Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 11-06-2025

Also serving Bay Park

Blakeman wins re-election; Nuñez is the winner in L.D. 14

By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Republican incumbent Bruce Blakeman secured another term as Nassau County executive, defeating Democrat Seth Koslow in Tuesday’s election.

John Ferretti, who was appointed Town of Hempstead supervisor in August, was elected to serve a full term, defeating Democrat Joseph Scianablo by an unofficial count of 70,897 votes to 62,372.

“Our position on the issues that face Hempstead residents, Nassau County residents — we’re on the right side of every one of them,” Ferretti told Herald reporters Tuesday night.

Republican Town Clerk Kate Murray won re-election, defeating Democratic challenger Yveline Litha Dalmacy.

In Council District 4, Republican Laura Ryder defeated Democrat Darien Ward. Meanwhile, in Legislative District 14, Democrat Cynthia Nuñez won over her Republi-

This month, hairy police — for a good cause HERALD

Baker/Herald

Republican incumbent Bruce Blakeman celebrated his re-election victory tuesday night. He defeated democrat Seth Koslow with 55 percent of the vote.

can challenger, Sheharyar Ali. Republican incumbent Anne Donnelly was elected to another term as Nassau County district attorney, defeating Democratic challenger Nicole Aloise. Donnelly emphasized her record on prosecuting violent crime and protecting vulnerable residents.

Republican Comptroller Elaine Phillips won re-election, defeating Democrat Wayne Wink in a race focused on fiscal oversight and government efficiency.

Official certification of the results is expected later this month, after absentee and affidavit ballots are counted.

ElEction RESUltS

By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Each November, razors go unused among members of the Lynbrook Police Department.

This year marks officers’ third annual No-Shave November, a month-long tradition in which they are allowed to grow facial hair in exchange for donations to a charitable cause.

“It’s a morale booster for the guys,” Lt. Anthony Falsitta, who helps coordinate the initiative, said. “They have a good time with it, and they’re raising money for something good. You’ll notice every November, if you see cops around, all of a sudden they have mustaches.”

This year’s fundraiser supports two Lynbrook residents with cancer, Aryn Quinlan, 4, who has leukemia, and Kimberly Nugent, 10, who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. Aryn is the daughter of Officer Jeremiah Quinlan. A department-wide event on Friday will raise money to help her family during her treatment.

I t’s a morale booster for the guys. They have a good time with it.

lT. ANThoNY fAlSITTA Lynbrook Police Department

Officers who participate contribute $50 or so for the chance to set aside department appearance standards and grow ’staches and beards for a month. The Lynbrook Police Benevolent Association matches the total raised, with all proceeds going to a designated charity or family in need.

“It’s a close-tohome one,” Falsitta said.

In past years, the department’s efforts benefited charities such as Operation Santa Sled, a statewide organization helping police families in hardship, and Love, Nana, a Lynbrook-based nonprofit that offers gently used baby clothing and job training programs. According to Department Chief Brian Paladino, hirsute officers raised about $1,500 last year.

The department also uses the event to spark conversations about men’s health and mental wellness.

“I would say right now, the biggest misconception (about

Continued on page 10

Tim

Library celebrates, plans centennial events

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

The Lynbrook Public Library’s place in history has now been made official — and the village is already looking ahead to its 100th anniversary.

At the Oct. 20 Village Board meeting, Mayor Alan Beach announced that the library was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 27, following months of review by state and federal preservation officials.

“It’s fantastic that we were able to do that. On behalf of the library coordinator and the village board, I am honored to announce that the Lynbrook Library has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places,” Beach said at the meeting.

The library, located at 56 Eldert St., was designed by architect Hugh Tallant and erected in 1929 in the Neoclassical Revival style. The building has long been recognized as one of Lynbrook’s architectural jewels — and as a center for civic engagement dating back to the early 20thcentury Public Library Movement and local women’s suffrage efforts.

According to Library Director Robin Gilloon, the nomination was completed entirely in-house by librarian Kathleen Hinman, who spent months researching and writing the application.

“It was built in Quarantine style,” Gilloon said, referring to its design influ-

Ainsley Martinez/ Herald

The Lynbrook Public Library, built in 1929 and designed by architect Hugh Tallant, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The village plans a centennial celebration in 2029 and a historic marker unveiling in March.

ence. “She did extensive research. It was reviewed by myself, John Giodano and R. Hasson. Photos were taken by Bill and our assistants.”

Gilloon noted that the process — which many municipalities outsource to paid consultants — was accomplished by the Lynbrook library staff themselves.

“This is a process that people do pay for, but we did everything in-house ourselves, and Kathleen wrote an absolutely excellent application,” she said.

The state approved the nomination ear-

lier this year, and the National Park Service finalized the designation in late August, adding Lynbrook’s library to a select list of historic public libraries still operating in their original buildings.

Gilloon said plans are underway for a roadside historic marker unveiling in March 2026, to coincide with the 97th anniversary of the library’s cornerstone laying on March 16, 1929.

“We are doing it in conjunction with the original laying of the cornerstone,” she said.

The library is also beginning to plan a centennial celebration in 2029, marking 100 years of continuous operation in the same building.

“It is very exciting to think that the community has supported the library for 100 years, and that the building is still used for the intended purpose that it was built for in 1929,” Gilloon said. “You look at the building differently now that this has happened — what a jewel we have.”

She added that the library’s 20th-century expansion was designed to preserve the building’s historic character. “When the extension was built, it was built in such a way so that you don’t see it and it doesn’t ruin the splendor of the field in the original,” she said.

The Lynbrook Public Library remains one of the few libraries on Long Island still serving its original purpose in its historic structure.

Gilloon said the library’s early history is deeply tied to local women’s civic activism.

“There’s a lot of history. It’s very cool,” she said.

The National Park Service first announced the designation in August, calling the Lynbrook Public Library one of 20 sites selected for the honor this year. The listing makes the building eligible for federal and state preservation funding, ensuring the 96-year-old structure remains a cornerstone of village life for generations to come.

Benefit football game supports families

The Lynbrook High School varsity football team held its annual benefit game Friday night at Marion Street Field, honoring and supporting two local families facing pediatric cancer.

Before kickoff, players, police officers, and community members gathered to recognize 10-year-old Kimberly Nugent, who is battling medulloblastoma, and 4-year-old Aryn Quinlan, who is fighting leukemia. Both children have inspired a wave of local fundraising efforts throughout the year.

The pregame ceremony featured Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Officer Jeremiah Quinlan, and Lynbrook players including Michael Potash and Mason Cofer. The event was organized in partnership with the Lynbrook Police Benevolent Association and the Lynbrook School District to raise awareness and show support for the Nugent and Quinlan families.

Donations from the game will benefit both families as part of the district’s ongoing community outreach efforts.

— Ainsley Martinez

Kimberly Nugent, far left, and Mason Cofer stand together during the pregame ceremony for the Lynbrook High School annual benefit football game at Marion Street Field in Lynbrook. The event supported the Nugent and Quinlan families, both of whom have children battling cancer.

Photos courtesy Aidan Pearsall

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder spoke during the pregame ceremony.

Tim Baker/ Herald

Lynbrook Owl cheerleaders supported the football team and the Nugent and Quinlan families.

Tim Baker/ Herald

The annual benefit game pitted the Lynbrook Owls against North Shore High School.

Tim Baker/Herald

The audience, including Lynbrook High School students and families, cheered at the game on Oct. 31.

Planning For and Executing Inheritances (Part

Planning for, and then executing, inheritances is often fraught with emotion. Most families choose to leave the inheritance “to my children in equal shares, per stirpes.” Per stirpes is Latin meaning “by the roots” so that if a child dies before the parent, their share goes to their children (if any) in equal shares. If there are no children, then the inheritance is disregarded and their share goes to their surviving siblings in equal shares.

What about gifts to grandchildren? Let’s say one child has five children and the other has two children -- seven grandchildren altogether. When a significant gift is given to grandchildren equally, it is not uncommon for the child with two children to say “well it was my brother’s choice to have five children, why do I have to pay for it?” Good estate planning also looks at inheritances from the heirs’ point of view as well.

We are often asked whether inheritances should be discussed with children ahead of time. While each family has different dynamics, this can end up being the equivalent of giving children a veto power over what you are going

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to do. For example, if you seek their opinion on an unequal division, you will create a problem for the family if you choose to disregard their input. A better way might be the use of the “soft probe”. Here, you suggest an idea that you have about an unequal division, and then gauge their reaction before making a decision.

For example, where one child is very much better off then another, you might say “You know, your sister Mary could really use our money a lot more...” The wealthy child will generally respond one of two ways. They will either say “Of course, I don’t need it, leave it all to her” and you are off the hook, or they will indicate that they consider anything less than equal shares would be unfair. In the latter case, if you still want to help Mary more, you may give her gifts during your lifetime and keep peace in the family by leaving inheritances equally. You may also pass some accounts outside the estate by naming Mary as beneficiary. Giving thought to your “emotional legacy” may go a long way towards keeping peace in the family.

News brief

Lynbrook Fire Chief Clayton Murphy, far right, First Assistant Chief James DiGiambattista, and Third Assistant Chief Phil Tzacz salute after a wreath was placed at the Firefighters Memorial on Sunrise Highway during the department’s annual memorial service on Oct. 19. The ceremony honored six Lynbrook firefighters who died in the line of duty between 1932 and 1963.

Firefighters honor the fallen at ceremony

The Lynbrook Fire Department held its annual memorial service on Oct. 19, 2025, at the Firefighters Memorial on Sunrise Highway, honoring six village firefighters who were killed in the line of duty.

According to department spokesman Steve Grogan, the first Lynbrook volunteer firefighter to die in the line of duty was in 1932, followed by others in 1939 and 1946. In 1963, three firefighters were killed when two fire engines collided at the intersection of Peninsula Boulevard and Hempstead Avenue while respond -

ing to a call.

The ceremony was led by Chief Clayton Murphy and attended by department members, village officials, and community residents. Mayor Alan Beach addressed the gathering, recognizing the continued service and sacrifice of Lynbrook’s volunteer firefighters.

The memorial included the placing of a wreath at the stone monument dedicated to the six fallen members.

— Ainsley Martinez

L et us K now

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Students, staff unite for anti-bullying campaign

Students and staff at Centre Avenue Elementary School marked Unity Day, the national observance that promotes kindness, acceptance and inclusion during National Bullying Prevention Month, by wearing orange and taking part in a schoolwide art project.

Led by the school counseling department, the initiative invited every student to contribute to a collaborative display symbolizing unity. In art classes, students traced their hands on orange construction paper, cut them out and decorated them with patterns inspired by Mehndi, the traditional art of creating designs with henna.

Each grade level created a “Unity Tree” featuring the students’ handprints. The completed trees are now displayed throughout the building.

An additional “Unity Tree,” represent-

ing the entire school, includes handprints from every class along with those of Principal Mrs. Kelly, teachers, custodians and staff. The display is located in the main hallway.

Thank You, Veterans

This Veterans Day, we honor all who have served— and proudly recognize 55 of our own employees at Mount Sinai South Nassau who are Veterans and our Veterans Committee. Thank you for your courage, dedication, and service to our country and to our community.

The Unity Day activities are part of the district’s annual observance of National Bullying Prevention Month.

— Ainsley Martinez

One of the completed Unity Trees is displayed in a hallway at Centre Avenue.

Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District Social worker Michelle Picciolo helped students trace their hands for the “Unity Tree.”

L.I. Association hosts WNBA’s Caitlin Clark

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Caitlin Clark, the star point guard for the Indiana Fever, became the alltime leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball, was selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, was the league’s 2024 Rookie of the Year and has drawn thousands of new fans to women’s basketball.

On Oct. 29, hundreds of Long Island business leaders and basketball fans attended the Long Island Association’s annual fall luncheon to see Clark speak with LIA President and CEO Matt Cohen.

The LIA is nonprofit association working to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality. The luncheon usually highlights political or business leaders, but this year Clark, 23, spoke about her career and nonprofit work. It was her first visit to Long Island, but she is no stranger to New York, having made a number of TV appearances and played the 2024 WNBA champion New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“Honestly New York is one of my favorite places to come and play,” she said. “The crowd they have is really fun, their fan base is absolutely incredible and they’ve got a great team.”

As a junior at the University of Iowa, Clark became known for “the Caitlin Clark effect” — a dramatic increase in

popularity and revenue for women’s basketball that continued when she turned pro.

“I just love basketball,” she said. “I love the grind of getting better. No matter what we achieved or what I achieved personally, I always wanted to get back in the gym and get better at it.”

She emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive

people who care about both your success and your well-being. “I’ve been very fortunate over the course of my career to be surrounded by a lot of really great teammates, coaches and a great support system that’s allowed me to do a lot of cool things,” she said. Clark has sponsorships from Gatorade and Nike, and collaborates with Stanley. Her college marketing degree,

she said, has helped her navigate business decisions. “The biggest thing for me is working with brands that align with who I am,” she said. “Everything has my fingerprints on it. Everything we put out there I’m super proud of.” Clark touched on her work with the Caitlin Clark Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth empowerment through education, nutrition and sports. “It’s honestly my favorite part of what I get to do,” she said. The foundation organizes a large backpack giveaway, supports Central Iowa’s Boys and Girls club, and works to install new basketball courts in Des Moines and Indianapolis.

“Basketball was never my end-all beall,” Clark said. “Its still that way for me. It’s just what I love to do. Its crazy to think that this is my job.”

She did not comment on negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association on a new collective bargaining agreement after players opted out of the agreement. It was set to expire on Oct. 31, but both sides agreed to a 30-day extension for talks to continue. Players are concerned about pay, benefits and overall conditions in the league as the sport continues to grow.

For her part, Clark hopes to continue her career in Indianapolis and eventually help the Fever win a WNBA championship.

Tim Baker/Herald

Women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark joined the Long Island Association at its annual fall luncheon at Crest Hollow Country Club on Oct. 29.

Lynbrook police officers are taking part in their third annual No-Shave November campaign to raise funds for two residents with pediatric cancer, while promoting awareness of officers’ health and mental wellness. Members of various precincts attended a football fundraiser last Friday to promote the campaign and support the families.

No-Shave November trades razors for relief

policing) is mental health, especially within our field, and we’re still trying to navigate it,” Falsitta said. “But it’s been spoken about a lot within the last five years, compared to what it was prior to that.”

But the reality is you have weaknesses, whether it’s physically or mentally, and it takes a toll.

For Paladino, those discussions are essential in a profession that often equates strength with silence.

“It’s something people in our profession have a hard time with,” he said.

Brian Paladino Chief, Lynbrook Police Department

“There’s a lot of strong-minded people in our profession, and admitting they have a problem or admitting they have weaknesses . . . that’s not what we’re trained to do.

But the reality is you have weaknesses, whether it’s physically or mentally, and it takes a toll.”

Paladino acknowledged that police work can weigh heavily on officers — and that in the past, the stigma of weakness and fear of repercussions prevented many from seeking help.

“There had been a stereotype and a fear that you basically have to lose your job,” he said. “That’s changed in a lot of

ways. We’re trying to get that message out, but then there’s still just the old standard of that you try to be tough, try to eat it up and move on.”

Falsitta echoed that message, noting that the profession’s mental strains are compounded by personal pressures.

The goal, he said, is to use awareness as a tool to encourage treatment. “But it still comes down to the individual,

which is the tough part,” Falsitta added. “And a lot of it not only stems from work, but we’re humans. We have family lives outside work, so sometimes that’s combined with what’s going on at work.”

On Dec. 1, the razors will return — and Paladino may reprise his tradition of filming himself shaving off his beard, which he first did two years ago

to mark the end of the campaign.

Local fundraisers for the Nugent and Quinlan families, from football games to barbecues and car washes, have drawn widespread participation as well. Falsitta said that community members often donate directly once they see the department’s social media posts.

“The Lynbrook village has always supported the Police Department throughout the year,” he said. “So we’re hoping this will be another great year.”

Tim Baker/Herald

CoNtiNued FroM page 1

Courtesy Aiden Pearsall

Michael potash, far left, officer Jeremiah Quinlan, Kimberly Nugent and Mason Cofer celebrated Halloween with an annual benefit game, which raised funds for the Nugent and Quinlan families’ fights against cancer.

Courtesy Jessica Quinlan the Quinlan family, including sisters avery, left, and aryn, will receive part of the donations from the No-Shave November campaign.

Centre Avenue celebrates Red Ribbon Week

During the week of Oct. 27, Centre Avenue Elementary School joined school districts across the nation in observing Red Ribbon Week, the country’s longest-running drug-use prevention program.

Since its inception, Red Ribbon Week has taken place each October, giving schools an opportunity to teach age-appropriate lessons about healthy choices and the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, drug use and violence.

This year’s theme, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free,” guided Centre Avenue’s activities. The school organized a themed spirit week and a collaborative art project that united the student body in support of healthy living.

Before the observance began, each student received a blank puzzle piece to decorate. Grade levels worked from specific prompts to help students reflect on the importance of making positive choices. The completed pieces were assembled into large, grade-wide puzzles, symbolizing how individual contributions fit together to promote a drug-free lifestyle.

The finished displays are now showcased throughout the building.

— Ainsley Martinez

Students at Centre Avenue

Elementary School decorated puzzle pieces to go along with this year’s Red Ribbon Week-theme, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free.”

Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District

Centre Avenue Elementary School social worker Lindsay Maleska spoke to a kindergarten class about Red Ribbon Week.

On Oct. 8, Lynbrook athletes came together to show their Owl pride as the Challenger team partnered with members of the girls junior varsity and varsity soccer teams for joint practices and friendly games at North Middle School.

The event was designed to promote inclusion and teamwork while fostering friendships among student-athletes. Challenger players worked handin-hand with their peers as they ran drills, dribbled soccer balls, and practiced shooting goals. Cheers of encouragement echoed across the field each time a player scored.

“The smiles on everyone’s faces said it all,” said Bryton LaMantia, a North Middle School special education teacher. “This wasn’t just about soccer. It was about belonging, connection, and showing our students that everyone has a place on the field.”

— Ainsley Martinez

Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

The Lynbrook Challenger team partnered with the girls junior varsity and varsity soccer teams for joint practices at North Middle School.

Peers practiced their shots on goal during the Lynbrook Challenger team’s collaborative soccer session with the girls varsity and junior varsity teams at North Middle School.

Players cheered as their teammates scored goals.

Focusing on

Get Ready for the Holidays: Protect Yourself With Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines

As you get ready for the holidays, remember this: While vaccine recommendations may be debated these days, one fact remains unchanged—the flu and COVID-19 can still be deadly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu caused nearly 130,000 deaths and the hospitalization of about 1 million people between October 2024 and May 2025. Additionally, the CDC estimates that COVID-19 has been responsible for approximately 540,000 hospitalizations and up to 63,000 deaths since October 2024.

“You should always consult your physician for individual medical advice. The respiratory virus season is upon us, and if you’re eligible and haven’t been vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu, now is a good time to get immunized,” advised Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Vaxmobile is offering a free COVID-19 and flu vaccine program. For the 2025–2026 flu season, the CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and New York State Department of Health recommend trivalent flu vaccines containing strains for influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and an influenza B/Victoria lineage virus. The A(H3N2) component was updated from the previous season. It is recommended that everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine annually to prevent illness and complications.

For those 65 and older, an enhanced version of the flu vaccine is recommended.

In September, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education andVaxmobile team are providing flu and COVID vaccines in a community near you.Check the hospital’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mountsinaisouthnassau) for dates and locations.

an executive order (which has been extended) declaring an emergency that overrides recent federal actions restricting vaccine access. The order ensures that all New Yorkers can receive the updated 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription.

The New York State Department of Health recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged six months to 23 months, adults 65 years or older, and people at high risk for severe outcomes, such as pregnant women, lactating women, and the immunocompromised. It is also recommended that children and teens ages 2-18 years old get the vaccine if they are at high risk, live in a long-term care facility, have never been immunized with

a COVID-19 vaccine, or live with people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. It is also recommended for adults ages 19-64 who have elevated risk factors for severe COVID-19, those at the highest risk of exposure, and those who live with others at the highest risk.

“Individuals who are especially vulnerable and have not recently had COVID-19 and/or received the 2024 COVID-19 vaccine should get the new vaccine for enhanced protection,” said Dr. Glatt.

The CDC says it is safe to get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines simultaneously, during your visit to the doctor or pharmacy. Getting the vaccines is as simple as calling your doctor, visiting your local drugstore, or scheduling an appointment with Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Vaxmobile.

A common reaction after getting the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine is a sore and tender shoulder, which is caused by the needle hitting the deltoid muscle and/or your body’s natural response to the vaccine. This usually goes away in a short while and doesn’t represent a long-term risk.

To schedule an appointment to get a flu or COVID-19 vaccine or both, go to www.southnassau.org/sn/vaxmobile; for more information, call Community Education at (516) 377-5333.

One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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mountsinai.org/southnassau

Parker Jewish Institute showcases healing power of music with Sur Sagar ensemble

Amusical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike.

The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, healthcare and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.

At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping

them to feel at ease so that they can heal.

The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.

Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and

care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation<

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting, as well as PRINE Health, a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis/ Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.

With QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, patients can transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. With this training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to the convenience of home hemodialysis.

If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.

Call (718) 289-2600 with questions. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.

For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.

Billy Joel exhibit closes after two-year run

‘A Piano Man’s Journey,’ at L.I. Music and Entertainment HOF, ends with collectors’ presentation

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

A special presentation at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on Oct. 25 marked the closing of the Billy Joel exhibit and highlighted the important role that collectors played in bringing it to life.

Among those sharing their stories were collectors Paul Fierro and Eric Fellen, who contributed memorabilia and offered items for door prizes and a silent auction to support the museum.

“I’m excited to be here and talk about our experiences throughout the years collecting,” Fierro said, “but when people ask what’s the best, I always say the best is the people that I’ve met along the way, the friends I’ve made over the past 50 years doing this.”

After their presentation, Fellen and Fierro passed around pieces from their collections to a room full of devoted fans, and answered questions.

“Billy Joel, My Life: A Piano Man’s Journey” ran for nearly two years, drawing many repeat visitors — including Lisa and Donnie Wallace, of Massapequa Park. “Billy Joel has been my all-time favorite for 50 years now,” Lisa said. “I saw him 22 times during his residency and probably 30 times overall.”

Melissa Heche, an audiologist who

has performed with Richie Cannata, attended with friends, and said that Joel’s music was the “heartbeat” of their childhoods. “He became a role model too, pulling us into all different kinds of music,” Heche recalled.

Regina DeMarco, of Woodbury, attended with friends she met on a Billy Joel Facebook fan page. “I’ve made a lot of friends through Billy Joel,” DeMarco said. “We’re a tight group and we love Billy’s music. Some of the people in our

SANDWICH KINGS

group come as far away as England, Australia and Chile.”

JoAnn Laverdure traveled from New Hampshire for the final days of the exhibit. “I was planning on coming at the beginning of the month because I knew that it was closing, and then I saw the post for the 2 p.m. presentation and just changed my plans,” she said. “I just adore him, and I think the exhibit is marvelous.”

The exhibit was designed by Kevin

O’Callaghan, who described its closing as emotional. “It was an exhibition I was very proud of,” O’Callaghan said. “My relationship dealing with Billy Joel I will never forget; it was a wonderful experience.”

O’Callaghan is now preparing something new for the hall — this time stepping away from music and into television. His next project, scheduled to open Nov. 28, celebrates 30 years of the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Titled “Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years,” the exhibit will include the 70-foot-wide set built for the show’s upcoming anniversary special on CBS. This marks the first time the set will be on public display.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this new exhibit,” O’Callaghan said. “The fact that we’re taking television history, the actual set from ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ — the actual set that we looked at many times on TV, and we have it here for people to walk on and enjoy — it’s an immersive experience. It’s a wonderful exhibition, and a wonderful journey back to a better time, when we all enjoyed watching real family comedy.”

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is at 97 Main St. in Stony Brook. For more details, go to limusichalloffame.org.

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Designer Kevin O’Callaghan spoke about the “My Life” exhibit with memorabilia collectors Paul Fierro and Eric Fellen.

STEPPING OUT

Decades of holiday joy

Sacred Heart Academy welcomes the season with ‘The Nutcracker’

By Abbey Salvemini

As we prepare for the festive season ahead, one cherished tradition is already spreading holiday cheer: Sacred Heart Academy’s beloved production of “The Nutcracker.” Now in its 35th year, the all-girls, student-run performance returns to delight audiences with its timeless magic, graceful choreography and heartfelt community spirit.

Proudly recognized as the first “Nutcracker” to take the stage on Long Island this year — two weeks before Thanksgiving — Sacred Heart’s production is more than a performance; it’s a celebration of artistry and empowerment. Every element — from choreography to marketing to stage management — is handled by students, creating an experience that’s as much about leadership as it is about ballet. The young creative team is guided by the steady hand of Rockville Centre’s Annie Melia, a 2008 alumna, now in her third year as director of the production. Many alumnae have gone on to shine as Rockettes, Juilliard-trained dancers and educators, proving that the spirit of the beloved holiday classic extends far beyond the stage.

“As the leader of the production, I’ve learned that creating a supportive and organized environment helps everyone perform their best,” says Sienna Squadrito, a senior from Atlantic Beach who serves as the production co-president, choreographed the Waltz of the Flowers. “I tried to pull choreography that reflected the whole theme of the show.”

Her goal is that audiences sense the passion and countless hours each dancer has put in to make the movements shine.

Oceanside senior Angelina Sabatino, vice president, who choreographed several scenes, takes on the role of the dazzling Dew Drop Fairy. She relates that the energy of an all-girls cast creates an atmosphere of empowerment and camaraderie.

“Being a part of ‘Nutcracker’ has such a positive energy and allows us to grow as dancers and leaders,” she says.

Stepping into the role of the Dew Drop Fairy has been both exhilarating and deeply meaningful; the highlight for her.

“Dewdrop is one of my favorite roles because of how pretty the scene is. My favorite part is the music and the choreography, it’s so uplifting. I am so excited to perform this role because of how magical it feels and how it puts you in the holiday spirit. Bringing the

• Nov. 14, 7 p.m.; Nov. 15-16, 2 p.m.

• Pre-sale tickets are $15 each through Nov. 13; $20 day of performance, subject to availability.

• Tickets available at sacredheartacademyli.org/ TheNutcracker2025Tickets

• Sister Virginia Crowley Theatre, 47 Cathedral Ave., Hempstead

Dew Drop Fairy to life in front of an audience reminds me why I love to dance and how special it is to share that joy with the audience.”

As the Sugar Plum Fairy, Samantha Koenig, of Garden City, carries one of the ballet’s most iconic roles — a part she has made entirely her own.

“Instead of focusing on being perfect, I try to bring warmth and confidence to the character,” she says.

Besides performing, she choreographed Waltz of the Snowflakes and serves as the show’s Finale Coordinator.

“As a senior, it means a lot to set an example for the younger dancers,” she adds.

Koenig reflects that what she’ll hold closest to her heart about her involvement with the show is the deep sense of family and the cherished tradition it represents.

“Everyone supports each other, and it’s so special to be a part of a tradition that brings so many people together,” she notes.

For senior Hailey Friere, of Massapequa, who plays the Lead Messenger and Fritz, this year’s performance marks her fourth year with the show.

“During my freshman year, I thought that participating in ‘The Nutcracker’ was just another after-school activity. Now, I see it more as a part of my life that fulfills the holiday season.”

Friere’s favorite aspect of the production is building friendships across grade levels and sharing the joy of the Christmas season throughout the school.

“Actually, I met one of my best friends through ‘The Nutcracker,’ and she’s like a sister to me,” Friere shares. “Now, I’m Fritz and she’s Clara, so she’s like a real sister to me!”

As the curtain rises this holiday season, Sacred Heart Academy’s “The Nutcracker” reminds local audiences that its magic goes far beyond the stage. In sharing their passion, students invite everyone to experience the joy that has made this beloved production a cherished holiday highlight at the school for 35 years — and counting.

Ted Nash Sextet

Ted Nash’s Big Band brings the Grammy Award-winning “Presidential Suite” to the Tilles Center stage. This fascinating program pairs historic speeches by figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and others with bold, jazz-driven orchestrations. With Nash’s thoughtful direction and expressive playing, the hard swinging band offers a powerful and resonant performance that bridges history, music and the spirit of swing. Each movement is tied to a different speech by world leaders, giving the words new resonance through music. Presidential Suite is considered Nash’s most significant work, rich with social and political awareness. A longtime member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Nash has spent 25 years blending intellect, emotion and bold creativity through his compositions. Acclaimed as one of the most innovative voices in modern jazz, he’s known for his boundless creativity as an arranger and performer.

Sunday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

North Mississippi Allstars

Dynamic blues-rock band North Mississippi Allstars unearths the soul of the Mississippi hill country with every riff and beat. Led by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, their electrifying performances fuse tradition with modern energy and can turn any venue into a juke joint. As legend has it, the brothers started the band in 1996 as a loose collective of like-minded secondgeneration musicians who shared a local repertoire and regional style. Over the years, the lineup shifted by design, and each subsequent record offered up a different combination of collaborators. Get on your dancing shoes and hear for yourself the bold, raucous and reinvented tribute to the musicians’ roots and evolution.

Sunday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. $48.50. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by calling (516) 767-6444.

Courtesy Michelle James Wettstein/The Artful Image Dewdrop and her Flowers dance a lilting waltz in Waltz of the Flowers in the second act.

The magical Waltz of the Snowflakes closes Act I, when Clara and the Nutcracker Prince travel through a world of snow towards the Kingdom of Sweets.

Samantha Koenig, left, Angelina Sabatino and Sienne Squadrito pause for a photo backstage at last year’s production.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” which surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms, is in its final days. Framing this topic between the 19th 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

East Rockaway Winter Festival registration open

Outdoor vendor event with seasonal merchandise and community activities under a heated tent. Open to merchandise and community organizations selling water, snacks, flowers, and handmade items.

• Where: TBD

• Time: 3-6 p.m.

• Contact: NLanderer@ villageofeastrockaway.org

English As A New Language Class

Weekly ENL class Lynbrook Public Library focuses on beginner English vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing. Workbook included. Participants must commit to at least 10 of 13 sessions.

• Where: 56 Eldert St.

• Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

NOV

8

‘Once Upon A Song!’ Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance. In this spirited show books in a library are brought to life in song and dance. A cast of 40 keeps the action moving along, with a live band and and a special appearance by Steve Mitchell as Elvis. The singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and tunes from the

Gaelic Storm

It’s hard to imagine a band just coming into their own after 20 years of success, but that’s exactly what makes a true anomaly. Gaelic Storm, a multi-national, Celtic juggernaut grows stronger with each live performance, and after two decades and over 2000 shows, they are a true force to be reckoned with. The band attributes their continued success to their fanatic audience, and it’s a well-diversified crowd for sure — attracting fans of every genre with their rich storytelling, energetic instrumentals, devotion to Celtic traditions and passion for their stagecraft. They are as loyal to their fans as the fans are to them, as frontman Patrick Murphy states, “The fans are the ones that have given us this life. We’re here for them.” Gaelic Storm takes a true blue-collar, hard-nose approach to touring, consistently traveling the U..S and internationally forging a unique path in the Celtic music world. This dedication to their live show dates all the way back to the mid-1990s, when Gaelic Storm kicked off its’ career as a pub band in Santa Monica, Calif. Those performances ultimately led to their discovery that found the band appearing in the blockbuster film “Titanic” (where they performed “Irish Party in Third Class”).

This laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually find them topping the Billboard World Chart six times, making appearances at mainstream music festivals, and regularly headlining the largest Irish Festivals across the country, all while gaining a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band whose songs mix Celtic traditions with something uniquely creative. $68, $58, $48.

Broadway stage, with a tribute to Woodstock and “Wicked.”

With refreshments and post-show dancing until 1 A.M. Seating is night-club style at round tables. $30 per person, available in advance or at the door. Refreshments provided; guests can bring in your own food (just no pork or shellfish).

• Where: Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 7:30 p.m., also Nov. 15

• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207

Mini Decoupage

Pumpkin Workshop

Craft a seasonal mini decoupage pumpkin with instructor Danielle Frank. Adults 18+ only. Limited space.

• Where: 56 Eldert St.

• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

• Time: 1-3 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

East Rockaway

Village Board meets

The public is welcome to attend the board meeting. Stay informed on village issues.

• Where: 376 Atlantic Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: VillageofEastRock away.org

Flip Your Lid

Families are invited to commemorate America Recycles Day at Long Island Children’s Museum by upcycling mason jar lids into beautiful works of art, at the drop-in program. Free with museum admission. For ages 3+.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1-3 p.m.

• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: landmarkonmainstreet. org or (516) 767-6444

• Time: 7-9 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

NOV

11

AdvoKids: Veterans Day

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to celebrate Veterans Day.

During this month’s AdvoKids workshop, visitors learn about the importance of Veterans Day and about a local naval veteran, Jeremy Feldman who works with the local nonprofit Long Island Warriors Hockey Club. Everyone then creates an American Flag to commemorate the day. This is a drop-in program.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

NOV

15

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” With special opening weekend activities.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: Opening drop-in programs start at 1 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

NOV

17

Lynbrook Village Board meets

All are welcome to attend the meeting. Stay informed on what’s going on in the village.

• Where: 1 Columbus Dr.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookVillage.net

NOV

18

Movie matinee Stop by Lynbrook Public Library for a showing of “Mission Impossible: the Final Reckoning.” In Tom Cruise’s last foray as Ethan Hunt, he and the IMF pursue a dangerous AI called the Entity that’s infiltrated global intelligence. With governments and a figure from his past in pursuit, Hunt races to stop it from forever changing the world. PG-13 (1 hr 41 mins).

• Where: 56 Eldert St.

• Time: 2-4:15 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

Having an event?

RVC Homemakers Meeting

‘It’s All About the Light’ Closing Reception Meet artist Joan Bleyer Lazarus at the closing reception for her featured exhibit at the library.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

• Where: Community Room, 56 Eldert St. NOV

9 Lynbrook Library Board meets Monthly meeting of the Lynbrook Library Board. Open to the public.

10

• Where: 56 Eldert St. NOV

Local women meet weekly to discuss cooking, crafts and more. Previous events have been in conjunction with Lynbrook Restorative. Open to neighboring areas and residents.

• Where: 111 North Oceanside Road

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

• Contact: Karen Alterson at KAltersonk4@gmail.com

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.

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories:

Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12

One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Requirements: All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to:

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 21

• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

Funds provided to food banks amid shutdown

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared a state of emergency on Monday in response to the federal government shutdown, announcing that Island Harvest and Long Island Cares will receive additional emergency funding to address a rise in food insecurity.

Blakeman said the move is intended to ensure that families relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are not left without support while federal funding is stalled.

“With the issues that are going on in Washington, D.C. right now, there are many people who are in jeopardy of not being able to feed themselves and their families. So we are trying to help and supplement the things that a lot of our great not-for-profits are doing here on Long Island,” he said.

The county will provide $50,000 per week to each of the two major regional food banks until SNAP benefits resume. Roughly 31,450 Nassau households rely on SNAP.

Island Harvest CEO Randi Shubin Dresner said the support will go directly toward getting food into homes quickly.

“Food is a right,” she said. “We need to be able to know that we’re going to be able to have access to a good, healthy meal. And these funds are going to

LEGAL NOTICE

allow us to purchase that kind of food and get it out into the community here in Nassau County really, really quickly.”

Long Island Cares CEO Katherine M. Fritz said the timing is critical for fami-

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. SENECA J. VETRANO, NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER, Defts. Index #610074/2024.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 14, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 20, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 42, Block 235 Lot 32. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.”

PAUL MELI, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102579 156282

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE R. ERCOLE JR A/K/A GEORGE ERCOLE; ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 4, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 169 Spencer Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 441, Lot 232. Approximate amount of judgment $367,743.07 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold

subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008271/2009. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002974 87357 156408

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 November 25, 2025 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 156400

lies already struggling.

“This is an important time in our lives on Long Island to make sure that we’re focused on the people — who are struggling every day to make sure that

their families have food on their table,” she said.

Information about local food pantries and soup kitchens is available on NassauCountyNY.gov.

News brief

Free car seat safety inspections available

The Town of Hempstead is continuing its Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program this fall, offering families free opportunities to ensure their car seats are properly installed and safe for children.

According to national data, more than half of car seats are not installed correctly, and even small mistakes — such as a loose harness, a wrong angle, or outdated equipment — can dramatically reduce their effectiveness in protecting children during a crash.

The inspections, run by the town’s Department of Public Safety, are conducted by professionals trained through Safe Kids Worldwide. During each 30-minute appointment, technicians review the installation, check for recalls or defects, and confirm that the seat is appropriate for a child’s age, weight, and height. Parents must provide that information, along with the car seat’s model, so technicians can give the most accurate guidance.

Councilman Tom Muscarella said the program’s accessibility is a major strength. “We’re making it easy and convenient for families to get expert guidance without any added cost,” he said.

In past years, many parents who attended inspections discovered issues they had not noticed on their own — from expired or recalled seats to something as simple as a loose strap. Each session also provides one-on-one education, so care-

Safety Inspection Program by the Town

givers leave knowing how to reinstall the seat correctly themselves.

Remaining inspection dates are on Oct. 26 at Forest City Community Park in Wantagh and Oct. 29 at Maclaren Stadium in Levittown. Appointments are required and available between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Families can schedule by calling the Department of Public Safety at (516) 5381900 ext. 7709, Monday through Friday, or by visiting hempsteadny.gov/218/childcar-seat-safety-program.

— Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Town of Hempstead Parents can have their child’s car seat inspected this fall, thanks to a Child Car Seat

of Hempstead.

Courtesy Office of County Executive Bruce Blakeman

County Executive Bruce Blakeman provided emergency funding to Island Harvest and Long Island Cares amid the federal government shutdown, affecting SNAP benefits for families facing food insecurities.

Waterfront Living at its Finest

Is my home too big an insurance risk?

Q. My home insurance is being canceled, and I’m actively looking around to replace it. The excuse I got was that the companies that used to insure find the risks in flood and wind-prone areas are now too great. I understand this, so I’m wondering if there are things I can do to make my home less of an insurance risk to a company. Are there reasonable upgrades I can make, and what are they?

A. The answer has two sides, like a doubleedged sword. First, yes, there are things you can do to your home to make it easier to insure. But the second part is applying the meaning of the word “reasonable.” Next, you have to understand that, like other forms of gambling, which is what insurance really is, do you have a chance to win back your money, your insurance payments, or your investment in your property to presumably reduce the payments?

Again, insurance is a legalized form of gambling, extensively regulated but sometimes loosely enforced. Many people say, when describing gambling casinos, that the house always wins in the end, and with a few exceptions, casinos rarely fail. Insurance companies have been hit with one disaster after another due to strange global weather that some deny is a trend, but those companies aren’t as care-less, and they invest heavily in statistical analysis, so you can bet that if they’re pulling out of certain areas, they know something. So, a “reasonable” investment to make your house easier or more attractive to insure often ends up being unreasonable, or is based on faulty assumptions. For example, you may add a steel roof and concrete composite siding as a more reasonable and less costly wind-resistance improvement, only to discover that the insurance company thinks you should still have raised your home, because they think flooding is a bigger and more frequent risk to insure.

Add to that the fact, as some insurers will point out when you complain, that by making the improvements, you increase the cost of reconstruction. That’s a good argument, one you’ll never win. The same thing happens with alarm systems, fencing your property or removing trees that could fall on your roof.

Make improvements that help you to recover more healthfully, safely and economically, for your own assurance. I am convinced, as you can see, that all the effort you put in is not universal in your neighborhood, and insurance companies look at whole areas, not just your home, for insurability. Even the Federal Emergency Management Agency is a large and extremely indebted insurance company, funded with the help of tax dollars and losing billions. So before you make changes and improvements, remind yourself that you’re doing this for yourself, not to reduce insurance costs. As Walter Cronkite used to say when he signed off on his broadcast of “The CBS Evening News” when I was a kid, “And that’s the way it is.” Good luck with whatever you decide to improve.

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opinions

GOP cuts to health care will hurt Long Island families

one of the top issues I heard about when I campaigned for Congress was that it was getting more expensive to live on Long Island, and people were worried about whether they could afford to stay here. And as we face a cost-of-living crisis, the rising cost of health care has become crippling to young people, families and seniors alike.

LAURA A. GiLLEn

Rising medical bills are forcing Americans in every state to face the prospect of choosing between paying for groceries and going to the doctor’s office. When I came to Congress, I vowed to work in a bipartisan way to reduce Nassau County families’ cost of living, and in particular the cost of health care.

Unfortunately, we have seen the congressional majority refuse to act on bringing down the costs of prescription drugs or monthly insurance bills. In fact, their cuts to our medical system will move us in the wrong direction and raise Americans’ medical expenses. First they passed the “Big Beautiful

WBill” without any bipartisan input earlier this year. It included the largest cuts to Medicaid in its history, which will result in millions of Americans losing their insurance coverage and make it harder for seniors to afford nursing homes or other long-term care.

pThe impact of these budget cuts will stretch far beyond just those on Medicaid. At a nonpartisan budget briefing I held earlier this year with Rep. Tom Suozzi, hundreds of Long Islanders heard from former Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling about how the cuts to Medicaid mean that all Americans can expect more expensive insurance coverage and reduced services at hospitals, doctors’ offices and other health care providers.

would throw millions of Americans into financial uncertainty.

Preserving these tax credits should be a bipartisan priority. In the House, I called for both sides to come on board and help American families. But the majority refused to discuss the issue, and instead passed a continuing resolution that will allow the credits to expire at the end of the year. Since then, they have refused to even negotiate a bipartisan path forward despite the credits’ looming end.

reserving Affordable Care Act tax credits should be a bipartisan priority.

Next, as we were looking to fund the government, Democrats sought to discuss with Republicans the urgent need to keep health care affordable by extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that have helped millions of families afford health care by reducing their monthly insurance bills. For years, families in both red and blue states have relied on these credits for coverage, but they are set to lapse at the end of the year, which

I’ve heard from many Nassau County residents who are deeply concerned that their health care costs are set to skyrocket under the majority’s plan. A Floral Park woman was notified that her monthly insurance premium would rise by $1,500, and an Oceanside resident reported that her premiums, deductibles and co-pay were all set to increase drastically. When these premiums go up, families will have no choice but to go uninsured, and young people will forgo insurance coverage.

When the uninsured rate increases, the cost of health care rises for us all. Health care experts at the nonpartisan Century Foundation have warned that

the expiration of these tax credits will result in the largest single-year premium spike in our nation’s history for all Americans, even those with private insurance. The nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation reports that a family of four could see their annual insurance bill increase by over $13,000, and a single mother could face a price hike of more than $10,000 for coverage, while a couple in their 60s might see their premiums rise by over $20,000.

This should not be a partisan fight. Every member of Congress has a responsibility to make life more affordable for the people we represent, and that is what I’ve been doing. I’ll work with anyone, from any party, to continue bringing costs down and to ensure that people have health care.

Right now, Congress should be in session and at work negotiating a bipartisan package that lowers costs and protects quality, affordable health care in an economically sound way. Instead of listening to the intolerant extremes on either side, we should work together to solve the problems that our constituents sent us to Washington to fix. I’m committed to that aim, and I’ll continue to fight for bipartisan solutions that lower costs and make life better for Long Islanders.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

Treat your brain better than your car

hen you take your car in for its yearly inspection, you want the mechanic to examine it thoroughly. Overlooking a vital system like the engine or transmission could lead to serious problems, including ones that jeopardize the safety of the vehicle’s drivers and passengers. You treat an annual physical with a doctor the same way: Why would anyone neglect having one of their body’s most vital organs — the brain — checked to make sure it’s firing on all cylinders? Unfortunately, it happens too often. In numerous ways, the brain is the body’s command center. Thoughts, emotions, senses, language, balance, coordination, breathing and heartbeat all depend on the brain. Yet many people don’t get regular memory screenings, even though these quick, noninvasive “checkups from the neck up” should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine.

Fear is a common reason. Cognitive impairment can lead to loss of independence, functionality and treasured

remembrances of people, places and events. People may worry about being stigmatized, treated differently, pitied or seen as less capable by friends, family or coworkers.

All of that is a scary prospect. Being afraid is natural and understandable, especially for those exhibiting warning signs of memory impairment. Allowing that fear to prevent action, however, can lead to worse outcomes. Ignoring the problem hardly ever makes it go away, and usually exacerbates it.

depression, urinary tract infections and medication side effects are some treatable, if not curable, causes of memory impairments. Without a diagnosis, they cannot be corrected, which could cause more significant problems down the road.

i

f you’ve never had a memory screening, or are overdue for one, get screened this year.

Lack of awareness is another reason people neglect the health of the brain. Many people don’t know what memory screenings are, why they’re necessary and where or how to get one. Nor are they aware of the importance of early detection of memory issues, even those caused by an incurable condition like Alzheimer’s disease. Others mistakenly believe that memory problems occur naturally as you get older, and that there’s nothing that can be done.

Education is critical to reduce fear and dispel the myth that any memory trouble equals a severe, untreatable illness or is an inevitable part of normal aging that afflicts everyone. Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea,

Even if a memory issue is the result of Alzheimer’s disease, early detection matters. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s in the early stages gives people the opportunity to start medications sooner in the disease progression, when they’re most effective (or in some cases, are only offered then); enroll in a clinical trial; and begin therapeutic interventions that can help prolong cognitive functioning and enhance quality of life.

Memory screenings are equally important for people who aren’t experiencing symptoms of memory loss. Like other health screenings, they provide a baseline that can help uncover a potential issue sooner. Checking and tracking your blood pressure regularly enables doctors to act if you have hypertension, because high blood pressure increases the risk of a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. Mammograms and PSA tests aren’t just given to people experiencing potential symptoms of breast cancer and prostate

cancer; all women and men of a certain age are advised to get them annually to catch cancer as quickly as possible. If you’ve never had a memory screening, or are overdue for one, make it a point to get screened this year. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free, confidential memory screenings regularly at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville. They are performed one on one with a qualified professional, and consist of a series of questions designed to test memory and other cognitive functions. The screening itself is not a diagnosis, but it can indicate if someone should see a physician for a more comprehensive evaluation of potential memory impairment.

Schedule an appointment for a free memory screening by contacting the center at (631) 223-4000. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to get screened. There are no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.

Your brain is far more important than your car. Buying or leasing a new one is impossible. Warranties don’t exist for it, and there is no extended coverage available for purchase. The one you have now is the only one you’ll ever own. Be just as vigilant about checking it each year.

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., of Merrick, is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

CHARLEs J. FUsCHiLLo JR.

editorial

As neighbors go hungry, D.C. plays politics

on Saturday, 184,000 Long Islanders across nearly every ZIP code in Nassau and Suffolk counties woke up without the food assistance they rely on to feed their families. Forty-eight hours later, under public pressure, the Trump administration announced that it would fund just half of the $100 billion Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The federal government shutdown has done the once unthinkable, gutting SNAP and leaving 42 million Americans — one in eight — wondering where their next meal will come from. SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, helps lowincome families buy groceries with electronic payment cards.

Our Long Island neighbors who participate in SNAP — working families, children, seniors and people with disabilities — receive an average of $187 per month to put food on the table. That’s for a full month. For their full families. Roughly 3 million people in New York rely on food stamps. They now face impossible choices between meals, rent and medicine.

In an extraordinary display of community compassion, restaurants across Long Island and around the nation have stepped up to offer free meals to families who have lost their food stamp benefits. These acts of generosity exemplify the best of community, reminding us that when Washington fails, ordinary Americans will take care of one another, because compassion — like hunger — isn’t a partisan issue.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency, and committed $65 million in new state funds to emergency food assistance, which will provide 40 million meals through food banks and pantries. SNAP recipients should continue submitting required documentation to their local Department of Social Services, because benefits will hopefully be paid retroactively when federal funding resumes.

Locally, Island Harvest and Long Island Cares continue to serve food-insecure families across Nassau and Suffolk counties. This self-inflicted crisis hits at the worst possible time, in the weeks before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest periods for food banks, while federal workers remain without paychecks due to the ongoing shutdown. Food banks are preparing for unprecedented stress that will be felt in communities everywhere.

We’re grateful for the compassion shown by restaurants and businesses that are stepping forward to feed their neighbors. We’re thankful for the tireless work of our food banks. These extraordinary acts of kindness demonstrate the

If you need food assistance

Call 211 for immediate help finding your nearest food pantry or community kitchen.

Island Harvest Food Bank works with more than 300 community partners throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Application assistance is available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Website: islandharvest.org

Phone: (516) 294-8528

Long Island Cares serves families across the region with food pantries and emergency assistance.

Website: licares.org

Phone: (631) 582-FOOD (3663)

Some food delivery apps are offering grocery credits to SNAP recipients throughout November. Check apps for details on assistance programs.

Continue submitting documentation to your local Department of Social Services. Benefits are expected to be paid retroactively when federal funding resumes.

Restaurants offering free meals Some local restaurants are providing free meals to anyone with a SNAP card. Check social media or call restaurants in your area to ask about assistance programs.

How you can help

Donate to food banks:

■ Island Harvest: islandharvest.org, (516) 294-8528

■ Long Island Cares: licares.org, 631-582-FOOD (3663)

Financial contributions allow food banks to purchase and distribute food efficiently.

Volunteer: Food banks desperately need volunteers to sort, pack and distribute food across Long Island. Even a few hours makes an enormous difference. Contact Island Harvest or Long Island Cares to sign up.

Support restaurants helping neighbors: Patronize local businesses that offer free meals to families in need.

strength of our communities when we support one another. But private charity, no matter how generous, cannot replace a federal program serving more people than the population of many countries. If demand skyrockets, local food pantries may have to reduce distribution portions and limit the frequency with which people can receive food. Families that have never needed help before — in every Long Island community — are about to discover what food insecurity feels like.

And the economic ripple effects extend beyond hungry families. Food stamps generate $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar spent. This suspension hurts businesses, employees and entire communities from one end of the Island to the other. As well, hungry children

Their generosity deserves our support.

Contact your elected officials and demand action:

■ Sen. Chuck Schumer: (202) 224-6542

■ Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: (202) 224-4451

■ U.S. Capitol switchboard (for your congressional representative): (202) 224-3121

Tell them Long Island families cannot be pawns in political games. The shutdown must end, and SNAP funding must be restored immediately.

Become a grocery buddy: Help a neighbor or stranger buy groceries. Even small contributions make a difference for families struggling to afford food.

will struggle to learn and behave. With many classrooms likely to have students on food stamps, the SNAP suspension will impact learning in schools across America.

Long Island will rise to this challenge, caused by Washington’s dereliction of duty, because that’s who Long Islanders are. The restaurants opening their doors to feed families in need, the food banks working overtime, the people becoming grocery buddies to help strangers buy food — these are the stories that define us.

But we must also demand accountability. The shutdown must end. Food stamps must be fully funded. And every elected official who played politics with families’ ability to eat must answer to voters.

opinions

Add project labor agreements to major school projects

From our city skyscrapers to the subways that keep our cities moving, union labor built this state. And now, as our schools age and our communities continue to grow, we have a new opportunity to show what it means to lead with our values.

The School Construction Fair Labor Act, sponsored by State Sen. Monica Martinez and I, is a chance for New York to show up for working class people and make sure the workers building our schools are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.

This bill would require project labor agreements, or PLAs, for all Long Island public school construction projects costing over $1 million. Before a single shovel hits the ground, PLAs lay out clear terms for wages, safety standards and conflict resolution. That means less

chaos on job sites, and a better final result for our school communities.

We already know this approach works. Research from Cornell University shows that PLAs make job sites safer and more cost-effective over time. That’s because they prevent the chaos that comes when non-union contractors underbid jobs by reducing wages and ignoring safety.

TWe’ve seen it time and again: When we cut corners on construction, our schools pay the price. School buildings that fall apart too soon. Heating systems that fail in the middle of winter. These are all costly and avoidable problems. By ensuring a stable, experienced workforce from the start, PLAs create the strongest conditions for a job well done.

lot of our own talent here in our region. This isn’t a strong model for success, and puts our own unions at a disadvantage.

hey’ll ensure that public dollars work to create local jobs and support a stable workforce.

Long Island public schools receive nearly 80 percent of their construction funding through the state’s Building Aid program. That’s hundreds of millions of public dollars flowing into the region every year. The question isn’t whether we’ll spend this money; it’s whether we will spend it responsibly. With 125 school districts, these are not small or occasional projects. They’re an important part of our public infrastructure, and they should be built to the best standards possible.

trades. That helps create long-term opportunities for working families. It also supports small and responsible local contractors. PLAs don’t exclude non-union firms; they just require everyone to play by the same rules. That levels the playing field for businesses that do their part to pay fair wages and provide workers’ benefits.

This bill would also provide clarity and consistency. As things stand now, each school district manages its construction bidding process independently, which leads to unpredictable results and unequal standards. A uniform PLA requirement for projects over $1 million would offer a reliable baseline, while still giving our local school leaders the flexibility they need.

This bill isn’t just about upgrading our schools — it’s about working-class Long Islanders. Right now, far too many school construction contracts are awarded to out-of-state firms that bring their own workforce, which bypasses a

Requiring PLAs would ensure that public dollars work to create local jobs and support a stable, skilled workforce. Many PLAs include workforce development components that prioritize hiring from the local community, which includes Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander New Yorkers, and other underrepresented groups in the

Framework

At its core, the School Construction Fair Labor Act is about making sure public money works for the public good. That means investing in our infrastructure, and in the people who build it. Let’s pass this legislation, and make sure our schools are built to last, by workers who are valued and paid fair wages.

Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District.

by Jacqui Kiddle

At the pyramids of Giza — outside Cairo, Egypt