Project to aid water quality in Western Bays nears completion
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
After more than five years of construction and planning, the Bay Park Conveyance Project, a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County Department of Public Works, is 90 percent complete and poised to bring transformative environmental benefits to Long Island’s South Shore.
The ambitious project aims to improve water quality and storm resiliency in the Western Bays by redirecting treated effluent from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, formerly the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant, to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant’s ocean outfall pipe. Currently, the facility discharges an average of 50 million gallons per day of treated water into Reynolds Channel, a waterway with limited mixing capacity.
“The problem we’re solving is nitrogen pollution in the Western Bays,” said Andy Fera, project director for the Bay Park Conveyance Project at NYSDEC.
“Reynolds Channel doesn’t have the mixing capability the ocean does. So even though the effluent is treated, nitrogen ConTinued on PAge 12
Lynbrook/east rockaway
HERALD
Lacrosse star will adapt his skills to South Korea
By GIANNA LoNGo Intern
Lynbrook High School graduate Christopher Paladino, 18, has headed to South Korea to try out for the Korea Lacrosse Association’s Men’s National Team. The monthlong tryout experience from July 28 to Aug. 25 reflects years of hard work, dedication, and the process of Paladino reclaiming his Korean nationality as an adoptee.
Paladino grew up as a hockey player, although he had been playing lacrosse since third grade, beginning with the Lynbrook Titans team. It
was only during Covid that Paladino unlocked his passion for lacrosse.
“I realized lacrosse was a lot more fun and a lot more accessible, too,” he explained.
His lacrosse career pivoted in ninth grade, when former Lynbrook boys’ varsity assistant coach Keith Lizzi changed Paladino’s position to longstick midfielder.
“Chris really took advantage of that opportunity and started working at the game, but not only just at the game, but at his athleticism, his strength, his conditioning,” head coach Bill Luzzi said.
Chamber seeks donors, sponsors for Casino Night
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce will host its third annual Casino Night on Nov. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Hempstead Avenue. The event is a fundraiser to support the chamber’s community initiatives and will include casino games, raffles, food and drinks.
The tickets for the event include dinner, beverages and $200 in chips for the casino tables. Attendees can use their chips to purchase raffle tickets for a variety of prizes, including two stays at a beachfront resort in Panama that boasts a nineacre swimming pool, as well as jewelry, massage packages and other donated items.
“This is our main fundraising event for the year, so it’s an exciting way to grow the chamber and have fun at the same time,” said Polly Talbott, the organization’s executive director. “We’re currently seeking sponsors and raffle prize donors to help make this event a success.”
MIChELA ARGENTo-SERRA President, Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses that are interested in supporting the event. Table sponsorships are priced at $1,000 and $500, while Chamber Supporter sponsorships are available for $150.
This year’s Casino Night is being organized by Audrey Donaldson, a Lynbrook native and the owner of Touched By a Rose, a massage-therapy practice on Atlantic Avenue. Donaldson previously organized the chamber’s “Experience Lynbrook” event.
“This will be my first time organizing Casino Night,” she said. “But I was on the committee for it last year, and it had such a great turnout. A lot of people from the chamber and the neighborhood came. It was just a really good time.”
Donaldson noted that the games are open to everyone, regardless of their experience with casino gambling. “I never
ConTinued on PAge 7
Courtesy Sean Strohofer Christopher Paladino (32) locked in on defense during a Lynbrook High School varsity game last season. The midfielder earned AllConference honors in 2024.
•
•
•
•
bike swap, was held on June 29 in the same parking lot.
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
The Knights of Columbus from St. Mary’s/Maris Stella will host their third annual free community barbecue on Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 78 Hempstead Ave. in Lynbrook.
The event, which organizers say has grown in size and popularity over the years, is part of the Knights’ mission to give back to the community—especially families who may not have the means to attend paid summer events.
“This is their way to give back,” said event planner Donna Ferrara, who helps coordinate the festivities. “They don’t charge anything for admission. Everything is about creating a fun, inclusive environment for local families.”
While admission is free, Ferrara noted that there may be a small charge for food to help cover costs. The event will feature carnival rides, games, face painting, cotton candy, and ice cream,
along with music and entertainment for all ages.
Attractions will include:
• A 30-foot bounce house obstacle course
• Inflatable soccer and football games
• Eight classic carnival games, such as tin can toss and “shoot the duck”
• Cornhole and other activities for adults
• A kids’ ATV-style “wacky races” track for children ages 5 and up
The event is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required.
“We have so many kids from the community—and even from local organizations like Anchor—come out and enjoy it,” Ferrara said. “It’s really fun for everybody.”
The Knights also host a free Christmas party each winter, part of a broader charitable commitment that includes donations to local churches such as Our Lady of Peace and Our Lady of Lourdes.
For more information, visit LynbrookKOFC.com/upcoming-events.
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: 78 Hempstead Ave. Lynbrook, NY 11563
Highlights:
• Carnival games and inflatables
• Mini-ATV “wacky races”
• Face painting, ice cream, cotton candy
• Food, drinks, music
• Activities for all ages
Admission:
The Knights of Columbus will host its annual barbecue on Aug. 2 to bring the community together for a free event at 78 Hempstead Ave. Its previous event, the annual car show and
Create A Pro brings ‘Jamboree’ chaos
Create A Pro Wrestling returned to Lynbrook on July 25 with “Bobby Orlando’s Super Duper Really Awesome Jamboree Extravaganza,” held at 78 Hempstead Ave.
Nat Castle won the Create A Pro Women’s Championship in the main event, defeating previous titleholder Gabby Forza. Other featured matches included a “Loser Has Phone Smashed” bout with Tommy Invincible and a championship contest between Leo Sparrow and Bobby Orlando, the reigning CAP Champion.
The event drew a lively crowd and featured appearances by The Blue Meanie, VSK, CPA, Bryce Donovan, Los Toxicos, Bear Bronson, Aaron Rourke, Jake Lang, Jgeorge, Jack Tomlinson, and more.
The next Create A Pro Wrestling event in Lynbrook is scheduled for Sept. 7. More information is available at CreateaProWrestling.com.
- Ainsley Martinez
Jason Thomas/Herald Gabby Forza holds up her championship belt as she prepares for her Bloodline Rule Dog Collar Championship bout.
Nat Castle defeats Gabby Forza in the Championship belt in the main event on July 25.
Tommy Invincible poses with the crowd as he gets ready for a Loser Has Phone Smashed Match on July 25.
The crowd cheers for their respective favorite wrestlers at the Create a Pro Wrestling event on July 25 at 78 Hempstead Ave.
Leo Sparrow, standing, and Bobby the GOAT match up in the championship on July 25.
Cashing in Your Life Insurance Policy
Everyone knows that you may surrender a life insurance policy at any time for the “cash surrender value”. However, a better option may be a “life settlement” which pays more than the cash surrender value.
In a life settlement, you sell the policy to a third party instead of cashing it in. Here, the payment will be something greater than the cash surrender value but less than the death benefit. The buyer assumes the policy, pays the premiums and receives the death benefit.
There are many reasons why people want to cash in their policy. Paying the premiums have become a burden, they no longer need or want the death benefit or the money is needed for some other purpose.
There are some tax advantages to cashing in as well. Any money paid into the policy as premiums comes back to the seller tax-free (since the money used to pay the premiums was already taxed).
The purchaser of the policy will
determine the amount they are willing to pay for the policy based on the amount, if any, of the cash surrender value and the age and health of the seller. Since there are numerous companies out there you may “shop around” for the best offering. Some companies offer a “life settlement calculator” where you may go online, plug in all your information, and receive a quote within twenty-four hours.
You may hear of the term “viatical settlement” when exploring the issue of whether or not to cash in your policy. Viatical settlements generally pay more than life settlements but are limited to terminally ill policy holders with less than two years of life expectancy as determined by a medical professional.
Finally, if you want to do the best you can with your policy, but do not have the time or inclination to shop around, there are “life settlement brokers” who, for a fee, will do the shopping for you.
Crime watCh
Detectives are investigating a daytime robbery that occurred on July 22 at the Antique Buyers of LI, Inc., located at
Police investigate armed robbery at antique shop
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Nassau County Fourth Squad detec‑ tives are investigating a daytime rob‑ bery that occurred on July 22 at approximately 9:13 a.m., at the Antique Buyers of LI, Inc., located at 87 Main Street in East Rockaway, authorities said.
The incident involved a 64‑year‑old male employee who was working at the store when an unknown individual approached and demanded a brown leather briefcase containing jewelry worth more than $25,000, police report‑ ed.
The victim surrendered the brief‑ case, and the suspect fled on foot. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The suspect is described as a white male, roughly 60 years old, 6 feet tall, with medium build. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, blue jeans, a yellow‑and‑white baseball cap, and black glasses, police said.
Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Nassau County
Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑244‑TIPS, or call 911. Tips will remain anonymous, officials added.
additional Context: Crime trends in nassau County
Robbery and major crime trends:
• For the first two months of 2025, Nassau County Police Department data shows:
• A 25 percent decline in commer cial robberies, from 32 incidents in early 2024 to 24 in 2025.
• A 51 percent drop in other robber ies, like public or individual‑ target incidents, falling from 47 to 23 cases.
• Overall, 710 major crimes, includ ing murder, rape, robbery, bur glary, grand larceny, auto theft, and felony assault, were reported during that period, down from 951 in early 2024—a 25.3 percent year‑over‑year decrease.
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.
E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com
■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 265 E-mail: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail:
Google Maps
87 Main Street in East Rockaway.
Bethpage Black preps for Ryder Cup
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The Ryder Cup is coming to Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale Sept. 26 to 28 and preparations are in full swing for one of golf’s premier international events.
After three years of planning, work to install viewing stands, including two triple-deckers and eight double-deckers, with some flanking the first and 18th fairways, bleachers, hospitality tents and a large merchandise area began May 19 and will continue up until the first practice round Sept. 23.
“We’re expecting 50,000 fans per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” 2025 Ryder Cup Director Bryan Karns said during a press conference held at Bethpage Black July 24. “Living in New York for the past few years and attending Jets, Yankees and Mets games, it’s an incredibly passionate fan base. Any time a major championship has come to Bethpage, the crowds have been remarkable. Fans are going to understand this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and they’re really going to value what it means to attend a Ryder Cup.”
Half a million fans registered for a lottery system used to purchase tickets said Evan Crowder, PGA of America Operations Manager. Tickets for the three scoring rounds of the tournament are sold out, though a handful remain for the Sept. 23 and 24 practice rounds.
Renowned for its degree of difficulty and rich history that includes hosting the U.S. Open (2002 and 2009) and PGA Championship (2019), Bethpage Black will have a slightly different look for the Ryder Cup with the tee box of the first hole — a 430-yard, par-4 — moving 30 yards closer to the pin and about 20 yards to the north for a clearer path to the green.
“The five most important holes at the Ryder Cup are the first, and 15 through 18 where the majority of matches are decided is set up incredibly well,” Karns said.
Added Kenny Kurzendoerfer, 2025 Ryder Cup Operations Manager: “This is where you want to be as a fan, where the first tee box and 18th green are in close proximity. It’s definitely a bucketlist moment to experience the first tee at a Ryder Cup. It’s truly unlike anything you’ve seen before in golf. I’ve been lucky to be a part of a few of them now and it still gives me chills.”
In terms of transportation to and from the course for fans, Jones Beach lots 4 and 5 will serve as the main public parking areas where shuttle service will be provided to Bethpage. Shuttles will also run from both the north and south side of the Farmingdale LIRR station, Crowder said. There will also be a ride-
share lot on site at Yellow Course No. 11.
The Ryder Cup dates back to 1927, when the inaugural matchup was held at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. Initially a contest between the United States and Great Britain, the format expanded in 1979 to include players from continental Europe. The U.S. played host to the event in 2016 and most recently in 2021.
The event features 28 matches across three formats – foursomes, fourballs, and singles. Teamwork and strategy are essential to winning.
Although the 12-player rosters for both teams have yet to be announced,
some of the top U.S. players include Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, and Collin Morikawa, with Europe featuring Rory McIlroy, Rasmus Hojgaard, Matt Wallace and Tyrrell Hatton.
The U.S. team selection is based on a points system, where points are awarded based on performance in PGA Tour events and major championships. Automatic qualifiers, with Scheffler already being one, will be the top six in points after the BMW Championship on Aug. 17. Captain Keegan Bradley will select the remainder of the roster Aug. 27, Karns noted.
Jeff Bessen/Herald Evan Crowder, 2025 Ryder Cup Operations manager at PGA of America, explains tournament ground operations at Bethpage State Park on July 24.
The new first tee box created for the 2025 Ryder Cup match.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos Building the grandstand by the first tee and behind the 18th green on the Bethpage Black is in full swing.
The third annual event supports ongoing Chamber events, such as experience Lynbrook and the annual pre-prom event.
Residents welcome to get a taste of casino action
really played casino games before, so it was a lot of fun,” she said. “They were great at teaching you how to play. I felt like I was able to get a good grasp on the games.”
Unlike traditional casinos, the chips in play on Casino Night do not represent real money. Players use chips to accumulate raffle tickets for the prize drawings, which Donaldson said helps reduce pressure to win and makes the games more enjoyable for casual participants. “If you win,” she said, “you get some really fun prizes.”
The event will feature buffet-style dining with a variety of dishes catered by Vincent’s Italian restaurant in Lynbrook.
“We’re just working on getting sponsors and raffle prizes now,” Donaldson said. “Luckily there haven’t been any major challenges so far. It’s been a good experience organizing it.”
The chamber encourages businesses and individuals to consider donating items for the raffle or becoming event sponsors.
“My favorite part is getting the business community and the village together to enjoy this wonderful event,” chamber President Michela Argento-Serra said. “I look forward to it every year.”
Donaldson, who grew up in Lynbrook, said that giving back to her hometown was a key motivation for getting involved with the chamber. “My husband and I both grew up here, and when I was ready to open my practice, there was no better place than Lynbrook,” she said. “When I opened, I wanted to meet other professionals, so I joined the chamber to network and get involved in the community.”
Tickets for the event are $100 per person. For more information, to become a sponsor or to donate a raffle prize, visit LynbrookUSA.com.
at the Knights of Columbus hall on Hempstead Avenue.
CoNTiNued from pAge 1
By Herald Staff
Michela Argento-Serra
Lynbrook
My favorite part of summer is being outdoors, whether it is in my yard, a local restaurant or Lynbrook Cruise Nights on Thursdays!
What’s your favorite aspect of summer on Long Island?
Gelena Oren
Valley Stream
My favorite part of summer on Long Island is relaxing in my backyard, opening up the pool and soaking in the warm weather.
Sean Smith, age 17
East Rockaway
Being able to spend quality time with family and friends, whether it be traveling with my family or sharing the court with my friends. School not being in session also helps.
Mikayla Oren, age 13
Valley Stream
My favorite part is probably going to the beach because I can go with my family or my friends and it’s always fun. I like it because it’s very clean and you can bring your dog there.
Nelly Oren
Valley Stream
My favorite part of summer is being by the water,
out, and swimming. I feel like everyone is in better mood in the summer too. And honestly, the seafood on Long Island is better when it’s warm out.
Lacrosse star Paladino is off to South Korea
Paladino was called up to the varsity team as a sophomore and ended his season as a starting long-stick midfielder. In 2024, Paladino earned All-Conference honors.
“He’s a kid that’s been super coachable, and as a result, he’s just continuously improved on an upward trajectory,” Luzzi added.
In the summer of his senior year, Paladino committed to Adelphi University with the intent of playing on its division II men’s lacrosse team. Playing at the collegiate level, however, was still not enough for Paladino. He then learned of the opportunity to try out for the Korean National Team, which would bring Paladino back to his home country.
“It was just on Instagram, and I saw something for it, and I know Sara Curley (Class of 2023), who did something similar with the China national team,” Paladino said.
The process of Paladino being eligible to try out was not easy, consisting of almost a year of paperwork, consulate visits, and phone calls; in fact, Korean adoptees were only eligible to reclaim their nationality in 2020.
“There’s an organization–the acronym is GOAL: Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link–and they petitioned, and the head legislation passed for Korean adoptees, who were born in Korea and
adopted overseas, to reclaim and maintain dual nationality,” Paladino’s mother, Jane Paladino, explained.
Luzzi has high hopes for Paladino over his next month overseas.
“That’s the number one goal: just to have an amazing experience going back to South Korea, meeting people, having fun playing lacrosse, taking in the culture and everything about where he
was born, and just touching back on his roots,” Luzzi said.
Paladino’s time in Korea will consist of practices, games, and exploration.
The first leg of the trip will include six practices at Yongsin University, outside of Seoul. The tournament itself will take place on Jeju Island beginning on Aug. 15, with scrimmages before then.
In the country, Paladino will also con-
tinue connecting back to his roots.
“In Korea and on the lacrosse team, I will be using my Korean name, Eun Ho Park.”
The interest in playing for national teams comes at a time when lacrosse is being reintroduced as a sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, and the Korean World Team will cull many of its players from their national team. Although Paladino does not expect to go to the Olympics, the prospect is still enticing.
“Chris has really dedicated himself to the game in the last four years as a Lynbrook lacrosse player, so to have him go on and play at the next level in college and then take this step to try to play at the international level is absolutely amazing,” Luzzi shared.
For young players who aspire to play at the collegiate and national levels one day, Paladino emphasized the importance of commitment.
“It’s cliche, but you just have to put your own time in. You’re not going to get better if you’re not playing.”
Jane hopes that Lynbrook students and residents continue to look for new opportunities, especially coming from the nuclear community. “Don’t be afraid to look to see what’s out there in the world for you, because as much as we love Lynbrook, there’s a lot to see out there, so don’t be afraid to embrace it,” she said.
NCC earns reaffirmation from commission
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Nassau Community College has secured reaffirmation of its accreditation for another eight years from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, following a multi-year effort to address concerns around leadership and campus climate.
The reaccreditation, announced jointly by the Commission and the college, comes despite a recent review that flagged the institution’s lack of a permanent president and issues related to the internal atmosphere on campus.
Still, college officials said the decision validates years of focused institutional work.
“We weren’t surprised by the outcome because we’ve been working really hard for the last three years,” Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC said. “We met all seven standards, and we were really happy with the outcome.”
Middle States accreditation affirms that an institution meets rigorous standards of academic quality, governance, assessment, and financial stewardship. Nassau Community College, part of the State University of New York system, has been accredited by Middle States since 1967.
“The faculty, administration and staff at NCC have worked very hard to have the institution’s accreditation reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as part of our ongoing efforts to provide students with a comprehensive education and outstanding supportive atmosphere,” Maria Conzatti, the college’s chief administrative officer stated in a news release. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence in higher education and trans-
forming lives.”
Kornbluth pointed to several financial and institutional improvements made in recent years, including eliminating a $14 million deficit, growing a fund balance, and increasing student enrollment by an average of 2.5 to 3 percent per semester.
He said the college has also prioritized capital upgrades on its decades-old campus, formerly part of the Mitchell Air Force Base.
“The reaffirmation moves us to the next level,” Kornbluth said. “It enables us to create more resources, and
people will have more confidence in the college.”
However, the faculty union sees the outcome differently.
“Nassau Community College has retained its accreditation from Middle States, but only under serious conditions — a clear warning that the college remains in crisis,” David Stern, president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, wrote to the Herald. “The Commission found continued failures in ethics, governance, campus climate, and financial accountability, issues first raised nearly a decade ago and now cited in two consecutive reviews.
“By early 2026, NCC must demonstrate concrete reform — under close supervision by Middle States — or risk losing its accreditation entirely,” he added.
One of the Commission’s noted recommendations was that the college must appoint a permanent president. Conzatti has served as the college’s top leader since 2021, first as interim, then as acting president. In 2023, she was granted a five-year contract by the Board of Trustees with the title of “Chief Administrative Officer.”
Kornbluth said SUNY has not formally recognized her as permanent president, but that Conzatti is for all intents and purposes the college’s leader.
“She’s the first female president in the college’s history, a graduate of NCC, and has been here for over 30 years,” he said. “She’s the right person at the right time to lead the college.”
Looking ahead, Kornbluth said the college aims to expand vocational training in trades like HVAC, welding and electrical work to meet growing regional workforce demand.
“This was a team effort between faculty, staff, trustees, and administration,” he said. “We’re proud of where we are, and we’re moving the college forward.”
Herald file photo
nassau Community College secured reaffirmation for eight years from the middle States Commission on Higher education.
Courtesy Sean Strohofer
Wearing no. 32 for the Lynbrook owls, Christopher paladino brought intensity and precision to the field. His relentless work ethic helped power the team’s defense and paved the way to an international tryout with Korea’s men’s national Lacrosse team.
Kevin harrington
Plaza Theatrical Productions honors 50 years of famed musical
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
The Plaza The atrical Productions Performing Arts Academy, bas ed in Lyn brook, wil l pre sent A Cho rus Lin e at the Elmont Memorial Library Theatre through Aug 3. Pl aza The atrical, whi ch has been producing pro fessional theater for over 40 yea rs, became the resident the ater company at the Elmont ven ue about five years ago Fou nded in the early 1980s, the organization ope rates out of its Lynbrook aca demy and reg ularly brings Broadway musicals and con certs to loc al sta ges. Exe cutive pro ducer Kev in Harrington, who also ser ves as the aca demy dir ector, has hel ped exp and Pla za’s rea ch acr oss Long Island.
“A Chorus Line,” which debuted on Bro adway in 197 5, exp lores
the liv es of dancers auditioning for a spo t in a cho rus lin e. Thr ough a ser ies of mon ologues and mus ical num bers, the cas t mem bers sha re dee ply per sonal sto ries abo ut amb ition, sacrifice and identity. The show is widely regarded as one of the mos t emo tionally res onant and inn ovative mus icals in theater
Herald: How would you describe “A Chorus Line?”
Harrington: The show connects with audience members—people who are putting their life into their passion. It really speaks to what individuals want to do with their lives and reveals deeply personal feelings through the characters.
Herald: Can you share a little about your theater company and your goals?
Harrington: We started back in 1983 or 1984, so the company is over 40 years old now. We produce Broadway musicals, concerts, and other performances. About five or six years ago, the Elmont Memorial Library reached out to us to become their resident theater company. The venue is a magnificent professional theater, and we’ve focused on bringing high-quality productions to Long Island audiences ever since.
Herald: What makes this particular production of “A Chorus Line” special?
Harrington: The audience really connects with the characters and their stories. What’s different about this show is that the music isn’t just for entertainment—each number helps move the story along. It’s not just a song inserted for fun. It’s all part of revealing who these characters are.
Herald: Do you remember when you first saw the show?
Harrington: Yes, I first saw “A Chorus Line” in high school—around 1975 or 1976. A local library organized a trip to see the show on Broadway, and my parents encouraged
me to go. I went with a friend, and we were both ninth graders. I’ve loved it ever since.
Herald: What inspired you to pursue theater?
Harrington: I’ve loved theater since I was a young student—not only performing, but also directing. I became a producer and director when I was in college. Theater really connects people through the shared experience of storytelling. It reflects human nature.
Herald: Why is it important to support local theaters?
Harrington: For one, not everyone can afford to see a Broadway show. Some of our audience members are older and no longer comfortable traveling into the city. Our productions offer them a convenient and professional alternative right in their community. Local theater also builds a strong cultural foundation and allows people to connect with the arts close to home.
shade—
Courtesy of Plaza Theatrical Productions Kevin Harrington directs at Plaza Theatrical Productions.
Water treatment facilities near completion
remains — and that contributes to water quality problems. By redirecting that effluent into the ocean, we let nature do the rest.”
Fera explained that the project does not alter the treatment process at the South Shore facility. “We’re not diverting any untreated wastewater,” he said. “The new pump station connects after all the existing treatment processes, including disinfection.”
A new 7.2-mile, pressurized pipeline — referred to as a “force main” — has been constructed to carry the treated effluent to Cedar Creek. There, it enters a newly built receiving tank that functions like a municipal water tower. This tank relies on gravity, using its elevation to feed the treated water into the existing ocean outfall, which discharges three miles offshore into the Atlantic.
“This system won’t overload Cedar Creek,” Fera said. “We’re not adding any new flow into their treatment process — we’re simply using their outfall pipe.”
The project includes important backup mechanisms for handling extreme weather events. In cases where flows exceed the pipeline’s capacity of 75 million gallons per day — such as during a heavy rainfall — the excess will continue to be discharged into Reynolds Channel via the existing system.
Fera noted, however, that such over-
flow events are expected to be rare and minor in volume. “Think of it like your shower drain backing up slightly during a heavy rain,” he said. “The system is designed with an overflow chamber and a weir to safely manage that.”
The construction, which spans five municipalities and includes multiple
restoration commitments, is in its final phases. Major infrastructure components — including pumps, receiving tanks, and microtunneling — are already in place.
“We’ve installed all the pumps at the South Shore facility and four out of five at Cedar Creek,” said Fera. “Right now,
we’re finishing up mechanical and electrical connections and preparing for full system testing.”
Restoration of work sites is ongoing, particularly in areas like Gazebo Park in East Rockaway and Lester Field in Rockville Centre. Fera emphasized that the project is committed to restoring or improving all disturbed areas. “If something we planted doesn’t survive, we go back and replace it,” he said. “We’re not just meeting our obligations — we’re exceeding them.”
The project team has also prioritized community engagement and safety throughout the lengthy construction process. Overnight work on Sunrise Highway was conducted safely and without major incidents, and NYSDEC continues to issue updates via newsletters, social media, and community meetings.
“This has been a massive undertaking,” Fera said. “To see the system coming together, knowing what it means for Long Island’s environment and communities, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Once operational, the Bay Park Conveyance Project is expected to significantly reduce nitrogen levels in the Western Bays, restoring water quality, protecting marshland, and supporting healthier marine ecosystems for generations to come.
For more information or to receive project updates, visit BayParkConveyance.org.
Courtesy of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The Bay Park Conveyance Project, a partnership between the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County Department of Public Works, is 90 percent complete and poised to bring environmental benefits to the South Shore.
STEPPING OUT A instoryevery step
Celebrate culture and community at the Gold Coast Dance Festival
By Roksana Amid
As sundown takes hold at Morgan Memorial Park on Aug. 2, artists representing a rich spectrum of dance styles — from classical ballet and folklorico to tap, contemporary and hip-hop — take to a stage. The fifth annual Gold Coast Dance Festival — set against the backdrop of the Long Island Sound — is a grand celebration of culture, movement and community connection.
Hosted by New York Dance Theatre, the free event attracts folks to see a varied lineup of dancers from Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem, New York City Ballet, Broadway, and more. This year’s edition also includes Ballet Nepantla, a returning favorite known for blending traditional Mexican folklorico with contemporary dance.
“Ballet Nepantla are an astounding company,” Festival Executive Producer Nicole Loizides Albruzzese says. “They’ve been noted as embodying the in-between-ness of those who live on the borderland, mixing in cultures and gaining a little bit from either side.”
Founded in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, this began as an informal gathering of dancers organized by Albruzzese, a professional performer and Glen Cove resident. She invited a few colleagues to Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay as a way to decompress from the emotional toll of the lockdown. This experience inspired her to bring a professional dance festival to Glen Cove the following year.
“Because the world just stopped talking to one another, stopped dining together, we wanted to create something that brought people together without the need for words,” Albruzzese says. “Dance can do that.”
Since then, the festival has grown to involve dozens of performers and companies, including John Manzari, a renowned Broadway tap dancer and featured artist from “So You Think You Can Dance,” and MorDance, a contemporary ballet company based in Yonkers. This will be MorDance’s first appearance here.
For those inspired to dance themselves, join Jamie Shannon of Kilowatt Dance Theater for an introductory Lindy Hop class on the beach at 4:30 p.m., open to all ages and skill levels, before performances begin.
“Lindy Hop is one of America’s beloved early social dances, stemming from jazz and Harlem and a beautiful social era,” Albruzzese explains. “Bring your dinner down, enjoy a class, and go see a show. You get a more intimate look at the artists beforehand, and then you get to see them on stage.”
New York Dance Theatre, which is celebrating its 51st year, produces the festival through its nonprofit mission to make high-level dance accessible to all audiences.
is Aug. 9
• Morgan Memorial Park, Germaine Street, Glen Cove
•
updates and
announcements
The company also runs the Développé program, a a scholarship initiative that provides free yearlong dance education to atrisk youth, foster families and English-language learners across Long Island.
on
Développé partners with community organizations, including Options for Community Living, which supports families experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. One of the newest scholarship recipients is an 11-year-old girl who had never taken a dance class before this summer.
“She leaves the studio glowing,” Albruzzese says. “She’s one of the most graceful dancers in the class. Starting classical dance between the ages of 11 and 14 can be intimidating, but she’s handling it so beautifully.”
A suggested festival donation of $20 supports the Développé program. Contributions help fund workshops, lectures, performances and scholarships provided by NYDT throughout the year.
Albruzzese says the festival is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities.
“A woman came up to me last year and said, ‘It’s not so often I find something to do with my mom or my grandmother,’” she recalls. “Her grandmother was 92 and squealing with excitement watching the performances. That’s what this is about. You can just grab a park bench, sit on the grass and stay for five minutes or the entire evening.”
Graceanne Pierce, a Queens resident and New York Dance Theatre artist, takes the stage this year.
Last year’s featured performers represented Haiti, China, Iraq, and Mexico. Each year’s lineup is curated to reflect global traditions and storytelling through movement, according to Albruzzese.
“I think because we offer such a huge, diverse array of cultural programming, everyone leaves loving something. We birthed a star, and it’s shining everywhere. It’s benefiting the artists, the audience and our local cultural institutions,” she adds enthusiastically.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs and picnic dinners.
‘So in love with you am I’
Check out a stylized concert version of the classic golden age musical. Egotistical leading man-directorproducer Fred Graham (Broadway’s Charlie Marcus) is reunited with his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi (Broadway talent Christina DeCicco, of Rockville Centre) when the two are forced to play opposite one another in a new production of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” The battle of the sexes continues onstage and off, as it becomes clear that, as much as this couple profess to hate each other, they are also still in love. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, the mob, and comedic routines into the mix and you get “Kiss Me, Kate” — a dazzling Broadway classic that earned the very first Tony award for Best Musical. A cast of 30 brings this “concert” production to life with limited costumes and scenic elements. The dynamic performers include Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students and also alumni.
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-3, 3 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.
Magic Rocks!
Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives here 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. Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention; join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why.
Sunday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Saturday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m.; rain date
Festival
class
available
New York Dance Theatre’s social media platforms
Photos courtesy Nicole Albruzzese
Last year, Wendi Weng, a Chinese immigrant and resident of Huntington, wowed the festival audience.
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
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
Lynbrook Summer Car Show
Check out the weekly car shows 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
‘The Rocketman Show’
Remember when rock was young? You will after this enthralling show, on the Paramount stage. Blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist that’ll take you right back to when rock was young, this is a must-see for Elton John fans — of all generations.
Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself.
Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics come to life again as Anderson recreates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. He storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. This is a detailed re-creation of Elton John’s ‘70s shows that’s not to be missed.
Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing gorgeous, colorful and spectacular costumes, including Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $35.
Summer tunes
AUG
1
Rock on with Half Step’s tribute to the Grateful Dead at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG
2
St. Mary’s Annual
Barbecue
Enjoy a friendly barbecue, hosted by St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus. With food, music, games, and drinks.
•Where: 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook
•Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
•Contact: lynbrookkofc.com/ upcoming-events
In concert
Eisenhower Park welcomes all to its annual Salute to Veterans concert, featuring American Bombshells and Rolling Stones tribute band Streetfighter.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6:45 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG
3
Unbox A-Saurus for Us!
Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologistsin-training at Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join eccentric paleontologist Dr. Patricia Osiris (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a never-before-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking laughter and exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning.
$5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 6
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
AUG
4
Movie matinee
Enjoy a family screening of the animated adventure “Paddington in Peru” at Lynbrook Public Library.
AUG
7
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Where: 56 Eldert St.
•
• Time: 2-4 p.m.
•Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org
AUG
5
Parents For Internet Safety Meeting
Join in the community discussion led by MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction) on keeping children safe online at Lynbrook Library.
•Where: 56 Eldert St.
•Time: 7-8 p.m.
•Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org
AUG
6
Family movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Set more than three decades after the first film, it follows Lydia Deetz, now a mother, struggling to keep her family together in the wake of a loss as Betelgeuse returns to haunt her. Starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: Movie begins at dusk
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Summer sounds
Enjoy Lady Supreme, a Diana Ross Experience, at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG
8
Rock on at the park
Get in the groove with The Boss Project, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG
11
Lynbrook Mayor’s Golf Outing
Join in a fantastic day of golf, networking, and community spirit at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual event. It is held at Inwood Country Club and Seawane Club. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, mingle with local leaders, and support the community. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a fun day on the course, this event promises something for everyone.
•Where: 50 Peppe Dr. and 1300 Club Dr.
•Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
•Contact: Register at lynbrook. perfectgolfevent.com
SEP
17
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce
Casino
Night
Don’t miss out on a fun evening support the Lynbrook community. With casino games, food, drinks, and raffles.
•Where: Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave
•Time: 6-9 p.m.
•Contact: Audrey Donaldson, (516) 670-2057
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.
Camp Fahrenheit 516 marks decade training future firefighters
Every year, 25 fire departments from Nassau and Suffolk counties join together to create Camp Fahrenheit 516, sponsored by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York to train those ages 14 to 18 at the Nassau County Fire Academy in Bethpage for a weeklong training course in junior firefighting.
This summer, roughly 65 teenagers attended Camp Fahrenheit 516, with 13 from Lower Saxony Germany and two from Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania. Other participants included Jerry Presta, Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association chairman and vice chairman of FASNY’s Youth Committee, Paul Wilders, chief fire academy instructor, from the Nassau County Fire Service Academy and other FASNY representatives.
Camp Fahrenheit 516 hosted German junior firefighters this year to maintain its exchange relationship with Germany since the program sent its Long Island juniors to Germany last year for a summer abroad.
Throughout the five-day-long intensive, which started on July 21, the participants worked from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on courses like search and rescue, forcible entry, emergency evacuation procedures, fire extinguisher drills, and in honor of the program’s 10 year anniversary, alumni returned to the program to take part in a live fire evolution.
FASNY along with the Nassau County Fire Service Academy held a media day for Camp Fahrenheit 516 on July 24. Reporters were introduced to Long Island’s future firefighters and the intense training the junior firefighters underwent throughout their time through the program.
Recently, fire departments across the state have encountered challenges when looking for possible recruits.
Firefighters have gotten more and more emergency calls ranging from medical emergencies, flooded basements, car accidents and fires.
Camp Fahrenheit 516 was created to give junior firefighters a chance to train as firefighters and one day, have the opportunity to serve their community and become volunteer firefighters when they turn 18.
“We have the best firefighters in
America,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a news release, noting that fire service academy will be given an additional $100,000 for Camp Fahrenheit. “They are the reason why we are the safest county in America. Our volunteer firefighters do an amazing job, and we’re so happy that we have our Junior firefighters here.”
—
Samantha Wright
Courtesy Nassau County
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman met several of the teens that took part in Camp Fahrenheit 516, the weeklong training course in junior firefighting.
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 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
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
Dated: 6/3/2025 File Number: 20-302674 CA 154542
LEGAL NOTICE
-----------------------------THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.
429/25. NR LYNBROOK
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.
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
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 08/06/2025 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
- The Little School House LLC, Use variance to maintain expansion of daycare in Res. “B” district on adjacent lot in existing building; Variance in off-street parking (located on separate property) a portion of which is used for daycare employees & no provisions for on site maneuvering aisle for pick-up & drop-off of children & attendees., S/W cor. Broadway & Sunset Ave., a/k/a 288-290 Broadway S.E.Q.R. determination not made.
430/25. NR LYNBROOK
- The Little School House LLC, Special exception to maintain expansion of daycare with roof-over connecting all structures & no provisions for on site maneuvering aisle for pick-up & drop-off of children & attendees., S/s Broadway, 65.08’ W/o Sunset Ave., a/k/a 302 Broadway S.E.Q.R. determination not made.
ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Lynbrook within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 154819
Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District An East Rockaway student rides a wave with assistance from a volunteer surfer during the Surfer’s Way clinic at Riverside Beach on July 22.
Students surf the waves at clinic
Students from the East Rockaway School District’s Extended School Year program participated in a surfing clinic on July 22, hosted by Surfer’s Way, a Long Beach-based nonprofit organization.
The clinic was held at Riverside Beach and included students from Rhame Avenue School, ranging in age from 5 to 6 years old. The participants were guided into the ocean by experienced surfers, who offered support and instruction throughout the day.
This is the second year the district has partnered with Surfer’s Way, which offers free summer clinics designed to introduce children with special needs to the sport of surfing.
Founded in Long Beach, Surfer’s Way provides opportunities for children to experience surfing in a safe, structured environment. Additional information about the organization is available at SurfersWay.org.
- Ainsley Martinez
Students from Rhame Avenue School prepare to enter the water with instructors during the Extended School Year program’s visit to the Surfer’s Way event in Long Beach.
(Appropriate license required)
NYSED Fingerprint Clearance required Candidates should email a letter of interest and resume to:
Ms. Dana Zawol Personnel Department dzawol@rvcschools.org
The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.
We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.
EDITOR/REPORTER
EMPLOYMENT
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
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
OUTSIDE SALES
Is a doorbell camera enough?
Where Style Meets Drama
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
Q. We have a doorbell camera, and understand that it’s a deterrent to would-be burglars, but as we’re renovating our home, are there other ways we can “design” in ways to keep people from robbing it? We keep seeing reports on the neighbor app of our door camera about people checking out houses in the area, and we’re very concerned. Any ideas would are appreciated.
A. People often plan the latest technology items into renovations, and I learn from my clients, all the time, about ideas they’ve researched, from locations for hidden cameras to sensor devices that tell them when people are approaching. Some clients ask about electronically controlled driveway gates, and I advise them that unless the fencing is also monitored, all they’re stopping is a vehicle.
When you have a very long driveway to the house, gates make sense, even if just to give the impression that the property is more secure, but when you can see the entrance from the street from the front door or windows, it’s a moot point to have a controlled driveway gate, because 80 percent of the time, burglars approach a home on foot, slipping around a gate, or over a short fence, to get to a more secluded spot to enter without being seen. With that in mind, outside areas of buildings that create hidden corners should be planned out of the design.
According to the National Center for Policing Innovation, the average burglar will spend no more than 60 seconds breaking in. If you can delay a break-in for 90 seconds or longer, a burglar may get nervous and leave. A hiding spot gives them extra time.
Fortify exterior doors with deadbolts that extend at least an inch and a half into the door frame. Glass doors in the front or back of a dwelling can be fortified by installing “hurricane”-strength glass instead of standard glazed doors, and sliding doors with a metal track rod can be effective. Hurricaneglass windows are much more costly than regular windows, but protect your home from burglars as well as storms.
Remember that even with an alarm system, which can be a deterrent, if a burglar has already had a look at the interior of your home and knows where to go, they will be in and out before any law enforcement gets there.
I was impressed that the police came to my home quickly when a door accidentally blew open, and checked every closet and potential hiding place before pronouncing the home secure. So if you come home to an open door or window, it’s advisable not to enter without calling the police for a safety check. It could save you from injury or worse, confronting a burglar.
Pet doors measuring more than six inches across should be avoided. Silly as it sounds, some burglars actually use a child to squeeze through a pet door and open the doors from the inside. More to come.
& CONSTRUCTION***
BIRD DISCOUNTS! GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO
We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287
Cable/TV/Wiring
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
Electricians
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
Home Improvement
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
PAVERS- CONCRETE- BLACKTOP Book Now & Save On All Masonry Work. Driveways- Patios- Stoops- SidewalksWalkways- Stonework- Pool SurroundsOutdoor Kitchens- Family Owned/ Operated For Over 40Yrs. FREE Estimates. Lic# H1741540000.
DANSON CONSTRUCTION INC
516-409-4553; 516-798-4565 www.dansoninc.com
Home Improvement
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473
Miscellaneous
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
Power Washing
POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641
Services
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?
STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Telephone Services
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
Tree Services
T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE
*TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
Satellite/TV Equipment
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Health & Fitness
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172
ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397
HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060
AUTOMOBILE & MARINE
Autos Wanted
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or
Why I care about immigration —
and why all of us should
people often ask me why I care so much about immigration.
Of course, my constituents care about it; they want to stop the chaos at the southern border and fix the asylum system, and they want to see people treated like human beings.
I agree with them. More than that, though, immigration is personal for me.
I look at America through the lens of the immigrant story — the story of my family, and the story of the American dream. My father came to this country as an infant. His parents — my grandparents — came from Italy with nothing. And yet, through hard work and devotion to family, they built a life here. Their son went to law school on the GI bill after serving in World War II, rising to become a mayor and a State Supreme Court justice. Their grandson is a member of the United States Congress.
An article that hung in my grandfather’s home, from Nov. 10, 1960, is titled “Success Story.” A segment reads:
“Glen Cove can be proud of its Mayor
Joseph A. Suozzi, who was elected to the State Supreme Court on Tuesday . . .
“Judge Suozzi came to these shores as an infant, the son of immigrant parents. Their lot was not an easy one, in a strange land, but Mr. and Mrs. Michael Suozzi raised a fine family, and while they lived comfortably, they did not gain great material wealth. But they did gain another kind of wealth which no Depression, no misfortune can ever take away from them. They devoted their lives to their family and their success of their children is their great fortune.
ieven wrote to the president, asking him to work with me on comprehensive reform.
“Now their boy, Joe, will soon be a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. How proud they must be! And we who know them share their pride.
“Mike and Rosa Suozzi certainly made good in America. God bless them.”
That’s why I care about immigration. Through my own family, I’ve seen the promise of America fulfilled. But I also see how that promise is at risk — because our immigration system is broken, and Congress has failed to fix it. It’s painful for me that this issue by which I define my American experience has become such a negative, controversial force in our politics.
Congress has failed for decades to pass comprehensive immigration reform because too many politicians have weaponized immigration policy for political gain without doing a thing to fix it. Even when bipartisan solutions emerge, they’re often derailed by political forces more interested in scoring points than solving problems.
Reasonable people should agree that violent criminals who are here illegally should be deported. But what’s happening now is far more chaotic.
Parents who’ve lived here for years, send their kids to school with my kids, work six days a week and go to church on Sunday are living in fear. We need to figure out a way for people who work, pay taxes and follow the rules to stop having to look over their shoulder. Families that have been here for decades deserve legal status so they can build lives for their children and grandchildren, like our family did. We must secure the border, fix the broken asylum system, and create legal pathways for Dreamers, farm workers, TPS holders, essential workers in fields like health care and hospitality, and residents who’ve been here for over a
decade.
Democrats and Republicans must come together. While President Trump has had remarkable success securing the border, he has done so through executive orders, which can easily be overturned. Real progress must come from Congress.
I’ll continue to do my part. I’ve worked toward comprehensive immigration reform as co-chair of the Democrats for Border Security Taskforce, as co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and through the bipartisan coalition I built of “business, badges and the Bible” — members of the business, law enforcement and religious communities who have longstanding stakes in American immigration policy.
I even wrote a letter to the president, asking him to work with me and make a deal on comprehensive reform. I’ve reached out, and I hope he reaches back.
We can uphold the law and our values. We can protect our borders and treat people with dignity. We can be safe and fair.
That’s the America my grandparents believed in when they arrived in this country. It’s the America I still believe in. And it’s the one we have to keep fighting for — together.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
How will the summer of ’25 be remembered?
it is said that each of us, if we’re lucky, gets 80 summers. Some folks prefer winter or the rebirth vibe of spring, but for most, it is summer, the short season of our years, that seems sweetest.
Summers have telescoped lives of their own. Whatever our age, summer begins in our minds as hopes and expectations, is realized in the days from June 21 to Sept. 21 and is remembered ever after.
The very first summer I remember was 1951, at Rockaway Beach, where we rented a bungalow on 54th Street. That was the Summer of My Sister, who had recently been born and, for some reason, expected to come along on our vacation. The fireworks on the boardwalk every Wednesday night were my big-sister treat, and best memory. There was the Summer of New Hampshire, when our parents took us on a much-hyped car trip to the Granite State. I was 8, my sister was 4 and our
grandmother, who sat in the back seat, was ancient, I guess in her 50s. My father had made all the arrangements via mail, writing to Stonybrook Farms to set up our holiday. We drove 10 hours, pumped with excitement. When we drove through the broken gates, the moment collapsed on itself like a black hole. The cabins were like chicken coops. My mother started to sob. But Dad had a plan. We stayed one night, skipped out in the predawn hours and drove all the way to Canada. That summer I learned to have a Plan B, and how to skip out under cover of darkness.
i lived through the Summer of Love, but this summer is not feeling like love.
The Summer of Robert English was a doozie. I was about 15, living in Cedarhurst, and my mother’s best friend invited her nephew, 16, to visit for the summer from New Mexico. I fell wildly in love with Robert the second I saw him. Which was also how he felt when I introduced him to my best friend, Jackie. I barely survived their romance.
The Summer of Working for Dad was like pinning a golden moment in time. My dad was a dentist, and after my
freshman year in college, I worked in his office in Brooklyn. Chairside assistant. Holder of hands. But it wasn’t the work that made the summer remarkable; it was getting to know my father. We went out to lunch every day and we talked. Without the context of our regular family life, he became a real person to me.
Also, one of his patients gave me a $10 tip.
I remember the Summer of the Diet Doctor, when I answered an ad for an assistant in a diet-pill practice. The doctor was 48 and his wife was 18, my age. I remember that summer because I lied to get the job, not revealing that I was going back to college in the fall.
By July I couldn’t stand it; I told them the truth. They asked me to stay on. That was the good part. The bad part was that the doctor was a groper. Quite a few life lessons were learned.
Our best summers were the Montana Summers, the five years we traveled the state, from Missoula to Glacier Park, from Flathead Lake to White Fish to Helena. We hiked and learned to fly fish and, as a family and for the first time,
leaped out of our comfort zone and found footing in new terrain.
More recently, the Summer of Covid was, for us, not deadly, but frightening. We stayed at our place in Florida through the summer, hidden away inside, except for late afternoon, when we went down to the beach and into the Gulf. Every day, the same routine. We didn’t see our children and grandchildren for months. We think of that summer with gratitude, for our family surviving, and even for the endless open expanses of time to think and read and test ourselves against the unknown.
What will the Summer of ’25 be remembered for? I lived through the Summer of Love in 1967, high on freedom and music and just being young. We protested the war in Vietnam and sat in on sit-ins and danced to the Dead.
But this summer is not feeling like love. Political strife ramped up by bad actors has supercharged the atmosphere.
I’ll keep calling out the threats to our freedoms and democracy, but that’s not a full-time job. I will also find the joyful moments, hold on to them and try not to let go.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
ToM sUoZZi
RAnDi KREiss
Established 1994
Incorporating East Rockaway Observer
Lynbrook News, Lynbrook USA
Ainsley MArtinez
Editor
rhondA GlickMAn
Vice President - Sales
Glenn Gold
Multi Media Marketing Consultant office
2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530
Phone:
iHERALD
Become a rescuer, not a bystander
t happened in an instant. One moment, 9-year-old Robbie Levine, of Merrick, was rounding the bases in a 2005 Little League game; the next, he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest.
Teammates, coaches and parents could only watch in horror. There was no automated external defibrillator available on the field, no trained bystander able to keep the boy’s heart beating until help arrived. Robbie never made it home.
Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t wait — not for an ambulance, and not for advanced age. It strikes without warning, even in children and young athletes who seem perfectly healthy. That’s why learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and ensuring rapid access to an AED, can mean the difference between life and death.
Every minute without intervention in a cardiac emergency decreases survival by 10 percent, according to the American Heart Association, yet far too many public athletic fields — so many of them used by kids — remain unprepared for the worst.
Nassau County is taking a critical step with the proposed Robbie’s Law, legislation that would require AEDs at all county-run athletic fields. Named in memory of Robbie Levine, the measure underscores the urgent need to equip public spaces with lifesaving tools. It is unclear when the Legislature will vote on it.
This effort shouldn’t be controversial: AEDs are relatively easy to use, with clear voice instructions, designed for anyone — even those without medical training — to operate. When paired with immediate CPR, a defibrillator can increase a victim’s survival rate by more than 70 percent, according to the American Red Cross.
The American Heart Association estimates that nearly 90 percent of cardiac arrests that occur outside hospitals are fatal, often because bystanders don’t act quickly enough. Every second matters, because emergency medical services often take six to eight minutes to arrive in heavily populated areas. Brain death begins in as little as four minutes. Those first critical minutes belong to those on the scene and whatever tools they have on hand. Without AEDs, families lose loved ones not because paramedics were late, but because no one nearby was ready.
The AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers campaign aims to change that by making CPR training a more regular part of American life. Members of Duke University’s men’s basketball and football teams were recently trained in handsonly CPR — a streamlined method that doesn’t involve mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and can be mastered in under an hour. If elite college athletes can take the time to learn this lifesaving skill, so can
letters
Nassau County is showing signs of becoming a police state
Editors’ note: This letter was sent on Monday to the Nassau County Legislature.
Nassau County’s government structure mirrors that of the federal government, with three equal branches: the county executive, the Legislature and the judicial branch. Like Congress, the Nassau Legislature crafts laws, controls the county’s purse strings, and oversees the county executive and various government entities. Therefore, it’s up to you to hold the reins on a county executive who overspends and writes policies that put your constituents in danger.
A police state is characterized by an overwhelming government control that permeates civil society and liberties. There is typically little distinction between the law and the exercise of political power by the executive, and the deployment of internal security and police forces play a heightened role in governance. A police state is a characteristic of an authoritarian government, typically in one-party governments. Nassau County is showing signs of becoming such a state.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman took the safest county in the nation, with a police force that is beyond reproach, and decided that it is not good
the rest of us.
Nassau’s Robbie’s Law must be just the beginning. CPR training should be as universal as learning to swim, or drive. Schools should make it a part of health class curriculums. Community centers, youth sports leagues and workplaces can host free or low-cost training sessions. The more people who know what to do when a heart stops, the more likely it is that bystanders will become confident rescuers.
AEDs should be as common as fire extinguishers — not just in gyms and schools, but also in parks, libraries, shopping centers and other places where people gather. They must be easy to locate, clearly marked, and regularly maintained. Nassau should follow the lead of Suffolk County, where at least 135 AEDs have been deployed across the county. The cost is modest; the value of a saved life is immeasurable.
We teach children to look both ways before crossing the street, to buckle their seat belts and to wear helmets when they ride bikes. CPR and AED familiarity deserve the same emphasis. No family should endure the heartbreak the Levines carry to this day.
Call your county legislator and tell them to support Robbie’s Law. To find your legislator, go to NassauCountyNy. gov/489/County-Legislature. And to find out where you can be trained in CPR and the use of an AED, go to RedCross.org.
enough. With the establishment of a personal militia, Blakeman’s authoritarian tendencies have raised significant concerns about public safety and accountability.
It is imperative for the Legislature to illuminate the financial implications of this decision, not only in terms of direct costs associated with maintaining such a force, but also the potential
As ticks thrive on L.I., Lyme disease is on the rise
nearly three decades ago, after reporting on severe Lyme disease cases on Long Island, I chose to receive a series of newly available vaccinations designed to prevent the illness following a tick bite.
In 1998, SmithKline Beecham introduced LYMErix, the first vaccine to help protect against Lyme disease. I received three doses from my family physician. I experienced no side effects, and although I was bitten by ticks in the years that followed, I never contracted Lyme disease.
In 2002, however, LYMErix was withdrawn from the market following a class-action lawsuit filed by 121 people who claimed they experienced adverse reactions, including arthritis, after being vaccinated.
Since then, Lyme disease has continued to surge across Long Island.
Testing now shows that about half of all deer ticks in the region carry the disease. Many physicians no longer wait for the telltale bull’s-eye rash before starting treatment — instead, they prescribe antibiotics immediately when they confirm a tick bite.
Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme, have also spread worldwide. Climate change has contributed to the problem, with warmer winters leading to fewer cold days that might otherwise reduce tick populations.
aborne diseases in the U.S. has more than doubled.”
While no Lyme vaccine is currently available in the United States, several are under development. One candidate uses OspC protein antigens to provoke an immune response, and could be released in the coming years.
nd my experience helps make the case that a vaccine can work.
An article published last month in New Scientist, titled “Ticking Time Bomb,” described the global rise of tick-borne illnesses. It stated that ticks “represent a vast and growing reservoir of viral, parasitic and bacterial pathogens” and currently “carry more human-infecting pathogens than any other disease-carrying organism.”
The report noted that tick populations are expanding rapidly, and bringing a growing number of diseases with them. “In the past 20 years,” it said, “the annual number of cases of tick-
Letters
human and monetary liabilities that could arise from trigger-happy citizens who enjoy playing cop. The community deserves transparency regarding how taxpayer dollars are being allocated, especially when it comes to the exorbitant fees paid to politically connected attorneys defending unconstitutional policies. And the Legislature must investigate whether using our tax dollars to pay outside attorneys has been the purpose all along.
The Nassau County Police Department has long been regarded as a model of integrity and excellence in law enforcement, earning the trust and respect of the community it serves. However, there is a shortage of detectives on our streets. Knowing this, it is unconscionable that the Legislature permitted Blakeman to reassign 10 detectives from their vital roles to serve as ICE officers, compromising the safety of your constituents.
How much is this costing taxpayers? When will our Legislature take the initiative to hold hearings and investigate the repercussions of such decisions on our community’s safety? It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our neighborhoods and ensure that our law enforcement resources are effectively deployed to protect and serve all residents.
The NCPD’s mission statement promises to “strengthen and expand the partnerships between the police and the communities we serve.” Yet Blakeman’s cozy collaboration with ICE has thrown
a wrench into the NCPD partnership with the communities it serves. Parents are gripped by fear, hesitating to send their children to school or venture out for basic necessities like food or health care. The irony is inescapable: The very people who are supposed to protect us are now viewed with suspicion. Immigrants are hesitant to call for help in times of need.
Your constituents need to know where the money is going from the 1,400 immigrants detained in Blakeman’s mini-internment camp. With each staying for three days at $195 a day, Nassau is reaping profits from the deportation of primarily hardworking, taxpaying residents, many of whom have been contributing to the community for years and have no criminal record. If you intended to go into the prison business, shouldn’t it have been brought to a vote? The county should not be making money off deporting our immigrant neighbors and then turning a blind eye to the needs of the families left behind. Out of an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, only 3 percent have criminal records, with 20 percent of those records consisting of minor traffic violations. Immigrants contribute 21 percent to the overall economy. Yet amid their tireless efforts as house cleaners, landscapers and restaurant workers, many are being suddenly swept away while their children — who may or may not be citizens — are left in school, wondering where their parents have gone.
A June article in Newsday reported that New York-based Pfizer Inc. and the French pharmaceutical company Valneva have developed a Lyme vaccine called VLA15. It is in latestage clinical trials, and could be submitted for Food and Drug Administration approval as early as 2026.
Still, the article noted that vaccine hesitancy may pose a barrier to widespread acceptance. “If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is,” the article stated, referencing the public pushback that followed LYMErix’s release in the late 1990s.
“A new shot for Lyme could face pushback,” the Newsday article’s headline, featured mixed public opinions. A retired police detective from East
Yaphank said, “I don’t get any shots.”
A woman from Bay Shore, however, said she would “for sure” get the new vaccine if it is approved by the FDA.
Additional resources on tick safety and disease prevention are available on Suffolk County’s Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory website, under the section “Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases.”
Meanwhile, the State Legislature recently passed a resolution unanimously requiring the state Department of Health and other agencies to publish a report detailing tick populations and tick-borne illnesses by county. The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., with co-sponsorship by Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, of Sag Harbor.
“We need to fight this, and the only way to do so is to have timely and correct information at our fingertips,” Schiavoni said.
Carl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury whose courses include investigative reporting and environmental journalism.
This is happening in Nassau County.
The Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club is calling on the Legislature to fulfill its responsibilities of oversight and hold the reins on Blakeman’s authoritarian tendencies for a police state; investigate whether forming a private militia, taking detectives off the street, creating an internment camp and
masking law enforcement make us safer. Further, the Legislature must disclose to the public how tax dollars are being allocated to fund these unconstitutional initiatives and their defense.
CLAUDIA BOrECKY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club
Framework by Tim Baker
Yacht Rock Revue performing at the Great South Bay Music Festival — Patchogue
karL grossman
mountsinai.org/southnassau