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Cell phone ban in schools ready By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Tim Baker/Herald

Magical Mystery Doors rocks Massapequa Hundreds gathered at John Burns Park in Massapequa on Aug. 5 as Magical Mystery Doors brought rock nostalgia and inventive musical fusion to life during the Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under the Stars concert series. Story and photos, page 10

MPK Village resident reminds board of its many civic duties to residents By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Longtime Massapequa Park Village resident John O’Brien, 82, offered a civics lesson to the Village Board of Trustees during its Aug. 11 meeting, emphasizing the importance of local government and the role of the board in upholding democratic principles. “To be an incorporated village is an important thing,” O’Brien said. “The village is the first line of democracy, and the Village Board is the front line of public officials. It’s your job to make sure that the foundation of democracy stays good and strong.” O’Brien reminded board members that the village has a “rulebook” — a set of regulations that keep the community livable — and urged

trustees to be more proactive in enforcement. He cited people riding bicycles on sidewalks in the Park Boulevard business district as an example of rules being ignored and not enforced. With new residents moving into the village, many with young families, O’Brien suggested reviving the “welcome book” that was once given to newcomers to help familiarize them with village rules. He concluded his remarks by reiterating the need for educating residents about the village’s regulations and ensuring those rules are enforced. O’Brien speaks from experience, having served as a Village trustee, deputy mayor and member of the Village Ethics Board. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Beginning this school year, all public and charter schools in New York — including 129 on Long Island — will be required to enforce an in-school ban on student use of cell phones. A new state law aimed at reducing distractions in schools, called the “Distraction-Free Schools” law, mandates a “bell-to-bell” restriction on internet-enabled devices throughout the school day, including noninstructional times such as lunch, recess and study halls. School districts were required to submit their compliance plans by Aug. 1, which had to outline enforcement procedures, device storage methods, allowable exemptions and systems for parent communication. To support implementation, the state has allocated $13.5 million — about $10 per student — to help schools purchase secure storage solutions such as locking pouches or lockers, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. “From parents and teachers to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing — not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said in January when announcing the proposal. “This comprehensive plan ensures that New York’s standard for distraction-free learning delivers the best results for our

kids and educators.” More than 60% of New York voters support “bell-to-bell” smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools, according to an April poll by Siena College. A 2024 Pew Research Center report found that nearly threequarters of high school teachers and one-third of middle school teachers nationwide consider phone use to be a major classroom distraction. The New York State United Teachers union has been a strong advocate for the ban. Natalie McKay, a NYSUT board director, said full-day restrictions are more effective than limiting phones only during class time. “Right now, we are saying it’s a priority for us to protect the mental health of our students for seven hours a day,” NYSUT President Melinda Person said when the legislation passed earlier this year. “During that time, they’re going to be distraction-free — not exposed to gaming, social media, or other things that take them away from the reason they’re at school, which is to learn.” While the law sets a statewide standard, local districts have flexibility in how they enforce it. Some are opting for cultural shifts over high-tech tools. In some elementary schools, students may keep silenced phones in backpacks or lockers. Others require middle school students to store phones in the main office, accessible only when necessary. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Exemptions are allowed for students with medical needs, Individualized Education Programs, translation services or caregiving responsibilities. Emergency use is also permitted. The law includes provisions to prevent disproportionate discipline and requires community engagement and public access to district policies. With policies now in place across Long Island, the next challenge is helping students — especially those in middle and high school — adjust to life without their smartphones. According to the National Institutes of Health, children spend an average of five to seven hours a day on screens, a habit linked to negative social, emotional and academic outcomes. Educators and mental health professionals say removing phones from schools may help, though it could lead to short-term challenges. “It will be interesting to see how the cell phone ban will be implemented,” said Fumi Otomo, president of the Babylon Parent Teachers Student Association, when that district finalized its policy. “I am confident that the district is working on a plan to ensure that cell phones will be kept secure, and parents will be able to reach out to their children in the event of an emergency.” Otomo, who has two high school-age chil-

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dren, added, “In the end, we all want our kids to be prepared for life socially and emotionally, and the hope is that this will help achieve that.” “For many students, this is going to be a difficult transition,” said Reynolds Hawkins, a retired social worker who spent 24 years in the Amityville School District. “But that’s where good parenting comes in.” Hawkins encouraged families to talk with children about the purpose behind the new rules, especially the social effects of excessive screen time. “Today, if a fight breaks out in school, students are more likely to pull out their phones and record it than alert a teacher or intervene,” Hawkins said. “That’s a significant and harmful shift in behavior, and the new rules could help reverse that.” He also urged parents to reinforce expectations at home and highlight the benefits of the policy — including increased classroom focus, more reading and more face-to-face interaction. “This change is likely to help students develop more socially acceptable behaviors,” he said. For information about district policies, visit ny.gov/phonefree

Last chance to pay property taxes

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August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

To assist property owners who missed the August 11 deadline for paying their 2025 General taxes, Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that they can still pay the bill by September 2 with the state-mandated 2% late payment penalty while avoiding additional interest and fees from accruing on their property. Late payers should immediately contact the Receiver’s office at (516) 624-6400 if they did not receive a second notification with a delinquent tax bill. Payments postmarked after September 2 cannot be accepted since the collection warrant will have expired. Those payments must be sent to the Nassau

County Treasurer at 1 West Street, Mineola, NY 11501. In September, the Nassau County Treasurer will be mailing notices to all property owners with taxes in arrears. Pravato advises homeowners who fall under those circumstances to contact the Nassau County Treasurer at (516) 571-2090 to determine the amount due. They may also visit the Treasurer’s office at 1 West Street in Mineola. “Taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation, and I want to make sure that our residents do not pay more out of pocket than they have to,” said Pravato.

As students prepare to head back to school and college campuses reopen across the state, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is offering fire safety tips to help prevent accidents in dorms, classrooms and offcampus housing.

E-Bike Safety Store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors, and anything that can get hot or catch fire. Never store in hallways. It is best to store these battery-powered devices and their batteries outside your home or any structures like a garage, if possible. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device. Do not leave devices plugged in and charging overnight or unattended for long periods of time. Avoid overcharging. Keep batteries/devices at room temperature and do not place them in direct sunlight. For your personal safety, ALWAYS wear a helmet when operating an e-bike and stay VISIBLE.

Candles Candle safety is incredibly important. Though banned in most

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than half of all dormitory fires occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, with unattended equipment being the leading cause. Additionally, four out of five fire-related deaths on college campuses take place in off-campus

dorm rooms and on college campuses, it is still important to be aware of the dangers that candles bring when lighting them. Always keep a burning candle within sight and never leave it unattended. Be sure to never light a candle near flammable materials like curtains, paper and clothing. If a candle starts smoking or flickering excessively, it is time to extinguish it.

Fire Extinguishers When checking off packing lists for college apartments, especially off -campus ones, ensure that you have at least one fire extinguisher within the apartment. It is key to keep one in the kitchen if there is an oven or stove fire. It is also important to make sure that there is one nearby in the case that there is an electrical fire, or laundry unit fire. Keeping such a basic, but necessary tool, could save a student’s life.

housing. “As families prepare for the new school year, we urge everyone to make fire safety a priority,” FASNY officials said. “Simple precautions can make a life-saving difference.”

Smoke Detectors This reminder is extremely timely because unfortunately, according to the United States Fire Administration, New York State ranks third in states with fire deaths throughout the country thus far in 2025. Twothirds of fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or nonfunctioning smoke alarms. Smoke detectors provide an early warning of a threat and allow occupants precious extra minutes to evacuate their homes, which can be lifesaving.

Know where emergency exits are located Practicing an escape plan will ensure that each person is as prepared as possible. Since most fatal fires happen between midnight and 8 a.m., it is impor-

tant to be prepared before the emergency occurs. To help this process, once moving into the building, locate the closest emergency exit and make yourself aware of the distance from door to door. It is also very important to not block emergency exits or the hallways or routes that lead to them. Store extra items or things you aren’t currently using in a proper storage area in your residence hall, apartment building or private home. Also consider renting an off-site storage unit to safely store these extra items during the semester. For more safety and fire information go to fasnyny.com

Victoria Smarkucki weds Nicholas Garland Victoria Smarkucki of Maspeth, Queens, and Nicholas Garland of Massapequa were united in marriage on August 16, 2025, at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Maspeth. A reception followed at El Caribe in Brooklyn, where the couple celebrated with family and friends. The bride is the daughter of Anna and Wieslaw Smarkucki of Maspeth. She holds a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Sacred Heart University and currently works as a speech and language pathologist. The groom, a lifelong resident of Massapequa, is the son of Martha and Craig Garland. He is a graduate of Massapequa High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University. A former professional baseball player, he played in the minor league systems of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins, as well as for the Long

Island Ducks. He now serves as Chief Operating Officer of a Bitcoin mining data center. The bridal party included Matron of Honor Alexandra DiCarlo and Maid of Honor Victoria Budz. The Best Man was Matthew Garland. Groomsmen included Robert Garland and Chris Garland, the groom’s brothers, as well as his nephew Luke Garland, and Bart Smarkucki, Nick Breslin, Johnny LaRossa, and Dean Lockery. Ring bearers were Aleksander Smarkucki and Colton Garland, and the flower girl was Shea Garland. Bridesmaids included Juliana Karras, Christa Lockery, Vincenza Maiello, Juliet Meskers, Claudia Madolowski, Nicole Brienza, Stacie Rolleri, Meghan Kendall, and Katie Goodrich. The couple made their home in Massapequa.

Meet some local scholars... The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges: •Kaitlyn Petkus of Farmingdale was recently named to the Dean’s List at the Georgia Institute of Technology. •The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at the University of Tampa: Mia Asaro of Massapequa, majoring in Sport Management BS; Douglass Davies of N. Massapequa, majoring in Finance BS; Joseph Downey of

Massapequa, majoring in Finance BS; Joseph Hagmaier of Massapequa, majoring in Finance BS; Gianna LaRosa of Farmingdale, majoring in Psychology BA; Ella Livingston of Massapequa, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations BA; Charlotte Meyer of Massapequa, majoring in Psychology BS; Isabella Pirro of Farmingdale, majoring in EducationSecondary Social Science BS; Jake Stephan of Farmingdale, majoring in Nursing BSN.

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

Staying safe in college dorms: FASNY offers tips on fire safety

Browse & Shop in the Village of Amityville! Discover great ﬁnds & gently used items at dozens of sales

CRIME WATCH The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency service units:

PETIT LARCENY

Massapequa: Nassau County police arrested and charged a Massapequa Park man with shoplifting. Police said Ian D. Robinson, 45, was shoplifting at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 1188 Sunrise Mall on Aug. 11. He was arrested at 3:15 p.m. •Several items were stolen from Dollar Tree, at 932 Carmans Road, Aug. 12 by an unknown male, according to police. The police did not identify what was stolen nor give a value for the items. •A representative for Walgreen’s phar-

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macy at 4360 Sunrise Highway called police Aug. 13 at approximately 8:30 p.m., to report that an unknown male took items from the store and left without paying for them.

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North Massapequa. Someone damaged a fence at a home at 300 N. Delaware Avenue Aug. 11. The homeowner reported the damage shortly after midnight.

OTHER ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: ColleenAnne Napoli, 56, of Wantagh was arrested on Fulton and West streets, Farmingdale Aug. 7, shortly before 11 p.m.

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.

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Town Clerk Richard LaMarca announced that the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter will waive general adoption fees for all pets throughout the month of September. “I invite and encourage residents looking for a new pet to check in with the Town’s animal shelter during the month of September, as general adoption fees will be waived,” LaMarca said. “Our shelter staff has a wonderful reputation for providing great care to the pets housed there and a long history of uniting those looking for a ‘fur-ever’ companion.” During the promotion, the shelter will waive the standard adoption fee of $80 per dog and $84 per cat. All usual adoption services, including spaying or neutering, vaccinations and microchipping, will still be provided. Residents can make an appointment to view adoptable animals by calling the shelter or visiting www.oysterbaytown. com. In addition to free adoptions, the Town will host a free rabies vaccination slinic

at the Animal Shelter on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations are required. Microchipping services will also be available during the clinic for a $25 fee. “If a pet is ever lost, they can be taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter where they will be scanned for a microchip ID and returned to their rightful owner,” LaMarca said. The Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter is located at 150 Miller Place in Syosset. It is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For appointments or more information, call (516) 677-5784 or visit the Town’s website. Owners are reminded that once dogs reach four months of age, they must be licensed. The license fee is $15 for unneutered or unspayed dogs and $10 for neutered or spayed dogs. There is no fee to license a guide, hearing, service, war, detection or police dog. Seniors pay a reduced rate of $5. To apply for a dog license, call the Town Clerk’s office at (516) 624-6324.

HOW TO REACH US Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.massapequapost.com / www.liherald.com/Babylon ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: cjames@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 329 E-mail: cjames@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@massapequapost.com ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legals@liherald.com 1308797

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The Massapequa Herald Post USPS 333440, is published every Wednesday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Massapequa Herald Post, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $12.50 per quarter auto-pay or $60 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

CONGESTION RELIEF IS WORKING FOR LONG ISLAND

Delivering faster commutes and better transit. COMMUTE TIMES: DOWN BY 22%* Faster, smoother rides—more time for you. *From the Long Island Expressway into the Queens-Midtown Tunnel.

MORE ACCESSIBLE STATIONS New elevators and ramps coming to Amityville, Copiague, Forest Hills, Hollis, Laurelton, Lindenhurst, Locust Manor, Massapequa Park, St. Albans, and Valley Stream.

RELIABLE POWER = RELIABLE SERVICE Major substation replacement at Jamaica Station to power better, faster rides for the LIRR.

BIG IMPROVEMENTS HEADED YOUR WAY Structural improvements like track upgrades, bridge repair, and more are coming to stations that need it most on Long Island.

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HERALD SPORTS Hofstra seeks to regain CAA supremacy By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra women’s soccer kicked off the 2025 season on Aug. 14 with a flair for the dramatic that served as springboard for the program’s best start in four years. In muggy conditions that caused multiple players to go down with cramps, the Pride appeared headed for an opening night draw before sophomore forward Hailey Moschitta headed in a feed from Maggie Peterson with 5.6 seconds remaining for a 2-1 victory against St. Joseph’s (Pa.). It marked the latest game-winning goal in the program’s 32-year history. “We were just knocking on the door all day,” said 20th-year Hofstra women’s soccer head coach Simon Riddiough of the Monmouth match in which the Pride outshot the Hawks 22-2. “We’ve got enough individual talent on this team that we can make a big play at any time.” Momentum from the St. Joseph’s victory carried over into a commanding 3-0 victory against Quinnipac back home at Captains Field on Aug. 17. Hofstra (3-1) then knocked off Columbia 2-1 last Friday for the program’s first 3-0 start since 2021 with its unbeaten streak ended in a a 4-0 setback at Yale on Sunday. The Pride are looking to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022 with a veteran squad of 19 returning players fueled for a deep postseason run after falling to Monmouth in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals for a second straight season. Hofstra captured five CAA titles in six seasons from 2017 to 2022. The many returners include last year’s leading scorer Millie Davies, who tallied seven goals and five assists. The senior midfielder from Manchester, England was an All-CAA selection the last two seasons and Riddiough said she has a solid chance to play professionally after college. The offense also returned graduate forward Mathilde Braithwaite, a Third Team All-CAA selection who had five goals as a senior. Senior midfielders Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir and Aimee Hodgson are also back on the pitch after tallying points last fall. Hofstra got a big scoring boost with the addition of Manon Lebargy, a Middle Tennessee State transfer who was C-USA Midfielder of the Year last season after scoring 13 goals with four assists. “She is a fantastic addition,” said Riddiough of Lebardy, who scored two goals in the Quinipac

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victory. “She brings a tremendous amount of energy that resonates with the whole team.” Peterson and Moschitta, who connected on the winning goal in the opening match, arew also expected to play an integral part of the offense this season. Alexia Des Croisselles, a Quebec native and Jacksonville State transfer, has also been involved with the offense early on registering a key goal in the Columbia victory. The defense has veteran leadership from graduate students Gabriella Marte and Olivia Pearse, a former standout at Seaford High School. Sasha McTiffin and Emma Johnson also bring plenty of experience in the backline. Pearse, who missed most of last season with an injury, has also displayed offensive ability this season on set pieces with two goals including the tying tally against St. Joe’s. “She’s a tremendous athlete,” Riddiough said. “She brings a lot of physicality and is a huge threat on set piece situations.” The depth of Hofstra’s defense was stung in the opening match when senior defender Ava Lanfredi went down with a high ankle sprain injury. The first-year starter from East Greenwich, R.I. is expected to miss a few weeks and Riddiough hopes she can return for when the heart of the CAA schedule commences. Sophomore goalie Lily Bailey has started in net this season after transferring from Morehead State where she recorded five shutouts as a freshman. Graduate student Carly Travers, a former URI and Eastport South Manor High School keeper, is a capable backup in net. Hofstra will look to continue its solid start to the 2025 campaign with home matches this Thursday against Fairleigh Dickinson at 7 p.m. and Sept. 6 versus Loyola (Md.) at 1 p.m. The Pride conclude the non-league schedule on Sept. 14 at home against Dartmouth before hosting Elon in the CAA opener on Sept. 18. The Pride was picked by CAA coaches to finish third in the conference’s north division behind defending champion Stony Brook and runner-up Monmouth. The top three finishers in the division, which also comprises Drexel, Northeastern and Towson, will qualify for the six-team CAA Tournament and a chance to earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. “If we stay healthy I think we can make a really good push for it,” said Riddiough, who has guided Hofstra to nine NCAA tournaments and seven CAA titles in his two decades leading the sideline.

Courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

Grad student Gabriella Marte is a vital part of Hofstra’s defense and also plays an important leadership role.

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Prices, stalled growth fuel housing crisis

State pushes pro-development programs as Long Island towns weigh costs and community impacts By AINSLEY MARTINEZ, CHARLES SHAW & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers

Third in a series about housing on Long Island. Long Island’s housing crisis is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a battleground where zoning, politics and community identity collide. At its root, the issue is a chronic lack of supply, Richard Murdocco, a land use columnist and lecturer at Stony Brook University, says. “Our housing supply has always been inadequate,” Murdocco said. “The pandemic only amplified the problem.” Murdocco said that zoning laws, while often criticized, generally serve a purpose by preventing overbuilding and protecting the environment, including Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. Still, he noted that some restrictions could be updated to allow for more diverse housing types, adding, “Planning is about the balance of economic and social development.” Many Long Island communities rely heavily on single-family zoning, which limits options for renters and first-time homebuyers. Murdocco pointed to examples like allowing accessory dwelling units and legalizing safe basement apartments as steps that could help ease the affordability problem without contributing to overdevelopment. Vision Long Island, a Northportbased nonprofit, promotes Smart Growth planning by working with residents and local leaders to revitalize downtowns, encourage mixed-use development and build transit-oriented housing. Its director, Erik Alexander, said these efforts have produced more than 18,000 units near public transit in 45 communities over two decades, with over 60 downtowns completing visioning or master plans. “The balance comes from the planning — not from us imposing our will,” Alexander noted. “When regional authorities do that, it backfires.” He pointed to Matinecock Court in East Northport — a 146-unit affordable housing project proposed in the 1970s but delayed for decades by lawsuits, opposition and zoning hurdles — as emblematic of Long Island’s housing struggles. Construction finally began in 2021, and as it nears completion, advocates see it both as a symbol of resistance to affordable housing and a hardwon step forward. Alexander said the barriers extend beyond zoning or community opposition to include economics and funding. “Affordability is largely a function of subsidy,” he said, “and Long Island doesn’t get its fair share.” Alexander noted that although Long Island accounts for 15 percent of New

York’s population and contributes over 2 percent in taxes, it receives only about 3 percent of the state’s affordable housing funds. “People want walkable downtowns, community, affordability, safety,” he said. “We can have all of that, but it has to come from within.” Vision Long Island also collaborates with the Long Island Housing Partnership, the region’s oldest affordable housing organization. Since 1988, President Peter Elkowitz has led its mission to preserve affordability while respecting Long Island’s suburban character. Their efforts focus on accessory dwelling units, targeted zoning reforms, and large-scale redevelopment designed to fit into existing communities. Long Island’s complex governance — two counties, 13 townships and 95 villages — adds hurdles, with overlapping approvals from school districts, health departments, and sewer authorities slowing progress, Elkowitz said. “We are inundated with different levels of government that also have overlapping responsibilities,” he said. Programs like down payment assistance, offered through county and town governments, remain key to making homeownership more accessible. Accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs — small units within or beside singlefamily homes — are also growing in popularity, helping homeowners offset taxes and support multigenerational living, the Long Island Housing Partnership’s executive vice president, James Britz, said. “You’re renovating a single-family home, you’re not creating density in those cases,” Britz said. ADUs have been implemented in several Suffolk towns, including Huntington, Southold, Brookhaven, and soon Riverhead and Islip, while new developments are incorporating them from the start. A Bellport project will add 32 single-family homes with ADUs, and in Bay Shore, a multi-phase revitalization replaced blighted blocks with 118 new homes, sparking further investment and transforming the neighborhood. Advocates stress that there’s no onesize-fits-all solution, but sharing successes, prioritizing quality design and engaging communities early can build support, Elkowitz said. “If you do it right and you include the community, and you include something aesthetically pleasing and creative, the community usually gets behind you,” he said.

State efforts to provide affordable housing have faced backlash on L.I. To address the state’s housing shortage, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed the New York Housing Compact, which aimed to build 800,000 homes over the

Herald file/Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Then Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, center right, joined by other Long Island officials in 2023, opposed Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Housing Compact. next decade. The plan, proposed for the 2024 fiscal year Executive Budget, included statewide zoning mandates requiring suburban towns to allow higher-density development near transit. The initiative was intended to address New York’s housing shortage: 1.2 million jobs had been added over the previous decade, but only 400,000 homes had been built. In that time, rents had risen 60 percent, and home prices 50 to 80 percent. According to the governor’s office, restrictive zoning, red tape and lengthy approvals had made building new housing more difficult. “The New York Housing Compact is a comprehensive plan to spur the changes needed to create more housing, meet rising demand, and make our state a more equitable, stable, and affordable place to live,” Hochul stated in a news release. The initiative faced strong opposition throughout the state, with over 200 elected officials in both parties voicing their opposition, according to Alexander. “It was completely out of touch — designed to help New York City developers build more cheaply out here,” he said. Long Island elected officials argued that the compact would strip local control over zoning. In March 2023, a month before the 2024 state budget deadline, local leaders — including former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin — gathered at the Capitol in Albany, promoting a petition signed by more than 20,000 residents against the initiative. “Removing the ability for local municipalities to oversee their housing development is wrong,” Clavin said, “and that’s why we brought a collective voice from all over New York state to Albany.” State Sen. Steve Rhoads called the housing plan “reckless and irresponsi-

ble,” saying residents should have a say in their communities. “Allow those of us who actually know Long Island, the streets of Syracuse or Buffalo, to determine what we are going to do with respect to our own jurisdictions and housing,” Rhoads said. According to reports, Hochul’s housing compact was pulled from the 2024 state budget after receiving little legislative support, but the state has made progress in expanding affordable housing. In February, the State Senate advanced a package of affordable housing bills aimed at helping homeowners and renters, including a home savings program for first-time buyers, free counseling and legal services through the Homeownership Protection Program, and a two-year look-back for senior and disability rent increase exemptions. The bills are currently awaiting action in the Assembly.

Pro-Housing Community Program sees strong support in Suffolk, but not Nassau After the Housing Compact plan collapsed, Hochul signed Executive Order 30 in July 2023, creating the Pro-Housing Communities program, which provides up to $650 million annually to communities that commit to modestly increasing housing supply. To date, over 340 communities have been certified. “There’s only one solution to New York’s housing affordability crisis: we’ve got to build more housing,” Hochul said in a statement. “The ProHousing Communities initiative is delivering the incentives communities are looking for, and this latest round of grant funding will make a real difference in every region of New York.” Downstate municipalities can earn ConTInueD on neXT paGe

State incentives feed local development fears Pro-Housing Community certification by showing 1 percent housing growth in the past year or 3 percent over the past three years, or by committing to future development through a Pro-Housing Resolution. Localities must earn Pro-Housing Communities certification to access key discretionary funding programs, which includes the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the NY Forward program, the Long Island Investment Fund, and the Public Transportation Modernization Enhancement Program. Suffolk leads Nassau in Pro-Housing certifications and letters of intent, reflecting a regional shift toward broader policy acceptance. A Herald analysis, which accounts for land mass and acreage, shows that about 58 percent of Suffolk communities are certified or have submitted a letter of intent, compared to roughly 13 percent in Nassau. Although several municipalities in the Town of Hempstead — such as Valley Stream and Freeport — are certified as Pro-Housing Communities, the town itself is not and has no plans to seek certification. The Village of Hempstead, however, recently earned certification, as development began on two buildings by Conifer-LeChase Construction with 258 affordable units, plus a 96-unit apartment complex on Bedell Street, half reserved for veterans, making it eligible for a $10 million Downtown Revitaliza-

Illustration by Ainsley Martinez

Suffolk leads nassau in Pro-Housing certifications, with about 58 percent of communities participating versus 13 percent, signaling broader regional acceptance in Suffolk. tion Initiative grant. In 2019, the state selected the township to receive a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award for Baldwin. Its assets — including the Long Island Rail Road, strategic downtown investments, and infrastructure improvements — positioned it as an ideal candidate with a head start on the process. “Currently, two housing projects contained within the DRI are underway in Baldwin, with another two projects in the planning phase, and another transit-

oriented development is approaching completion in West Hempstead,” Brian Devine, the Town of Hempstead’s director of communications, said. The town’s efforts to address affordable housing didn’t start with Baldwin. The Archstone Westbury project, which opened in 2006 at Meadowbrook Crossing, provided 396 units. According to Devine, it was the first Long Island project with an affordable housing component, with 20 percent of units designated as affordable and 10 percent specifically for residents ages 62 and older.

Except for the Village of Farmingdale, the Town of Oyster Bay is also not part of the Pro-Housing Community program. Public Information Officer Brian Nevin said that such programs come with strings attached, pressuring municipalities to meet “unrealistic growth quotas” that could strain infrastructure, schools and public safety while raising taxes for current homeowners. “The Town of Oyster Bay has consistently opposed Albany’s one-size-fits-all housing mandates,” Nevin said in an emailed statement, “which fail to recognize the unique character and alreadydeveloped nature of our suburban communities like ours.” Nevin added that the town is committed to development that balances growth with preserving suburban quality of life. Nearly 500 residential units are underway in Hicksville, including mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. The town, he said, is encouraging the state to remove “unrealistic mandates” and return to the original Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which has proven successful in Hicksville, Westbury and other nearby communities. “Our priority is to promote affordable and attainable housing options in a way that protects taxpayers and maintains the character of our neighborhoods,” Nevin said, “without ceding local control to Albany bureaucrats.”

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MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

Continued from PreViouS Page

WHAT’S UP NEXT DOOR AND AROUND THE CORNER

August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Members of the Magical Mystery Doors band were recognized by public officials as they performed at John Burns Park Aug. 5.

Magical Mystery Doors brings rock fusion to Massapequa for concert series By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under the Stars concert series welcomed Magical Mystery Doors to John Burns Park in Massapequa Aug. 5, drawing hundreds of attendees to enjoy a night of rock nostalgia and inventive musical fusion. The tribute band delivers a one-of-akind concert experience by blending the music of three legendary rock groups — The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors. These iconic bands have left a lasting impact on music history, and their songs continue to resonate with fans across generations. Magical Mystery Doors sets itself apart by creatively reimagining and layering classic tracks. Audience members were treated to mashups such as The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” paired with Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop,” and the powerful beat of “When the Levee Breaks” blended with the delicate guitar of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Another highlight of the evening featured a seamless sequence of “The Rain Song,” “Riders on the Storm” and “Here Comes the Sun,” offering listeners a surprising yet harmonious musical journey. In addition to its inventive sound, the band’s performance featured a visually immersive show with modern video screens and vibrant lighting effects, enhancing the atmosphere and bringing the music to life. For more information about the band, visit magicalmysterydoors.com.

Hundreds of residents clap to the music as the band plays.

Songwriter, musician and vocalist Vincent DeRenzis

Eric Henkels on guitar

Brendan Marro on guitar..

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 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, AUGUST 30

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)-9728829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

•Farmingdale Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale. For more information, call (516) 249-0093. •Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

•Town of Oyster Bay Board of Ethics Meeting: 4 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 6246860. •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) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 2207808. All calls are confidential.

BROADWAY COMES TO BABYLON!

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information, call (631) 9728829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

• 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) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential. • The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 9728829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

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: Beacon 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.

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MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO

Former village official urges board to uphold democracy, enforce rules Consider donating a Kidney and SAVE a LIFE!

CONTINUED FROM COVER

IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE BOARD: •Approved a request from elitefeats to conduct a portion of the annual Ocean to Sound Relay on village roads Sept. 28. •Approved a request from YES Community Counseling Center to host its 5K Turkey Trot at Brady Park on Nov. 22. •Discussed in a public work session prior to the meeting a potential scheduling conflict on Oct. 25 between the Massapequa High School Homecoming Parade and the Back the Badge 5K Run. Village officials said they would explore the situation to find ways to eliminate any conflicts.

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Mike Polansky/Herald

John O’Brien addresses the Village Board

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Register now for Massapequa Kiwanis’ annual bocce fundraiser The Massapequa Kiwanis will be hosting their 13th annual Bocce BBQ Fundraiser on September 6 at John J. Burns Park, Kiwanis Log Cabin. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the competition will start at 11 a.m. A rain date is scheduled for September 13. The day will include Bocce competition, bagel breakfast, all-day barbecue, beer,

wine, soda, raffles and entertainment for all. There will also be a cash prize and more for first and second place winners. Register online at massapequakiwanis. org. For more information, call Tony DeMayo at (516) 343-3435 or email awdemayo@optonline.net. John J. Burns Park is located at 4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park.

Herald Community Newspapers is looking for:

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Please contact Tim application Baker at: to tbaker@liherald.com Please send your Tim Baker at: tbaker@liherald.com with the subject line "FreelancePhotographer” Photographer” or or call call 516-784-8135 with the subjectline “Freelance (516) 784-8135

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To subscribe call 516-569-4000 or go

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August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

How are you getting ready to go back to school? Lana Angiulo

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

Compiled by Herald Staff

Sam Cicillini

18, Massapequa

7, Massapequa Park

I’m getting my dorm room ready and I met with all nine of my roommates at orientation. I also have a job set up on campus, working at the bookstore.

McKenna Elementary, 3rd Grade Going to camp and learning stuff like how to be kind and reading every day. Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Macklin Panarelli

James Barton

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4, Massapequa Park

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I’m excited to go on the school bus for the first time.

I’m getting ready to do some experiments at school. Science is my favorite subject.

I’m practicing my coloring for school and I’m excited for a new backpack.

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Get ready for an action-packed season with the 2025 High School Football Preview — your ultimate guide to the upcoming year in local high school football. This special section highlights the teams, standout players, key matchups, and expert analysis of what to expect under the Friday night lights. Look for the Basketball Preview on Dec. 18.

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August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

STEPPING OUT

The longtime festival returns with another lively tribute to the ‘World’s Greatest Entertainer’ By Iris Wiener

ecause Al Jolson is forever embraced by many as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” celebrating him every year has become an unmissable tradition. The Al Jolson Society is ready with the 26th edition of its annual festival, on Sept. 6, when guests will enjoy an exciting day of music, memorabilia and laughs. Jolson once said: “A responsive audience is the best encouragement an actor can have.” It was immediately clear to audiences that there was an incredible amount to which they would want to respond. The star of the ﬁrst talking picture, 1927’s “The Jazz Singer,” Jolson was an eponymous performer famous for his work in vaudeville and musical theater. In fact, there’s a street named after him on Broadway outside of the Winter Garden Theatre, where he sold out nine vaudeville musical revues. This is why Jan Hernstat, the International Al Jolson Society president and founder, feels it’s important to remember his stamp on entertainment as we now know it. “I always tell people that he was the ﬁrst superstar before that phrase was coined,” says Hernstat. “He was an international star at a • Sept. 6, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. • Information and tickets time when there was no available at Jolson.org or real media to promote call Jan Hernstat at what he did. There (516) 678-3524. wasn’t radio and TV. For • Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park somebody to be as big as he was worldwide. At a time when there was nothing to promote yourself, it really talks about your talent. You think of him and the guys who followed him, and there are so few people in the same category. Frank Sinatra. The Beatles. Bing Crosby. Elvis Presley. “This is why I’m celebrating his talent, his singing and his voice. He was an incredible star. I think it’s important for us to remember who he was and what he did.” The word “celebration” is an understatement when considering the many experiences planned for festival guests. One of the highlights is the auction of Jolson items. “We have a lot of good stuff up for auction that we haven’t had in the past,” Hernstat says. “People donated collections that go back 60 or 70 years. If someone comes as a collector, they would really enjoy it!” The schedule includes a number of unique performances and a luncheon buffet. Eddie Cantor’s grandson, Brian Gari, will be on hand to share stories and greet lucky attendees. Ed Greenbaum will once again be sharing his audio rarities. This year’s festival is serving up unique comedy with new acts from some old favorites. Noah Diamond demonstrates the iconic humor of Groucho Marx with

‘Well my heart went boom…’

Courtesy Jan Hernstat

Tony B gives a rousing rendition of the Jolson standards, an annual festival performance not to be missed.

a re-creation of a radio program the comedian did with Jolson. The unforgettable Bob Greenberg and Jonathan Smith (who have previously graced the stage as Laurel & Hardy) change gears this year and take on Abbott & Costello (expect to hear a rendition of “Who’s On First?”). Jeff Greenberg is returning with his delightful comedy. Plus, for the first time, guests will enjoy Jack West’s comedic stylings as he takes on the great Jack Benny. No Al Jolson Festival is complete without the main event, the musical stylings of Tony Babino. Known as “The Heart of Al Jolson,” Babino performs an entire concert tribute to Jolson, including hits “My Mammy” and “Swanee.” “He gets better every year,” says Hernstat of Babino. “One of the main reasons that we can continue to do things like this is because we have a Courtesy Jan Hernstat guy like Tony who is so talented and Al Jolson in a scene from his fi lm “The Singing Kid” sounds so much like Jolson. It’s a joy. in 1936. It was his final lead role in a musical film. Nobody else does what he does like he does it.” A part of what makes the full-day festival so special is that enthusiasts from all over come together to reflect on their shared passion. Hernstat says guests will be traveling from Philadelphia, New Jersey and even Kansas City to be in a room of likeminded individuals who appreciate Jolson’s magic. “Where can you go nowadays to see the old-time entertainers recreated?” asks Hernstat, as he considers the unique programming planned for the day. “[For us Long Islanders] it’s right in our backyard.” Hernstat hopes that through the work of the Al Jolson Society, members will be able to continue to reach out to Jolson fans who will help keep his legacy alive. “It’s harder and harder to find those people out there who are true Jolson fans. We’re not looking to convert anyone to become a Jolson fan; we just want to find the ones out there who are and let them know that they have this outlet for their enjoyment.”

Courtesy Iris Wiener

The festival “gang” includes, from left, Jeff Greenberg, Richard Halpern, Al Jolson Society President Jan Hernstat, vocalist Tony Babino, and Bob Greenberg.

Experience Beatlemania again when 1964 The Tribute brings the early 1960s Fab Four back to life. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the best Beatles tribute on earth,” the band channels the pre-Sgt. Pepper era with uncanny authenticity — from period instruments and vintage suits to spot-on vocals and playful onstage banter. This meticulous re-creation captures the energy and joy of The Beatles’ early live performances, offering a rare chance to feel what it was like when Beatlemania swept the globe.“1964” captures the quintessential moment in history, when The Beatles actually played before a live audience. For those that never saw The Beatles live and always wanted to know what it must have been like, this may be as close as anyone could possibly get — to feel the magic.

Friday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m. $82, $66.25, $54.75, $44.25, $31.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Brave Strangers Get ready to rock when Brave Strangers hits the stage with the music of Bob Seger. Founded by the passionate and talented Tony Paulino, this powerhouse 14-piece group delivers an authentic concert experience that captures the ﬁre, soul, and storytelling that made Seger a rock legend. From “Night Moves” to “Turn the Page” to “Old Time Rock & Roll,” Brave Strangers takes audiences on a high-energy ride through the songs that deﬁned a generation — and continue to win new fans today. With a three-piece female chorus line known as the Segerettes, the Runaway Train horn section, and a blistering eight-piece core band, their sound is as big and bold as the Motor City itself. If you’ve seen Seger live, you know the thrill. If you haven’t, this is the next best thing.

Friday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

Forever in tune with

August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Exhibit AUG On Nassau County

CALENDAR Storybook Stroll

Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Market AUG Farmers Market is open

weekly until Nov. 23, weather permitting, at Farmingdale Village Green.

• Where: 361 Main St., Farmingdale • Time: Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Contact: (516) 249-0093

Childcare workshop for teens

Teens in grades 6-12 can learn the basics of childcare by participating in this video session offer by Massapequa Library. This program is perfect for teens who want to be babysitters. Enter a valid email address. Once you watch the video, email the library a summary of what you learned at mplteens@massapequalibrary. org if you would like a community service certificate. The library will then email you a community service certificate for 1 hour of service. Registration required. • Where: Online • Time: Anytime • Contact: massapequalibrary. org or call (516) 799-0770

Meet Fred Mollin

With a career spanning decades masterful raconteur’s prolific work producing iconic music and composing for film and television makes him a natural storyteller.

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for the next storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Allison Sweet Grant’s “Leif and the Fall.” With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

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Maren Morris

Maren Morris brings “The Dreamsicle Tour” to the Paramount stage with special guest Jade LeMac. Morris has broken boundaries, smashed records and affirmed herself as a dynamic vocalist, prolific songwriter and showstopping performer on her own terms. Among numerous accolades, she has garnered a Grammy, five ACM Awards, five CMA Awards, and three Billboard Music Awards. She has earned dozens of multi platinum and gold certifications worldwide and tallied billions of streams. Her catalog encompasses a trio of acclaimed albums, namely Hero (2016), Girl (2019), and Humble Quest (2022). Speaking to her versatility, she’s the rare force of nature equally suited to collaborating with Zedd on the 6x-platinum “The Middle” or duetting with everyone from Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow to Teddy Swims, Hozier, and Jessie Murph. Morris has sold out tours on multiple continents. Along the way, she also co-founded The Highwomen with Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Amanda Shires. In September 2023, Maren shared The Bridge, an EP featuring “The Tree” and “Get the Hell Out of Here,” and followed with a cover • Where: The Paramount, 370 of Billy Idol’s classic track “Dancing With Myself” in February 2024. She entered a bold new New York Ave., Huntington era with the release of her Intermission EP in August, which features “Cut!” and the MUNA- • Time: 7:30 p.m. produced and playful single “Push Me Over.” Maren promises to be unapologetically herself • Contact: ticketmaster.com — and it shows in this music and in what is next to come. $114.25, $92, $71.75, $65.25. or paramountny.com

Join Mollin as he discusses his new book, “Unplugged,” and performs at Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. Free with admission. • Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: limusichalloffame. org/museum or (631) 689-5888

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Massapequa Fire District Meeting

The Massapequa Fire District meets.

• Where: District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: (516) 798-9849

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• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale • Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m. • Contact: (51farmingdalelibrary. org or call 6) 249-9090

Walk-In Library Card Bingo Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with Plainedge Public Library! Show a librarian your library card and receive a Bingo board. Complete three activities in a row on your Bingo board by Sept. 30 to receive a prize. • Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa • Time: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. • Contact: plainedgelibrary.org or call (516) 735-4133

Movie time

Farmingdale Library Cinema welcomes all to enjoy the 1976 satirical comedy “Murder by Death.” Starring Peter Falk and Peter Sellers, the film follows five famous literary detective characters and their sidekicks as they are invited to a bizarre mansion to solve an even stranger mystery.

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Al-Anon Meeting

All are welcome to the Fr. Graham Center meeting room for an Al-Anon meeting.

• Where: Saint Rose of Lima Church, 2 Bayview Ave., Massapequa • Time: 1-2 p.m. • Contact: (516) 798-4992

Co-Ed Adult Fitness and Sports Program

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Co-Ed Adult Fitness and Sports Program is now accepting registration. • Where: Online • Time: 5 p.m. • Contact: (516) 797-7945 or oysterbaytown.com/sports

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Massapequa Kiwanis’ Annual Bocce Barbecue Fundraiser

Massapequa Kiwanis hosts their13th Annual Bocce Barbecue Fundraiser. The day includes Bocce competition, bagel breakfast, all-day barbecue, beer, wine, soda, raffles and entertainment for all. With a cash prize and more for first and second place winners. Registration begins at 10 a.m., competition starts at 11 a.m. Rain date is Sept.13. • Where: John J. Burns Park, Kiwanis Log Cabin, 4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park • Time: 10 a.m. • Contact: Tony DeMayo at (516) 343-3435, or awdemayo@optonline.net or massapequakiwanis.org.

Art Talk

Join John Grande when he visits Nassau County Museum of Art. The New Yorkbased artist reflects upon modern and contemporary culture with his constructed paintings, sculptures, and murals while carefully utilizing techniques and traditions as far-reaching those of Old Master painters, 19th-century artists to 20th-century advertising and Pop Art. His subjects are diverse, often readily recognizable and at times quite humorous: from glamorous Hollywood stars to the art world itself and the grittier subjects of street art. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students, members free. Limited seating. Registration required. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

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Musical delights

Visit Old Westbury Gardens and check out the Café in the Woods while you’re there. Grab a light lunch and settle in for an afternoon of classic rock, pop hits, and a splash of ’60s soul. Central Beat brings the groove to Café in the Woods. It’s the perfect Sunday soundtrack! • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 1-4 p.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

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.

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Public Notices Public Notices Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25124310 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 14 Bayville Ave, Bayville, NY 11709, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Sunset Fish & L obster Corporation. 25-253. 8/20, 27 Notice of Formation of CoreClinical LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of St ate of Ne w York (SSNY ) on [5/5/2025]. O f f i c e l o c at i on : Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: C oreC linic a l LLC, 41 Hol lins Road, Hicksville, NY, 11801 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 25-240. 7/23, 30, 8/6, 13, 20, 27 Notice of formation of SANTA OF LONG ISLAND LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 07/18/2025. Office located in NASSAU. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC 18 S 5TH STREET, LOCUST VALLEY, NY, 11560. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 25-250. 8/13, 20, 27, 9/3, 10, 17

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

Notice is hereby rogate’s Court, to said alleged New Yorkpaid Surrogate's the Surrogate’ s Court, paid to said alleged g i v eatn262t h adistributees t a County,Court at 262 distributees Nassau upon County, upon license, Application ountry OCA Road,Official proof of kinshipOld or deForm Country Road, proof of kinship or dea, NewOCA York, Official positedForm with theMineola, New ID: New NA-0340-25York, posited with the New 12431024, for liquor, ptember 24, York State ComptrolJA-6 on September York State Comptrolbeer,o’wine, cider t 9:30 o’ clock lerCitation on account for theat 9:30 Accounting 2025, clockandler on account for the has been applied for next of kin renoonFile of that ofthe kinforenoon No. unknown next in of that unknown by the undersigned y the account of Joseph Louisday, Criv2022-343/A why the account of Joseph Louis Crivto sell liquor,elli, beer, c AdministraS U R R Oelli, G Adecedent, T E ’ S should of Public Administradecedent, should wine, and cider Nassau County, alleged distribuCOURT,said NASSAU tor of Nassau County, said at alleged distribuin a Restaurant mary of COUNTY which tees default herein or retail a summary of which tees default herein or under herethe Alcoholic n servedCITATION here- fail to establishhas proof been served fail to establish proof Beverage Control Administrator of kinship; THE PEOPLE OF with, as Administrator of kinship; Law at 14 Bayville state of Joseph 7. Granting THE STATE OF NEWsuchofother the estate of Joseph 7. Granting such other Ave,should Bayville, Crivelli, should as toCrivelli, YORK, and further relief Louis andNY further relief as to 1 1 7 0 9set, C othe u n Court ty judicially the Court Bysetthe Grace of Godis just notand be judicially is just and o f N a s s a u ,proper. for proper. Free and Independent tled. o n relief p r e m Dated, i s e s Attested, and FurtherTO: relief Dated, Attested, [X] and Further c o n s u m p Sealed, tion (if any): Gr a ss i Sealed, Adv i s or y sought (if any): a t and S u disn s e t HON. Fish asing and dis- Inc. HON. Group, 1. Releasing & Petitioner L o b s HON. t e r MARGARET g the Petitioner HON. Office of the NYSMARGARET At- charging the Corporation. l liability, re- General C. REILLY torney from all liability, re- C. REILLY 25-253. 8/20, July 27 23, 2025 bility and ac-Surety July 23, 2025 sponsibility Jasper and acbility asJohn to allMazzitelli Surrogate countability as to all Surrogate set forthSandra in the McCaffrey (Seal) matters setNotice forth inofthe (Seal) Formation t of proceeds/ Debra Keller account Leim- of Robert Duthie proceedDebra Keller Leimof CoreClinicals/LLC. bach Mary Coupland ings; bach Articles of wing theKathleen com- Fisher Chief Clerk 2. Allowing the com- Chief Organization filedClerk ns of theCarol Peti-Fisher Richard T. Kerins, Esq. with missions of thethe Peti-Secretary Richard T. Kerins, Esq. n the amount Signature of Attorney Scott Crivelli tioner in of the amount St ate of Signature Ne w of Attorney Yorkpursu(SSNYPrint ) onName of Attor192.98 pursuPrint Name of of AttorNicholas Venezia $ 40,192.98 [5/5/2025]. SCPA 2307(1) Josephineney Lombardi ant to SCPA 2307(1) ney f f i c e l o c atMahon, i on : Mahon, Kere reasonable Mahon, Mahon,and Ker-the O Marie Nappi reasonable Nassau County. ecessary ex- Wilkins ins & O'Brien, LLC Louise and necessary ex- ins & O'Brien, LLC S N Yoffice h a s (516) b e e n538-1111 of the Rocco office Gualtieri (516) 538-1111penses ofS the designated as agentName amountAnd of $ anyFirm Name and all in the amount of $ Firm of the LLC upon 19 pursuTelephone unknown persons 12,477.19 pursu- Telephone whom process CPA 1207(4); 254 orNassau whose names parts Bouleant to SCPA 1207(4); 254 Nassau Bouleagainst it may be ng and of deterSouth, whose vard names and Garden 3. Fixing served. and deter- vard South, Garden the attorney’ CityorSouth, York the whoses place placesNewmining attorney’ s mail City South, New York SSNY shall a nd disburse11530 of residence are un- fees andcopy disburse11530 of any process f Mahon, Ma- and rkerins@mmkolaw. known cannot ments of Mahon, Ma- linic rkerins@mmkolaw. to: C oreC al rins & O'Brien, cominquiry hon, Kerins after diligent & O'Brien, com LLC, 41 Hol lins orney for Address bepetiascertained, distrib- LLC attorney for petiAddress Road, Hicksville, 11801 n the amount Email (optional) utees, heirs-at-law and tioner in NY, the amount Email (optional) Any lawful is Purpose: NOTE: This citation is ,443.91 next-of-kin as and NOTE: of theThis said citation of $ 100,443.91 as and purpose. served upon you as real fees Joseph and $ Louis Crivelli, for legal fees and $ served upon you as re30, by law. You are law. You are 25-240. quired 0 as and for quired deceased, and ifbyany 4,434.50 as and for7/23, 8/6, 13, 20, 27 not required to appear. not required to appear. ements,offor thea said distribu- disbursements, for a If you fail to appear it If you fail to appear it $ 104,878.41, tees named specifically total of $ 104,878.41, Notice of formation will be assumed that will be assumed that h $ 24,378.41 or as a class be dead, of which $ 24,378.41 you do not object to of SANTA OF LONG you do not object to n paid and their legal representa- has been paid and the relief requested. I S L A N D Lthe requested. L Crelief . 0.00 is unpaid; tives, theirYou husbands $ 80,500.00 have a right to A isr unpaid; You have a right to ticles of ng and or deterwives, have if any, 4. Fixing and deter- have an attorney apandisattorney ap- Organization filed the accounttributees and mining account- pear for you, and you pear succesfor you, and you the with the Secretary s of Grassi & interest sors in whose ingmay fees of Grassi & or your attorney may or your attorney of State of New York A’s, PC names in the and/or places CPA’s, PC in the request a copy of the request a copy Co, of the SSNY on 07/18/2025. of of residence post from amount fulland account the of full account from the Office located in petitionerare or petition0.00 of office which addresses $ 10,050.00 of which petitioner or petitionNASSAU. SSNY has s attorney. .00 hasunknown been er’ and cannot $ 4,050.00 has been er’s attorney. been designated for Estate of Josephpaid Louis d $ 6,000.00 after isdiligent inquiry and $ 6,000.00 is Estate of Joseph Louis service of process. Crivelli Crivelli be ascertained. unpaid; SSNY shall mail a File No. 2022-343/A asing and A dispetition having 5. Releasing and dis- File No. 2022-343/A copy of any process Accounting Accounting Citation g the surety; been duly filed by Pub- Citation charging the surety; served against the cting each of New YorkofSurrogate's lic Administrator 6. Directing each of New York Surrogate's LLC 18 S 5TH Court who Formsyou JA-6 aiming Nassau to be County, claiming to be Court Forms JA-6 STREET, LOCUST ibutee of the (2/2006) is domiciled at 240 Old a distributee of the (2/2006) VALLEY, NY, 11560. © 2025 nt to establish Country Road, Mine-Matthew Decedent to establish © 2025 Matthew Purpose: any lawful Bender & Company, f your kinship, ola, New York 11501. proof of your kinship, Bender & Company, purpose. Inc., HEREa member of Lexow cause why YOU ARE and show cause why Inc., a member of Lex25-250. 8/13, 20, 27, ance ofB Y saidC I TisNexis. E D T O the balance of said isNexis. 9/3, 10, 17 25-248. 8/6, 13,funds 20, 27 should hould not be CAUSE SHOW before not be 25-248. 8/6, 13, 20, 27

Courtesy/Metro Creative connection

How families can prepare for fall sports season Fall is an exciting time of year for student-athletes. After a summertime break from scholastic sports, athletes return to competition in the fall. Whether athletes are playing football, soccer, cross country, tennis, or any of the myriad additional sports that start up again in the fall, preparation is vital to making the most of a season. As seasons get set to begin, families can keep the following tips in mind to ensure studentathletes start off on the right foot. • Establish a routine early on. Parents know it’s no small feat getting students back in the school year swing of things after summer vacation, and it can be just as challenging for student-athletes to get back on track on the playing fields. Families can start their school year routines over the final weeks of summer vacation to ensure student-athletes don’t miss a beat once the season begins. Children who tend to stay up past their bedtimes over the summer can start going to bed earlier so their bodies are well-rested when classes resume and practices and games start. In addition to going to bed earlier, children can start waking up earlier, ultimately waking up at the same time they will during the school year over the last several days of summer vacation. • Focus on conditioning as summer winds down. Parents and studentathletes can contact coaches as summer winds down for advice on how to improve their conditioning as fall sports season inches closer. Proper conditioning is a building block of athletic success that builds endurance and reduces injury risk. Conditioning also can help studentathletes fulfill their athletic potential. Conditioning need not be restricted to indoor activities, either. Summer-friendly

activities like swimming, cycling and hiking can be great for conditioning and won’t require student-athletes to spend the final days of summer indoors on a treadmill or exercise bike. • Get back to basics. Student-athletes competing at the varsity level may have been playing their sports for years by the time the new school year begins, but a return to the basics in advance of a new season can help to acclimate their bodies and get their minds ready for the coming season. Light engagement in basic drills is a safe and slow method to getting bodies back in shape. Student-athletes can participate in local clinics over the summer, even serving as instructors if the opportunity arises. Participation in clinics provides a good way to sharpen skills as summer winds down and a new season is about to begin. • Fine tune student-athletes’ diets. Summer is not always synonymous with healthy eating, as backyard barbecues and visits to the local ice cream parlor can tempt anyone, including studentathletes, to eat less nutritious foods. Nemours® KidsHealth® notes that athletic children and teenagers need calcium-rich foods to build strong bones, iron to help deliver oxygen throughout their bodies, protein to facilitate the building and repairing of muscles, and carbohydrates to provide much-needed energy. As fall sports season approaches, parents can aim to meet each of these needs throughout the day and limit access to less healthy fare that tends to be readily available throughout the summer. As fall sports season kicks off, studentathletes and their families can focus on preparing for competition and doing the little things that help youngsters fulfill their athletic potential.

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August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

Public Notices

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Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592 TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149 RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS S C H M I T T, Vi c e Chair woman – KATHLEEN MULLIGAN REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO 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 SEPTEMBER 4, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS APPEAL NO. 25-135 MASSAPEQUA JOSEPH LEONE: (A) Variance to construct first floor addition having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct second floor rear addition having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to construct driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to construct first floor additions, second floor addition, rear roofed over stoop and roofed over front porch exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (E)

Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 16-187 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated May 5, 2016. N/s/o Adams Rd., 120 ft. W/o Cedar Shore Dr., a/k/a 117 Adams Road, Massapequa, NY ------------------------APPEAL NO. 25-194 MASSAPEQUA JOSEPH CLABBY: (A) Variance to allow existing pergola having less front yard setback (Ocean Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance for parking within required front yard. (D) Variance to allow existing circular driveway having less front yard setback (Compass Lane) than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (Ocean Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. NE/ cor. of Compass Ln. & Ocean Ave., a/k/a 2 Compass Lane, Massapequa, NY ------------------------APPEAL NO. 25-208 NORTH MASSAPEQUA BUSHRA IQBAL: Variance to allow an existing second kitchen in a one-family dwelling for use as a PARENT/CHILD residence. E/s/o Alaska Ave., 190 ft. N/o N. Delaware Ave., a/k/a 6 Alaska Avenue, North Massapequa, NY ----------------------APPEAL NO. 25-209 NORTH MASSAPEQUA BUSHRA IQBAL: (A) Variance to allow existing 8 ft. by 9.9 ft. shed having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 6.1 ft. by 10.2 ft. shed having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

(C) Variance to allow existing pool equipment having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. E/s/o Alaska Ave., 190 ft. N/o N. Delaware Ave., a/k/a 6 Alaska Avenue, North Massapequa, NY -----------------------Z O N I N G B OARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 09/04/25 ------------------------APPEAL NO. 25-186 FARMINGDALE ASHLEY PARLA: (A) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across side/front yard (Vandewater Street) than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 4 ft. high fence exceeding maximum height within 30 ft. of intersection than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing swimming pool having less side/front yard (Vandewater Street) than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing pool equipment having less side/front yard (Vandewater Street) than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 99-443 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated October 13, 1999. NW/ cor. of Fallwood Pkwy. & Vandewater St., a/k/a 51 Fallwood Parkway, Farmingdale, NY -----------------------APPEAL NO. 25-193 FARMINGDALE DIANA RECINOS: (A) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 21-173 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated June 17, 2021. N/s/o 3rd Ave., 270 ft. E/o Woodward Pkwy., a/k/a 9 3rd Avenue, Farmingdale, NY

-----------------------AUGUST 25, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-255 8/.27 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASS AU Nat i o n s t a r Mortgage LLC dba Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff AGAINST Peter Falci, Kim Falci, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 5, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 287 North Delaware Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Massapequa, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 52, Block: 527, Lot: 245. Approximate amount of judgment $800,575.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009037/2013. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No third party check or cash will be ac cepted. Lisa Goodwin, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-046203F00 86574 25-247. 8/6,13, 20, 27

Notice of formation of VP Connections Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of St at e of Ne w Yor k ( S SN Y ) on 07/10/2025 Office location, County 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: V P C on n e c t i ons 1 6 2 0 Gr and Ave Baldwin NY 11510 PO BOX 1034 Purpose: any lawful act. 26-245. 7/30, 8/6, 13, 20, 27, 9/3

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor-in-interest to a l l p e r m itte d successors and assigns of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Specialty Underwriting and Residential Finance Tr u s t M o r t g a g e Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-BC2, Plaintiff AGAINST Eddie Maiorino a/k/a Eddie A. Maiorino; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Fore c l o s u re a n d Sale duly entered

September 5, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 25, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 45 Beverly Place, Massap equa, NY 11758. A l l t hat certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements t here on ere c te d, situate, lying and being at Massapequa, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 65 Block 101 Lots 2314, 2 3 1 5 , 2 3 1 6 , an d

2317. Approximate amount of judgment $590,059.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 614095/2017. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine." John Kennedy, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: August 6, 2025 25-256. 8/27, 9/3, 10, 17

How a well-rounded education benefits students Academic environments have undergone quite a change over the last several decades. Technological advancements have changed the way educators teach and how students learn, but there’s also been a notable shift in what students are learning. Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has become a point of emphasis in twenty-first century classrooms, and for good reason. The U.S. National Science Foundation notes that a workforce educated in STEM is vital to a country’s prosperity and security. Opportunities in STEM fields are on the rise as well, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates STEM occupations will grow by roughly 11 percent between 2022 and 2032. The value of STEM is undeniable. However, students and parents also should recognize the many ways a well-rounded education that includes math and science but also the humanities and social sciences facilitates strong academic performance. Critical thinking skills A well-rounded education can instill important and useful critical thinking skills in students. When students direct the bulk of their attention to a single subject or category of subjects, they’re less likely to understand how interconnected coursework, and indeed the world, can be. A well-rounded education can instill in students a more nuanced way of looking at problems and potential solutions. That ability can positively affect students’ personal lives and ultimately their

professional lives when their formal schooling ends, as they will be in position to better assess situations. Comprehension Tests are designed to gauge students’ grasp of material. Students’ ability to comprehend lessons taught in the classroom is a big part of that, and a well-rounded education fosters strong comprehension skills. A 2018 report from the New York State Education Department noted that research has found that students are better readers after they have been exposed to the language and vocabulary of the natural world, the sciences and social studies. Crossover benefits A well-rounded education can help students perform better in all of their subjects. In 2021, a University of Buffalo academic and researcher studying children and dyslexia made a startling discovery regarding the value of reading and how it affects performance in subjects like math. The research found that reading proficiency crosses academic domains and actually guides how students approach various tasks and solve problems. That means a well-rounded education that includes reading-heavy subjects, like those in the humanities and social sciences, could actually improve how students perform in STEM classes. A well-rounded education pays a number of dividends for students. Recognition of those benefits might compel parents to support a curriculum that includes a wide array of subjects and academic disciplines.

S1 08/28

Employment

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MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

HERALD

August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

S2 08/28

Homes

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Did we have the right kind of engineer? Q. We were looking at our permit plans and noticed that they were stamped by an engineer we never met. I looked him up, and found out he’s a chemical engineer, but he sealed our plans for the structure. It made me wonder, can a chemical engineer do that, seal plans for structural? I know there are many different types of engineers from reading your column, like electrical engineer, mechanical, plumbing, etc. Can a chemical engineer be responsible for beams in our house? It just seems like the contractor, who took care of everything, just got a guy to stamp the plans. What can you tell us? A. That’s a great question, but you may find the answer confusing, as I did when I posed it to the Engineering Division of the New York State Office of the Professions. This is the board that qualifies professionals through exams, issues licenses and reviews complaints for prosecution. The person I spoke to was articulate and clearly had onte eeper been asked this question before. She stated that the state Office for Engineering Licensing does not license by “discipline.” This means they do not specifically differentiate among mechanical, electrical or plumbing engineers, and they “assume” the person providing the service will use good professional judgment. They also told me that a complaint can be filed if the person has acted in a way that shows they were not qualified or competent to perform the service. This means you would have a structural failure, revealing that the person acted outside the scope of their competency, education and training. In every instance, the answers I got were sprinkled with assumptions that a person would not knowingly practice in a field they were not qualified for. Clearly, or actually unclearly, the answer to your question would seem simple, but nothing I researched, and nobody I spoke to, had a clear answer, leaving it up to the licensed professional to “do the right thing.” I remember designing a large renovation for a family in which the father was an aeronautical engineer who had designed the wing attachments on aircraft. He asked to sit with me while I designed the main beams of his home. I took him, step by step, through the process, and he was very confident at the end that his home was structurally sound. Even though he had the capability to follow the process as an engineer, he didn’t do this kind of work, and admitted that it was different from what he did. It makes me wonder if the chemical engineer even knows his seal was being used for this structural design, or whether it was properly calculated. I often find that structure is over-compensated and more expensive than necessary in these instances. There are even cases of plans bearing the seal of people long deceased, so at least the chemical engineer is still alive to answer your question. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

S3 08/28

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MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

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Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opinions

wenty-five years ago on Aug. 27, my wife, Nicki, and I stood under a gazebo on a already hot late morning at the Coral House in Baldwin to say our “I do’s.” Everything about that day exceeded my imagination — from the scenic lake in the background to the ceremony, the food and the reception. We made our grand entrance as husband and wife to a medievalsounding trumpet serenade, followed by the ESPN “NHL Hockey Night” theme song. BRiAn (Nicki graciously even KACHARABA agreed, though my first suggestion had been the “Monday Night Football” intro). Every married couple has a unique back story, and ours is no different. I met Nicki in 1991, as I was finishing my junior year at Farmingdale High School. She was a freshman. Unbeknown to me, she had noticed me six months earlier at a mutual friend’s birthday party. After officially meeting, we started talking on

the phone for hours — and I mean hours. (Remember, there was no texting back then.) Finally, after school ended on June 5, we shared our first kiss outside the band room — and then I asked her out. We’ve always been total opposites. She was in band and chorus, and I was playing and watching sports every chance I got. She didn’t think I’d be remotely interested in her because of that. But she was so down-to-earth and easy to talk to, and I felt completely comfortable being myself around her. That supposed barrier? It never even existed for me. Our first date was the movie “Soapdish” at the Sunrise Mall. We often ate at Annabella’s Italian restaurant in downtown Farmingdale (which has since closed, unfortunately), and spent countless summer nights walking around the neighborhood or sitting on a bench by the docks in back of Burns Park in Massapequa, talking about the future. I knew for a long time that she was the one I wanted to marry. By the summer of 1999, I was ready to propose. Peo-

ple suggested that I do it at Yankee Stadium — but I wasn’t about to risk 57,000 fans chanting, “Just say no!” Fortunately I caught a break when Nicki mentioned that she wanted to go on a picnic at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa. I knew that would be the perfect setting. After lunch by the lake, we went for a walk, and I felt the moment approaching. I chose a tree near the water and, just to have a little fun, started a fake argument as we strolled back — complaining about the construction noise and the screaming kids at the pool. Naturally, she got mad and read me the riot act for a few minutes before demanding that I do something romantic for once — just as we were returning to that tree. And voilà! I backed her into its trunk, got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. I don’t think she’s ever been that quiet, before or since! We’ve lived in Bay Shore now for a little over 20 years, and are the parents of two wonderful children, Sia, 18, and Carter, 9, who we can proudly say are

f I could go back and do it all over again with my wife, Nicki, I wouldn’t change a thing.

already kind and respectful kids. By the time this is published, we will have dropped Sia off at SUNY Fredonia for her freshman year, where she will be majoring in music education with saxophone performance (believe me, that moment could be next week’s op-ed), which just adds to the emotion of this month. If I could go back and do it all over again with Nicki, I wouldn’t change a thing. She is the most beautiful, kind and selfless person I’ve ever known. She always lifts me up when I’m down, and is always looking for ways to make a positive difference in people’s lives — especially her chorus students at Wyandanch High School. The impact she’s had on them was crystal clear when they publicly honored her after their final concert this spring. I couldn’t have been prouder. I’m so lucky and blessed that I get to spend the rest of my life with her. I hope that everyone who reads this has someone like that in their lives, because it’s the best feeling in the world. So here’s to 25 years of an amazing story that I couldn’t have written better myself. Brian Kacharaba is the editor of the Bellmore and Merrick Heralds.

Finding the car keys in the refrigerator

here comes a time in family life when the balance of responsibility begins to shift. After decades of caring for our infants, toddlers and teens, and launching our children off to careers and relationships — and if we’re lucky, a decade or two, or even three, of joyful independence — we realize that we’re slowing down a bit. The grown children have their own years of freedom before new responsibilities as caregivers arise. Adult children begin to realRAnDi ize that they have KREiss aging parents. Older parents need an occasional hand up. But when to step in, exactly, and how much? Hear me: The critical factor is for kids to offer help without diminishing their parents. When your kids start checking up on you, if they want to do no harm, they best have a light touch and a sense of humor. Recently, one of our grown kids visited. “You’re walking really well, Mom,” he said. OK, I thought; he must have

read an article about older people having mobility issues. However, I am not one. I walk just fine. And fast. And steady on my feet. I let the moment pass. The next day he offered to arrange my pillbox. “What’s to arrange?” I said. I take two pills, and one of them is Vitamin D. On another visit, my daughter examined the house for “fall risks.” Despite her good intentions, I was not going to let her toss the Tabriz rug I personally carried back from Istanbul. There were other moments, like the kids saying, “You already told me that story,” or “Why not leave your car keys in the same place every day so you won’t keep looking for them?” My sonin-law spent at least an hour going through my pantry and tossing anything with an expired date. All of these intrusions come from a place of good intentions, but chuck that. It feels like hovering to me, and patronizing and ageist. I’ll know when I need help, and I won’t hesitate to ask. And yes, I realize this sounds slightly unreasonable. On the other hand, I am very grateful

to be living in a multigenerational family that keeps a watchful eye on us and visits often, even when we aren’t that much fun. We all know that millions of older people don’t have the blessings conferred by caring children. They may not get to go out or eat the right foods or enjoy the support of family and friends. I’m speaking from a point of privilege in that regard. This is tricky emotional terrain on all sides, best negotiated openly and with a light touch. With that in mind, I am ready now for my kids’ next visit/inspection next month. I put my shoes in the fridge and four cans of refried beans in the bathtub. Finding humor in advancing age isn’t always easy. Toward the end of my mother’s life, she lived with us for a few months. She had a helper who took her to the supermarket, where she enjoyed picking up a few things. One day they walked in the front door with a fresh challah bread. “Look at this bread,” my mom beamed. “It’s a beauty.” She forgot she had bought the same bread the day before. But before I could summon the grace required in the moment, I said, “That’s the second

hen your kids start checking up on you, they better have a sense of humor.

bread you bought for tonight.” That was seven years ago, and I can still see the flustered embarrassment on my mother’s face. We might have made a joke of it, but my tone was chiding, and I regret not summoning my better angels. Now that I am in my eighth decade, heaven help the kid who says, “You told me that already” or shows impatience when I can’t find my phone or walks around my house dimming the bright lights. The landscape of older age holds perils for me and some of my fellow boomers who may have replaced hips or knees or failing eyesight or chronic pain. Some of us can remember everything just fine. Some can remember everything, but not right away. Some can’t remember much. Kindness lies in not pointing out the lapses, but listening to a story a second time. When we’re among our own kind (that would be other older people), we make jokes about fading memory and increasing wrinkles. When our kids point out any diminishing capacities, it feels like a rebuke. My advice and wish: Walk more slowly, kids, when you walk alongside us; soon you will be walking in our footsteps. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

From Farmingdale High School to forever

Herald editorial

Massapequa

HERALD August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

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A school year of excitement and uncertainty

s August winds down, another academic year is approaching for Nassau and Suffolk’s 124 school districts. Yellow buses are getting their final inspections, teachers are setting up classrooms, and families are shopping for supplies with that mix of excitement and anxiety that marks the end of summer vacation. But this coming school year carries more uncertainty than usual. Long Island schools are preparing students for a world that seems to shift beneath our feet daily. Kindergartners are beginning their educational journey in schools grappling with fundamental questions about the future of education itself. While 5-yearolds will still learn to read and write, they will also encounter technology that was science fiction just a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how students access information, complete assignments and develop skills. The question isn’t whether AI will transform education — it’s how quickly, and whether our schools can adapt fast enough to harness its power while teaching students to think critically about its limitations. Teachers will learn alongside their students, figuring out when to embrace AI tools and when to insist on traditional methods. Administrators will write policies for technology they don’t yet fully understand. Parents will try to help with homework that involves apps and platforms they’ve never seen. We’re all on this learning curve together, and that’s not something to be embarrassed about — it’s the reality of living through a technological revolution. Perhaps nowhere is this uncertainty more acute than in our middle schools, where students are forming their first serious academic interests and beginning to imagine their futures. These young people will eventually graduate from high school and college into a job

market where artificial intelligence may have eliminated entire career categories while creating others we can’t yet envision. How do we prepare seventh-graders for careers that don’t exist? How do we teach them to value human creativity and critical thinking in an age of machine learning? Long Island’s high schools face an even more complex challenge. They must prepare students for college admissions that increasingly emphasize authentic achievement over test scores, in an environment where the priorities of colleges and universities have become politically charged. The specter of federal education cuts adds another layer of complexity. The proposed elimination of the Department of Education could reshape everything from special education funding to college financial aid. Programs that have supported Long Island students for decades — from Title I funding in our most challenged districts to federal student loans that make college accessible — face an uncertain future. Combined with rapid technological changes, the gap between Long Island’s poorest and most affluent school districts — sometimes right next door to one another — could expand to unthinkable size. We must not lose sight of districts that need resources the most. These potential cuts extend beyond education budgets. Federal research funding that has sustained STEM careers could evaporate. Environmental programs that employ thousands of Long Island residents hang in the balance. Government functions that provide stable middle-class employment may be transformed or eliminated. These challenges are causing real anxiety for families across the Island. Parents wonder whether they’re preparing their children adequately for an unknowable future. Students feel pres-

letters Extremism, too, will affect the world’s future To the Editor: Re Peter King’s column last week, “Isolation, antisemitism will affect the world’s future”: It seems the world has to wait for those who have survived the horrors of war to pass into history before it can be primed for the same mistakes to be made again. Ignorance or agenda rule the day, and people, as ever, are easily led by demagoguery. I find it frightening that neither party practices commonsense, moderate approaches to problems. Whereas once upon a time, the two political parties orbited closely around a center point, those halcyon days are but a dim memory. Nowadays, each party orbits far, far away from a center that I believe is the American character. The answer to our problems will not be

sure to make educational choices without knowing which paths will lead to viable careers. Teachers question whether their expertise remains relevant as technology advances. And all of this is compounded by the new statewide cellphone ban, whose consequences on learning, behavior and social dynamics are nervously anticipated by students, parents and teachers. The anxiety is valid and understandable. Rather than pushing these concerns aside or pretending everything is fine, our communities need to create spaces where families can voice their worries and seek support. School counselors, parent groups and community organizations must be prepared to help families navigate not just academic decisions, but the emotional toll of living with constant uncertainty. Success in this coming year won’t be measured solely in test scores or college acceptance rates, though those remain important. The real measure will be whether our students graduate with the adaptability to thrive amid constant change, the critical thinking skills to navigate an information landscape increasingly shaped by AI, and the resilience to build meaningful careers even as traditional paths disappear. Long Island has faced uncertainty before and emerged stronger. The key has always been acknowledging challenges honestly while focusing on what unites us: Ensuring that every child develops not just knowledge, but wisdom. As classroom doors prepare to open, we must acknowledge that we’re sending our children into uncharted territory. Our job — as parents, educators and community members — is to give them the tools to draw their own maps. School bells are about to ring. The future is speaking a language that we’re all still learning.

opinions

ffordable living in Nassau county is a great concern for most residents. as a former member of the Legislature’s Finance committee who now serves on the Rules committee, i have kept an eye on wasteful expenditures, missed opportunities for substantial revenue, and employment-generating projects. Nassau county residents deserve to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. so let’s take a closer look. the county has lost two major development opportunities this year, one at the Uniondale hub sCott m. and another on DaVis the Nassau community college campus. in april 2023, county executive Bruce Blakeman, with great fanfare announced an agreement with Las Vegas sands for a $6 billion project at the hub anchored by a casino and resort. according to Blakeman, it was a can’t-miss opportunity that would transform the property occupied by Nassau Veterans Memorial coliseum. that can’t-miss opportunity missed. this april, the sands abruptly announced that it was no longer pursuing this project. also in 2023, NYU Langone, the coun-

ty and Ncc commenced negotiations to build a $3 billion medical facility on campus. Blakeman boasted that the project would create “the number one hospital in america.” this March, NYU Langone unexpectedly withdrew from the project, stating that “external factors” made the project “too burdensome to proceed.” With that, $9 billion in projected growth for Nassau’s future, thousands of construction jobs, employment opportunities and millions in tax revenue to sustain vital services were erased. critical investments for the greater good continue to stagnate. since 2022, the county has accrued nearly $100 million in opioid lawsuit settlement funds, but only $9.1 million has been disbursed to agencies for prevention, treatment and recovery services. the prevalence of opioid use requires an immediate and sustained response, and utilizing these settlement proceeds increases the likelihood of long-term success, which in turn lessens crime as well as the societal and financial burdens of addiction borne by us all. as for wasteful expenditures, Blakeman has nearly tripled the amount of money spent on outside counsel contracts to represent the county instead of using the county attorney’s office. according to Newsday, some of these

contracts went to firms that have donated to Republicans, including Blakeman. the cost of these contracts increased from $6 million in 2022 to over $20 million in 2024. Last year alone, the county spent nearly twice as much on outside counsel than on the entire county attorney’s office. in early 2024, with a Republican majority vote, the county’s $200,000 annual contract for legal advertisements with Newsday was canceled and replaced by the New York Post, even though Newsday published over 1,600 articles about Nassau county in 2024, whereas the Post published only 155. in January, Newsday sued the county, alleging First amendment violations and retaliation for news articles and editorials that county officials considered unfavorable. in May, the Republican majority in the Legislature authorized up to $1.7 million to retain a Manhattan-based law firm to defend the lawsuit, at a rate of $1,400 to $2,200 an hour. the administration and the legislative majority have also approved $3.2 million to fight a court ruling that Nassau county wrongfully charged more than $400 million in red-light camera ticket fees. they have not planned for the possibility that the county will be forced to return millions of dollars to impacted drivers. then there’s Blakeman’s provisional

ritical investments continue to stagnate, amid wasteful expenditures.

Letters found in jackboots, nor will they be discovered in those wearing flowers in their hair, but somewhere in between. RichaRd PeteRs Merrick

‘Hochul’s partisan war’ started in Texas, Jake to the editor: Re assemblyman Jake Blumencranz’s op-ed in the aug. 14-20 issue, “this ain’t texas: We must end hochul’s partisan war,” decrying the push for redistricting in New York: it’s hard to disagree with Mr. Blumencranz’s statement that “voters should choose their representation — not the other way around.” But then what, exactly, should New York do to counter texan efforts to subvert that very principle with their blatant attempt to create more Republican districts so that the house of Representatives represents only one party? We should certainly be above such partisan tactics. But we cannot passively be held to a higher standard while others are pushing us toward one-party rule. this is “hochul’s partisan war”? i suggest that Mr. Blumencranz address his valid concerns to the texas lawmakers. RichaRd schWaRz Bayville

Are those in power aware of seniors’ struggles?

deputy sheriff program, known as his “militia.” after he did not respond to our requests for basic information, in the interest of public safety and protecting taxpayers from exposure to financial liability, Legislator debra Mulé and i sued Blakeman — which could have been avoided if he had simply followed the law. it is important to note that, while our counsel in that case is pro bono, the administration has again retained outside counsel, at a cost of up to $200,000. as for county finances, the independent, nonpartisan Office of Legislative Budget Review recently reported that the Blakeman administration would be on pace to run a $100 million deficit in 2025, if not for the use of reserves made possible by last year’s one-time infusion of money from the federal american Rescue Plan act. in doing so, they have created the illusion of a balanced budget while, in fact, they are spending more than they are taking in. as we move forward, it is imperative to eliminate unnecessary expenditures and make fiscal decisions based on reasonable revenue projections. Blakeman is now crafting the 2026 budget during a time of tremendous uncertainty in which significant federal funding cuts are likely. We must be more fiscally prudent and not risk the county’s financial health by gambling on potential revenue sources that can disappear on a whim. Scott M. Davis represents Nassau County’s 1st District.

Framework by Caroline Opinsky

to the editor: senior citizens like me have had to adapt our purchasing habits, often choosing less expensive alternatives or forgoing some foods, like beef, completely. as reported, the major driver of the rise in the cost of beef is drought. so, what does President trump do? he ends all initiatives that would curtail climate change. that and imposing taxes (tariffs) on the beef we import has made seniors on fixed incomes think twice, not about whether they can afford steak, but hamburger meat. couple that with the deportation of america’s ranch hands and meat-packers, and some seniors are facing food insecurity for the first time. this disregard for senior citizens is apparent in local government, as well. a staggering 12.1 percent increase in hempstead’s tax levy at a time when many seniors are having a hard time brings it to a crisis level. While seniors struggle for sustenance, it is unconscionable that the town spends our tax dollars on raises to undisclosed friends and family and utilizes public funds for partisan campaign mailers. For the town to then hand out t-shirts that prominently list their candidates’ names at senior events shows a pro-

A summer day on the Mediterranean — Tel Aviv, Israel

found insensitivity to their plight. Reminds me of when trump tossed paper towels to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico, underscoring the disconnect between those

in power and the communities they serve. cLaUdia BOReckY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club

MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST — August 27, 2025

All that glitters isn’t gold: a closer look at county finances

August 27, 2025 — MASSAPEQUA HERALD POST

SPEAKER LINEUP ANNOUNCED: Experts Taking the Stage to Champion Women’s Health, Wealth & Growth

JENNIFER WATSON

Keynote Speaker Executive Performance Strategist, Wellness Expert Watson World Wide, LLC

DONNA M. STEFANS, ESQ., AIF® Wealth Advisor and Lead Estate Attorney, The Stefans Group

JOSEPHINE FITZPATRICK Founder & CEO, Innovation Healthy Market | Author & Nutrition Expert

STACEY I. SIKES

Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications, Long Island Association

ANNE PETRARO

CAROL A. ALLEN President/CEO, People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union

Executive Director, Mending Hearts Counseling

LINDA HARKAVY, MD

President/Medical Director, Form and Function

HELEN HSIEH, MD, FACOG

CATHERINE CANADEO CEO, Health and Wellness Corp

DENISE SAVINOERICHSEN

President, Automatic Industries Inc.

JAMIE ROSEN, ESQ.

JEFFREY REYNOLDS, PHD

Founder & Medical Director, Vibrance 360

Partner & Chair, Mental Health Law Group, Meister Seelig & Fein PLLC

President & CEO, Family & Children’s Association

LUIS FANDOS, MD, FAAAM, FABAPM

MARIA CONZATTI, ED.D.

MOLLIE WESCOTTBARNETT

ROCHELLE L. VERRON, ESQ.

STEPHANIE TRENTACOSTE MCNALLY, MD, FACOG, FACS, MSCP

STEPHEN T. GREENBERG, MD, FACS

Chief Administrative Officer, Nassau Community College

Founder & CEO, Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center

Vice President OB/GYN, Central Region Director of OB/GYN Services at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health

Founder & Plastic Surgeon, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery

AI Strategist & Business Growth Architect, State & Signal

Founder & Managing Partner, Verron Law, P.C.

SUSAN GATTI

TIFPHANI WHITEKING

Founder & Managing Partner, Disruptive Spark Business Academy

PointVoIP COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

Principal, US & Global Tax Committee Member, Forvis Mazars

UNLEASH YOUR

next level you

VERONICA ISAAC

Senior Manager, Customer & Community Partnerships, PSEG Long Island Beach Bag Sponsor

VICTORIA SPAGNOLO, ESQ.

Associate Attorney, NHG Law Group, P.C.

KIM COTTAGE

Co-Founder, Philanthropy Network of New York