HERALD Massapequa
Courtesy Town of Oyster Bay Massapequa Lake, one of the two of the pieces donated by Lisa Glass Fiebert to the Town.
Massapequa photographer donates artwork to Oyster Bay Town
By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Award-winning Massapequa photographer Lisa Glass Fiebert has donated two of her professional photographic works showcasing scenes from Massapequa and Massapequa Park to the Town of Oyster Bay, officials announced.
According to Town Commissioner of Community and Youth Services Maureen Fitzgerald, most of the donated pieces will be displayed at Marjorie Post Park, where they will be available for public viewing. Additional works will be installed in Community and Youth Services offices and various town community centers.
The Town Board formally accepted the donation during its May 5 meeting.
Town Councilwoman Laura Maier expressed appreciation for the contribution, noting the impact of Fiebert’s work on the local community.
“These pieces will be hung where they can be appreciated by our Town of Oyster Bay residents,” Fitzgerald said.
“Lisa’s artwork has brought joy to so many residents, and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase her photography at our local community center and facilities,” Maier said.
A lifelong Massapequa Park resident and 1979 graduate of Berner High School, Fiebert is co-author of Massapequa: A Pictorial History Through the Eyes of Baby Boomers. Her photography has been featured in exhibitions across Long Island, with a focus on landscapes and wildlife captured
MSD appoints fine arts director
By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
The Massapequa Board of Education approved the appointment of Katie LoRusso as the district’s new director of fine and performing arts at its May 7 meeting. She will succeed Vincent Green, who is retiring June 30 after serving in the position since 2019.
LoRusso earned her undergraduate degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, a master’s degree from Queens College and an educational administration degree from SUNY Stony Brook.
She began her career as a music teacher at Plainedge Middle School and has spent the past 20 years at H. Frank Carey High School in the Sewanhaka Central High School District, where she currently serves as director of music.
“I’ve always wanted to be at the district level, and I’m looking forward to mentoring other educators in Massapequa,” LoRusso said.
A Massapequa Park resident, LoRusso lives with her husband, Peter, and their three children — Jack and James, who attend Berner Middle School, and 4-year-old Brooke.
The board also approved the appointment of Dani Shehad as the new supervisor of career and technical education for Mass-
apequa High School and Ames and Berner middle schools. Shehad currently serves as a family and consumer sciences teacher at Unqua Elementary School.
In other business, the board:
• Heard a presentation from Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brian Trapani on the district’s secondary curriculum.
• Discussed an amendment to District Policy 5151 regarding homeless children. The proposed change would excuse students experiencing homelessness from attendance-based participation requirements for district activi-
Courtesy Massapequa school district
Katie LoRusso, Massapequa School District’s newly appointed Director of Fine and Performing Arts.
PROUD
•Facility/In
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AMHS celebrates College Decision Day
2026 TOP 3 FINALIST
On May 1, Amityville Memorial High School hosted its annual College Decision Day in the school’s cafeteria, bringing together students and staff to celebrate the Class of 2026 and their future plans.
Students proudly wore apparel representing their chosen colleges and universities, showcasing their next steps after graduation. Educators joined in the celebration by wearing the colors of their own alma maters, adding to the event’s
sense of school pride and community. The event was livestreamed by the Amityville Broadcasting Network, allowing the wider school community to take part as students announced their selected schools and intended majors. Following the announcements, each student signed a commemorative billboard reading “Congrats Amityville Memorial High School Class of 2026,” marking the milestone and celebrating their achievements.
Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas in cooperation with the Town of Oyster Bay Robin Hepworth, Chamber President
Annual Street Fair
Sunday, June 7, 2026 • 11am - 6pm
(Raindate: Sunday, June 14, 2026)
Starting at Lower Broadway in Massapequa (Between Veterans Blvd & Clark Ave.)
SHOWMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT
11am-12:30pm Line Up DJ Lynn Johnson
12:30pm-1:15pm Opening Ceremonies • Padre Pio Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus
1:30pm-2:15pm The “CQ Experiment” Featuring Chantal 2:30pm-3:30pm The Acchords-The Top Doo-Wop Group in NY
4pm-5:30pm L.I. Rewind Band Music of the 70’s and 80’s
Courtesy Amityville school district
On May 1, Amityville Memorial High School hosted its annual College Decision Day. Shown left to right are students Darell Sanchez, Daniel Salazar, Kassandra Ruiz, Brandon Reid, Anne Saint Louis, Tristan Sanchez, and David Rodriguez Zepeda.
Joe Louis finds his groove Soul singer brings blues roots to Long Island stages
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherld.com
With a little bit of blues and a lot of soul, Joe Louis, of Farmingdale, has taken the stage at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame with his band, Joe Louis and the Groove, to deliver powerful performances for audiences.
Louis, 26, a soul singersongwriter and guitarist, performed originals and covers on May 3 to a full room of supporters, giving him the opportunity to play at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
“We couldn’t be more excited,” Louis said. “We just really want to do a good job—we have a lot of artists to live up to around here.”
Louis is a 2017 graduate of Farmingdale High School. He said he started with music at a young age, listening to blues and soul legends, including B.B. King, Wilson Pickett and Little Buster and the Soul Brothers.
“I try to make the songs not too one-sided so people can relate to them and take it in their own way,” he said.
Barry Fisch, manager and Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame board member, said he saw Louis at a show near the museum. He approached Louis afterward about performing at LIMEHOF, adding that members of the audience at the event also encouraged him to invite the band to play there.”
Louis delivered a soulful perfor-
the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on May 3
He released his first studio album, “First Time I Saw You,” in 2024, and the year prior won the Long Island Blues Challenge. His second album is in the works and is set to be released later this year.
“We’re getting it together but we probably have enough to put a new album out now,” he said. “We’ve been working with a lot of great people.”
Louis writes his own songs, and said many come from life experiences.
“I am very happy to have him perform here,” Fisch said. “He’s really good.”
Attendee Lorraine Jewell, the fiancé of drummer Chris Candida, said that she appreciates all the different displays that LIMEHOF has, and the bands that they feature.
“It’s wonderful to be here and so exciting,” she said.
Simona Hurewitz and Jim Nanos are both members of the museum and were at the show. They both expressed gratitude to LIMEHOF noting that Long Islanders have a place to go where they can see all different displays and musical performances.
“We come every Sunday and we enjoy the selections,” said Hurewitz, with Nanos echoing the appreciation stating that there is a lot of “great talent” on Long Island.
For upcoming tour dates and information about Joe Louis and The Groove, visit joelouisandthegroove.com.
For more information on LIMEHOF, go to limusichalloffame.org/
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos
A full audience came out to see Joe Louis and The Groove perform at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on May 3.
Joe Louis, singer/songwriter and guitarist with his bandmates Brian Carroll, bass guitarist, and Chris Candida, drums.
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CRIME WATCH
The following incidents were reported by the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency service units:
LARCENIES
South Farmingdale: Someone entered a vehicle parked on Oakwood Avenue on April 29, rummaged through it and removed assorted personal items. The incident was reported to police at 11 p.m.
•An unidentified woman was seen removing items from Walgreens, at 918 Main St., on May 5 and leaving the store without paying, police said. The incident occurred at 1 p.m.
at a home on Nelson Street on May 8. The damage was reported shortly after 8 p.m.
ARRESTS
Driving while intoxicated/impaired Richard Coralin, 35, of North Babylon; Jason Popp, 50, of Massapequa. Petit Larceny
•Vincent DeVito, 31, of North Massapequa, was arrested and charged with larceny at Target in Levittown on April 30.
•Maria M. Campbell, 56, of North Massapequa, was arrested and charged with shoplifting at Target, at 3850 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, on May 4.
Massapequa: Representatives of Winnie’s Takeout, at 5090 Sunrise Highway, reported that an unidentified person removed tools from the location. The incident was reported May 7 at noon.
•Maxine Baker, 64, of Massapequa, was arrested and charged with shoplifting at Target, at 3850 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, on May 8. The arrest was made at 6:15 p.m.
Farmingdale: Someone stole an Amazon package from Fairfield Courtyard, at 150 Secatogue Ave., on May 13. The incident was reported at 8 a.m.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Farmingdale: Someone damaged a fence
Driving While Intoxicated Michael Roth, 50, of North Massapequa, was arrested and charged with larceny in connection with an incident at Target, at 999 Corporate Drive in Westbury, on May 2.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Self Help/Crisis Hotlines
Residential Program: Beacon House
Short-term, long-term and transitional housing is provided throughout Long Island in 58 group homes, emergency shelters, and select single-family residences. Those eligible include homeless veterans, veterans with families, veterans and nonveterans with substance abuse and mental health issues, women in need of supportive housing, and those living with HIV/AIDS. Every veteran resident has access to intensive case management, transportation and daily living essentials. For assistance, call 631 665-1571.
Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
•Maryhaven Center of Hope-New Hope 24hr. substance abuse crisis center: 516-5467070; maryhaven.chsli.org/new-hope
•N.C. Drug & Alcohol Hotline: 516-227-8255
•LI Crisis Center: 516-679-1111
•24/7 Behavioral health helpline: 516-227-
8255, namiqn.org/crisis-info
•AA Meetings Nassau County: For More Information on meetings and times call 866-504-6974 or go to findrecovery.com/aa_ meetings/ny/nassau-county/ Domestic Violence
N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence Crisis services for victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault; group/individual counseling for adults and children; bilingual court advocacy; legal consultation and representation; safe emergency housing; elder abuse services; referrals and systems advocacy; community education. Eligibility criteria: Nassau County residents or non-residents seeking safe housing in Nassau. Will serve undocumented immigrants. Payments accepted free or on sliding scale. Address is 250 Fulton Avenue, Mezzanine West, Hempstead. Call 516-572-0700; 24-hour hotline is 516 542-0404.
Local photographer donates artwork
CONTINUED FROM COVER throughout her career.
Fiebert’s donation includes images of familiar local landmarks such as the Lake at Brady Park during snowfall, the Filmore Street footbridge leading into the Massapequa Preserve, Mary’s Island in Massapequa Lake, and the Massapequa Train Station.
“I look forward to my fellow Mass-
apequans enjoying my views of our beautiful community,” Fiebert said.
In other business, the board set a hearing for June 16 to change the town’s Next Generation Housing regulations to come into compliance with the settlement with the federal government, which had sued the town saying its code, which provided priority to town residents, was illegal.
Katie LoRusso named new fine arts director in Massapequa schools
ties if absences were related to their housing situation.
• Approved a proposal by Eagle Scout Dominic Lovaglio to construct a Gaga pit at the Unqua Elementary School playground.
• Accepted a $1,000 donation from New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal to provide food and support for volunteers at the district’s May 2 Special Olympics event.
• Accepted the donation of a retractable batting cage valued at $19,089 from the Massapequa Coast Little League for installation in the Unqua Elementary School gymnasium.
• Accepted two $350 donations from the Massapequa High School Class of 1975 to establish two one-time scholarships for graduating seniors.
Paws for A Cause, June 4
The Massapequa High School Dog Rescue Club, in partnership with the Key Club, Club America and SADD, is hosting Paws for a Cause, a fundraiser dinner to benefit Paws of War on June 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Massapequa High School, Cafeteria 141.
There will be a buffet-style dinner do-
nated from local restaurants and raffle baskets from local vendors. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for anyone under 18.
Massapequa High School is located at 4925 Merrick Road, Massapequa. To register or donate please visit shorturl.at/MwtUA.
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Street Fair, June 7
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual street fair with Grand Marshal Karen Gawrych on June 7, with a rain date of June 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Lower Broadway in Massapequa between Vet-
erans Blvd. and Clark Ave.
Enjoy a variety of food, music, prizes, vendors and family activities. For more information, please visitmassapequachamber.org or call (516) 541-1443.
Massapequa Train Station, one of the two of the pieces donated by Artist Lisa Glass Fiebert to the Town.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
•Massapequa Chamber of Commerce General Networking Luncheon: Noon, Bacaro Italian Tavern, 1020 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. To register, visit shorturl.at/C10DL. For more information, please call (516) 541-1443.
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail. com.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)789-2569.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville,
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.
SUNDAY, MAY 31
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.
MONDAY, JUNE 1
•Nassau County Legislature Full Legislature Meeting: 1p.m., Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola. For more information, call 516-571-6200.
•Massapequa Fire District Monthly Work Session: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 7989849.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
•Emotional Health Recovery and
Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 3320552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
•Farmingdale School District Board of Education Meeting: 8 p.m., Howitt Middle School, 70 Van Cott Ave., Farmingdale. For more infor -
mation, call (516) 434-5189.
• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 3320552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.
Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@ liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.
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.
AGENDA:
x273
Israeli Elite hockey comes to UBS arena
With late third-period rally, Jerusalem Capitals capture Challenge Cup, defeating HC Tel Aviv 6-5
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
No matter who scored, fans throughout UBS Arena jumped to their feet, waving Israeli flags, proudly cheering on competitors from the Israeli Elite Hockey League last week during the Challenge Cup championship between the Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv. In a thrilling game, the Capitals mounted a late comeback to win 6-5.
The Challenge Cup, originally scheduled for February but postponed because of a blizzard, finally brought the two teams together on the ice in Elmont for a hard-fought game.
The atmosphere inside the arena on May 17 felt like more than just a hockey game. Families packed the stands dressed in blue and red, and there was loud chanting and spirited flag-waving throughout the crowd, creating a strong sense of pride and unity among fans celebrating both the sport and Israeli culture.
“It’s nice when you get to see support a lot for Jews and the country,” said spectator Hillel Kober, who was rooting for HC Tel Aviv.
Brooklyn resident David Silverberman said the game provided a comforting atmosphere amid a culture of rising antisemitism. “It’s a good game,” he said.” It’s very competitive scoring, but not too much. The fans are into it. It’s an exciting day, and you know, if you’re Jewish, there’s so much antisemitism going on right now, it feels very comfortable to be here. It’s nice to see the families too.”
The IEHL, founded in 2020 and approaching its sixth season this summer, was founded by Marc Brunengraber, a former goaltender for the Israeli national team. Brunengraber said the league was created not only to develop hockey talent in Israel, but also to highlight another side of the country.
“The goal is to raise Israel from the world championship Division II level to Division I,” Brunengraber said. He added that the league aims to positively represent Israel beyond the conflict-focused narratives that often dominate coverage of the country, emphasizing that its citizens continue to live everyday lives as ordinary people.
The championship game was intense from start to finish, marked by heavy physical play, shifting momentum and a UBS Arena crowd that fed off every moment of drama. Tel Aviv controlled play for much of the first two periods, keeping Jerusalem players on their heels and forcing them to fight just to stay within reach heading into the third.
Capitals player Nathanel Peretz described the surreal feeling of stepping onto the ice at UBS Arena.
“There’s kids growing up dreaming of this moment, and you’re seeing Jerusalem against Tel Aviv, and a bunch of Jewish people just playing the sport they love,” he said.
Peretz admitted that the locker room atmosphere was tense after the second period with Jerusalem trailing by two goals. “It’s the second year that we [were down by] two goals going into the third,” he said. “We trusted our coaches, we trusted our captain, we trusted our players, and we got out there in the third.”
Late in the third period, the Capitals suddenly took over. Two goals came just seconds apart, and suddenly Tel Aviv was scrambling to keep up. The energy in the arena flipped instantly as fans rose to their feet, and the game intensified dramatically in the final minutes.
Capitals head coach Craig Brunengraber said the team had to manage intense emotions to complete the comeback. “You have a lot of strong personalities,” he said. “At the end of the day, we won the game, and that’s the hardest part about being a coach.”
He also praised Peretz’s performance, saying, “Peretz is all heart and soul. He shows the world he can do this on a world stage.”
Despite the loss, Tel Aviv captain Mike Gennello reflected on the broader meaning of the game. “Guys can get on the ice and it can be an absolute war out there, and then we get off and it’s all smiles,” he said.
As Jerusalem celebrated its comeback victory on the ice, fans throughout the arena remained standing, waving Israeli flags, giving the scene a powerful sense of pride in their country — and the game of hockey.
HC Tel Aviv’s Johnny Lazarus controlled the puck, with Jerusalem’s Zach Sprung on his heels.
Erik Lee/Herald photos The Jerusalem Capitals and goaltender Yonatan Reisinger pulled out a win over HC Tel Aviv on May 17 at UBS Arena.
HC Tel Aviv’s Zach Freeman, right, collided with Jerusalem’s Jeremy Sprung.
A Celenza Prime team member presents teacher Megan McDonald with a “Most Frequent Customer” award, highlighting the relationships students build while serving their school community.
Powered by students and delivered with heart
At Albany Avenue Elementary School in Farmingdale, a student from Jessica Celenza’s class walks into the supply closet holding a colorful checklist, scanning shelves with focus and purpose. It marks the start of a “Celenza Prime” delivery run—part of a student-operated service turning everyday school tasks into structured, real-world learning.
The program, known as “Celenza Prime,” gives students responsibility for managing schoolwide deliveries of paper and instructional materials. While the work supports classroom operations, educators say the deeper goal is skillbuilding.
Students follow assigned schedules, complete deliveries across the building and practice problem-solving and communication along the way, gaining exposure to workplace expectations in a supportive environment.
A second student-led initiative, “The Daler Perk,” operates twice a month as a coffee cart service. Founded by teachers Gianna Ventiere and Olivia Lechner, the program places students in the role of baristas serving school staff.
Students take orders, prepare beverages and manage supplies while greeting customers and practicing professional interaction.
“The Daler Perk and Celenza Prime are creating opportunities for life, where students build the confidence and professional skills needed for the future while becoming the heart and soul of our school community,” said Albany Avenue Principal Joseph Valentine. “These experiences demonstrate that Albany Avenue is a truly inclusive and nurturing
environment where every student is empowered to grow at their own pace and discover their unique potential through meaningful, real-world experiences.”
Since the start of the 2025–2026 school year, the Celenza Prime team has completed nearly 100 deliveries, according to school officials.
Due to growing participation and demand, the district plans to expand The
Daler Perk team members smile while preparing an order, learning that great service begins with teamwork and a positive attitude.
Daler Perk to operate every Friday. Supported in part by community donations, administrators say both programs are expected to continue growing as handson learning becomes a larger part of school life.
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS
Sunday, June 7th
FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS AND BLESSID UNION OF SOULS
Thursday, June 11th - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
featuring Amber Ferrari and Debra Toscano
Thursday, June 18th
Juneteenth Celebration – Earth Wind & Fire Tribute by D’votion, Gospel Choir and DRIFT featuring members of TAUK and MJT
Friday, June 19th - 3:00pm
FIFA World Cup Watch Party USA vs. Australia
Monday, June 22nd - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno
Friday, June 26th
The Allmost Brothers BandAllman Brothers Tribute, Sons of Skynyrd –Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
Saturday, June 27th
FREESTYLE MEETS SALSA –featuring BRENDA K. STARR, TITO PUENTE JR., TKA/K7, JOEY CRUZ, LA SONORA 495 AND FOREVER FREESTYLE BAND
Sunday, June 28th
REGGAE NIGHT WITH INNER CIRCLE, WAYNE WONDER AND IRIEspect
Thursday, July 2nd – 5:30pm
TD PRESENTS CELEBRATE AMERICA FIREWORKS & DRONE SHOW with Live Music By: Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock
Friday, July 3rd
Fireworks Rain Date
Thursday, July 9th
Oldies Night with E’stefano DiSanto, Johnny Farina, Bobby Wilson, Vito Picone & The Elegants and The Brooklyn Bridge
Saturday, July 11th
Disco Unlimited
Thursday, July 16th
Harry Chapin Day – Corey Rieman and The Dilemma Band with Scarborough Fair - Simon & Garfunkel Tribute
Saturday, July 18th
Simply Stapleton –Chris Stapleton Tribute
Sunday, July 19th - 6:00pm
Last Exit – Pearl Jam Tribute Foo For All – Foo Fighters Tribute
Thursday, July 23rd
LANIE GARDNER & BROOKE MORIBER
Friday, July 24th
ZBTB – Zac Brown Band Tribute and Guys with Guitars
Saturday, July 25th - 6:30pm
JEFFERSON STARSHIP, ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION, FIREFALL AND PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE
Sunday, July 26th - 4:00pm
Family Day On The Lake, featuring Beauty and The Beat, Princesses and wide-ranging entertainment for children and families
Thursday, July 30th
3 Decades Rewind
Rock Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s
Friday, July 31st
Half Step – Grateful Dead Tribute
Saturday, August 1st
SALUTE TO VETERANS with Desert Highway – Eagles Tribute and American Bombshell
Sunday, August 2nd
Lovesong – 80s New Wave Tribute
Thursday, August 6th
THE OUTLAWS
Friday, August 7th
COLE SWINDELL
Saturday, August 8th
Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway
Monday, August 10th - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
Gerry Ferretti and the Mutant Kings and Jenna Esposito
Thursday, August 13th
Neil Diamond Tribute
Friday, August 14th
Swingtime Big Band
Saturday, August 15th
MIDTOWN MEN
ORIGINAL CAST OF JERSEY BOYS
Thursday, August 20th
Let’s Sing Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute
Friday, August 21st
LOUD LUXURY with OPENING BY DJS CAFFEINE ACADEMY, DJ DENNIS THE MENACE AND JUST JOE
Sunday, August 23rd
WORLD RENOWNED PUERTO RICAN SALSA ORCHESTRA
Thursday, August 27th
Long Island’s American Idols featuring Constantine Maroulis, Kevin Covais and Robbie Rosen with Special Guests
Friday, August 28th
Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute
Monday, August 31st FLO RIDA
Tuesday, September 1st ZZ TOP
Thursday, September 3rd
THE LORDS OF 52ND STREET
Friday, September 4th LOS LOBOS
Saturday, September 5th
Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute, Who’s Next – The Who Tribute
Courtesy Farmindgale school district
HERALD NEIGHBORS
A world of culture all in one place
Massapequa students explore traditions, food and language at district event
“Discover languages, discover the world” was the theme of the 21st annual World Language Festival, hosted by the Massapequa school district in March at Massapequa High School. Hundreds of elementary school students attended the event and participated in cultural activities organized by students from the high school’s world language clubs and honor societies.
The festival highlighted French, German, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish language and culture. Children learned basic phrases while participating in interactive activities and collecting passport stamps at each location.
Students learned fun facts about French-speaking countries and regions while making crafts to take home. The Germanthemed activities included traditional dance, handbell songs and cookie decorating. In the Mandarin Chinese room, guests spun yo-yos, competed in chopsticks challenges and learned how to write Chinese characters. A Chinese lion dance also moved through the hallways.
Several rooms focused on
Spanish language and culture.
Students made Guatemalan worry dolls, decorated images of animals found in Costa Rica, created tissue-paper flowers inspired by the movie “Encanto” and explored the Amazon jungle.
The gym lobby became a facepainting station led by members of the National Junior Honor Society, while the cafeterias became an international food court featuring dishes representing the four languages.
“This year’s 21st annual World Language Festival was the quintessence of community connection,” Katherine Kirschner, curriculum associate for world language and ENL, said. “The creativity and dedication of our students and teachers turned the halls of Massapequa High School into a vibrant tapestry of global voices and cultural traditions. It’s one thing to study language and culture, but it’s another thing entirely to experience it. Events like this one are essential in promoting the development of empathy and global-mindedness needed by 21st-century learners and leaders.”
Fourth graders Antonio Mezzaucella, left, and Mason Ehrlich were joined by high school French students Mia Castrogiovanni and Kylie Hartmann, right.
Courtesy of the Massapequa school district
Massapequa High School students served a variety of cultural dishes in the international food court at the 21st annual World Language Festival
A Chinese lion dance through the hallways was one of the highlights of the event.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT: TICKS
How to avoid bites and stay healthy this spring
By WILL SHEELINE
wsheeline@liherald.com
As temperatures rise across the United States, outdoor activity increases on trails, in parks and in backyards. That seasonal shift also brings heightened exposure to ticks, small parasites capable of transmitting serious illnesses. Information from the National Forest Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains what people should understand about ticks before heading outside.
• Tick bites can carry real health risks, despite their small size
While not every tick carries disease, some species can transmit illnesses that lead to significant health complications.
Among the most widely known are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, both of which can cause symptoms ranging from fever and fatigue to more severe complications if untreated.
Tick species vary by region, and each type may carry different pathogens. That makes regional awareness important.
Understanding which ticks are common in a given area helps determine which symptoms to monitor after a bite.
Early warning signs can include a distinctive bull’s-eye rash, small red spots on extremities, or flu-like symptoms in the weeks following exposure.
• Ticks are active in more places and times than many expect
Lawns, gardens and neighborhood trails can all harbor ticks, especially in shaded areas with tall grass, brush or leaf litter.
Ticks typically attach to people or pets when they brush against vegetation. Once on the body, they tend to move in search of concealed areas such as the scalp, underarms, waistline or behind the knees.
Seasonally, ticks are most active during spring, summer and early fall, though they can remain active any time temperatures stay above freezing.
Preventive measures can significantly lower the chance of a bite. Wearing light colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot, while long sleeves and tucked clothing create barriers that slow their movement. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535 are recommended for exposed skin, and permethrin treatments can be applied to clothing.
• Prompt removal and follow up are critical to safety
If a tick is found attached to the skin, try to remove it as soon as possible. Use clean, fine tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady pressure. Twisting or jerking can cause parts of the tick to remain embedded. After removal, the bite area and hands should be cleaned with soap and water or alcohol. The tick itself should be sealed, flushed or put in alcohol. Once indoors, individuals should shower, change clothes and wash garments in hot water. Gear and pets should also be checked carefully.
Medical attention is not usually necessary after a bite, but monitoring for symptoms is important. Anyone who develops a rash, fever or flu-like illness within several weeks should contact a healthcare provider and report when and where the exposure occurred.
STEPPING OUT
Nature, brick by brick
Wild wonders in LEGO form at Old Westbury Gardens
By Christie Leigh Babirad
Art, nature and imagination come together this summer at Old Westbury Gardens with the arrival of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks, an outdoor exhibition that transforms familiar scenes from the natural world into larger-than-life works of art.
Now on display through Sept. 7, the exhibit features 17 larger-than-life intricate sculptures crafted entirely from LEGO bricks, many inspired by the landscapes, wildlife and beauty found throughout the historic gardens. Blending creativity with environmental themes, the installation invites visitors of all ages to experience the grounds in a fresh and unexpected way.
For Maura Brush, president and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, bringing the exhibition here has been especially rewarding after years of planning and anticipation.
“We’re really excited to be hosting this exhibit,” Brush says, explaining that whenever she and her team choose a temporary exhibit, they strive for the display to blend with the grounds — and this does exactly that.
“When you see the exhibit and you see the sculptures it really fits so beautifully within the landscape,” she continues. “Old Westbury Gardens is home to foxes, butterflies and hummingbirds, and to see these exaggerated, large-scale sculptures in the landscape, it feels like it fits pretty beautifully.”
All of the displays are tucked into natural places throughout the garden areas where visitors might see these creatures and flora naturally. Each includes is a sign that indicates how many bricks were used, how many hours it took the artist to make each one and facts about the creature or flora.
Angela and Martin Pavlovic attended the preview opening with their 5-year-old son Niko who was excited to see the hummingbird and gave rave reviews for the wheel barrel made completely out of LEGOs.
“I like the wheel barrel,” Niko enthused. “It’s a 10 out of 10.”
Anne Caminiti, who attended with her daughters Nina and Mia, noted their eagerness to see the exhibit as her eldest daughter loves LEGOs.
South Shore Symphony
“I’m excited to see this display in one of our favorite places and see how many LEGOs it took to make each one,” Caminiti says, adding that she appreciates how many great family programs are offered at Old Westbury Gardens.
Ashley Friel, spokesperson for Imagine, which manages the exhibit, explains that Sean Kenney, who has been involved with Imagine for over 10 years now, is an artist who likes to invoke a sense of whimsy and fun for the whole family.
• Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects open daily, except for Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., through Sept. 7
• 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• For more information and program/events schedule visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
“Nature Connects is a super inspiring show and really about how the beauty of nature is interconnected in the same way that LEGO bricks are,” Friel says.
She added that she is eager to hear visitors’ reactions to the sculptures and hopes the exhibit encourages guests to see the natural world through a new and more imaginative lens.
The fun does not stop with the sculptures. Throughout the Nature Connects’ duration, Old Westbury Gardens will host a series of LEGOthemed events and programs designed to inspire creativity and bring together visitors of all ages.
Laura Erwin, education manager, explained that the exhibit will be complemented by a variety of special events, including Family Nights and the Seasonal Sprouts program, held on select Wednesdays from July 1 through Sept. 2. Created for children ages 4 through 10, Seasonal Sprouts combines exploration and creativity through guided outdoor tours of the exhibit followed by hands-on activity in a LEGO free-play space.
“There are a lot of fun events coming up and the Family Nights are going to be big,” Erwin says.
Another preview visitor, Claudine Krause, stopped by with her son Tatum, who she said loves LEGOs and goes to all the master LEGO events and has been following Sean Kenney’s work.
“There’s a lot you can learn through LEGOs and they have a lot of great events for children here,” Krause says.
Adults can also join in the creativity when Bricks and Brews returns on Aug. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The adults-only evening pairs art and socializing, beginning with a guided tour of the exhibition and continuing at the Barn at Orchard Hill, where guests will build with official LEGO Botanical Daisies kits while enjoying refreshments in a relaxed setting.
The beloved orchestra, under direction of Adam Glaser, returns to St. Agnes Cathedral for its annual spring concert, joined by St. Agnes combined choirs, directed by Michael Bower. The inspiring program showcases beloved masterworks, including Mozart’s Regina Coeli, and Bach’s Mass in B Minor: Dona Nobis and Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives: Hallelujah.The evening culminates with Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9, the groundbreaking 1824 masterpiece that transformed symphonic music by introducing a chorus in its final movement and giving voice to Friedrich Schiller’s enduring “Ode to Joy,” a celebration of unity and shared humanity. More than 65 musicians and approximately 75 vocalists join acclaimed soloists soprano Risa Renae Harman, mezzosoprano Elizabeth Sarian, tenor Eric Finbarr Carey, and baritone Scott Lefurgy. Admission is free, with donations requested.
Friday, May 29, 7:30 pm. 29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre. Visit sssymphony.org for more.
The blues-rock guitarist-singersongwriter has built a reputation as one of the most exciting live performers of his generation. Blending electric blues, rock, soul, R&B, and hints of hip-hop, Clark’s sound is both rooted in tradition and boldly modern. His guitar tone often recalls legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but his songwriting, socially aware lyrics, and willingness to experiment make him stand out as a contemporary artist. On stage, he is known for extended solos, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals that move from soft falsetto to gritty growls, making every concert feel unforgettable. Anyone who has listened to a Gary Clark Jr. album or watched the four-time Grammy Award winner perform live knows that he’s a gifted multiinstrumentalist, songwriter and performer.
Wednesday, June 3, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Gary Clark Jr.
Right photo courtesy Imagine/ other photos Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald Detailed LEGO sculptures are displayed among the Old Westbury Gardens landscape, transforming the grounds into an outdoor gallery. The sculptures range in complexity from 2,875 bricks to 60,549 bricks.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY
‘Something Rotten! The Musical’
See the comedy musical, set in the 1590s, which follows two playwright brothers competing with William Shakespeare as they attempt to create the world’s first musical. From tap dancing eggs to beautiful love stores, this musical really has it all. Songs include “A Musical!,”“It’s Hard to Be the Bard,” and “Welcome to the Renaissance.” The cast is comprised of New York City professionals, including David Hibbard, who was in the original Broadway production, with CAP21 alumni and current students. Performances are scheduled throughout the four-day run.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Varied times, through May 31
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
‘Everybody Loves
Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’
Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for an immersive exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan). It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of related videos play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
Movie Night
Stop by Plainedge Public Library for a showing the 2025 film
“Anaconda” starring Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Steve Zahn. The 2025 comedy horror film serves as a meta-reboot of Anaconda (1997) and is the seventh installment in the Anaconda film series. The story follows a group of childhood friends trying to remake the 1997 film, only to be attacked by a giant and murderous anaconda. Snacks are provided for patrons who
David Lee Roth
JUN
are welcome to attend.
• Where: Massapequa Fire District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 798-9849
JUN
2
Harmonize With Long Island Harmonizers
Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like—join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
Get ready to jump! Diamond Dave is back! The iconic, high-flying frontman of Van Halen is bringing his legendary swagger and a massive arsenal of rock anthems to the Paramount stage. Fans can expect a high-octane night packed with timeless hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.” This tour marks a massive return for the rock legend, who officially ended a five-year hiatus from the stage last May with a triumphant, headlinemaking debut at the M3 Rock Festival. Far from a stripped-down nostalgic act, Roth is backing up his signature showmanship with a powerhouse new eight-piece band to perfectly replicates those massive, classic Van Halen harmonies. Between the fresh musical muscle and Roth’s undiminished, charismatic stage presence, this promises to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll. If you’re looking for a night of pure, unadulterated arena-rock energy right in our own backyard, this is the ticket of the season.
register. For ages 18 and up.
• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa
• Time: 6:30-8:15 p.m.
• Contact: plainedgelibrary.org or (516) 735-4133
Westbury House Tour
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “Secrets of the Service Wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m., also May 29 and May 31
• Contact: oldwestburygard ens.org or call (516) 3330048
MAY 29
Thrift Shop
Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.
• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 789-2569
St. Mary’s Thrift Shop
Stop by St. Mary’s Thrift Shop to check out some found treasures. Choose from collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items.
• Where: St. Mary’s, 175 Broadway, Amityville (enter from rear parking lot)
• Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 464-4899
MAY 30
Church Attic Thrift Shop
Stop by the First United Methodist Church for their weekly thrift shop.
• Where: 25 Broadway, Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@ gmail.com
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Sprout and Bloom Families can dig in and get their hands dirty at Long Island Children’s Museum. The museum welcomes all to celebrating all the beautiful May flowers by planting your own at the drop-in program. Take it home and watch it grow!. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
‘Hamlet’
Vanderbilt Museum’s Shakespeare in the Courtyard series returns with the Bard’s most enduring tragedy. It’s performed by the Carriage House Players in the he Mansion’s beautiful Spanish Revival courtyard. $20, $15 seniors and students.
• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
• Time: 8 p.m.; also May 31 and June 3
• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579
JUN
1
Massapequa Fire District meets The Massapequa Fire District holds their monthly meeting. All
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
JUN
3
Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group
This group meets weekly, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, in person with Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. All calls are confidential.
• Where: 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown
• Time: 7:30 -9 p.m.378-4210
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
The upcoming “It Takes a Village!” Babylon Village TNR Initiative is set to be a community cat event, free to Babylon Village cat caretakers, on Saturday, June 6th. South Shore Feral Care (SSFC), a tiny, but mighty rescue, is completely funding the event, and planning this initial collaboration with the Village in a unique way.
For the last six years, Melissa Kantor and a small group of South Shore Feral Care volunteers have provided medical care to injured or ill Long Island community felines, through Trap Neuter Return (TNR) programs, public education and partnerships with veterinarians. The SSFC mission is to control our local community cat population, aid in their medical well-being, and find homes for those that are adoptable.
Recently, SSFC got a request from Babylon Village residents who said a mother cat had moved her litter of five to their front lawn. The feline family appeared weak and ill. When Melissa arrived to help, she saw a total of 17 intact cats on this property. Other people were feeding the cats, but certain neighbors were asking for a feeding ban.
Melissa and SSFC approached Mayor Mary Adams with a plan to control the overpopulation while improving the quality of life for returned ferals and Village
residents. Where there was cat controversy, there would be resolutions. Mayor Adams was open to their ideas.
TNR is the only widely accepted, proven approach that stabilizes and gradually reduces feral cat populations over time. Cats that are spayed or neutered are less likely to roam, fight, spray, or create disturbances.
TNR prevents the birth of new litters and breaks the cycle that leads to overpopulation.
RESIDENTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT:
•Relocation of feral cats is not a humane or effective solution and is against New York State law.
•Cats may be temporarily trapped in your area as part of this program
•Ear-tipped cats (45 degree cut of left ear) indicate they have already been fixed and vaccinated.
SSFC PLAN FOR THE FIRST “IT TAKES A VILLAGE” TNR CLINIC:
This free clinic is only open to feral cats living outside in Babylon Village. SSFC would like to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and ear-tip 40 feral cats at the event. Some cats are already registered. SSFC and the Village have arranged for the Fixing Felines surgical van to be parked for spay/ neuters at a sectioned off area of the Locust Avenue Municipal Lot from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 6th, 2026. Fixing
Felines takes part in the Babylon Town feral voucher program which will cover part of the cost.
To register cats in advance of June 6th, go to https://southshoreferalcare.org/, the SSFC website and you will see a brown “Babylon Village Residents Register Here!” band on top to click, or contact SSFC.
SSFC needed additional funds to sponsor this ambitious clinic. In April with the help of the MTA police who turned off the railroad power, John Debacker, cat trapper extraordinaire, rescued Garfield, a longhaired, orange cat, from the LIRR train tracks between Lindenhurst and Babylon. SSFC took over Garfield’s foster and medical care. Dr. Tomas Infernuso performed the complex repair of his two broken legs. Garfield is getting laser treatments at his hospital and recovering well.
Garfield’s rescue has been well-publicized on the news. SSFC designed a tee shirt that says:” Inspired by Garfield. TNR today prevents heartbreak tomorrow. Rescue takes a Village”. They sold many shirts, including an order to New Zealand. Garfield’s shirts are paying for the rest of the TNR clinic’s expenses. Garfield’s rescue is giving back to other outside cats. In the Locust lot on June 6th, SSFC will have more Garfield shirts for sale and possibly kittens for adoption.
HOW THE SSFC TNR CLINIC IS UNIQUE: SSFC and other experienced volunteers will be doing all the cat trapping, starting
Wednesday before the clinic. All registered cats will stay at SSFC foster homes before the clinic and for recovery after surgery. Males need to recover at least overnight; females up to five days.
The trapping team will tell the caretaker when they are returning cat to the colony location and deliver vaccine and neuter paperwork to the caretakers the same day. Unlike other TNR scenarios, every task will be done by SSFC. The caretaker resumes feeding and monitoring when the cats are returned. This is the greatest veterinary bargain ever!
The Garfield tee shirt designed by SSFC. Sales of the shirt, as far away as New Zealand, are helping to fund the TNR clinic on June 6.
May 27, 2026
Notice of formation of Lyndsey Bayon, Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on March 17, 2026. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to 4910 Merrick Road P.O. Box 107, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
26-84 4/29, 5/6, 13, 20, 27, 6/3
Notice of formation of Top gun home remodeling LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 1/20/26. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 51 Maple run DR, Jericho, NY 11753. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
26-98. 5/13, 20, 27, 6/3, 10, 17
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-26-111036 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1 Park Ln, Units A, B, C, Massapequa, NY 11758, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at BDFF Inc.
26-102. 5/20, 27
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0240-26-111190 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 3255 Sunrise Highway, Wantagh, NY 11793, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at No Trout About It LLC. 26-100. 5/20, 27
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-26-112088 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 908912A Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Calia Group LLC. 26-101. 5/20, 27
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0370-26-112396 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 91-B Hempstead Turnpike, Farmingdale, NY 11735, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at AMN Cafeh LLC. 26-103. 5/20, 27
Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals
TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592TELEPHONE: (516)
Public Notices
624-6232
RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –KATHLEEN MULLIGAN
REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLO -
RESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN GRIFFIN
**********************
**********************
PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on JUNE 4, 2026, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
APPEAL NO. 26-87
MASSAPEQUA
MICHAEL DUGAN:
Variance to construct rear one story addition exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.
S/s/o Polo Rd., 440.76 ft. E/o Oxford Rd., a/k/a 38 Polo Road, Massapequa, NY
APPEAL NO. 26-88
MASSAPEQUA
SEAN FREELY: (A)
Variance to install inground swimming pool having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to install pool equipment having less front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C)
Variance to construct 20 ft. by 20 ft. pavilion with fireplace and outdoor kitchen having less side yard setback, rear yard setback,
exceeding maximum height and building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.
S/s/o Comet Ln., E/o Anchor Dr., a/k/a 7 Comet Lane, Massapequa, NY
APPEAL NO. 26-150
MASSAPEQUA
HAL FEINSTEIN:
Variance to construct second story addition exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance.
N/s/o Riviera Dr. S., 378.71 ft. W/o Riviera Dr. W., a/k/a 61 Riviera Drive S., Massapequa, NY
APPEAL NO. 26-18
NORTH MASSAPEQUA
DENNIS YOUNG:
Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (Oxford Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance.
NE/ cor. of N. Pine St. & Oxford Ave., a/k/a 51 N. Pine Street, North Massapequa, NY
APPEAL NO. 26-86
NORTH MASS -
APEQUA
PATRICIA CYGANOVICH: (A) Variance to allow existing metal awning over patio having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.
(B) Variance to allow existing 8 ft. by 4 ft. shed and cellar entrance having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.
(C) Variance to allow existing 5 ft. high and 6 ft. high vinyl fence exceeding maximum height across side/ front yard (Hawthorne Street) than permitted by Ordinance.
SW/ cor. of Hawthorne St. & Walnut Pl., a/k/a 558 Hawthorne Street, North Massapequa, NY
APPEAL NO. 26-33
MASSAPEQUA
NEIL SCHEINHAUS:
(A) Variance to con-
struct closet addition having less average side/front yard setback (Pittsburgh Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across side/front yard (Pittsburgh Avenue), front yard (Franklin Avenue) and within 30 ft. of intersection than permitted by Ordinance.
NW/ cor. of Franklin Ave. & Pittsburgh Ave., a/k/a 607 Franklin Avenue, Massapequa, NY
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 06/04/26
APPEAL NO. 26-91
MASSAPEQUA
STEPHANIE DISTAFANO: (A) Variance to allow existing Rubbermaid sheds having less front yard setback and side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing raised brick deck having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing circular driveway having less front yard setback and side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing aboveground swimming pool with waterfall having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.
E/s/o Park Ln., 180 ft. S/o Merle Ln., a/k/a 35 Park Lane, Massapequa, NY
MAY 25, 2026
BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 26-106. 5/27
Notice of formation of KEVINS TILE AND STONE CO. LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/30/2026 Office location Nassau SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to: 77 Madison St. Massapequa NY, 11758.
Purpose: any lawful act.
26-107. 5/27, 6/3, 10, 17, 24, 7/1
Notice of Formation of RSN CONSULTING LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/12/2026. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: RSN CONSULTING LLC, 71 Bayview Ave, Port Washington, NY 11050. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 26-104. 5/27, 6/3, 10, 17, 24, 7/1
Notice of formation of DNL Auto Sales LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 4/30/26. Office located in Nassau. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail cору or any process server against the LLC 3819 Jerusalem Ave Seaford NY 11783 Purpose: any lawful purpose. 26-105. 5/27, 6/3, 10, 17, 24, 7/1
Notice of formation of ICV Holdings LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 02/04/2026. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 1055 Fayette St, Uniondale, NY 11553. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
26-108. 5/27, 6/3, 10, 17, 24, 7/1
Massapequa Firecracker 5K returns June 14
The Massapequa Road Runner’s 44th Annual Massapequa Firecracker 5K Run/Walk will return on June 14, bringing runners, walkers and families together for one of the community’s longtime summer traditions.
The race begins at 5 p.m. at Park and Clark boulevards in Massapequa Park. Participants will travel through neighborhood streets and portions of the Massapequa Preserve before finishing at Brady Park.
Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top male and female masters runners. Additional awards will recognize the top three male and female finishers in each age group, the top three wheelchair finishers, and the top male and female finishers who are Massapequa Park residents.
The Kids Fun Run will begin at 4:15 p.m. at Brady Park, with all young participants receiving medals.
Race proceeds support two annual scholarships for Massapequa High School track athletes and help fund the nonprofit club’s contributions to the broader Long Island running community.
Following the races, families can enjoy entertainment including clowns, face painting and balloon animals. Awards, raffles and refreshments will also be available.
Registration information is available at events.elitefeats. com/26massfirecracker.
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour.
For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
COMPANION AVAILABLE
Responsible & Experienced With Luxury Car To Assist With Doctor Appointments, Errands, Shopping, Etc. or Just Going Out For An Enjoyable Day! Call 646-708-2160
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
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opinions
Let’s take our daughters outside
Ask a girl in Elmont, Freeport or Hempstead what she did last weekend, and chances are her answer would sound a lot like that of girls across Long Island. She spent time scrolling on her phone. Maybe on social media. Maybe texting friends. Maybe watching a show. What she likely wasn’t doing was exploring the outdoors, or simply lying in the grass and watching the sky. June is National Great Outdoors Month, and as CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, I want to say something plainly: Girls need to spend more time outside, unplugged and reconnecting with the world around them.
The good news is we already have the solution, one that has been working for more than a century. According to the Outdoor Foundation, participation in outdoor recreation among girls ages 13 to 17 has fallen to roughly 50 percent. Research published in the Journal of American College Health confirms that screen time is a significant predictor of
higher anxiety, depression and stress in young people, while time spent outdoors predicts lower rates of stress and depression. Nature is good for girls, and the absence of it is doing harm.
TWhat makes this urgent is that girls are disproportionately affected. Studies show that girls spend less time outdoors than boys, and that the drop-off accelerates sharply in early adolescence — the years when confidence, identity and resilience are being forged. At a time when we’re already grappling with a youth mental health crisis, this is a trend we can’t afford to ignore.
them become leaders.
Nassau County Communities are home to thousands of girls who deserve every opportunity to experience the outdoors. Many of them face real barriers, including fewer green spaces, limited transportation and tighter family budgets. The idea of sending a daughter to sleep-away camp in the Hamptons can feel like a luxury that belongs to someone else’s life.
here they can discover what they’re made of without the Wi-Fi.
Outdoor experiences don’t just reduce anxiety. They actively build the skills girls need to lead. The Girl Scout Research Institute has found that girls who regularly spend time outdoors are better problem solvers, more likely to seek out challenges and stronger environmental stewards. They develop leadership skills, forge deeper friendships and report greater happiness overall.
For girls from lower-income communities, access to the outdoors is even more transformative. Research shows that they are significantly more likely to credit outdoor experiences with helping
Every girl, regardless of Zip code, family income or whether she has ever seen a tent stake, deserves the chance to discover what she’s made of when the Wi-Fi is gone and there are stars overhead.
Across acres of woods, trails and private beachfront, girls spend summers canoeing, swimming, building fires, sleeping under the stars, and doing something that is increasingly rare in young people’s lives: being fully, completely present.
The girls I see during the school year undergo a transformation at camp. They become — dare I say — wild and free. They are independent, curious and brave. The girl who was nervous about sleeping away from home discovers she can navigate a trail. The girl who
thought she was “not outdoorsy” finds herself paddling a canoe across open water and realizing she loves it. These are moments that shape who a girl believes she can be, and that belief follows her home.
Every girl should have the chance to get outside in a meaningful, supported, joyful way. Not just girls whose families can easily absorb the cost of summer camp. Not just girls who already love hiking or have spent weekends on trails. Every girl, including the one in Elmont who has never left Nassau County, the one in Hempstead who thinks camping sounds miserable, the one in Valley Stream who just needs someone to hand her a canoe paddle and say, “You’ve got this.”
Heading into summer, I’m asking Long Island families, school leaders, community organizations and businesses to join us in making the outdoors accessible to every girl in Nassau County. Because the research is clear, the need is urgent and the girls are ready.
The girl who builds a fire, sleeps in a tent and wakes up to birdsong instead of notifications isn’t just having a fun summer adventure. She’s becoming a leader for Long Island, for our communities, for the future. Those leaders start here.
Rande Bynum is CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County.
Bill Bleyer knows Long Island history like few others
“Long Island Naval History in Wartime” was the title of a recent presentation by Bill Bleyer, the author of “Long Island and the Sea,” from which much of his talk was drawn. It is among seven books written by Bleyer published by The History Press. For 33 years, Bleyer was an award-winning Newsday reporter with a specialty in history and maritime issues. He has a deep personal involvement in the marine world, literally — as a diver. Indeed, in his talk earlier this month he told of diving to and exploring several boats sunk in waters off Long Island. Also, on the surface of area waters he has long operated a sailboat.
Bleyer, of Bayville, is a former president of the Press Club of Long Island. His gave his talk at the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum. It came as the museum features a number of events tied to the nation’s semiquincentennial. Bleyer will be back
at the museum on June 28, speaking on “Long Island in the American Revolution.”
He started his most recent talk by relating the first naval battle in Long Island history, which was also the first amphibious landing of troops in U.S. history. The British, Bleyer said, were using Gardiners Bay, and taking provisions from lands around it. So, George Washington, commander and chief of the Continental Army, ordered a landing of troops on Plum Island to remove livestock that otherwise would be taken by the British.
Tschooner, removing most of those on board but leaving four, including a free African American, William Tillman, the steward. They told Tillman they would sell him as a slave for $1,000 or more when they reached Charleston, S.C.
he naval battles fought off our shores? Sunken ships? He knows about them.
Bleyer detailed the subsequent Meigs Raid, also called the Battle of Sag Harbor, in which, in 1777, Continental soldiers, under the command of Lt. Col. Jonathan Meigs, a veteran of Bunker Hill, journeyed from Connecticut and attacked a British outpost in Sag Harbor.
During the Civil War, the Confederacy deployed “commerce raiders” to prey on Union shipping — including off Long Island. Bleyer spoke of the Confederate ship Jefferson Davis snaring the schooner S.J. Waring in 1861, southeast of the Island. The southerners, he said, put a five-man crew of their own on the
Subsequently, Bleyer related, Tillman led the recapture of the vessel, grabbing a hatchet on the boat and killing the Confederate captain and two officers with it. The ship went on to New York and, Bleyer said, Tillman’s actions and the recapture were celebrated throughout the North at a time when the Union had few victories to celebrate.
It was on Long Island in the late 19th century, Bleyer said, that submarines, and torpedoes that could be fired from them, were developed. He told of how submarine builder John P. Holland worked in New Suffolk, which became America’s first submarine base. Meanwhile, to the south, the E.W. Bliss Company was experimenting with torpedoes in Noyac Bay, off Sag Harbor.
During World War I, the only sinking of a U.S. capital, or main, warship by the enemy happened eight miles off Fire Island, Bleyer said. The vessel was the
USS San Diego, a cruiser that ran into a mine laid by a German U-boat.
Bleyer noted how, during World War II, there was an “unorthodox” U.S. wartime move: the formation of the Picket Patrol. With the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard short on warships and intense German U-boat activity in the region, a fleet of civilian sailboats, longer than 50 feet, were used. The absence of engines allowed them to patrol silently without detection by U-boats. They were painted battleship gray, and crewed by Coast Guard Reserve members who were connected by radio to military forces.
Meanwhile, this area became a major center for the construction of landing craft, minesweepers and rescue boats. They were built in Freeport, Greenport, Huntington, Oyster Bay and Port Washington.
“Long Island and the Sea” goes way beyond the Island’s wartime history and is a great read, full of photos, like Bleyer’s excellent talk. He’s on the lecture circuit — he told me he has 68 bookings ahead on subjects he has written about. Catch a talk — and his books.
Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
Massapequa
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Ira L. Cahn - Founder
Established 1951
Incorporating Massapequa
aHERALD
Water safety starts with vigilance
s summer approaches on Long Island, our communities eagerly embrace the joys of swimming, boating and waterfront leisure. From backyard pools to the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, aquatic activities are woven into our seasonal traditions.
With those pleasures, however, comes a paramount responsibility: ensuring water safety for all.
New York ranks fourth in the nation in drowning deaths. The state now requires all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, to possess a valid boating safety certificate. The requirement, established as part of Brianna’s Law — named in memory of 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck, who lost her life in a 2005 boating accident in the Great South Bay — is intended to make waterways safer.
Boaters can enroll in approved safety courses available in person and online. The BoatUS Foundation offers a free, state-approved online course, and the New York State Parks Adventure License program encourages boaters to add an anchor icon to their driver’s license to indicate completion of the course.
Water safety extends well beyond boats, to backyard and public swimming pools and Long Island’s many miles of beaches. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death
letters
Where is Hempstead’s affordable-housing plan?
To the Editor:
among children.
Suffolk County reported 24 drownings in 2024, a 60 percent increase over the prior year, based on statistics from Stony Brook University. Experts noted what they called an “alarming shift,” with 66 percent of drownings happening in backyard pools rather than open water, driven largely by a post-pandemic surge in pool installations. Nationwide, drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional-injury deaths among children ages 1 to 4.
To reduce the risks:
■ Always supervise children closely when they are in or near water. Avoid distractions, even when lifeguards are present.
■ Install fences with self-latching gates around pools to prevent unsupervised access. State law requires fences to be at least 4 feet high and to fully enclose pools.
■ Teach children to swim, learn yourself if you never have, and understand basic water safety rules.
■ Ensure that supervising adults are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation so they can respond effectively in emergencies.
■ State law requires children under 12 to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets on boats smaller than 21 feet.
Re Joseph Scianablo’s op-ed, “We can’t solve a housing crisis with hypocrisy or politics,” in the May 14-20 issue: Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, clearly stated the issues involved in dealing with the housing crisis. He also delineated steps that need to be taken to solve the problem.
One must wonder, what has the town’s leadership, under Supervisor John Ferretti, been doing about this housing crisis? No cogent plan has been followed to deal with the shortage of housing that’s affordable for young families or seniors wanting to downsize. A predictable pattern has developed, which we have witnessed with the Woodmere Country Club and Inwood/North Hempstead projects: A project is proposed by developers, there is an outcry from community residents who have reasonable concerns, and then there is expensive litigation, paid for with taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.
Ferretti and the Town Board should have had a forward-looking housing plan in place. As proposed by candidate Scianablo, stakeholders
Lifejackets accessible to all passengers are essential on any vessel.
■ At public pools and beaches, pay attention to lifeguards, who are trained to identify hazards such as rip currents — fast-moving channels of water that can quickly pull swimmers away from shore.
■ Ask lifeguards about dangerous conditions, and swim only in designated areas. If caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to shore until free of the current.
Another major danger is after-hours swimming. When lifeguards are off duty, swimmers who are inexperienced, overconfident or impaired are left unmonitored, and that is when many drownings occur.
Early-season swimmers should also remember that ocean water remains dangerously cold well into late spring. Cold water quickly drains energy and increases the risk of distress, even for strong swimmers.
Water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re watching children at a pool, enjoying a day at the beach or heading out on a boat, a few simple precautions can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Long Island’s waters are meant to be enjoyed, but only if we treat them with the respect they demand.
including developers, union workers and residents must be engaged in planning housing projects for the needs of each unique community.
Instead of blaming Albany, our town
leadership must take responsibility now to deal with the housing crisis.
PAMELA KORN Hewlett
opinions The disappearance of embarrassment
somewhere in Washington right now, custom bourbon bottles etched with FBI Director Kash
Patel’s name and title are being distributed as tokens of power and prestige at taxpayer expense. Strange as it sounds, those bottles tell a much larger story about contemporary politics and politicians.
You don’t have to be a political historian to know that democracies have always produced their share of vain, incompetent and corrupt political opportunists. What feels different now is the brazenness — the complete disappearance of embarrassment and restraint among leaders, as well as citizens’ expectations that public officials at least appear to be answerable to the people they serve.
At a moment when millions of Americans are struggling to afford groceries, gasoline, rent, medication and health insurance, our “leaders” parade openly in a spectacle of self-glorification, ideological theater, open self-interest and flat-out contempt. The examples arrive almost daily:
A White House “ballroom” project that began as a supposedly privately
funded $200 million undertaking has steadily ballooned to a taxpayer-supported $1 billion monument to one man’s excesses.
A sitting president and his family are profiting from business ventures made possible only through political power. Airports, cultural institutions, public spaces and even passports are being renamed and revised in ways that elevate and glorify that president.
Patel’s custom bourbon bottles are etched with his name while taxpayers absorb the costs of an increasingly theatrical government culture.
Those personalized bourbon bottles seem sadly emblematic of the moment.
Other cabinet officials and agency heads appear openly hostile to, or ignorant of, the very missions of the departments they oversee.
A secretary of health and human services attacks scientific consensus, vaccine trust and established medical knowledge during a period of growing public health anxiety.
A secretary of defense speaks less like a sober administrator than a cablenews warrior wannabe posturing for cameras and political allies. Presidential social media tirades are aimed at journalists, critics, political opponents and private citizens — many dismissed as “low IQ,” “stupid,” dishonest, even treasonous.
LeTTers
Voters deserve to hear more from the candidates on housing
To the Editor:
Mr. Scianablo is half right. Politics is the only means we have to reconcile civil issues. What is required is the sort of politics Mr. Scianablo describes, where leadership seeks to “rise above the noise” and “tell the truth” to promote “honest conversations” and form “partnerships” that will work toward “thoughtful, community-driven planning.” That would mean a constructive confrontation with some hard words.
Nassau County’s leaders must acknowledge the truth that the housing issue can’t be “solved” at the county level, but progress can be
facilitated. Candidates for leadership must dismiss the noise to center the honest conversations on those few factors and limited partnerships within their purview and jurisdiction. This means devising a thoughtful plan for changes in zoning to encourage density at sites that provide transportation and public services — which will encourage builders and bankers to construct affordable units that make Nassau attractive to buyers, preferably families with children.
There are hard words here, but voters deserve to hear from each candidate some opening position from which they will begin their honest conversation, and what their vision is for a Nassau community plan to ameliorate its portion of the “crisis.”
Meanwhile, we are told every day that all is well, the economy is strong, the war is won, and that public concerns are exaggerated. Republican Sen. Tim Scott proclaimed on Fox Business last month that “You can even feel in our environment how good things are getting. Gas prices continue to come down, which means that your groceries will come down a little bit as well.”
As Scott spoke, gas and grocery prices were rising dramatically in his home state of North Carolina and around the country. Without embarrassment, he invented a picture of America that has no basis in reality.
That same day, on CNBC, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, “You go back two years ago, we were paying almost $6 a gallon for gasoline.” Two years ago, in mid-2024, the nationwide average price of gasoline was $3.66 per gallon. Without embarrassment, he made up a price easily disproved.
More and more Americans no longer believe what they are being told, because their own lives tell them otherwise. And alongside all of this come the vanity projects, the public self-glorification, the open profiteering, the personalized institutions, the theatrical insults and the endless performances of loyalty and power.
The deeper cultural shift isn’t simply these behaviors themselves, but how little civic alarm they now produce. Why, we should ask, do these officials feel no shame, or even just a little embarrassment? But mostly we don’t ask. Too often we give up on demanding competence, dignity and social awareness in our leaders.
Why? Or maybe the question should be how? How can people who call themselves leaders act with so much contempt toward the people who put them in positions of authority? A healthy republic depends on leaders understanding that public office carries obligations larger than ego, profit, loyalty rituals and selfcelebration. It depends on some continuing sense that, at the very least, public suffering should impose limits on displays of extravagance and self-interest.
Evidently, our leaders feel no such constraints; they feel not one shred of embarrassment about the lies and excesses that have come to characterize them. For many of them, holding office means little more than having permission to engage in public spectacle, branding, self-celebration and acts of contempt in plain sight.
Which may be why those personalized bourbon bottles feel oddly — and sadly — emblematic of the political moment itself.
Michael Blitz is professor emeritus and former chair of interdisciplinary studies at City University of New York.
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BRIAN KELLY Rockville
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Framework by Tim Baker
At Molloy University’s graduation, that’s President James Lentini on guitar — Jones Beach
And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau