breath control while supporting riders and promoting overall wellness.
“It’s been really well received by our community and by the students that are coming to the facility, and even their families,” Jacobson said. “We’ve really brought together a community.”
Stable Studio has also become part of the equestrian center’s summer camp, introducing young riders to yoga and mindfulness. Guest instructors have expanded the programming as well, including Long Beach native and mat Pilates instructor Daisy Wilson, who recently led a Pilates & Ponies class.
“Horses are my favorite thing in the whole world,” Wilson said. “Being able to do Pilates at a stable is my dream.”
The partnership was a natural fit for the equestrian center, which serves 250 to 300 families through horseback riding lessons, trail rides, therapeutic riding programs, after-school activities and summer camp.
Beyond the physical benefits, the classes have strengthened the sense of community throughout the facility, creating opportunities for riders, parents and visitors to connect. The center has also introduced family programming, including mommy-and-me classes, while riders of all ages participate in wellness sessions together.
“It just kind of brings everyone together, and conditions them as well,” Jacobson said. “It makes them better riders and mentally focused.”
Although the studio has been open for only a few months, Barroso said the response has exceeded her expectations.
For her, one of the most rewarding parts has been watching longtime riders experience the equestrian center in a
new way while also welcoming newcomers who never expected to attend a yoga class at a stable.
“I couldn’t have imagined this to be as amazing as it is,” she said. “It’s just such a gift from God.”
The equestrian center, which recently celebrated 20 years under Jacobson’s ownership, plans to continue expanding Stable Studio’s offerings with additional wellness programs, trail rides and community events. Barroso hopes the space will continue welcoming both experienced equestrians and first-time visitors looking to connect with nature, movement and community.
“We really want to welcome the community and spread love and joy,” Barroso said. “I think that’s really what we’re here for on this earth.”
For more information, visit StableStudioNY.com.
By KAYLA DECHTER kdechter@liherald.com
Downtown Lynbrook came alive on July 16 as classic cars, live music and families filled Atlantic Avenue for the first Summer Cruise Night of the season, after the July 9 opening event was canceled because of rain.
Held between Stauderman and Merrick avenues, the free event featured rows of classic, vintage and modern vehicles, and attendees enjoyed live entertainment, children’s activities and food and drinks from downtown restaurants and bars.
Residents and visitors spent the evening strolling through the displays and talking with car owners amid a festive atmosphere. The Thursday-night events also encourage attendees to support
Lynbrook’s local businesses by shopping and dining downtown.
“The Lynbrook car show is more than a showcase of beautiful vehicles — it’s a celebration of community, bringing neighbors, families and visitors together while supporting our local businesses and hometown pride,” chamber President Michela Argento-Serra said.
Car owners displayed a wide variety of vehicles, from restored classics and muscle cars to custom builds and newer models, giving attendees plenty to admire throughout the evening.
A total of eight Cruise Nights were scheduled this summer. After the July 9 kickoff was canceled because of rain, the series continues every Thursday through Aug. 27.
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Nearly 50 teenage volunteer firefighters from across Long Island, including members of the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department, spent part of their summer learning advanced firefighting skills at Camp Fahrenheit 516, a weeklong training program designed to prepare the next generation of volunteer firefighters.
The camp, sponsored by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, was held July 20-24 at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy in Old Bethpage. Forty-eight junior firefighters and explorers, ages 14 to 18, representing 25 fire departments in Nassau and Suffolk counties participated in five days of hands-on instruction.
For Lynbrook junior firefighter Liam Carmichael, 15, the experience reinforced the importance of attracting more volunteers to the fire service.
“We need more firefighters to help us, and it’s a great opportunity,” Carmichael said.
Fellow Lynbrook junior firefighter Christian Giordonello, 17, said the camp gave teenagers a realistic look at the fire service through hands-on training.
“It’s important for kids our age because it really shows them what it could be about, and it gives them handson experiences,” Giordonello said.
“The camp is phenomenal,” Chief Paul Wilders said. “They get a little taste of everything that we put our regular firefighters through in firefighter one.”
Participants trained in a variety of firefighting and emergency response techniques, including search-and-rescue operations, forcible entry, emergency evacuation procedures, ground ladder operations, fire extinguisher drills, ropes and rescue skills, mask confi -
The late Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, wrote extensively on making the world a better place. In his book, “To Heal a Fractured World”, he writes, “I have spent much of my life thinking about life, observing people, reading books, searching for teachers and exemplars...I make no claim to wisdom, but this I have learned:”
“That what counts is not how much wealth we make but how much of what we have, we share.”
“That those who spend at least part of their lives in the service of others are the most fulfilled and happiest people I know.”
“That moral health is no less important to the quality of a life than physical health.”
“That the best do good without thought of reward, understanding that to help others is a privilege even more than it is an opportunity.”
“That self-interest is simply uninteresting.”
“That pain and loneliness are forms of energy that can be transformed if we turn them outward, using them to recognize and redeem someone else’s pain or loneliness.”
“That putting others down, we diminish ourselves; lifting others, we lift ourselves.”
“That nothing is gained by less-thanethical conduct. We may gain in the short term but we will lose in the long, and it is the long term that counts.”
“That the ability to give to others is itself a gift.”
“That the privilege of wealth lies not in what it allows us to do for ourselves, but what it enables us to do for others.”
“That the world is a book in which our life is a chapter, and the question is whether others, reading it, will be inspired.”
dence exercises, two-minute drills and second-story bailouts. The program also included live-fire training involving propane, vehicle and warehouse fire simulations under the supervision of certified instructors.
The Nassau County Fire Service Academy and FASNY also hosted a media day during the camp, offering a firsthand look at the intensive training junior firefighters receive and highlighting the role they play in preparing for future volunteer service.
“It’s important to volunteer at any level,” Jerry Presta, chairman of the Nassau County Junior Firefighter Association, said. “But anybody that wants to join and become a junior, they should contact their local fire department.”
Volunteer fire departments across New York continue to face recruitment challenges as emergency call volumes increase. In addition to responding to structure fires, today’s volunteer firefighters regularly respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, flooded basements, downed power lines and other public safety incidents.
“By these youth programs, this gives young potential firefighters the experience and helps them decide if they really want to become a volunteer firefighter,” Steve Klein, past president of FASNY, said.
Teens from throughout the county came out, including Malverne’s Justin Bohringer, 17, who has been in the program for five years.
“It really helps out learning more about what you’re gonna do in your future career,” Bohringer said.
Fire service leaders said programs such as Camp Fahrenheit 516 help build the pipeline of future volunteers by giving teenagers interested in the fire service an opportunity to develop skills, gain experience and learn about the responsibilities of serving their communities before they are eligible to become active volunteer firefighters.
“We definitely need more people, and they have the drive to do it,” Emily Brown, president of the Nassau County Junior Firefighter Association, said. “As long as they’re having fun, that’s really what matters.”
Camp Fahrenheit 516 was established in 2015 through a partnership among the Nassau County Junior Firefighter Association Board of Directors, the Nassau County Fire Service Academy staff, Fire Service Academy instructors and FASNY. The program was created to provide junior firefighters and explorers with realistic, hands-on training while encouraging the next generation of volunteer firefighters on Long Island.
Photos courtesy Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts from across Nassau County, including Lynbrook residents Elizabeth C. and Lyla G., were recognized during the 2026 Gold Award Ceremony at The Inn at New Hyde Park after earning the organization’s highest honor for community service and leadership.
Two Lynbrook teenagers were among 67 young women across Nassau County to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award this year, the organization’s highest honor recognizing projects that create lasting change in their communities.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County honored Lynbrook residents Elizabeth C. and Lyla G. during the 2026 Gold Award Ceremony at The Inn at New Hyde Park. Elizabeth earned the award for her project, “Mental Health and Exercise: Recreational Running,” which addressed the lack of recreational sports opportunities for teenage girls. She established a running club focused on promoting mental wellness and a growth mindset, while also creating digital resources to expand the program’s reach.
Elizabeth C. of Lynbrook received the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project, “Mental Health and Exercise: Recreational Running,” which promotes mental wellness and recreational running opportunities for teenage girls.
Lyla received the Gold Award for “Bright Beginnings: Supporting NICU Graduates,” a project that provides graduation boxes filled with handmade keepsakes for families leaving neonatal intensive care units. The initiative also recognizes siblings, who are often overlooked during long NICU stays, and will continue through partnerships with hospitals and her school’s Fiber Arts Club.
The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouts and is awarded to girls in grades 9 through 12 who identify a community issue, lead a team and develop a sustainable solution that continues to make an impact after the project is complete.
— Kayla Dechter
Lyla G. of Lynbrook earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor, for her project, “Bright Beginnings: Supporting NICU Graduates,” which provides graduation boxes and handmade keepsakes for families leaving neonatal intensive care units.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Kickoff for the Nassau high school football season is just over a month away.
On Aug. 17, all 51 public high school football programs in the county will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Thursday, Sept. 3 with a Conference IV battle between Island Trees and Oyster Bay. The vast majority of openers will take place the following Thursday.
The biggest news of the offseason came in the spring when East Rockaway and West Hempstead announced it would be joining forces. Longtime Rocks head coach Russ Pajer adds Dom Carre, who served as the head coach at West Hempstead since 2010, as defensive coordinator. Carre played for Pajer at East Rockaway in 1997 and ‘98.
“Our JV teams combined last year and it was a great experience,” said Pajer, who enters his 32nd season as head coach. “West Hempstead’s numbers are down to less than 20, so it was a no-brainer. It was a seamless process with both superintendents on board. It’s a good thing and we expect to have a strong team.”
East Rockaway/West Hempstead is seeded fifth in Conference IV and opens at Valley Stream North. Three of its home games will be played under the lights at East Rockaway beginning Sept. 18 against defending county champion Seaford. West Hempstead will be the site of the Week 3 crossover against Elmont, and the game will serve as Homecoming. A Homecoming will also take place in East Rockaway Oct. 9. In 2025, the Rocks went 2-6 while the Rams finished 4-4 and qualified for the playoffs.
“We expect to have between 30 and 35 kids on varsity,” Pajer said.
Crossover games add intrigue
Seaford, along with three-time defending Long Island champion Massapequa (Conference I), ninetime defending county champion Garden City (II) and South Side (III) are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences.
Massapequa and Garden City will clash in a muchanticipated crossover game Sept. 26 on the Chiefs’ home field at 1:30 p.m. The Trojans enter the season riding an amazing 66-game winning streak. The showdown, along with all the other crossovers between Conferences I and II, and III and IV, will carry a lesser power-ranking weight than the other seven games, Carey head coach Mike Stanley said.
Some of the other Week 3 matchups feature Carey at Oceanside, Long Beach at Farmingdale, South Side at Seaford, Plainedge at Lynbrook, and Freeport at Roosevelt (Thurs., Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.)
Seven teams switch conferences
Plainedge and Carey lead a group of six teams switching conferences for this season based on enrollment and size breakdown of each conference. Plainedge finished first in the regular season in Conference IV a year ago, going undefeated in the process, and bumps down to III. Carey was in III last fall but jumps up to II, essentially changing places with Glen Cove. East Meadow is no stranger to the top conference and heads there after a brief stay in II. Floral Park, Valley Stream North and Valley Stream South moved to IV from III.
Few coaching changes
Legendary Plainedge head coach Rob Shaver retired
Chaminade’s Luka Tomaszweski was
Sept. 10 Long Beach at Carey
Sept. 10 Wantagh at Plainedge
Sept. 10 Lynbrook at Seaford
Sept. 19 Mepham at Calhoun
Sept. 26 Carey at Oceanside
Sept. 26 Garden City at Massapequa
Oct. 10 Oceanside at Massapequa
Oct. 17 Plainedge at South Side
Oct. 24 Massapequa at Farmingdale
Oct. 31 South Side at Wantagh
at the end of last season and the Red Devils are now led by former assistant Adam Hovorka. They’ll kick off at home versus defending Conference III champion Wantagh. And for the third time in four seasons, East Meadow has a new head coach with Matt Castaneda taking over. The Jets are seeded seventh in their return to Conference I and open at home against Hicksville. Former Elmont head coach Jay Hegi is the new head coach at Division.
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Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer Rescripted
returned, and Kelly placed him in a recovery position as the man began vomiting. A Port Authority police officer arrived shortly afterward, followed by emergency medical personnel, who transported the man to a hospital.
Kelly later found out that the man survived.
“I’ve spoken with the wife several times,” he said. “Her husband did make it. You know, he’s not very well, but he is alive.”
Kelly credited his military and law enforcement experience for his instincts to provide immediate assistance.
“There weren’t a lot of folks that looked like they were inclined to get involved, either,” he said. “So, it was really right place, right time for all of us to be able to help this guy.”
Kelly began serving in the Marine Corps in 2004 and joined its reserves in 2011. He recently returned from his fourth deployment to the Middle East on July 1, where he took part in Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, as well as military operations against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Following a July 11 change-of-command ceremony, Kelly assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, now based at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.
Military service runs deep in Kelly’s family. Relatives in both the Navy and Marines inspired him to serve, he said, and the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 reinforced that decision while he was a student at Chaminade High School in Mineola.
During the Oyster Bay ceremony, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino praised Kelly’s decisive action.
“His selfless and skilled actions represent the best in all of us: kindness, compassion, the ability to act
decisively and courageously when a fellow citizen in need,” Saladino said. “Officer Kelly is truly an American hero.”
While grateful for the recognition, Kelly said he hoped it would also reflect positively on the Marine
Corps, the Lynbrook Police Department and law enforcement as a whole.
“It’s nice to know that something like this could bring some attention to those communities,” he said.
Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino said Kelly’s actions exemplified the professionalism and dedication he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career with the department.
“I am not surprised by Police Officer Kelly’s actions,” Paladino said. “He is well trained and a very capable person and always represents the Lynbrook Police Department in shining fashion. Pat has received departmental recognition for this event, and the Lynbrook community is so proud to call him one of our own.”
Kelly said he also hoped his experience would encourage more people to learn CPR. He urged families to discuss emergency plans and practice basic responses before a crisis occurs.
“You will save someone’s life, potentially, and it could be a stranger, but it could be in your own home, too,” he said. “If they’re important to you, I would recommend making sure you have a good working knowledge of CPR.”
Kelly was one of several first responders recognized by the town. Bay constables Sgt. Carmine Montesano and Kim Allstadt were honored for rescuing a missing swimmer near Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Marina in June.
In addition, Bay constables Robert Wallace, James Altadona III and William Monjardo were recognized for using tourniquets and other emergency care to save the life of an off-duty Suffolk County police officer who suffered catastrophic injuries in a boating accident in Amity Cut, a tidal waterway connecting South Oyster Bay and the Great South Bay, on July 1.
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Q: Tell me about yourself.
Lubin: “I’ve been practicing neurology and specializing in stroke care since the mid-2000s,” Lubin said. “I’m board-certified in both neurology and vascular neurology, which focuses specifically on stroke. Before joining Episcopal Health Services five years ago as chief of neurology and stroke program director, Lubin served as associate stroke director at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. “I live in the Five Towns, so caring for patients in my own community is especially meaningful,” she said. “Having a short commute also means I’m able to get to the hospital quickly when patients need urgent stroke care. It’s rewarding to pro vide
home and continue treating patients throughout their recovery.”
Q:What are the most common warning signs of a stroke?
Lubin: Stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching brain tissue. The most common symptoms are sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and vision changes such as double vision or sudden vision loss. “A severe headache can also be a warning sign,” Lubin said. “Sometimes that indicates bleeding in the brain rather than a blocked blood vessel.”
Q:Many people know the acro-
Lubin: Lubin said health professionals now encourage people to remember BE FAST, which helps identify a wider range of stroke symptoms. The letters stand for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech and Time. “The addition of balance and eyes helps recognize strokes affecting the back of the brain that might otherwise be missed,” she explained. “Time is especially important because stroke treatment begins from the moment symptoms first appear—not when someone arrives at the hospital.” She noted that clotbusting medications are only effective within a limited treatment window, making immediate medical attention critical.
Q:Who is most at risk for having a stroke?
Lubin: While stroke risk increases with age, Lubin said several medical conditions significantly raise the likelihood of experiencing one. These include atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea. “Atrial fibrillation is one of the strongest risk factors because blood clots can form in the heart and travel to the brain,” she said. She added
that some racial and ethnic groups, including non-Hispanic African Americans, have higher stroke risks, making prevention and regular medical care especially important.
Q:What can people do to lower their stroke risk?
Lubin: Managing chronic medical conditions is one of the most effective ways to prevent stroke, Lubin said. That includes controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, treating sleep apnea and following medical advice for heart conditions. She also emphasized establishing care with a primary care physician instead of relying solely on urgent care centers.
“It’s important to have someone who knows your medical history and helps manage your chronic conditions,” she said.
Q:Anything else to add?
Lubin: Recognizing stroke symptoms isn’t just the responsibility of the person having them.
“Many times, it’s a family member, friend or even a stranger who notices something is wrong,” she said, recalling a case in which students recognized their teacher’s speech dif-
ficulties and called 911. “If you notice someone’s face looks uneven, they’re dragging a leg or they’re not making sense when they speak, say something and call for help,” Lubin said. “Recognizing the signs and acting immediately can change someone’s life.” She added that Episcopal Health Services is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, providing comprehensive stroke care close to home for residents of the Rockaways and Five Towns communities.
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
For Max Cohen, comedy has always been more than making people laugh — it’s about celebrating the people, traditions and quirks that shaped him while reminding audiences that Jewish families, despite their unique customs, aren’t all that different from anyone else.
The 26-year-old East Rockaway native, better known as “MurrayHillBoy” to his nearly 2 million followers across social media outlets, has built a devoted audience through fast-paced comedy sketches featuring over-the-top Jewish mothers, dramatic family dinners and hilariously familiar Long Island personalities.
Behind the wigs, designer dresses and perfectly timed punchlines is a proud Jewish, openly gay Long Islander whose upbringing continues to inspire nearly every video he creates.
“I’ve always been a proud Jew,” Cohen said. “Now I also feel a growing obligation to represent Jews in a positive light.”
Growing up in East Rockaway with a mother, Lisa, who was raised in Hewlett and graduated from Hewlett High School, Cohen found himself balancing two worlds. While many Long Island Jews grew up surrounded almost exclusively by other Jewish families, his neighborhood was far more diverse.
“East Rockaway is Italian, Irish Catholics, Jews — it was kind of a mixed bag,” he said. “I think a lot of Jews grow up in a bubble where everyone’s Jewish. That wasn’t necessarily the case for me. I was well aware there were maybe 20 Jews in my grade and everyone else wasn’t.”
Rather than feeling isolated, Cohen said those experiences helped him better understand his own identity.
“Being exposed to lots of other communities and cultures helped me place myself in the world,” he said. “It gave me a little more self-awareness.”
His Jewish identity, however, remained constant.
“I think being Jewish is being part of a very small group of people who have shared cultural values and continue to persevere after centuries of people trying to make that not be the case,” he said. “Perseverance is really what I think about.”
Family became the foundation for both his values and eventually his comedy.
Like many Jewish households, holidays were major productions.
“We hosted every single holiday growing up,” Cohen recalled, “Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Passover — it didn’t matter. My mom’s side, my dad’s side, everyone was at our house.”
Those gatherings weren’t quiet affairs either, he recalled.
“Jews really value close family,” he said. “We’re encouraged to ask questions and argue. My family was talking and yelling over each other 24/7.”
While his fictional characters may be louder, flashier and considerably more dramatic than his real relatives, Cohen said they’re grounded in familiar experiences.
“We are not the family I portray in my videos,” he laughed. “I don’t even have a sister. I have two younger brothers. But everything is grounded in reality.”
Those realities have become comedy gold.
Whether it’s a mother demanding the perfect holiday table, a Long Island parent obsessing over camp packing lists or a family argument that spirals into complete chaos, Cohen’s sketches resonate because they’re rooted in recognizable moments.
“I usually start with one small moment,” he explained. “Maybe something I thought of in the shower or something that’s happening in the world, and then I build an entire story around it.”
His creative process is remarkably detailed. A single one-minute sketch can take nearly 14 hours from conception to publication.
Max Cohen often collaborates with different Jewish content creators such as Noa Solomon, right, who runs the Lost Tribe social media account.
“I write it, rewrite it, play every character, set up costumes, lights, props, edit everything, add captions, sound effects and music,” he said. “People think it’s just me throwing on heels in my mom’s house, but there’s so much that goes into making it look effortless.”
Much of that work still happens inside his parents’ home, which has become an unofficial television set for his growing cast of recurring characters.
“The house is basically another character,” Cohen joked. “The staircase has become iconic.”
His mother initially supplied much of the wardrobe.
“I wore all of my mom’s clothes,” he said with a laugh. “Eventually I ran out because once an outfit goes viral, people remember it.”
Today, Amazon boxes have largely replaced his mother’s closet, although family still plays an active role in every production.
Despite his growing success, Cohen never planned to become a full-time content creator.
After graduating from Tulane University with degrees in communications and English, he joined a prestigious Manhattan law firm’s paralegal program, fully expecting to attend law school.
Instead, he found himself increasingly unhappy.
“I looked around and realized everyone else genuinely wanted to become lawyers,” he said. “I didn’t.”
Looking for another path, he began posting videos on TikTok.
His first video reached roughly 400,000 views. By his seventh video, one had surpassed 1 million.
“I got lucky,” he admitted. “But I also became obsessed with figuring out why people stopped scrolling.”
That analytical mindset continues to shape every piece of content he produces. Cohen studies camera angles, pacing, captions and audience behavior with the precision of a researcher.
“You’re competing with everything,” he said, “puppies, breaking news, people getting arrested. Someone’s brain is basically turned off while they’re scrolling, so your job is to get it to turn back on.”
More recently, his work has taken on another dimension.
Launching his platform in the months following the
Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks and amid a sharp rise in antisemitism, Cohen quickly discovered that many followers viewed him as more than a comedian.
“I never intended to become an advocate,” he said. “Advocacy found me.”
Temples invited him to speak. Jewish organizations sought partnerships. Colleges across the country asked him to address students navigating difficult conversations about antisemitism and identity.
“What a great thing that happened,” Cohen said. “Making Jewish videos has encouraged people to be proud Jews at a time when somehow that feels controversial.”
He acknowledged receiving hateful comments online but refused to let them overshadow the overwhelming support he receives.
“For every antisemitic comment, there are hundreds of Jews laughing,” he said. “My content is always worth it.”
He expressed hopes that audiences, Jewish or not, leave with a better understanding of who Jewish families really are.
“I want people to realize Jews are just people,” Cohen said. “My Italian followers tell me it’s their family. Christians tell me it’s their mom before Easter. Jamaicans tell me it’s their dad. The details might change, but families are families.”
As an openly gay Jewish creator, Cohen also understands the importance of visibility.
For Cohen, growing up on Long Island wasn’t always easy, he said.
“There was definitely toxic masculinity,” he recalled. “Kids called me names after I came out. People were uncomfortable when I started dating my boyfriend publicly.”
Still, he said, the Jewish community largely embraced him.
“I’m loud, I’m proud, I’m gay and I’m Jewish,” Cohen said. “That’s my shtick. I’m not changing.”
Looking ahead, Cohen hopes his future extends well beyond the phone screen.
“I don’t want to make TikToks forever,” he said. “I’d love to create something for television or the stage. Social media opened the door, but I think there’s so much more I want to do.”
For now, though, he’ll continue turning everyday Jewish life into comedy — one family dinner, one holiday and one perfectly timed Long Island accent at a time.
“I just want to put good into the world,” Cohen said. “If people laugh, feel seen and walk away a little prouder of who they are, then I’ve done my job.”
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FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
for this FREE event: Merrick.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273
Seventy-seven members of East Rockaway High
honored at a special dinner for earning the New York State
and the Seal of Biliteracy.
Seventy-seven members of East Rockaway High School’s Class of 2026 were recognized at a recent dinner for earning the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness and the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.
The state distinctions are noted on students’ diplomas and are accompanied by a medal and certificate recognizing their academic achievement.
The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language through advanced coursework
and special projects. The Seal of Civic Readiness recognizes students who excel in social studies, perform well on state assessments and demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement and community service.
The honors celebrate students’ academic success, leadership and dedication to serving their communities while preparing them for college, careers and civic life.
— Kayla Dechter
For Michelle Taplin, seen here at a spring showcase, theater is about more than performance. Through Tap Into Your Passion, she is helping young actors develop the confidence, resilience and skills to succeed both onstage and off.
By Iris Wiener
Michelle Taplin has spent much of her life immersed in the performing arts, but her greatest role may be helping the next generation discover their own voices. What began as a longtime dream has grown into Tap Into Your Passion, a thriving coaching and arts education company that, more than a year after its official launch, is already making a lasting impact on aspiring performers across the region.
As Tap Into Your Passion marks its first year and a half, Taplin celebrates the milestone with a special fundraising gala on Aug. 10 in The Green Room 42 in New York City that reflects the heart of her mission: making quality theater education accessible to everyone.
For Taplin, the journey started long before she opened her Rockville Centre-based business. Growing up in Oceanside, she balanced voice lessons, dance classes, gymnastics, and community theater while nurturing two lifelong ambitions: becoming a theater educator and one day opening her own company. Inspired by Oceanside High School theater teacher Laura Gallo, she pursued degrees in theater and business at Muhlenberg College before earning an MA in theater education from Adelphi University. Along the way, she gained experience as a performer, director, choreographer, stage manager, and arts administrator while also spending six years with the Sunrise Association, where she developed an inclusive teaching philosophy serving children with cancer and their siblings. Those experiences continue to shape every lesson she teaches today.
Taplin continues to wear many hats. She teaches theater at both the middle and high school in Oceanside, and directs productions with the school district and community theaters, including Plaza Theatricals. She also advises student organizations and mentors countless young performers. Tap Into Your Passion has become a natural extension of everything she loves most about teaching.
“Tap Into Your Passion’s mission is to provide theater education without costing an arm and a leg,” Taplin says, explaining that she wanted to remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the performing arts. She offers three primary services: private coaching for performers ages nine and up; a comprehensive college audition program that guides students through every step of the competitive application process; and a monthly master class series featuring accomplished Broadway performers, choreographers, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
The response has been exceptional. Taplin credits much of Tap Into Your Passion’s early success to the generosity of the artists who have shared their time and expertise. Taplin explains that each workshop has
reinforced the lessons she teaches her students while helping to build a supportive network where young performers can learn directly from professionals working in the industry.
Rather than molding students into “cookie-cutter performers,” Taplin encourages them to embrace their individuality. She believes there is no single path to success in theater and exposing students to a wide variety of artistic voices helps them discover the techniques and perspectives that resonate most authentically.
That philosophy has attracted students from throughout Long Island and Manhattan. Students from Floral Park, Oceanside, Lynbrook, Sewanhaka, Elmont, Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Garden City, and New York City, among other places, create a diverse community connected by a shared love of theater.
“Michelle always makes sure to put care and respect into all of her students’ work sessions,” says Kevin Kirley, a student from Rockville Centre who now attends New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “She has also been so integral to my journey throughout the college audition process. Her teaching has been extremely influential to me as a working actor, and I will take what I have learned throughout my training into my artistry.”
For Taplin, arts education extends well beyond singing, dancing or acting. She advocates that theater teaches empathy, collaboration, resilience, confidence, communication, and determination — life skills that benefit students regardless of whether they ultimately pursue careers on stage.
“It’s what the process teaches you,” she says, emphasizing that the personal growth students experience is often more valuable than the performances themselves.
Those values will be front and center shortly when Tap Into Your Passion hosts its Broadway Gives Back gala. The evening will feature performances by many of the Broadway artists and teaching professionals who have led Taplin’s master classes, each sharing a song that inspired their own theatrical journey. Beyond celebrating the company’s growth, the fundraiser will support Taplin’s goal of keeping coaching and master classes affordable for aspiring performers while demonstrating to students the passion that fuels successful careers in the arts.
As Tap Into Your Passion enters its second year, Taplin aims to continue expanding its reach while maintaining the close-knit community that has become its hallmark. She envisions welcoming more students, introducing them to even more accomplished professionals, and reminding every young artist that there is room for their unique voice in the theater world. Looking back on Tap’s remarkable beginning and the theater community’s willingness to help, Taplin relates that the experience has reinforced one lesson above all others: “The answer will always be ‘no’ if you don’t ask.”
It is a philosophy that has helped transform a childhood dream into a flourishing business, and one that continues to inspire the students following in her footsteps.
Visit TheGreenRoom42.VenueTix.com for tickets or more information about Where It All Began: Broadway Gives Back.
Comprising a group of exceptionally talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans, Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” Their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy. Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for their audiences.
Saturday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Brace yourself for a high-octane night with Bollywood’s most electrifying music duo – Vishal and Shekhar! VishalDadlani and Shekhar (formerly Shekhar) Ravjiani return to the states, following a completely sold-out U.S. run in 2025. Experience the energy and excitement of The Superhit Tour as acclaimed music duo Vishal and Sheykhar take the stage. Known for creating some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, the duo brings a powerhouse performance filled with fan-favorite songs, dynamic production and a concert atmosphere that will have the entire audience singing along. Expect a night packed with unforgettable music, stunning visuals, and the signature sound that has made them global sensations. Sunday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter. org or (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Long Island Community Chorus performs a selection of songs from its spring concert during Lynbrook’s Cruise Night. This marks the chorus’s first public appearance wearing their new t-shirts, celebrating the group’s new name and identity. Be sure to stop by and check out their performance.
• Where: In front of Angelina’s Restaurant on Atlantic Avenue, between Merrick Road and Stauderman Avenue, Lynbrook.
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: lynbrookusa.com
‘Grease’ Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes all to Rydell High. Here’ the senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.
• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 7:30 p.m.; also Aug. 1-2
• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870
Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Grateful Dead tribute band Half Step. The Long Island-based band are dedicated fans and “students” of the Grateful Dead, capturing the spirit, improvisation, sound and complexity of Grateful Dead music. Half Step has been mastering their craft since 2004 while winning over crowds of veteran Deadheads, newcomers and non-Dead fans alike. Like the Grateful Dead themselves, the band is constantly pushing the envelope, growing together as musicians and performers.
and record while honoring the band’s legacy with a revitalized lineup. Expect an energetic set blending timeless favorites with newer material, showcasing the musicianship and sound that helped define Southern rock
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
The Lynbrook Community Chest Mayor’s Golf Outing will take place at both Inwood Country Club and The Seawane Club. Co-sponsored by the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, the annual outing will honor Bruce Levitt of MurLee’s, Michael Paladino of Malatesta Paladino Inc., and Dr. Ben Tieniber of Lynbrook High School. The event will include brunch, golf, cocktails and dinner, with proceeds supporting community initiatives through the Lynbrook Community Chest.
• Where: Inwood Country Club & The Seawane Club
• Time: 8 p.m.
The Scottish band brings their Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange Tour to the Paramount stage, in support of their latest album, “The Human Fear,” which dropped in January. Since emerging from Glasgow’s art-school scene — where the band famously staged illegal parties in abandoned buildings — Franz Ferdinand has built a reputation for bold sharp hooks, infectious riffs and a fearless approach to reinvention. The band’s sixth studio album explores the emotions that define the human experience, transforming fear from something to avoid into something that awakens us. From the vulnerability of new relationships to the courage required to embrace change, “The Human Fear” channels those moments of uncertainty into songs packed with energy, urgency and unmistakable Franz Ferdinand style. Following the retrospective collection “Hits To The Head,” their latest album marks a new chapter for the group — one that honors its signature sound while pushing forward. Expect a high-energy performance filled with the clever songwriting, driving rhythms and irresistible beats that have made Franz Ferdinand one of the most influential bands of its generation. At this point in their career, Franz Ferdinand definitely know who they are, and are relishing the vigor that comes with accepting that
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with the annual Salute to Veterans show. Desert Highway performs an Eagles tribute. American Bombshell also appears.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
2
St. Mary’s/Maris
Stella Knights of Columbus host a free community barbecue with food, music, games and drinks for all ages. The familyfriendly event includes obstacle courses, a bounce house, pirate ship ride, carnival games, ice cream and additional activities. Residents are invited to stop by for an afternoon of community
fun.
• Where: 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: Knights of Columbus at (516) 887-2228
Lance the Eagle welcomes families to “A Semi-QuincentenEAGLE Birthday” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. In this original production, families are invited to celebrate his birthday. His message: As the national bird, this party will be happening throughout the whole month of July. Come to think of it, I did hear something about a birthday for the United States of America as well. Hmm... must be a coincidence! I’ll be throwing a parade through LICM’s galleries and a celebratory spectacle in the Theater. Come ready to party!” Keep an eye out 30 minutes before each show for a special interactive pre-show! For ages 3+. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 5
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
AuG
5
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See Disney’s “Zootopia 2,’” the animated buddy cop comedy sequel. Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AuG
Summer rocks on Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with The Outlaws. The southern rock legends bring more than five decades of guitar-driven classics to fans here. Formed in Tampa in 1972, the band became known for its signature triple-guitar attack, soaring three-part harmonies and enduring hits including “There Goes Another Love Song” and the epic “Green Grass & High Tides.” Led by founding singer, songwriter and guitarist Henry Paul, The Outlaws have continued to tour
• Time: Registration: 9:30–11:30 a.m.
• Brunch: 10:30 a.m.
• Shotgun Start: 11:30 a.m. at Seawane Club; Noon at Inwood Country Club
• Cocktails/Dinner: 5 p.m. at Inwood Country Club
• Contact: Lynbrook Village Hall at (516) 599-8300.
Travel back to the 1980s at the Ultimate ‘80s Party with St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus, at a fundraiser benefiting Last Chance Animal Rescue. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite ‘80s attire and enjoy an evening of music, dancing, dinner, drinks, raffles and more, with proceeds helping provide shelter, medical care and homes for animals in need. RSVP by Aug. 8. Tickets are $60.
• Where: 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook
• Time: 7-11 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 902-6270
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.
The Village of East Rockaway recently honored longtime resident Sally Tripoli with a Citation of Recognition in celebration of her 100th birthday. Tripoli, who turned 100 on May 31, was recognized by Mayor Gordon Fox and members of the Village Board.
“Reaching 100 years of age is an extraordinary achievement,” Fox said. “On behalf of the Village Board and all of the residents of East Rockaway, we wish her continued health and happiness.”
— Kayla Dechter
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 7:00PM
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WATERFALL VICTORIA GRANTOR TRUST II, SERIES G, Plaintiff, vs. JORGE ARIAS, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to Amend Caption, Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale After Inquest, and Appointment of Referee duly entered on July 31, 2014, an Order Extending Time to Set Sale and Amending Caption duly entered on December 14, 2021 and an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly entered on February 2, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 18 Catherine Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 226 and Lot 593. Approximate amount of judgment is $342,900.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008272/2009.
Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 161182
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE TO BIDDERS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT sealed proposals will be received by the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. prevailing time at the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East
Rockaway, New York at which time they will be publicly opened and read and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:
The purpose of this specification is to provide required information for the refurbishment of existing masonry ADA ramp and side entrance to Village Hall and all other appurtenances and incidentals necessary for the satisfactory completion of the work.
The Contract Documents and Specifications can be examined at the Office of the Village Clerk at the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, New York on or after Thursday, July 30, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. prevailing time, Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Contract Documents and Specifications, including bid proposal sheets, may be obtained upon payment of $50.00 to the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway. Such payment is nonrefundable. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. All proposals and bonds must be upon forms furnished by the Village, and such documents submitted in any other form shall be subject to rejection.
The Village encourages vendor/suppliers that are certified as a Minority or Women Owned Business Enterprise to participate in our bidding process. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, New York.
Theresa E. Gaffney Village
Clerk-Treasurer
Dated: __________
Published: _______ 161306
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF WORKSHOP NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a WORKSHOP on Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at 5:30 P.M. in the Board Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following cases: #1032 -190 Earle Avenue, Lynbrook , #1033 -21 Washington Avenue, Lynbrook ,#1034 -159 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 161434
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-EMX9, -againstKEITH MCNALLY, 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 November 1, 2018, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR RESIDENTIAL ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-EMX9 is the Plaintiff and KEITH MCNALLY, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 1, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 43 WRIGHT AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563; and the following tax map identification: 37-504-152. 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 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 010010/2015. Joshua Brookstein, Esq.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. 161426
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
The St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus welcomed community members for its annual Summer Sensations fundraiser on July 18 at its Lynbrook hall. Guests enjoyed an evening of live music by Risky Business, along with food, drinks and dancing during the four-hour event. The fundraiser brought together residents and supporters for a night of entertainment while raising money for the Knights of Columbus’ charitable and community service efforts.
Held at the Knights of Columbus hall on Hempstead Avenue, Summer Sensations is one of the organization’s annual social events, giving community members an opportunity to gather while supporting the council’s ongoing programs and outreach initiatives.
— Kayla Dechter
The day before the nation’s fireworks, Mother Nature created some of her own, captured by a Lynbrook photographer.
Help 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
For The Before & After School Child Care Programs That Will Be Opening For The 2026 - 2027 School Year In Nassau and Suffolk County Elementary Schools
Hiring Directors, Assistants, Group Leaders and Substitutes. Up to a $500 Signing Bonuses, Scholarships and Employee Referrals
Questions call: 631-360-0800 ext. 149 or send a resume to: cc@scopeonline.us
SCOPE Education is an equal opportunity Employer
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has 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 Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Eldercare Offered HEALTH AIDE AVAILABLE: Experienced. 24/ 7 Four Days A Week.
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
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space When Available. For Details Call 516-860-6889/ 516-852-5135/ 516-582-9978
EAST ROCKAWAY: 2ND Floor, Heat/ Water Included, Suitable Two, No Smoking/ Pets, Parking, $3,000. 516-643-3227
Q. We were recently told that our permit plans, to be approved, were going to have to include plans of the entire house, not just the garage area we are bumping out on the side. We were wondering if you have heard of this or whether we are being singled out. Our architect said that it may be because we have to go to the zoning board. Is this the reason, or did we say something wrong and are being punished? We asked, several times, for an update, because things are moving very slowly and we get the impression the building department just wants us to go away. They work for us and I think we deserve better service, frankly.
A. Trust but verify is now a common expression, and with good reason. What I have noticed over the years is that complete information is more often required, showing unrelated areas of the home, because many people have not been truthful about building changes or about how much work they have done, without permits, in other parts of the home. Because of this issue, many plans examiners ask for the big picture, not just the area you are interested in. It is obvious, when looking at file records in building departments and then comparing them to the actual dwelling during a walkthrough.
Your dilemma is due to the lack of trust between the authorities and the public. If the building inspector notices that the plans and the home don’t exactly compare, they can ask for “revised” plans to be submitted. It is frustrating, right at the end of a project, when people are ready to move on with their lives, to find out that the “simple, little changes” and side work they did require revised plans to be submitted to their building department. It is much worse to learn about changes or not following plans many years later.
Contractors and owners may get away with not communicating in the short term, but it does not pay, in the long run, to hide information. When someone realizes they bought a house with inherited, hidden issues which they are now responsible for, they feel taken advantage of. Worse than that are the costly corrections that have to be made because something that has existed for years may not be code-compliant. It happens all too often that unrelated portions of the building become a stumbling block to getting approvals for what you are really looking to do.
You are probably not being singled out, but you have been put in this position by previous workers and owners who did not take the record-updating seriously. People have told me, with a grin, that “By the time anyone notices, we’ll all be long gone.” I just came from a jobsite where work was done 16 years prior, the plans were not followed, and a structural failure is occurring that is going to be expensive to fix. The whole picture, not just part, is, therefore, important. Good luck!
LYNBROOK: SATURDAY, August 1, 2026 9am- 7:30pm. 1 Daley Place (Corner of Noble Street). Brand New Stuff, Shoes, Pocketbooks, Bric-a-brac, Custom Jewelry, Kids' Toys, Clothes
A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION in Long Island is seeking sealed bids for sales and installation of security related enhancements. The project includes (i) installation of one or more: technology (such as CCTV, access control, alarms, sensors, Xray machines, magnetometer, cybersecurity, networking hardware), security film, doors, locks, windows, bollards, planters, barriers, lighting, fencing, privacy fencing, gates, booth, (ii) training programs, and (iii) security personnel. Bids will be accepted until 5:00 PM on August 7, 2026. Work is expected to commence by the week of August 10, 2026 and be completed by August 31, 2026. All interested vendors will be required to demonstrate preliminary qualifications and licensing for this work, acknowledge receipt of the proposal documents, and provide company name, business address, telephone, fax and email address, and primary contact name. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at grantbidrequests@gmail.com
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ANTIQUE MAHOGANY HIGHBOY, excellent shape, pic available. Asking $99.00 RVC 516-637-6603
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CORDLESS LEAF BLOWER & Vacuum. Battery and charger included $45.00. 516-872-8486
ERGO BABY CARRIER 360, all positions, 12-45 lbs, boxed, $40, 516-884-9994.
ERGONOMIC KNEELING CHAIR: Excellent condition, Gray cushioned fabric. 200lb limit. $50. 516-432-2401 Long Beach
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Recently I saw a screening of the documentary about the late NYPD detective Steven McDonald, “Saint of the City.” McDonald was a true hero. In 1986, as a young police officer, he was shot and permanently paralyzed by 15-year-old Shavod Jones, whom he was questioning about a series of bicycle thefts in Central Park.
Jones shot McDonald three times, the third time while he was lying on the ground, shattering his spine and leaving him a quadriplegic, needing a ventilator to breathe.
McDonald not only survived, but forgave Jones and went on to live more than 30 heroic years of dedicated service, without complaint or self-pity, until his death in 2017.
Steven and his wife, Patti Ann, lived in Malverne during that time with their son, Conor, who was born just months after his father was shot. Patti Ann went on to serve two terms as Malverne’s mayor. “Saint of the City” was written by veteran Emmy-award winning WPIX-TV reporter Mary Murphy
and produced by Erin Mulvey, a former DEA agent. Filled with facts, emotion and perspective, the film captures the essence of McDonald as an outstanding human being who inspired so many.
I met with him over the years at various police events, at his home in Malverne and in Congress. Those meetings made vividly clear to me just how devastating his injuries were. He was not only confined to a wheelchair, but incapable of moving any party of his body except his head, and he had no sense of feeling anywhere.
The NYPD detective
forgave the teen who shot him, leaving him a quadriplegic.
Once when he gave me a book he had written, he inscribed it for me with a Sharpie he held between his teeth.
His breathing was labored, and required a ventilator. At any time he could be struck with severe spasms lasting 30 seconds to a minute. These were difficult to observe, never mind having to endure them.
As the film depicts, McDonald persevered through all of this. He regularly spoke at high schools and to young cops.
He was also an articulate voice for peace and justice in Northern Ireland, not just attending events in New York, but traveling to Northern Ireland to
Iurge those on all sides — Catholics and Protestants, pro-British and pro-Irish — to resolve their differences and pursue the path to peace. McDonald’s efforts were particularly beneficial in the months following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, when radicals attempted to shatter the peace accord with a horrific bombing attack in Omagh, Northern Ireland, that killed 29 civilians and injured more than 200. His presence at such a critical time delivered a strong message about the necessity of maintaining peace and allowing the agreement to be implemented.
I remember when Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern addressed a joint session of Congress and singled out McDonald, who was seated in the House gallery. At a reception later that day, Sen. Ted Kennedy asked me to introduce Ahern to McDonald.
The film also highlights how McDonald was sustained by his Catholic faith, and particularly by the advice and consolation he received from Father Mychal Judge, the chaplain of the FDNY who died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, and Cardinal John O’Connor, who McDonald told me would visit him at his Malverne home
to help him through tough moments. McDonald also organized prayer groups that met regularly.
The “Saint of the City” screening took place at the Marymount School, in Manhattan. Among those in attendance were former NYPD Commissioners Ray Kelly and Keechant Sewell, former Detective Bo Dietl and many high-ranking police officials and officers who worked with McDonald or got to know him over the years. Magee Hickey of WPIX, WINS reporter Juliet Papa and Daily News columnist Michael Daly were also there.
From the sports world there was Mets all-time great relief pitcher Jesse Orosco, who, after pitching the final innings of the Mets’ final 1986 World Series game against the Red Sox, had thrown his glove high in the air. Days later, Orosco gave the glove to McDonald, a longtime Mets fan.
Most notable among the attendees, of course, were Steven’s widow, Patti Ann, and their son, Conor, who is now a captain in the NYPD. Both personify and carry on the inspirational legacy of Steven McDonald, who was truly a saint among us. Once it is distributed, be sure to see “Saint of the City.”
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
don’t know much about the tariff system, but I know enough about economics and politics to say that President Trump’s new proposed 50 percent tariffs on Canada would be the most foolish things ever done by a president in recent American history. I know these proposals are always subject to negotiation, but why pick on our second-largest trading partner at the worst possible time?
The Canadians have been our best friends for as long as I can remember. They were there for us during World War II, when they lost over 40,000 men in battle. They have contributed soldiers to many of our wars, and have stood up for us at the United Nations and around the world. One of the reasons behind the latest insanity is the president’s statement that he is mad at Canada because of the smoke that has drifted south to the United States.
The best way to describe the latest tariff proposal is that it would be a self-
inflicted wound that would hurt American consumers the most. There is a basic fact that we fail to understand. The average reader may think that new tariffs would punish Canadians, but when new duties are imposed on Canadian autos, wine, hockey sticks, dairy products and cement, American distributors have to pay them, and then they pass the cost on to American consumers. The family in Levittown that buys Bobby a hockey stick pays extra because of the tariff hike.
Tariffs on Canada in retaliation for wildfire smoke that drifted south? Really?
Lots of other bad things happen when new tariffs are imposed. Canada, in retaliation, has imposed its own 25 percent counter-tariffs on U.S. vehicles, steel and aluminum. These tariffs hurt American builders and potential homebuyers who can’t afford higher costs when they’re seeking to purchase their first home. Tariffs on auto parts disrupt production lines and costs manufacturing jobs on both sides of the border.
Tariffs have another impact on countries like Canada. China is eager to establish new relationships with nations that will buy its goods. In 2025,
Canada announced a new comprehensive trade agreement with China that, among other things, will allow the sale of Chinese autos in Canada. Industry specialists say that Chinese cars are high quality and much lower in price, and will be a potential threat to American auto manufacturers.
One of the worst results of our feud with Canada is its impact on American businesses. Tourism in many of our northern border states has been badly damaged by this unnecessary battle. And one of the biggest losers has been Las Vegas. Hotel operators have seen a 70 percent drop in Canadian visitors, which has caused large layoffs of hospitality employees.
When arbitrary tariffs are imposed on a friendly nation, there are other consequences. Other countries watch American actions and conclude that we can’t be trusted if we economically attack a longtime friend. To add to our unreliability, the U.S. has a trade agreement, negotiated by Trump six years ago with Canada and Mexico, which was scheduled to be renewed this month.
The president has stated that he won’t honor the terms of that agreement.
The crowning touch to the U.S.-Canada breach has been Trump’s threats to make Canada our 51st state, and his frequent statements deriding Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump supporters will say this is just the president doing his thing, and that he isn’t really serious, but words have consequences, and many Trump watchers around the world don’t have such an expansive sense of humor.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the president didn’t have the unilateral authority to impose sweeping, open-ended tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and that only Congress has that power. Trump is now using a 1930 law to justify his actions, which will likely be challenged in court.
At a time when the nation is juggling a war with Iran, higher gasoline prices and the continuing issue of affordability, fighting with Canada is just plain dumb.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm.
there’s a particular quality to the light when the smoke arrives. It goes flat and white, the sun turns into a coin you can look at directly, and the air smells faintly like someone three houses down is burning leaves. It has happened enough times now that Long Islanders recognize it.
The fires are in Canada. Ontario mostly, sometimes the prairie provinces — a thousand miles and more from here, far enough that the smoke spends days in transit before it reaches us. And it reaches us anyway. It settles over Rockville Centre and Garden City and Long Beach. It gets into the lungs of kids at day camp in Merrick who have never heard the phrase “boreal forest.”
There is something clarifying about that, if you let it be.
We are accustomed to thinking of our lives as local, and with good reason. This newspaper exists because the things that shape a day here — the school calendar, the traffic on Sunrise Highway, whether the field will be playable Saturday morning — are decided close to home by people you might run into at the deli. That proximity is the texture of life in a place like ours. The distance between a thing and its cause is usually short enough to walk.
To the Editor:
Barely a day goes by that I don’t receive at least one mailing from John Ferretti expounding on all of his successes as Town of Hempstead supervisor. He claims that he is hard at work for the people of the town. He claims to have lowered town taxes, that he is working to ensure that our water is safe to drink, and is working with Nassau County to protect religious institutions. Just because he makes these claims doesn’t mean they aren’t just alternative facts.
The truth is that since he became supervisor — with the questionable means by which he was made the incumbent for his election — town taxes have increased 12 percent, our
Smoke from a forest a thousand miles away is a different phenomenon. It did not come from anything anyone here did or failed to do. And at the end of that very long chain sits your daughter’s soccer practice.
Why more of it, and why now? Because the climate is warming and the northern forest is drying out as a result. Spring snowpack melts earlier than it used to. Summers run longer and hotter, and the peat and duff beneath the trees turn into something that holds fire the way a sponge holds water — slowly, deep down and for a very long time.
Fires that once burned themselves out now smolder underground through the winter and surface again in spring. More fire, more smoke. And the same atmospheric machinery that has always carried Canadian cold fronts down to the Northeast now carries the smoke with them.
The smoke isn’t doing anything unusual. It is riding the same currents that have brought us our weather since before there was a Long Island to bring it to — the northwest flow behind a front, the same air that gives us a crisp October morning and the frigid air of January. We have always been downwind of Canada. We simply had no occa-
sion to notice.
That’s what makes this worth sitting with. Not the fires themselves, but what they reveal about connection. Something we didn’t do, in a place most of us have never been, is now a feature of summer on Long Island.
And what we do continues downwind. The exhaust from the Meadowbrook, the fertilizer that leaves a lawn in Wantagh and ends up in the bay, the plume from a stack in Island Park — none of that stays put, either. Our runoff is someone else’s smoke.
There is a version of this line of thinking that curdles into helplessness, and we would steer away from it. Being connected to a place you cannot influence isn’t the same as being powerless. It is mostly an invitation to pay attention — to the bay, to the air, to the small local things that are, somewhere downwind, someone else’s inherited condition.
The sky has cleared — but it will haze over again. If not this summer, then next. And each time it does, it is worth taking a moment to notice the strangeness: that we are downwind of a forest we will likely never see, and that somewhere, someone we will never meet is downwind of us.
carry your heart with me’
My husband, Donnie Kreiss, died on July 12, at home, just days after our 58th anniversary. He was 80, and had been living with pancreatic cancer since it was diagnosed in 2023.
Donnie did not go gently. As Dylan Thomas wrote, he raged against the dying of the light, from the moment he knew he had this relentless cancer until two Sundays ago, when he drew a quiet breath and then no more. Our son and daughter were with him.
My sister, Meryl Greenbaum, was with us. The loving good wishes of everyone he knew were with us.
He had been drifting away for the previous 10 days, suffering the side effects of three years of treatment. Still, in early June he was walking laps in our building, and in April the family had gathered for his birthday dinner. He pushed his athlete’s body beyond anyone’s expectation, and the night he died, we rang the bell for him, because every single day he lived since 2023 was a tribute to his courage.
water rates are up 33 percent, and our energy rates continue to climb. Due to the lack of transparency, we have no idea where our hard-earned tax dollars are going or to whom.
I met Ferretti’s opponent, Joe Scianablo, for the first time when he attended a parlor meeting at my home. I was impressed not only with his background, but also his sincerity and his desire to continue serving the public. Scianablo has spent his entire adult life as a public servant. He served multiple deployments in the Marines in East Timor, Eritrea, and Iraq, then was a New York City police officer, focusing on domestic violence cases, in which helped victims find safety and justice. He is a former prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, where he advocated for survivors of domestic violence.
I believed Scianablo when he said his focus would be to ensure that our tax dollars and resources benefit all the people in the Town of Hempstead, not just the favored ones. He isn’t a career politician, but will be a politician who has made a career of service. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to meet him to do so. I think you will come away as impressed as I was.
CHERIE FEINBERG Lawrence
triumph over adversity.
HDonnie never felt sorry for himself. In his last days on earth he was reaching out to friends who had heartache, relationship woes, business setbacks or medical problems. He preached a gospel of positivity, insisting on finding threads of hope. He left a legacy of goodness and generosity, changing the lives of so many people along the way.
e always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw.
Donnie was a native Lawrencian. He was born in 1946 at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital to Lillian and Jack Kreiss, who lived at 16 Muriel Ave. in Lawrence. When he was 2, he contracted bacterial meningitis, which was usually fatal in those days. He was in isolation at St Joseph’s Hospital, in Far Rockaway, for two months. That was the first of his medical miracle recoveries, which included a fractured skull when he was 10, heart attacks at 40 and 50, bypass surgery, congestive heart failure and cervical spine surgery. He recited his near-misses enthusiastically, as if they were a resume, not of suffering but of
Donnie was a gifted athlete who ran track and played varsity football, basketball and golf. He was a beautiful man, and we fell hard in love as teenagers. We graduated together in 1964 from Lawrence High. When we married and settled in Woodmere, his second home was the Lawrence Golf Club, where his father was president and then, 50 years later, he was president. In recent years his home course was on Longboat Key, Fla., where last year he was named Most Inspirational Golfer of the Year, an award they created for him.
Don started his own business in 1969, selling slippers and bras and panties. He loved selling, and he was the best salesman because he could out-wait, out-talk and outlast any buyer he encountered.
He always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw. He drew on a deep well of generosity and kindness.
Our children, Jason, Rochelle, Jocelyn and Josh, were, as Auden said, his north, south, east and west. His grandchildren, Sabrina, Jacob, Elijah and
Emi, brought light and delight into his life. “Did you talk to the kids today?” was his mantra.
Despite his lifelong medical issues, Don was a rough and ready traveler, up for any adventure. We spent five summers exploring Montana when the kids were teenagers, and then for decades we traveled the world, from Komodo Island, in Indonesia, to the Alaska wilderness, from Bali to Singapore to Tasmania and New Zealand. Nothing stopped him.
Obituaries are the last public words written about someone. I never expected to write Donnie’s obituary, which I hope is more like telling the story of his life. Which is also the story of my life. As Cummings wrote, I carry his heart in my heart.
He trusted me to shepherd him through these last years, to get to the right doctors, to hold hands as we heard the diagnoses that limited his days. He wanted time, he said over and over again. I did my best, but time was not in my hands. I believe he would have wanted me to write this, the last words about him, from a place of love and longing, happy remembrance, and sadness that he did not have more days to grace our lives.
Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
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