Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 07-30-2026

HERALD Malverne/West HeMpstead

Don

Malverne resident don pupke celebrated on July 20 reaching the halfway point of his roughly 750-mile walk across new York State, a fundraiser benefiting american Legion post 44.

One step at a time for American Legion Post 44

By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

For Malverne resident Don Pupke, every mile he walks across New York State is another step toward preserving one of the village’s most important community institutions.

Pupke, 66, began a grueling 750-mile journey on July 3 to raise money for American Legion Post 44 and its nearly century-old hall, which has served generations of residents as Malverne’s primary gathering place for elections, civic meetings and other community events.

He added that the fundraiser will help pay for much-needed improvements to the build-

ing, including upgraded lighting, renovated bathrooms and a new kitchen.

Pupke said he expected to complete the journey around Aug. 7, ending up back in Malverne, and residents are invited to join him for the final mile to American Legion Post 44.

The walk represents the culmination of a goal Pupke had pursued for years. He first considered crossing the state during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, but the timing never panned out. Last year, the plan was postponed after he broke his foot. The following day, he lost his home in a house fire. Rather than abandoning the idea, Pupke

Continued on page 9

Volunteers transform LIRR station

By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

What began as a handful of residents pulling weeds and planting flowers has blossomed into a communitywide effort to transform the overgrown Lakeview Long Island Rail Road station into a welcoming gateway for the neighborhood.

TFor the past several years, volunteers have dedicated their time, resources and expertise to maintaining the station’s landscaping after they noticed that the grounds had become neglected. Rather than waiting for someone else to address the problem, the community members took it upon themselves to improve one of Lakeview’s busiest public spaces, creating a project that has inspired others to pitch in and take pride in the neighborhood.

properties. His love of gardening and community service gradually expanded from his own cul-de-sac to churches, public spaces and, eventually, the Lakeview train station.

“Beautify your community,” Small said. “Love thy neighbor, help each other and pass the knowledge that you know from this on to your fellow neighbors.”

his is what community looks like.

WIllIAM A. ANdeRS President, Lakeview

Civic

Association

Among the volunteers is West Hempstead resident Gary Small, who has a passion for landscaping. After moving into his neighborhood about two decades ago, Small started helping neighbors maintain their

Small also spends winters clearing snow in his neighborhood with his own snowblower, and says he enjoys helping others and has never sought compensation for his efforts. His goal is to inspire neighbors to take pride in their surroundings, believing that improvements to one property often encourage others to follow suit. Over time, he has watched his own block become increasingly well maintained as residents embraced that same sense of pride.

If you beautify one place, your neighbor is gonna wanna beautify his,” Small said, “and it trickles on.”

The station beautification

Continued on page 7

Courtesy

Pupke

Fresh partnership takes root at Crossroads

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Secret Vegan Kitchen in Oceanside is strengthening its commitment to locally sourced ingredients through a new partnership with Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s in Malverne, purchasing fresh greens and seasonal produce from the nonprofit farm as both organizations continue to promote Long Island agriculture.

The collaboration connects one of Nassau County’s newest vegan restaurants with the county’s only working farm, allowing Secret Vegan Kitchen to incorporate more freshly harvested ingredients into its menu while supporting a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable farming, education and community outreach.

“With the Cyclospora outbreak, we just felt that it was a little bit safer to buy our produce from a local farm,” Tiffany Gordon, Secret Vegan Kitchen owner said, “so we knew exactly where it came from and that it was safe for our customers.”

The restaurant has traditionally purchased produce through a Long Island distributor. Going forward, owners plan to continue working with that distributor while regularly supplementing their menu with greens and seasonal crops grown at Crossroads Farm whenever they are available.

“It’s always better to support small local farms,” she said. “You’re getting the freshest stuff, and you know where it’s coming from.”

The partnership also reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting local farms. Although Secret Vegan Kitchen is a relatively new addition to Oceanside’s dining scene, its owners were already familiar with Crossroads Farm and had established relationships with members of the organization before opening their brick-and-mortar location.

For Crossroads Farm, the partnership advances its mission of connecting local farms with local businesses while expanding access to fresh, locally grown food. Located about 10 minutes from the restaurant, the nonprofit already supplies produce to several restaurants, organizations and community partners throughout Nassau County.

“Locals supporting locals is everything that Crossroads stands for,” farmer operations manager Michael D’Angelo said. “We’re going to supply them with as much and whatever they need.”

Partnerships with local restaurants strengthen Long Island’s regional food system by shortening the distance between where food is grown and where it is served, while helping residents support local agriculture.

The collaboration also comes as consumer interest in locally grown produce continues to increase. Crossroads Farm officials said more shoppers have been seeking food grown close to home, with many looking for greater transparency about where their produce comes from and how it is cultivated.

Unlike many larger agricultural operations that rely on surface water for irrigation, Crossroads Farm draws water from a deep well connected to Long Island’s aquifer. Farm officials said the water source, combined with the farm’s smaller scale, allows for close oversight of growing and harvesting practices. As with all fresh produce, fruits and vegetables should still be washed before consumption.

For Crossroads Farm, the collaboration represents another opportunity to demonstrate how local farms and local businesses can work together to strengthen the community, support sustainable agriculture and keep more Long Island-grown food on local tables.

For more information on Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s, visit XRoadsFarmLINY.com.

Courtesy Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s Secret Vegan Kitchen in Oceanside ha announced their new partnership with Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s in Malverne.

Village enjoys free movie night under the stars

Malverne families spread out blankets and lawn chairs at Harris Field on July 24 for the village’s annual Midsummer Movie Night, where residents gathered to watch Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers under the stars.

The free community event, co-sponsored by Malverne Little League, featured popcorn along with candy, food and refreshments available at the concession stand as children and parents settled in for an evening of outdoor entertainment.

The movie night marked the return of one of the Village of Malverne’s most popular summer traditions after last year’s successful showing of Mufasa: The Lion King. Village officials have continued to build on the event as part of the annual Summer Events Series, which offers concerts, live theater and family-friendly activities designed to bring neighbors together throughout the season.

The Summer Events Series continues through the summer with additional performances, including concerts at Gazebo Park and Junie B. Jones: The Musical at Westwood Park, before concluding with a Billy Joel tribute concert by the Cold Spring Harbor Band in September.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

Sue Grieco/Herald photos

Patrice Tortorelli, left, Kathryn Herbst, 7, Simone Carlo, 10, Elizabeth Herbst, 10, and James and Leah Herbst enjoyed a fun night.

Dylan Cook, 5, left, James Baez, 5, Sarah Cook, 7, and Christopher Baez, 3, enjoyed some sweets before the show.

The Tyson Family, Noah, Stephanie, Karter, 6, and Bella, 16, had a fun night at the movies.

Families gathered at Harris Field in Malverne for a special viewing of the movie, “Hoppers.”

Jaime Lee, left, Mya Lee, 8, Kody Sitzman, 8, Allison Sitzman and Danielle Anderson, came to enjoyed a movie under the stars.

MALVERNE/WEST

HEMPSTEAD HERALD — July 30, 2026

News briefs

Water district receives new $146K grant

The Nassau County Legislature approved a $146,000 Community Revitalization Project grant on July 27 to help the West Hempstead Water District purchase a new service vehicle, backhoe and other equipment used to maintain and improve the district’s water system.

The funding was secured by Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, whose district includes West Hempstead. According to the water district, the new equipment will improve its ability to respond to water main breaks, perform routine maintenance more efficiently and strengthen the reliability of the drinking water system, which serves about 32,000 residents.

Assistant Superintendent Frederick Kurz said the investment will enhance the district’s infrastructure while improving emergency preparedness and ensuring the continued delivery of safe drinking water.

Nicks said protecting the public water supply is one of government’s most important responsibilities and

said the funding will provide the district with additional resources to continue its public health mission.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

Woman pleads guilty for drunken crash

A Valley Stream woman has pleaded guilty in connection with a drunken wrong-way crash on Hempstead Avenue last summer that seriously injured a teenage driver and passenger after her vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck their car.

The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office announced that Kelyse Land, 26, pleaded guilty July 20 before Judge Helene Gugerty to aggravated vehicular assault, assault, assault and driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.

According to prosecutors, the crash happened at 11:45 p.m. on July 25 of last year when Land was driving a 2003 Nissan on Hempstead Avenue and crossed over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic.

Prosecutors said Land’s vehicle struck the front of a 2022 BMW that was stopped at a red light, causing the BMW to collide with another vehicle.

The teenage driver of the BMW suffered multiple fractures to the hand and wrist, along with lacerations that required more than three dozen stitches. Prosecutors said the injuries left the victim with permanent limited mobility in the wrist. The teenage passenger was treated for a concussion and a sprained ankle.

“She is lucky that her complete disregard for public safety did not end up costing a life,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a news release. “My prosecutors diligently worked every facet of the case to ensure that this defendant was held fully accountable for her crimes and the pain and suffering she caused.”

According to the district attorney’s office, a blood sample taken about three hours after the crash showed Land’s blood alcohol content was 0.17 percent, more than twice the legal limit. Prosecutors said a reverse extrapolation analysis estimated her blood alcohol content was between 0.185 percent and 0.26 percent at the time of the crash.

Investigators also recovered an empty 50-milliliter bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label from Land’s pocket after the crash, prosecutors said. Land is scheduled to return to court Sept. 28 and is expected to be sentenced to two to six years in prison. Prosecutors had recommended a sentence of four to nine years in prison.

Land is represented by Aaron Wallenstein. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Taglienti of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

–Angelina Zingariello

Making the World a Better Place

The late Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, wrote extensively on making the world a better place. In his book, “To Heal a Fractured World”, he writes, “I have spent much of my life thinking about life, observing people, reading books, searching for teachers and exemplars...I make no claim to wisdom, but this I have learned:”

“That what counts is not how much wealth we make but how much of what we have, we share.”

“That those who spend at least part of their lives in the service of others are the most fulfilled and happiest people I know.”

“That moral health is no less important to the quality of a life than physical health.”

“That the best do good without thought of reward, understanding that to help others is a privilege even more than it is an opportunity.”

“That self-interest is simply uninteresting.”

“That pain and loneliness are forms of energy that can be transformed if we turn them outward, using them to recognize and redeem someone else’s pain or loneliness.”

“That putting others down, we diminish ourselves; lifting others, we lift ourselves.”

“That nothing is gained by less-thanethical conduct. We may gain in the short term but we will lose in the long, and it is the long term that counts.”

“That the ability to give to others is itself a gift.”

“That the privilege of wealth lies not in what it allows us to do for ourselves, but what it enables us to do for others.”

“That the world is a book in which our life is a chapter, and the question is whether others, reading it, will be inspired.”

Woman charged in West Hempstead theft

A Bellmore woman has been charged with stealing cash from a 95-year-old West Hempstead resident while working as the victim’s home health aide, according to Nassau County police.

Police said the incident occurred on July 11 at about 6:39 p.m. Detectives said the 60-year-old home health aide was captured on home surveillance video removing a locked black box containing U.S. currency from the victim’s home.

The victim’s son later reviewed the surveillance footage, discovered the

alleged theft and contacted the Nassau County Police Department.

Following an investigation by the department’s Electronics Squad and Fraud & Forgery Section, detectives arrested Madeline Barranco, 60, of Bellmore.

Barranco, of 130 Linden St., was charged with thirddegree grand larceny. She was arraigned on July 23 at First District Court in Hempstead. Police did not disclose the amount of money allegedly stolen. The investigation is continuing.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

Madeline

Barranco

Courtesy Office of Legislator Olena Nicks Legislator Nicks has secured $146K for the West Hempstead Water District.

Marking another historical year with W.H.

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the West Hempstead Historical and Preservation Society is marking more than four decades of preserving the community’s past while expanding access to local history through exhibits, archives and educational programs.

Founded in 1983, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing materials that document West Hempstead’s history. Today, the society has more than 20 active members and a Facebook community of more than 1,300 former residents and local history enthusiasts who have contributed photographs, documents and memorabilia to its growing collection.

“It was just a very lovely thing, and continues to be in many ways,” co-presidant Lesley McAvoy said.

Much of the society’s recent growth began with a student project by Christopher McAvoy, whose high school community service presentation, “Welcome to West Hempstead,” explored the history of the community after he found little historical information available as an elementary school student. The project was presented to the Historical Society, West Hempstead school officials and Town of Hempstead representatives and later became part of the society’s permanent collection.

Over the past decade, the society has expanded its presence throughout the community. In addition to preserving the original West Hempstead Post Office display and McAvoy’s presentation, it has created several permanent historical exhibits at the West Hempstead Public Library, including a rotating display, a conference room exhibit and a display featuring shelv-

West Hempstead Historical and Preservation Society has more than 20 active members and a Facebook community of more than 1,300 former residents and local history enthusiasts.

ing from the original Woodlawn Street library.

The organization has also partnered with the West Hempstead School District to install historical displays in every district school. Exhibits highlighting the histories of George Washington, Cornwell Avenue and Chestnut Street elementary schools, the district administration building and West Hempstead High School were completed between 2015 and 2023. During that time, the society also helped make the high school’s yearbook collection available through the pub-

lic library.

“We managed to get displays at every single public school in West Hempstead,” she said.

The society has also documented milestone anniversaries for organizations including the West Hempstead and Lakeview fire departments, Riesterer’s Bakery and Chestnut Street School. “It tied the community together a little,” she said. “It’s a changing population here.”

Courtesy Lesley McAvoy

HERALD SPORTS

Crossovers fuel Nassau County football

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Kickoff for the Nassau high school football season is just over a month away.

On Aug. 17, all 51 public high school football programs in the county will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Thursday, Sept. 3 with a Conference IV battle between Island Trees and Oyster Bay. The vast majority of openers will take place the following Thursday.

The biggest news of the offseason came in the spring when East Rockaway and West Hempstead announced it would be joining forces. Longtime Rocks head coach Russ Pajer adds Dom Carre, who served as the head coach at West Hempstead since 2010, as defensive coordinator. Carre played for Pajer at East Rockaway in 1997 and ‘98.

“Our JV teams combined last year and it was a great experience,” said Pajer, who enters his 32nd season as head coach. “West Hempstead’s numbers are down to less than 20, so it was a no-brainer. It was a seamless process with both superintendents on board. It’s a good thing and we expect to have a strong team.”

East Rockaway/West Hempstead is seeded fifth in Conference IV and opens at Valley Stream North.

Three of its home games will be played under the lights at East Rockaway beginning Sept. 18 against defending county champion Seaford. West Hempstead will be the site of the Week 3 crossover against Elmont, and the game will serve as Homecoming. A Homecoming will also take place in East Rockaway Oct. 9. In 2025, the Rocks went 2-6 while the Rams finished 4-4 and qualified for the playoffs.

“We expect to have between 30 and 35 kids on varsity,” Pajer said.

Crossover games add intrigue

Seaford, along with three-time defending Long Island champion Massapequa (Conference I), ninetime defending county champion Garden City (II) and South Side (III) are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences.

Massapequa and Garden City will clash in a muchanticipated crossover game Sept. 26 on the Chiefs’ home field at 1:30 p.m. The Trojans enter the season riding an amazing 66-game winning streak. The showdown, along with all the other crossovers between Conferences I and II, and III and IV, will carry a lesser power-ranking weight than the other seven games, Carey head coach Mike Stanley said.

Some of the other Week 3 matchups feature Carey at Oceanside, Long Beach at Farmingdale, South Side at Seaford, Plainedge at Lynbrook, and Freeport at Roosevelt (Thurs., Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.)

Seven teams switch conferences

Plainedge and Carey lead a group of six teams switching conferences for this season based on enrollment and size breakdown of each conference. Plainedge finished first in the regular season in Conference IV a year ago, going undefeated in the process, and bumps down to III. Carey was in III last fall but jumps up to II, essentially changing places with Glen Cove. East Meadow is no stranger to the top conference and heads there after a brief stay in II. Floral Park, Valley Stream North and Valley Stream South moved to IV from III.

Few coaching changes

Legendary Plainedge head coach Rob Shaver retired

Chaminade’s Luka Tomaszweski was

10 games to watch

Sept. 10 Long Beach at Carey

Sept. 10 Wantagh at Plainedge

Sept. 10 Lynbrook at Seaford

Sept. 19 Mepham at Calhoun

Sept. 26 Carey at Oceanside

Sept. 26 Garden City at Massapequa

Oct. 10 Oceanside at Massapequa

Oct. 17 Plainedge at South Side

Oct. 24 Massapequa at Farmingdale

Oct. 31 South Side at Wantagh

at the end of last season and the Red Devils are now led by former assistant Adam Hovorka. They’ll kick off at home versus defending Conference III champion Wantagh. And for the third time in four seasons, East Meadow has a new head coach with Matt Castaneda taking over. The Jets are seeded seventh in their return to Conference I and open at home against Hicksville. Former Elmont head coach Jay Hegi is the new head coach at Division.

Lucas DiDio and Oceanside take on Carey in what promises to be an exciting crossover game Sept. 26.

Michelle Ebel/Herald photos

on the move during 7 on 7 drills at Oceanside.

Environmental efforts branch

off at the station

project has been supported by Cilicia “Lisa” Jolly and several other volunteers who first raised concerns about the condition of the station to the Lakeview Civic Association. Each spring, they noticed weeds overtaking the landscape while routine maintenance was limited.

“This was an opportunity for me to make a community space as beautiful as I do my own backyard,” Jolly said.

Since then, more dedicated volunteers have worked throughout the growing season to weed garden beds, spread mulch and plant flowers, often donating flora grown in their own gardens.

The volunteers intentionally focused on Long Island native plants, selecting species that are drought-tolerant and well suited to the local environment. Without access to a water source at the station or regular maintenance by the LIRR, hardy native plants create a landscape that is both sustainable and environmentally beneficial.

The station gardens now feature black-eyed Susans, New England asters and more. Many of the plants also provide food and habitat for native pollinators, contributing to a healthier local ecosystem.

The group’s work extends well beyond the train station. Volunteers also maintain the Lakeview Peace Garden, along Woodfield Road, including the areas surrounding the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the fountain, as well as landscaping at Howell Walker Park. As native plants multiply in volunteers’ home gardens, many are transplanted to those public spaces.

The project, Jolly said, is about more than flowers. She hopes it encourages residents to take pride in their community, and demonstrates that local volun-

teers are committed to making Lakeview an attractive place to live. She added that even people who don’t live in the neighborhood but regularly drive through it have noticed the transformation, and thanked volunteers for their efforts.

“There are people here who truly care about what our community looks like,” she said. “I want [visitors] to know that the people who live here not only reside here but care about the community that they live in.”

The beautification work has inspired broader participation. While the civic association organizes community cleanup events each spring and fall, more residents have volunteered between those events to weed, plant and maintain the station gardens. Association leaders say that neighbors stepping forward on their own has become one of the strongest examples of Lakeview’s community spirit.

“This is what community looks like,” President William A. Anders said. “It was just a great example we wanted to show for the rest of the community to see.”

Those who are interested in volunteering, donating plants or landscaping materials or learning more about future beautification projects can contact the civic association at concerns.lakeview@ gmail.com. The organization plans to resume its regular community meetings in September, and welcomes residents interested in future cleanup and beautification efforts.

For the volunteers, the ongoing project reflects a simple belief: When residents invest in the places they share, that pride spreads throughout the community and encourages others to do the same.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 7:00PM

Continued from page 1

Courtesy Cilicia “Lisa” Jolly

Community members have taken pride in cleaning up the Lakeview Long island rail road station and surrounding areas.

Future firefighters learn new valuable skills

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Nearly 50 teenage volunteer firefighters from across Long Island spent part of their summer learning advanced firefighting skills at Camp Fahrenheit 516, a weeklong training program designed to prepare the next generation of volunteer firefighters.

The camp, sponsored by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, was held July 20-24 at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy in Old Bethpage. Forty-eight junior firefighters and explorers, ages 14 to 18, representing 25 fire departments in Nassau and Suffolk counties participated in five days of hands-on instruction.

“The camp is phenomenal,” Chief Paul Wilders said. “They get a little taste of everything that we put our regular firefighters through in firefighter one.”

Participants trained in a variety of firefighting and emergency response techniques, including search-and-rescue operations, forcible entry, emergency evacuation procedures, ground ladder operations, fire extinguisher drills, ropes and rescue skills, mask confidence exercises, two-minute drills and second-story bailouts. The program also included live-fire training involving propane, vehicle and warehouse fire simulations under the supervision of certified instructors.

Courtesy Camp Fahrenheit 516

Dozens of teens came out to Camp Fahrenheit 516 to learn advanced firefighting skills.

The Nassau County Fire Service Academy and FASNY also hosted a media day during the camp, offering a firsthand look at the intensive training junior firefighters receive and highlighting the role they play in preparing for future volunteer service.

“It’s important to volunteer at any level,” Jerry Presta, chairman of the Nassau County Junior Firefighter Association said, “but anybody that wants to

join and become a junior, they should contact their local fire department.”

In addition to responding to structure fires, today’s volunteer firefighters regularly respond to medical emergencies, motor vehicle crashes, flooded basements, downed power lines and other public safety incidents.

“By these youth programs, this gives young potential firefighters the experience and helps them decide if they real-

ly want to become a volunteer firefighter,” Steve Klein, past president of FASNY said.

Teens from throughout the county came out, including Malverne’s Justin Bohringer, 17, who has been in the program for five years.

“It really helps out learning more about what you’re gonna do in your future career,” he said.

Fire service leaders said programs such as Camp Fahrenheit 516 help build the pipeline of future volunteers by giving teenagers interested in the fire service an opportunity to develop skills, gain experience and learn about the responsibilities of serving their communities before they are eligible to become active volunteer firefighters.

“We definitely need more people, and they have the drive to do it,” Emily Brown, president of Nassau County Junior Fire Association said.“As long as they’re having fun, that’s really what matters.”

Camp Fahrenheit 516 was established in 2015 through a partnership among the Nassau County Junior Firefighter Association Board of Directors, the Nassau County Fire Service Academy staff, Fire Service Academy instructors and FASNY. The program was created to provide junior firefighters and explorers with realistic, hands-on training while encouraging the next generation of volunteer firefighters on Long Island.

Empire trail walk honors village, veterans

decided this year was the right time to undertake the challenge while raising awareness and financial support for an organization that has played an important role in both his life and the broader Malverne community.

American Legion Post 44 has remained a cornerstone of community life in Malverne since it was established in the late 1920s.

Pupke, a 35-year village resident, said the building also holds special meaning for his family. His parents met there at a high school dance before graduating from Valley Stream Central High School in 1949.

The fundraising effort took shape during the 2024 presidential election, when Pupke volunteered as a poll worker inside the Legion Hall.

After discussing the building’s needs with fellow Legion member Dan Kerning, the two agreed the hall deserved renewed investment. Pupke joined the Legion as the son of a veteran, while Kerning became a member through his own military service. Together, they began looking for ways to raise money so the building could continue serving veterans and the community for years to come.

To support the effort, Pupke established a fundraiser through GiveSendGo, with all donations deposited directly into the Legion’s bank account.

“This is quite an accomplisment for him to walk,” legion financial officer Donald Brady said. “We appreciate that he’s doing this and hopefully many people on Long Island will follow him and donate for a great cause.”

history enthusiast, has long been fascinated by the journeys Americans routinely made on foot during colonial times and throughout the 19th century, when

traveling hundreds of miles to visit family or conduct business was common. He wanted to experience that same kind of journey while he still had the physical ability to do so.

His route follows much of the Empire State Trail before continuing from Manhattan to Montauk Point, extending the trip beyond the trail’s official endpoint so he can walk from New York’s westernmost point to its easternmost tip. Although the entire trail spans about 560 miles, Pupke said he expects to log between

750 and 775 miles.

“Being a Long Islander, I took offense to the fact that they excluded Long Island,” he said about the creation of the trail.

Since leaving western New York, he has averaged more than 20 miles a day while carrying a 25-pound backpack. Most nights are spent camping along the Erie Canal, where lockmasters have welcomed him onto lock property, with hotel stays every six or seven days to rest and recharge.

On the first day, Pupke expected to walk nine miles, but it stretched to nearly 20 miles after he discovered that posted trail distances were inaccurate, all while temperatures climbed to 102 degrees.

Along the way, strangers have offered him meals, snacks, blankets, campsites and encouragement, while supporters have followed his progress online and contributed to the fundraiser.

“I’m challenging myself and the images of my own thoughts about aging and ageism and how I feel about my own capabilities,” Pupke said. “I’m going into the cave and slaying a lot of dragons by doing this myself, proving to myself that I’m capable of doing things that most people don’t think they’re capable of.”

Malverne Mayor Timothy Sullivan said Pupke’s effort reflects the spirit of the village.

“Don is a shining example of how we are defined in Malverne — neighbors helping and supporting one another,” Sullivan said. “His service to our village never wavers, from being a deputy mayor, to local history buff, to making this incredible journey on behalf of our veterans.”

Throughout the more than a month-long journey, Pupke has shown extreme loyalty and dedication.

“I’m doing it for my friends, and I’m doing it for my village,” he said.

Courtesy Don Pupke

don pupke, of malverne, is walking along the empire State trail during his cross-state journey, raising money for improvements to american Legion post 44.

Celebrating Colombian Independence Day

The West Hempstead Public Library brought the sights and sounds of Colombia to the community on July 21 with a celebration of Colombian Independence Day, marking what organizers hope will become an annual tradition.

The event was organized by bilingual library aid Piedad Ramirez, who wanted to recognize the holiday after noticing that it had not been widely celebrated at public libraries throughout Nassau County. Held the day after Colombia’s Independence Day, the program featured traditional music, folkloric dance performances and a festive atmosphere highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage.

“We are celebrating,” Ramirez said. “and they’re going to talk a little bit about Colombia.”

Performers included Sophia Angulo, Kike Olaya, Julian Gomez, Carlos Rienzo, Valeria Olaya-Florez and Mar Joelle of the Karla Florez School of Dance in Queens. Together, they showcased traditional Colombian music and dances representing different regions of the country, giving attendees an opportunity to experience the diversity of Colombia’s cultural traditions.

The celebration also included a cake decorated in the yellow, blue and red colors of the Colombian flag, adding to the festive spirit. Along with the performances, attendees learned about Colombia’s history and the significance of its independence.

“I’m hoping this is the first step to continue doing it,” she said, “or other libraries would come and take the idea from here.”

Beyond celebrating the holiday, the event also served as an opportunity to

Olaya-Florez showed different traditional dances from throughout various areas of Colombia.

encourage more members of the Hispanic community to visit the library and take advantage of its many resources. The West Hempstead Public Library offers English as a Second Language classes, cultural programs and other services designed to support and engage Spanish-speaking residents.

By combining live entertainment, cultural education and community outreach, the celebration highlighted the library’s commitment to reflecting the diversity of the West Hempstead community while creating opportunities for residents to learn about different cultures.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald photos Dozens came out to celebrate Colombian Independence Day with the West Hempstead Public Library July 21.

Mar Joelle sang for all to hear with Sophia Angulo and Carlos Rienzo playing the music behind her.

Sophia Angulo, center, showed attendees traditional moves during the performance.

Valeria Olaya-Florez performed Colombian favorites with the rest of the Karla Florez School of Dance performers.

Congresswoman Laura Gillen toured the Village of Malverne Police Department on July 24, to discuss various public safety priorities.

Touring the Village of Malverne Police Dept.

Congresswoman Laura Gillen toured the Village of Malverne Police Department on July 24, meeting with Police Chief Thomas Martini, PBA President Sgt. Castellano and Officer McCoy to discuss public safety priorities, tour the department’s new headquarters and participate in a ride-along through the village.

During the visit, department leaders briefed Gillen on the challenges facing local law enforcement, including staffing, resources and public safety needs, while discussing ways Congress and the federal government can provide additional support for municipal police departments.

“Thank you to Police Chief Tom Martini, Officer McCoy and the Malverne PBA for their dedication and service to our community,” Gillen said. “It was valuable to hear directly about the challenges they face and discuss how I can continue advocating for them in Washington. Whether it’s supporting critical COPS Hiring grant funding or helping secure the resources our officers need to keep themselves and our communities safe, I will continue working for our law enforcement and the families they protect.”

and meet with us,” Martini said. “We truly appreciate her willingness to learn more about our operations and the needs of our department. We value her support and commitment to understanding the issues affecting local law enforcement and look forward to working together in the future.”

I will continue working for our law enforcement and the families they protect.

The visit was part of Gillen’s ongoing effort to meet directly with first responders throughout New York’s 4th Congressional District. In recent months, she has also toured the Hempstead, Freeport and Lynbrook police departments, meeting with officers to discuss the challenges facing local law enforcement agencies and ways the federal government can support their work.

Laura GILLen Congresswoman

“On behalf of the members of the Malverne Police Department, I would like to thank Congresswoman Gillen for taking the time to visit our department

Since taking office, Gillen has advocated for additional federal funding for public safety initiatives in Nassau County. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, she introduced the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act and has co-sponsored the Protect and Serve Act, Invest to Protect Act and HERO Act, legislation intended to strengthen officer recruitment, improve mental health resources and provide additional support for law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 7:00PM

Herald file photo

AUGUST 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM

145 S MERRICK AVE, MERRICK

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

Register for this FREE event: Merrick.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273

STEPPING OUT

For Michelle Taplin, seen here at a spring showcase, theater is about more than performance. Through Tap Into Your Passion, she is helping young actors develop the confidence, resilience and skills to succeed both onstage and off.

Opening doors to the stage

By Iris

Michelle Taplin has spent much of her life immersed in the performing arts, but her greatest role may be helping the next generation discover their own voices. What began as a longtime dream has grown into Tap Into Your Passion, a thriving coaching and arts education company that, more than a year after its official launch, is already making a lasting impact on aspiring performers across the region.

As Tap Into Your Passion marks its first year and a half, Taplin celebrates the milestone with a special fundraising gala on Aug. 10 in The Green Room 42 in New York City that reflects the heart of her mission: making quality theater education accessible to everyone.

For Taplin, the journey started long before she opened her Rockville Centre-based business. Growing up in Oceanside, she balanced voice lessons, dance classes, gymnastics, and community theater while nurturing two lifelong ambitions: becoming a theater educator and one day opening her own company. Inspired by Oceanside High School theater teacher Laura Gallo, she pursued degrees in theater and business at Muhlenberg College before earning an MA in theater education from Adelphi University. Along the way, she gained experience as a performer, director, choreographer, stage manager, and arts administrator while also spending six years with the Sunrise Association, where she developed an inclusive teaching philosophy serving children with cancer and their siblings. Those experiences continue to shape every lesson she teaches today.

Taplin continues to wear many hats. She teaches theater at both the middle and high school in Oceanside, and directs productions with the school district and community theaters, including Plaza Theatricals. She also advises student organizations and mentors countless young performers. Tap Into Your Passion has become a natural extension of everything she loves most about teaching.

“Tap Into Your Passion’s mission is to provide theater education without costing an arm and a leg,” Taplin says, explaining that she wanted to remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the performing arts. She offers three primary services: private coaching for performers ages nine and up; a comprehensive college audition program that guides students through every step of the competitive application process; and a monthly master class series featuring accomplished Broadway performers, choreographers, casting directors, and other industry professionals.

The response has been exceptional. Taplin credits much of Tap Into Your Passion’s early success to the generosity of the artists who have shared their time and expertise. Taplin explains that each workshop has

Theater coach celebrates a milestone

reinforced the lessons she teaches her students while helping to build a supportive network where young performers can learn directly from professionals working in the industry.

Rather than molding students into “cookie-cutter performers,” Taplin encourages them to embrace their individuality. She believes there is no single path to success in theater and exposing students to a wide variety of artistic voices helps them discover the techniques and perspectives that resonate most authentically.

That philosophy has attracted students from throughout Long Island and Manhattan. Students from Floral Park, Oceanside, Lynbrook, Sewanhaka, Elmont, Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Garden City, and New York City, among other places, create a diverse community connected by a shared love of theater.

“Michelle always makes sure to put care and respect into all of her students’ work sessions,” says Kevin Kirley, a student from Rockville Centre who now attends New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “She has also been so integral to my journey throughout the college audition process. Her teaching has been extremely influential to me as a working actor, and I will take what I have learned throughout my training into my artistry.”

For Taplin, arts education extends well beyond singing, dancing or acting. She advocates that theater teaches empathy, collaboration, resilience, confidence, communication, and determination — life skills that benefit students regardless of whether they ultimately pursue careers on stage.

“It’s what the process teaches you,” she says, emphasizing that the personal growth students experience is often more valuable than the performances themselves.

Those values will be front and center shortly when Tap Into Your Passion hosts its Broadway Gives Back gala. The evening will feature performances by many of the Broadway artists and teaching professionals who have led Taplin’s master classes, each sharing a song that inspired their own theatrical journey. Beyond celebrating the company’s growth, the fundraiser will support Taplin’s goal of keeping coaching and master classes affordable for aspiring performers while demonstrating to students the passion that fuels successful careers in the arts.

As Tap Into Your Passion enters its second year, Taplin aims to continue expanding its reach while maintaining the close-knit community that has become its hallmark. She envisions welcoming more students, introducing them to even more accomplished professionals, and reminding every young artist that there is room for their unique voice in the theater world. Looking back on Tap’s remarkable beginning and the theater community’s willingness to help, Taplin relates that the experience has reinforced one lesson above all others: “The answer will always be ‘no’ if you don’t ask.”

It is a philosophy that has helped transform a childhood dream into a flourishing business, and one that continues to inspire the students following in her footsteps.

Visit TheGreenRoom42.VenueTix.com for tickets or more information about Where It All Began: Broadway Gives Back.

Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience

Comprising a group of exceptionally talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans, Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” Their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy. Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for their audiences.

Saturday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Vishal & Sheykhar

Brace yourself for a high-octane night with Bollywood’s most electrifying music duo – Vishal and Shekhar! VishalDadlani and Shekhar (formerly Shekhar) Ravjiani return to the states, following a completely sold-out U.S. run in 2025. Experience the energy and excitement of The Superhit Tour as acclaimed music duo Vishal and Sheykhar take the stage. Known for creating some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, the duo brings a powerhouse performance filled with fan-favorite songs, dynamic production and a concert atmosphere that will have the entire audience singing along. Expect a night packed with unforgettable music, stunning visuals, and the signature sound that has made them global sensations. Sunday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter. org or (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

Wiener

Photos courtesy Michelle Taplin

Student Bella Romero performs at the spring showcase at The Green Room 42.

Broadway’s Krystina Alabado, right, leads a master class.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Summer tunes

Risky Business brings their ‘50s-‘60s vibe to Gazebo Park.

• Where: Malverne Station Park/Gazebo Park, Malverne

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 599-1200

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor

Dreamcoat’

The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.

• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

‘Grease’

Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes all to Rydell High. Here’ the senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.

• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 7:30 p.m.; also Aug. 1-2

• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

Franz Ferdinand

• Time: 2-3 p.m., also Aug. 12

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

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Summer rocks on Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with The Outlaws.

The southern rock legends bring more than five decades of guitar-driven classics to fans here. Formed in Tampa in 1972, the band became known for its signature triple-guitar attack, soaring three-part harmonies and enduring hits including “There Goes Another Love Song” and the epic “Green Grass & High Tides.” Led by founding singer, songwriter and guitarist Henry Paul, The Outlaws have continued to tour and record while honoring the band’s legacy with a revitalized lineup. Expect an energetic set blending timeless favorites with newer material, showcasing the musicianship and sound that helped define Southern rock

• Time: 8 p.m.

The Scottish band brings their Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange Tour to the Paramount stage, in support of their latest album, “The Human Fear,” which dropped in January. Since emerging from Glasgow’s art-school scene — where the band famously staged illegal parties in abandoned buildings — Franz Ferdinand has built a reputation for bold sharp hooks, infectious riffs and a fearless approach to reinvention. The band’s sixth studio album explores the emotions that define the human experience, transforming fear from something to avoid into something that awakens us. From the vulnerability of new relationships to the courage required to embrace change, “The Human Fear” channels those moments of uncertainty into songs packed with energy, urgency and unmistakable Franz Ferdinand style. Following the retrospective collection “Hits To The Head,” their latest album marks a new chapter for the group — one that honors its signature sound while pushing forward. Expect a high-energy performance filled with the clever songwriting, driving rhythms and irresistible beats that have made Franz Ferdinand one of the most influential bands of its generation. At this point in their career, Franz Ferdinand definitely know who they are, and are relishing the vigor that comes with accepting that

Summer grooves

Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Grateful Dead tribute band Half Step. The Long Islandbased band are dedicated fans and “students” of the Grateful Dead, capturing the spirit, improvisation, sound and complexity of Grateful Dead music. Half Step has been mastering their craft since 2004 while winning over crowds of veteran Deadheads, newcomers and non-Dead fans alike. Like the Grateful Dead themselves, the band is constantly pushing the envelope, growing together as musicians and performers.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

Lakeview Day Parade

Check out the action during Lakeview Day.

• Where: St. John’s Baptist Church, 632 Chautauqua Ave, West Hempstead.

• Time: 8 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-6215

‘Salute to Veterans’ Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with

the annual Salute to Veterans show. Desert Highway performs an Eagles tribute. American Bombshell also appears.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

Summer tunes

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Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Lovesong, with an ‘80s New Wave tribute. The band offers a unique concert experience with electrifying performances of legendary music by Duran Duran, INXS, The Cure, Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, Erasure, New Order and more.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

Malverne Village Board meets The village board holds their monthly meeting. All are welcome.

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• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

• Where: Village of Malverne, 99 Church St, Malverne

• Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 599-1200

Family movie night

Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See Disney’s “Zootopia 2,’” the animated buddy cop comedy sequel. Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: Movie begins at dusk

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Nature Connects

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Seasonal Sprouts offers is a LEGO-themed adventure for young explorers. Children (ages 4–10) embark on a guided outdoor tour of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects made with LEGO bricks. Everyone discovers the wonders of nature in a fun and hands-on way. After the tour, kids can unleash their creativity in a LEGO free-play area. $22 per adult, $20 ages 62+, $12 child. Registration required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Brunch: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

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Face painting in the park

Enjoy some family fun at Hempstead State Lake Park with works of art in face painting provided by Thoroughly Modern Lilly. Parking fee is $8.

• Where: Hempstead Lake State Park, 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead

• Time: 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: Eventbrite.com and search Hempstead Lake State Park or (516) 766-1029

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.

News brief

West Hempstead food drive set for Aug. 21

PSEG Long Island and Island Harvest Food Bank are asking West Hempstead residents to help stock local food pantries during the summer months by donating food and household essentials at the sixth annual Power to Feed Long Island food drive on Aug. 21.

The collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stop & Shop, 50 Cherry Valley Ave., where residents can either drop off donations or use a drive-through collection option. Community members who make a donation will receive free LED light bulbs and reusable shopping bags while supplies last.

Organizers say the summer is one of the most challenging times of the year for food banks because donations typically decline even as many Long Islanders continue to struggle with food insecurity.

PSEG Long Island President and COO David Lyons, right, greets summer interns volunteering at the company’s Levittown Power to Feed Long Island food collection in 2025.

Island Harvest is requesting donations of nonperishable foods, including canned vegetables, beans, soups, pasta, rice, tuna and peanut butter, along with household essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent and dish soap. Personal care items, baby supplies, pet food and monetary donations are also being accepted. According to Island Harvest, every dollar donated can provide the equivalent of two meals.

Information about PSEG Long

Island’s customer financial assistance programs will also be available during the event.

Residents who cannot attend the West Hempstead collection will have additional opportunities to donate at Stop & Shop locations in Woodbury on Sept. 18 and West Babylon on Sept. 25.

Organizers encourage residents to donate what they can to help ensure food remains available for neighbors.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

Courtesy PSEG

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 602261/2026 COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF GS MORTGAGEBACKED SECURITIES TRUST 2023-RPL2 Plaintiff, vs. ZARINA MOORE, INDIVIDUALLY, AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA MOORE; HUKM MYLES MOORE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA MOORE; JUSTIN MOORE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA MOORE; ABDUL M. ROBINSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA MOORE; TONYA MOORE A/K/A TONYA TURNBULL, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA MOORE; ALEATHEA MOORE, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA MOORE; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA MOORE, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to

plaintiff; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1, “JOHN DOE #2” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eleven names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 504 BARBARA LANE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552

Section: 35, Block: 597, Lot: 27 Defendants.

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $387,985.00 and interest, recorded on April 13, 2010, in Liber M 34754 at Page 260, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 504 BARBARA LANE, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated:__________, _____, 2026 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 161212

LEGAL NOTICE THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT/THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK/ALBANY, NY 12234

Office of P-20

Education Policy Child Nutrition Program Administration 89 Washington Avenue, Room 375 EBA, Albany, NY 12234 (518) 473-8781 Fax (518) 473-0018 www.cn.nysed.gov Public Announcement for School Meals

Special Provision Options (Provision 2 Non-Base Year & Community Eligibility

Provision)

The West Hempstead School District today announced it will continue its policy for serving meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2026-27 school year, which would allow for all children at all West Hempstead schools to be served meals at no charge.

For additional information please contact the following person: Brian Phillips Assistant Superintendent for Business 252 Chestnut Street West Hempstead, NY 11552 (516) 390-3103

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/ sites/default/files/docu ments/USDAOASCR%20PComplaintForm-0508-0002-508-1 1-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address,

News brief

Overnight road work begins in Malverne

Overnight road work on Hempstead Avenue in Malverne began July 12 as crews entered the final phase of construction, the village announced.

Construction is expected to take place from about 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. over the next several weeks. Drivers should expect

diversions and road closures and are advised to allow additional travel time and follow posted signs and directions from traffic control personnel.

As part of the final phase of the project, Hempstead Avenue will be paved from curb to curb, and affected sidewalk flags will be restored.

The Village of Malverne thanked residents and drivers for their patience and cooperation as construction continues.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

The Village of Malverne announced overnight road work along Hempstead Avenue for several weeks.

Public Notices

telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or (2) fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda. gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 161418

Kenneth Brohm District Secretary 161419

LEGAL NOTICE

There will be a change of date for the August 2026 meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West Hempstead Fire District at Fire Headquarters, 295 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead 11552, from Tuesday

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff, vs. EDGARD ARAYA A/K/A EDGAR ARAYA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 185 Fairlawn Avenue, West Hempstead, NY . 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 35, Block 361 and Lots 175, 176, 274. Approximate amount of judgment is $914,305.55 plus

interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614112/2023. Cash will not be accepted. The original sale was scheduled for July 9, 2026 at the same time and location.

Andrew K. Preston, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 161405

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the MALVERNE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the MALVERNE VILLAGE HALL, 99 Church Street, Malverne, New York 11565 and will hear the following cases at 7:00 PM: Rene Hernandez 101 Horton St.; Residential “A” District Building Permit Application #2026-0241

Proposes to construct one story 305 sq. ft. addition.

John Gagliolo 117 Doncaster Rd.; Residential “B” District Building Permit Application #2026-0307

Proposes to construct

47 sq. ft. one story front addition with exterior and interior alterations.

Peter Gutierrez 16 Cathy Ct.; Residential “A” District Building Permit Application #2026-0413 & #2026-0414

Maintain and legalize construction of patio and built in outdoor BBQ and counter structures in rear yard; and 243 sq. ft. storage shed in rear yard. Christopher Calabrese 24 North King St.; Residential “A” District HVAC Permit Application #2026-0175

Maintain and legalize location of exterior HVAC inverter in front yard on Parkview Place.

All interested parties should appear at the above time and place. BY ORDER OF THE MALVERNE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF MALVERNE Jill Valli, Village Clerk Dated: July 16, 2026 161417

AND

ROOSEVELT

CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School was the first charter school to be established in Long Island, New York. We are always looking for NYS Certified energetic Teachers, RTI/ELA Teachers. Response To Intervention/English Language Arts Teachers. Special Education (Special Ed) Teacher, and Substitute Teachers to join our organization.

STARTING SALARIES

• Teacher • RTI/ELA TEACHERS

• Special Ed Bachelor Cert $54,308.70K Master Cert $59,847.63K

• Substitute Teachers - $40K

IF YOU THINK YOU CAN ADD TO THE FOCUS OF RCACS PLEASE SUBMIT

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

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 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 $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

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SCOPE IS HIRING

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Hiring Directors, Assistants, Group Leaders and Substitutes. Up to a $500 Signing Bonuses, Scholarships and Employee Referrals Questions call: 631-360-0800 ext. 149 or send a resume to: cc@scopeonline.us SCOPE Education is an equal opportunity Employer

HomesHERALD

Beautiful Colonial

Do we have to submit complete house plans just for a garage?

Q. We were recently told that our permit plans, to be approved, were going to have to include plans of the entire house, not just the garage area we are bumping out on the side. We were wondering if you have heard of this or whether we are being singled out. Our architect said that it may be because we have to go to the zoning board. Is this the reason, or did we say something wrong and are being punished? We asked, several times, for an update, because things are moving very slowly and we get the impression the building department just wants us to go away. They work for us and I think we deserve better service, frankly.

A. Trust but verify is now a common expression, and with good reason. What I have noticed over the years is that complete information is more often required, showing unrelated areas of the home, because many people have not been truthful about building changes or about how much work they have done, without permits, in other parts of the home. Because of this issue, many plans examiners ask for the big picture, not just the area you are interested in. It is obvious, when looking at file records in building departments and then comparing them to the actual dwelling during a walkthrough.

Your dilemma is due to the lack of trust between the authorities and the public. If the building inspector notices that the plans and the home don’t exactly compare, they can ask for “revised” plans to be submitted. It is frustrating, right at the end of a project, when people are ready to move on with their lives, to find out that the “simple, little changes” and side work they did require revised plans to be submitted to their building department. It is much worse to learn about changes or not following plans many years later.

Contractors and owners may get away with not communicating in the short term, but it does not pay, in the long run, to hide information. When someone realizes they bought a house with inherited, hidden issues which they are now responsible for, they feel taken advantage of. Worse than that are the costly corrections that have to be made because something that has existed for years may not be code-compliant. It happens all too often that unrelated portions of the building become a stumbling block to getting approvals for what you are really looking to do.

You are probably not being singled out, but you have been put in this position by previous workers and owners who did not take the record-updating seriously. People have told me, with a grin, that “By the time anyone notices, we’ll all be long gone.” I just came from a jobsite where work was done 16 years prior, the plans were not followed, and a structural failure is occurring that is going to be expensive to fix. The whole picture, not just part, is, therefore, important. Good luck!

Stuff HERALD

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Garage Sales

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Announcements

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OPINIONS

Protecting our drinking water is a community effort

It’s the hottest time of year on Long Island, and high temperatures mean high water use. From June through September, demand for water surges, driven largely by lawn irrigation and outdoor use. Long Islanders love green lawns, but they come at a cost that many residents don’t fully see: added strain on our water infrastructure and increased stress on Long Island’s sole-source aquifer, the only source of drinking water for nearly 3 million people.

Long Island has no alternative water supply. We rely entirely on a vast but finite underground aquifer system that must meet all residential, commercial and public needs. That makes water conservation not just a seasonal suggestion, but a long-term necessity.

The latest findings from the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection underscore the urgency of the issue. According to LICAP’s 2025 State of the Aquifer report, groundwater levels have shown troubling declines in recent years, particularly following periods of below-average rainfall. As hydro-

logic conditions fluctuate, especially during dry spells, increased pumping to meet peak summer demand puts additional pressure on the aquifer. This is just as much an infrastructure challenge as it is an environmental concern. Every gallon of water that must be pumped, treated and delivered requires energy and infrastructure capacity. During the summer, water providers must operate at peak levels to keep up with demand. That accelerates wear and tear on pumps, wells, treatment systems and water mains, increasing maintenance costs and, ultimately, costs for ratepayers. Simply put, excessive water use today leads to higher costs tomorrow.

Actions taken by residents each day collectively have a profound impact.

ful difference. Following odd/even watering schedules helps distribute demand more evenly. Avoiding irrigation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. reduces waste due to evaporation. Even skipping watering after rainfall can save thousands of gallons per household over the course of a season.

Conservation plays a significant role in mitigating all of these risks. Reducing unnecessary water use — particularly irrigation — can significantly ease the burden on both the aquifer and water providers’ infrastructure. Studies continue to show that lawns only require about one inch of water per week to remain healthy. Yet many residential irrigation systems run far more frequently than necessary, often during the hottest parts of the day, when much of that water is lost to evaporation. Simple changes can make a meaning-

ITechnology also plays an important role. Smart irrigation controllers, which adjust watering schedules based on realtime weather conditions, are among the most effective tools available, ensuring that landscapes receive only the water they need, helping homeowners save money while supporting broader conservation goals. They ultimately pay for themselves, often within only a couple of years. Some Long Island water providers have rebate programs for residents who make the switch to smart controllers, making them even more cost-effective.

As highlighted in the State of the Aquifer report, conservation works hand in hand with other efforts such as water reuse, source water protection and advanced monitoring to ensure the sustainability of our groundwater resources. These strategies are essential to maintaining the reliability of our water supply in the face of growing demand,

ever-evolving drinking water regulations and changing climate conditions. It’s also important to recognize that conservation is about more than quantity. Reducing excessive pumping helps maintain natural groundwater levels, which in turn supports streamflow and protects wetlands. It limits the risk of saltwater intrusion, which poses a significant threat to Long Island’s coastal communities. These environmental benefits are critical to preserving Long Island’s ecosystems and quality of life.

The responsibility of protecting our aquifer belongs to all of us. Water providers are investing heavily in infrastructure and treatment technologies and planning efforts to safeguard this resource. But they can’t do it alone. Actions taken by residents each day collectively have a profound impact.

This summer, we urge all Long Islanders to be mindful of their water use. Small changes, when adopted by millions of people, can yield significant results. By conserving water, we not only protect a vital natural resource, but also strengthen our infrastructure, stabilize costs and ensure that future generations of Long Islanders will have access to clean, reliable drinking water.

On Long Island, water isn’t just a utility. It is our lifeline, and we all need to do our part to protect it.

Brendan Warner is chairman of the Long Island Water Conference.

Why is the U.S. picking a fight with its best friend?

don’t know much about the tariff system, but I know enough about economics and politics to say that President Trump’s new proposed 50 percent tariffs on Canada would be the most foolish things ever done by a president in recent American history. I know these proposals are always subject to negotiation, but why pick on our second-largest trading partner at the worst possible time?

The Canadians have been our best friends for as long as I can remember. They were there for us during World War II, when they lost over 40,000 men in battle. They have contributed soldiers to many of our wars, and have stood up for us at the United Nations and around the world. One of the reasons behind the latest insanity is the president’s statement that he is mad at Canada because of the smoke that has drifted south to the United States.

The best way to describe the latest tariff proposal is that it would be a self-

inflicted wound that would hurt American consumers the most. There is a basic fact that we fail to understand. The average reader may think that new tariffs would punish Canadians, but when new duties are imposed on Canadian autos, wine, hockey sticks, dairy products and cement, American distributors have to pay them, and then they pass the cost on to American consumers. The family in Levittown that buys Bobby a hockey stick pays extra because of the tariff hike.

Tariffs on Canada in retaliation for wildfire smoke that drifted south? Really?

Lots of other bad things happen when new tariffs are imposed. Canada, in retaliation, has imposed its own 25 percent counter-tariffs on U.S. vehicles, steel and aluminum. These tariffs hurt American builders and potential homebuyers who can’t afford higher costs when they’re seeking to purchase their first home. Tariffs on auto parts disrupt production lines and costs manufacturing jobs on both sides of the border.

Tariffs have another impact on countries like Canada. China is eager to establish new relationships with nations that will buy its goods. In 2025,

Canada announced a new comprehensive trade agreement with China that, among other things, will allow the sale of Chinese autos in Canada. Industry specialists say that Chinese cars are high quality and much lower in price, and will be a potential threat to American auto manufacturers.

One of the worst results of our feud with Canada is its impact on American businesses. Tourism in many of our northern border states has been badly damaged by this unnecessary battle. And one of the biggest losers has been Las Vegas. Hotel operators have seen a 70 percent drop in Canadian visitors, which has caused large layoffs of hospitality employees.

When arbitrary tariffs are imposed on a friendly nation, there are other consequences. Other countries watch American actions and conclude that we can’t be trusted if we economically attack a longtime friend. To add to our unreliability, the U.S. has a trade agreement, negotiated by Trump six years ago with Canada and Mexico, which was scheduled to be renewed this month.

The president has stated that he won’t honor the terms of that agreement.

The crowning touch to the U.S.-Canada breach has been Trump’s threats to make Canada our 51st state, and his frequent statements deriding Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump supporters will say this is just the president doing his thing, and that he isn’t really serious, but words have consequences, and many Trump watchers around the world don’t have such an expansive sense of humor.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the president didn’t have the unilateral authority to impose sweeping, open-ended tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and that only Congress has that power. Trump is now using a 1930 law to justify his actions, which will likely be challenged in court.

At a time when the nation is juggling a war with Iran, higher gasoline prices and the continuing issue of affordability, fighting with Canada is just plain dumb.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm.

Incorporating:

There’s always someone downwind

There’s a particular quality to the light when the smoke arrives. It goes flat and white, the sun turns into a coin you can look at directly, and the air smells faintly like someone three houses down is burning leaves. It has happened enough times now that Long Islanders recognize it.

The fires are in Canada. Ontario mostly, sometimes the prairie provinces — a thousand miles and more from here, far enough that the smoke spends days in transit before it reaches us. And it reaches us anyway. It settles over Rockville Centre and Garden City and Long Beach. It gets into the lungs of kids at day camp in Merrick who have never heard the phrase “boreal forest.”

There is something clarifying about that, if you let it be.

We are accustomed to thinking of our lives as local, and with good reason. This newspaper exists because the things that shape a day here — the school calendar, the traffic on Sunrise Highway, whether the field will be playable Saturday morning — are decided close to home by people you might run into at the deli. That proximity is the texture of life in a place like ours. The distance between a thing and its cause is usually short enough to walk.

LETTERS

Town supervisor candidate Scianablo deserves a serious look

To the Editor:

Barely a day goes by that I don’t receive at least one mailing from John Ferretti expounding on all of his successes as Town of Hempstead supervisor. He claims that he is hard at work for the people of the town. He claims to have lowered town taxes, that he is working to ensure that our water is safe to drink, and is working with Nassau County to protect religious institutions. Just because he makes these claims doesn’t mean they aren’t just alternative facts.

The truth is that since he became supervisor — with the questionable means by which he was made the incumbent for his election — town taxes have increased 12 percent, our

Smoke from a forest a thousand miles away is a different phenomenon. It did not come from anything anyone here did or failed to do. And at the end of that very long chain sits your daughter’s soccer practice.

Why more of it, and why now? Because the climate is warming and the northern forest is drying out as a result. Spring snowpack melts earlier than it used to. Summers run longer and hotter, and the peat and duff beneath the trees turn into something that holds fire the way a sponge holds water — slowly, deep down and for a very long time.

Fires that once burned themselves out now smolder underground through the winter and surface again in spring. More fire, more smoke. And the same atmospheric machinery that has always carried Canadian cold fronts down to the Northeast now carries the smoke with them.

The smoke isn’t doing anything unusual. It is riding the same currents that have brought us our weather since before there was a Long Island to bring it to — the northwest flow behind a front, the same air that gives us a crisp October morning and the frigid air of January. We have always been downwind of Canada. We simply had no occa-

sion to notice.

That’s what makes this worth sitting with. Not the fires themselves, but what they reveal about connection. Something we didn’t do, in a place most of us have never been, is now a feature of summer on Long Island.

And what we do continues downwind. The exhaust from the Meadowbrook, the fertilizer that leaves a lawn in Wantagh and ends up in the bay, the plume from a stack in Island Park — none of that stays put, either. Our runoff is someone else’s smoke.

There is a version of this line of thinking that curdles into helplessness, and we would steer away from it. Being connected to a place you cannot influence isn’t the same as being powerless. It is mostly an invitation to pay attention — to the bay, to the air, to the small local things that are, somewhere downwind, someone else’s inherited condition.

The sky has cleared — but it will haze over again. If not this summer, then next. And each time it does, it is worth taking a moment to notice the strangeness: that we are downwind of a forest we will likely never see, and that somewhere, someone we will never meet is downwind of us.

Donnie

My husband, Donnie Kreiss, died on July 12, at home, just days after our 58th anniversary. He was 80, and had been living with pancreatic cancer since it was diagnosed in 2023.

Donnie did not go gently. As Dylan Thomas wrote, he raged against the dying of the light, from the moment he knew he had this relentless cancer until two Sundays ago, when he drew a quiet breath and then no more. Our son and daughter were with him.

My sister, Meryl Greenbaum, was with us. The loving good wishes of everyone he knew were with us.

He had been drifting away for the previous 10 days, suffering the side effects of three years of treatment. Still, in early June he was walking laps in our building, and in April the family had gathered for his birthday dinner. He pushed his athlete’s body beyond anyone’s expectation, and the night he died,

LETTERS

water rates are up 33 percent, and our energy rates continue to climb. Due to the lack of transparency, we have no idea where our hard-earned tax dollars are going or to whom.

I met Ferretti’s opponent, Joe Scianablo, for the first time when he attended a parlor meeting at my home. I was impressed not only with his background, but also his sincerity and his desire to continue serving the public. Scianablo has spent his entire adult life as a public servant. He served multiple deployments in the Marines in East Timor, Eritrea, and Iraq, then was a New York City police officer, focusing on domestic violence cases, in which helped victims find safety and justice. He is a former prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, where he advocated for survivors of domestic violence.

I believed Scianablo when he said his focus would be to ensure that our tax dollars and resources benefit all the people in the Town of Hempstead, not just the favored ones. He isn’t a career politician, but will be a politician who has made a career of service. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to meet him to do so. I think you will come away as impressed as I was.

CHERIE FEINBERG Lawrence

OPINIONS

Kreiss, ‘I carry your heart with me’

we rang the bell for him, because every single day he lived since 2023 was a tribute to his courage.

triumph over adversity.

HDonnie never felt sorry for himself. In his last days on earth he was reaching out to friends who had heartache, relationship woes, business setbacks or medical problems. He preached a gospel of positivity, insisting on finding threads of hope. He left a legacy of goodness and generosity, changing the lives of so many people along the way.

e always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw.

Donnie was a native Lawrencian. He was born in 1946 at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital to Lillian and Jack Kreiss, who lived at 16 Muriel Ave. in Lawrence. When he was 2, he contracted bacterial meningitis, which was usually fatal in those days. He was in isolation at St Joseph’s Hospital, in Far Rockaway, for two months. That was the first of his medical miracle recoveries, which included a fractured skull when he was 10, heart attacks at 40 and 50, bypass surgery, congestive heart failure and cervical spine surgery. He recited his near-misses enthusiastically, as if they were a resume, not of suffering but of

Donnie was a gifted athlete who ran track and played varsity football, basketball and golf. He was a beautiful man, and we fell hard in love as teenagers. We graduated together in 1964 from Lawrence High. When we married and settled in Woodmere, his second home was the Lawrence Golf Club, where his father was president and then, 50 years later, he was president. In recent years his home course was on Longboat Key, Fla., where last year he was named Most Inspirational Golfer of the Year, an award they created for him.

Don started his own business in 1969, selling slippers and bras and panties. He loved selling, and he was the best salesman because he could out-wait, out-talk and outlast any buyer he encountered.

He always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw. He drew on a deep well of generosity and kindness.

Our children, Jason, Rochelle, Jocelyn and Josh, were, as Auden said, his north, south, east and west. His grandchildren, Sabrina, Jacob, Elijah and Emi, brought light and delight into his life. “Did you talk to the kids today?” was his mantra.

Despite his lifelong medical issues, Don was a rough and ready traveler, up for any adventure. We spent five summers exploring Montana when the kids were teenagers, and then for decades we traveled the world, from Komodo Island, in Indonesia, to the Alaska wilderness, from Bali to Singapore to Tasmania and New Zealand. Nothing stopped him.

Obituaries are the last public words written about someone. I never expected to write Donnie’s obituary, which I hope is more like telling the story of his life. Which is also the story of my life. As Cummings wrote, I carry his heart in my heart.

He trusted me to shepherd him through these last years, to get to the right doctors, to hold hands as we heard the diagnoses that limited his days. He wanted time, he said over and over again. I did my best, but time was not in my hands. I believe he would have wanted me to write this, the last words about him, from a place of love and longing, happy remembrance, and sadness that he did not have more days to grace our lives.

Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

My Morning Jacket performed at the Great South Bay Music Festival, in Patchogue’s Shorefront Park, last Sunday.

8.04.2026 • 8:30AM - 3:30PM

EMCEE

KRISTIN THORNE Emmy-Award Winning Investigative Reporter

SUZETTE GORDON President & CEO SCO Family of Services

THERESA PORCARO Vice President, Growth & Marketing Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine

LINDA MASHKABOVA, FNP Owner The Beauty Cellar NY

NATASHA ZAYTSEVA Founder & Executive Consultant CEO Lab

BEACH BAG

SPONSOR

MAE CAIME Co-Founder Diamonds & Pearls Alliance

HELEN HSIEH, MD, FACOG Founder & Medical Director, Vibrance 360

JESSICA RONDASH, MBA Director, Business Operations & Performance Holt Construction

PALMINA WHELAN Capital Program Director The New Terminal One

ELLY ROZENGURTEL, DPT Founder & CEO Ideal Body Med Spa

CATHERINE CANADEO CEO Health and Wellness Corp

TAMMY J. COHEN Founder & Messaging Strategist TC Brand Consulting

SUSAN GATTI Founder Disruptive Spark Group

CARLA ILIESCU Founder potential.

CHRISTINA M. ROSAS Member Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC

MEREDITH VANDEGRIFT, MD, FACS Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Vandegrift Plastic Surgery

SHARON WYMAN, CDME President & CEO Discover Long Island

MICHELLE MOREIRA-JODICE Vice President Market Manager, Valley Bank

CARRIE SKOWRONSKI Founder & CEO Leadology

KERRI WINANS KALEY CSA The Bristal Assisted Living

ELISA DE JESUS Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor Bank of America

LILLIAN PALEY Vice President, Business Development Silver Lining Homecare

CARINA TOM President NU World Connect Title, LLC

KRISTYN HODGDON

Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer Rescripted