HERALD Massapequa
Police unions endorse Blakeman for re-election
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, joined by law enforcement unions from across New York state, endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for re-election last week.
Standing with supporters in Massapequa Park Village, union leaders urged residents to re-elect the Republican incumbent in November, praising his public safety record and commitment to law enforcement.
“Many people say they ‘Back the Blue,’ but Bruce Blakeman doesn’t just say it—he acts upon it,” said Tommy Shevlin, president of the Nassau PBA, which represents 2,000 officers. “Bruce has done a great job balancing protecting police officers, recruitment and training, ensuring officers are well paid, while at the same time protecting taxpayers.”
Shevlin added that the union looks forward to another four years of working with Blakeman.
Blakeman has made public safety a central theme of his campaign. In 2024, Nassau County was named the safest community in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking considered crime and injury rates, along with public safety spending.
Town of Oyster Bay extends BESS moratorium for fourth time
By LUKE FEENEY
lfeeney@liherald.com
The Oyster Bay Town Board unanimously voted on Sept. 9 to extend its moratorium on battery
energy storage systems — the fourth such extension — for another six months, following strong support from Glen Head residents citing health and safety concerns.
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino said he was “proud,” to cast his vote to extend the
ban. Saladino said he was concerned over “the fact that the state has not come up with the proper instruction and direction,” regarding how to protect the environment, firefighters, and residents. He also highlighted testimony that the board has received from experts in science and fire safety as helping to shape his view on
Carolyn James/Herald
N.C. Exec. Bruce Blakeman speaks at press conference after receiving the endorsement of
unions.
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Massapequa Park holds 9/11 memorial service
By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
More than 100 residents gathered outside Village Hall on Sept. 11 for the village’s 24th annual memorial ceremony honoring those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Mayor Daniel Pearl led the service, noting that 2,977 lives were lost that day, including five village residents: Chief Thomas Haskell Jr., Lt. Anthony Jovic, Sgt. Timothy Roy, Michael Pascuma Jr. and Ronald G. Hoerner.
“They remind us that Massapequa Park is not just simply a place on the map, it is a community bound by shared values of courage, service and compassion,” Pearl said. He added that the responsibility to keep their memories alive comes not only from reciting their names but also through actions that embody unity, resilience and care for one another.
Elected officials in attendance included Deputy Mayor Tina Schiaffino, trustees Todd Svec, Dana Durso and Christine Wiss, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy and Assemblyman Mike Durso. Kennedy led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and village resident Veronica Nastasi sang the national anthem.
The Massapequa VFW Post 7763 color guard presented the flag, while Boy Scout Troop 660 decorated the Village Hall lawn with American flags.
Pearl closed the evening with a prayer, asking for blessings on the village, the families of the fallen and the nation.
“May we live in a way that honors the memories of those we lost, and may we never forget,” he said.
Mike Polansky/Herald
Massapequa Park Mayor Daniel Pearl, at podium, speaks during the village’s 24th annual Sept. 11 memorial service, joined by members of the Village Board of Trustees, Todd Svec, Dana Durso, Christine Wiss and Tina Schiaffino.
Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance during the ceremony.
Members of Massapequa VFW Post 7763 present the colors at the village’s Sept. 11 memorial service.
Veronica Nastasi sings the national anthem at the Sept. 11 memorial service outside Massapequa Park Village Hall.
Queens man charged in $22K watch theft in Massapequa
A Queens man was arrested Tues., Sept. 9 after allegedly stealing a $22,000 watch from a jewelry store in Massapequa, police said. Officers responded at around 3:15 p.m. to a report of larceny at Collectors Corner Coins and Jewelry at 400 Sunrise Highway, according to Nassau County police.
Detectives said Adam Cornel, 47, of 80-12 Park Lane South in Woodhaven, was
Adam Corne
seen taking the watch from a table and concealing it in his bag. He was arrested at the scene without incident. Police said Cornel was also found in possession of a fraudulent identification. He is charged with thirddegree grand larceny and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. Cornel is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday at First District Court in Hempstead.
Levittown man charged with selling flavored vapes to minor in North Babylon
A Levittown man was arrested and charged last week with selling flavored vape products to a minor at a North Babylon business. Suffolk County Police gave this account: Following multiple community complaints, officers from the First Precinct Investigative Unit — along with Community Support Units, AntiCrime, and First Precinct Patrol officers — conducted a police investigation at Milk N Things, 128A Deer Park
Avenue. According to police, Chinu Nln, 21, an employee at the store, was arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing With a Child, second degree and Selling a Flavored Vape Product to a Person under 21 years of age. In addition, Police said numerous vape products were seized from the business.
Nln was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in First District Court later this month.
CRIME WATCH
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The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency service units.
PETIT LARCENY
Massapequa: A man reported that someone stole a NYPD parking plaque from his vehicle while it was parked on Biltmore Boulevard Sept. 4. The report was filed at 10 p.m.
•A Dell Chromebook was stolen from Massapequa High School 4925 Merrick Road, between June 27 and July 5, 2025.
•Five cannabis plants were stolen from
a home on Fillmore Street between Sept. 7 and 9. The theft was reported at 8 p.m., Sept. 9.
CRIMINAL
MISCHIEF
Massapequa Park: The right tires on a vehicle parked on South Park Drive were slashed as the vehicle was parked in a parking lot in the Massapequa Preserve. The vandalism was done between Sept. 6 and 7 and reported to police at 11 a.m., Sept. 7.
ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Timothy O’Shea, 42, of Bethpage.
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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SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@massapequapost.com
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JAYDEN MOYA
MALVERNE Senior SOCCER
IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO tell Malverne/East Rockaway’s boys’ soccer team is coming off a winless 2024 campaign. To say the Rockin’ Mules have enjoyed an incredible start would be an understatement. Moya has been front and center of a club with four wins in its first five matches. He leads Nassau County in goals with 12 and has three or more games with at least a hat trick. He scored 5 times in wins over Valley Stream South and Clarke.
GAMES TO WATCH
Friday, Sept. 19
Girls Soccer: Manhasset at Carey 3 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Mepham at Calhoun 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: South Side at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: South Side at Division 6 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at East Meadow 6:30 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Freeport at Baldwin 6:45 p.m.
Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 7 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at C.S. Harbor 7 p.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Carle Place 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Football: Floral Park at Carey 11:00 a.m.
Boys Soccer: Lynbrook at Plainedge 12 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at Elmont 12:30 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Hewlett 1 p.m.
Football: Baldwin at Garden City 2 p.m.
Football: Roosevelt at Calhoun 2 p.m.
Football: Lawrence at East Rockaway 2 p.m.
Football: Roslyn at Kennedy 2 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at Malverne 2 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. South 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Mepham 3 p.m.
Football: Port Washington at Freeport 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Plainedge eyes to reclaim title
By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com
As a freshman, defenseman Michela Netto was part of Plainedge’s 2023 Nassau County Class A title team.
Two years later, the Red Devils look to be knocking on the championship door again – with Netto emerging as a bonafide superstar with a commitment to Maryland.
The North Massapequa-based girls soccer program is elite again – off to a 4-1 start. Netto, now a junior, is playing exceptionally.
In Plainedge’s 6-0 rout of Cold Spring Harbor on Sept. 11, Netto netted a hat trick, giving her a team-leading four goals.
Last season, Plainedge, after a 9-3-1 regular season, lost in the first round on a fluke overtime goal, 1-0, to Floral Park. It was a crushing defeat as Plainedge had dominated Floral Park all season.
“Hopefully we make it further than last year,’’ Netto said. “It came to an unfortunate end with a golden goal in overtime. I feel like we have really good chance making it really far. We have a great shot at doing that (winning a title) again.’’
The junior-dominated Red Devils have already avenged the Floral Park playoff loss this season with a 2-0 win on Sept. 6. Plainedge has also posted wins over powerful Manhasset, 2-1, along with a road win in Suffolk County over Sayville, 4-1.
“I have a very good overall talented team,’’ longtime Red Devils coach Michael Vitale said. “We lost three starters but I can I put 11 players out there and their ball skill is by far better than most teams.’’
Plainedge’s lone loss came to Wantagh, 1-0, on Sept 9. The Red Devils had dominated the game but one bad pass led to a turnover and the game’s only goal.
Last season, Plainedge finished third in Conference AB behind titlist North Shore and Seaford. “We definitely have a chance,’’ Vitale said of winning the conference. “They came back and are a skilled team. We’re in the mix.’’
Eight different players have already scored goals. Last season’s top returning goal-scorer is Amanda Martone, who had six goals. Martone, who dazzles with her
left foot, has two markers so far. Incredibly, five of Plainedge’s goals in 2025 have come from defenders as Kenley Walsh has a goal and a pair of assists. Last season, Walsh played various positions up front but the coach now wants her solely on the backline. Walsh is only a sophomore. “She’s unstoppable when she runs up the field’’ Vitale said.
The midfield is also superb with juniors Allie Younghans and Avery Peters. “They’re playing even better this year,’’ Vitale said. “They move the ball around together to help the attack.’’
Plainedge is most dangerous because of Netto, who was All-County and the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. “She’s just so skilled and aggressive and her ability to read the play,’’ Vitale said, listing her attributes. “And she goes up and scores.’’
Two of Netto’s goals versus Cold Spring
Joey Romaniello/Herald
Harbor came on headers. She also provides intangibles. “I feel like my leadership on and off the field really helps my team to become united and play as one,” Netto said. “My calmness on the ball helps and also my ability in the air.’’
Plainedge’s depth extends to another solid midfielder in junior Samantha Zaccaro. The Red Devils also are getting offense from Jacklyn Frucci and Victoria Truncale, who have 2 goals apiece.
Of the four seniors, only one starts, Gissellee Gonzalez. The goalkeeper is sophomore Cayla Bloom, a returning starter.
There are 12 juniors on the squad. “We’ve been playing really well together,’’ Netto said. “We have a lot of juniors, so we’ve played together all our lives. We’re getting into the groove again. I think we have room to get better obviously, but the season is looking good so far.’’
Junior Michela Netto netted a hat trick Sept. 11 as the Red Devils improved to 4-1 with a victory over Cold Spring Harbor.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
•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. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information, call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
•Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 624-6333.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
•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, SEPTEMBER 20
• 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. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
•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.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
•Massapequa Fire District Regular Monthly Meeting: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 798-9849.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
• 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. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (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.
Help seriously injured teen Tyler
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for a 14-year-old Massapequa boy who was struck by a car while riding his bicycle along Sunrise Highway in the early hours of Sat., Sept. 6.
The teen, identified only as Tyler, was riding his bicycle on Sunrise Highway at approximately 4 a.m. and rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, where he is recovering from serious injuries, according to the fundraiser’s organizers.
The driver, identified only as a 23-yearold male, remained at the scene. No charges have been filed against him.
ing people smile and lighting up a room.”
The online campaign has raised nearly $70,000 to assist Tyler and his mother, Ariel, a single parent, with mounting medical bills, household expenses and lost income as she remains by her son’s side during his recovery.
“Please continue to keep Tyler in your thoughts and prayers as he undergoes surgeries tomorrow,” Wick said in an update. “He has a long road ahead, but with the strength of this incredible community behind him, we know he is not fighting alone.” She added that the kindness, generosity, and prayers from the community means the world to this family. “Together, we can lift some of the weight off Ariel’s shoulders so she can focus fully on what matters most— Tyler’s recovery.”
Those wishing to support the family can donate at gofundme.com/f/fzjc7w-help-support-tylers-recovery
Response 24/7 Crisis Hotline
The Response crisis intervention/ referral hotline is open every day including holidays. Professionally trained and supervised counselors offer callers telephone support and help them deal with anxiety and find their own solutions. Crisis counselors also provide referrals for support groups, clinicians, mental health clinics, other hotlines and a host of other community programs and services. Response Hotline is available 24/7 at (631) 7517500. Tyler
“Tyler is a fun-loving, bright young man with a big heart and an amazing personality,” organizer Emily Wick, whose son is a friend of Tyler’s, wrote. “Anyone who knows him will tell you he has a way of mak-
OPEN HOUSE
Students, teachers in Amityville recognize Patriot Day
On Sept. 11, kindergartners and teachers at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville celebrated unity and patriotism during Patriot Day.
In recognition of the events of Sept. 11,
2001, Northeast held a special ceremony as they planted American flags around the school building. Additionally, many of the students wore red, white and blue as they gathered together to recite the
Pledge of Allegiance. Northeast Principal Dr. Pauline Collins also held an assembly in the school’s gymnasium in
which she shared an age-appropriate slideshow to educate kindergartners about the Twin Towers.
Fall Fusion Networking Luncheon
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Fall Fusion Networking Luncheon on September 25 at noon at American Legion Post 1066. The event will be proudly honoring local law enforcement officers.
The cost is $25 for member and $30
One of the many ways we can serve you better is to accommodate special situations... which includes transferring prearrangements. If you would like information regarding transferring your prearrangements to our firm, or any other way we can help, please call us.
for non-members. Please bring a raffle prize.
To register and for more information, please visit massapequachamber.org or call (516) 541-1443.
American Legion Post 1066 is located at 66 Veterans Blvd., Massapequa.
Courtesy Amityville School District
Kindergartners at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville planted American flags during Patriot Day.
Massapequa gathers at Towers of Freedom on 9/11
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Several hundred people gathered in John J. Burns Town Park on Sept. 11 to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001 — and to recognize the service of those who rushed toward danger that day and in the years that followed.
The community’s Towers of Freedom Military Monument stands tall in Massapequa as a tribute not only to those who perished on Sept. 11, but also to the police officers, firefighters and volunteers who responded to the attacks and later died of related illnesses. The monument also honors the men and women who served in uniform during the global fight against terrorism.
The monument features twin steel towers that stretch into the sky, echoing the design of the World Trade Center. At its base are the engraved names of local residents who died on Sept. 11 — ensuring their memory remains etched into the fabric of the community they once called home.
The ceremony began with a wreathbless-
ing, followed by the solemn tolling of a bells by Jeffrey Poplarski and Soham Ghaaria at 8:46 and 9:03 a.m. — the times the planes struck the Twin Towers. The national anthem rang out, accompanied by prayers and words of hope. A helicopter flyover released rose petals above the memorial, creating a powerful visual
Tom Smith, a retired NYPD officer, and Frank Haskell, a retired FDNY firefighter — the founders of the Towers of Freedom — offered closing remarks.
Beyond remembering the fallen, the memorial also recognizes veterans of the armed forces and first responders who continue to serve. It stands as both a place of remembrance and a symbol of courage.
The Towers of Freedom has become a focal point of community reflection. Each year, residents, scouts, civic leaders and families gather here for Memorial Day and Sept. 11 observances. For Smith and Haskell, the monument serves not just as a landmark, but as a teaching tool — a space where younger generations can learn about sacrifice, resilience and patriotism. It invites visitors to pause and reflect, all year long.
Overview of the Towers of Freedom Military Monument in Massapequa
Carolyn James / Herald
U.S. Army Special Forces Col David Haskell speaks at ceremony.
Steve Weber, Rick Sinacore, Mikey Signs, Gary Pike and Albert Celeste of the Massapequa VFW joined the community at the 9/11 services. Representatives for fire departments
mountsinai.org/southnassau
First L.I. Heroes breakfast set for Oct. 22
Hosted by American Red Cross on Long Island at Farmingdale’s Heritage Club at Bethpage
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
A celebration of Long Island heroes is back — with a twist. On Oct. 22, the annual event hosted by the American Red Cross on Long Island will take place in the morning: The inaugural two-hour breakfast will be held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, in Farmingdale, at 8 a.m.
And after years of having three or so honorees, the Red Cross will honor six heroes in categories including Community Impact Hero, First Responder Hero, Global Citizenship Hero, Disaster Hero and Military Hero. “This was just brought to our attention by our wonderful board and volunteers saying, ‘There are a lot more people that deserve some recognition,’” the organization’s CEO, Jose Dominguez, said.
Luv Michael is the Community Impact Hero honoree this year. Founded in 2015, Luv Michael is a nonprofit created by Michael Kessaris and his parents, Dr. Dimitri Kessaris and Dr. Lisa Liberatore, which is dedicated to producing meaningful work and independent living opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum.
This year’s First Responder Heroes are Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling. These graduates of the
Nassau County Police Academy demonstrated exceptional bravery on Jan. 5, when they responded to an off-duty crash involving a fellow officer, and swiftly provided lifesaving care while awaiting EMS.
Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize is the Global Citizenship Hero being honored. The president of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the founding chair of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Iroku-Malize dedicated her career
to expanding accessibility to family medicine and shaping a more inclusive future for health care.
The Disaster Hero of the year is Jennifer Keane. When a referee collapsed mid-game, Keane quickly prepared an automated external defibrillator and made a lifesaving intervention. As an athletic director and a certified athletic trainer, she had the ability to stay in control under pressure.
Mel Cohen is this year’s Military Hero honoree. A U.S. Air Force veteran
and a retired Suffolk County police officer, Cohen has spent his life serving the community in honor of his brother Gerald, who died in Vietnam. He supports veterans across New York state, as well as Gold Star families, while staying active in various organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America and Wreaths Across America.
Along with the six honorees, two teens will be honored as Youth Heroes. Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein founded the HERO Project, a peersupport group for grieving students, after both experienced personal losses. The group allows middle and high school students to experience and share their grief in a safe space.
Active on Long Island for over 100 years, the American Red Cross on Long Island continues to serve the area and recognize its local heroes. “The mission of the Red Cross is to alleviate human suffering in so many different categories,” Dominguez said. “It is possible through the generosity of our donors and the time of our volunteers.”
All proceeds raised during the fundraiser will allow the Red Cross to continue its mission of helping those affected by disasters like hurricanes, fires and other crises. For more information on the organization and on attending the event, visit RedCross.org/LIHeroes.
Courtesy American Red Cross on Long Island
The 2024 L.I. Celebration honorees, from left, Anthony Lagos, Jon Ledecky and Kevin J. Losse, at the gala.
It’s a family thing...
One of the founders of the Towers of Freedom Military Monument in John Burns Park, retired NYPD Tom Smith, is shown center with his daughter, Valerie, a Port Washington Police Officer and his father Charlie.
In following in his father’s footsteps, Tom Smith joined the NYPD in 1986, 27 years after his father joined the department.
All three attended the 9/11 ceremonies in uniform last week
Food fit for football fans
Whether they’re tailgating outside a favorite team’s stadium or hosting a game watch at home, football fans know food is a big part of the game day experience. Certain foods, like chicken wings and nachos, are synonymous with game day buffets, but fans can cook anything they like for the big game. Those who want something a little more hearty than finger foods can try their hands at this recipe for “Barbecued Chicken Breast With Grilled Corn and Tomatoes” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Barbecued Chicken Breast With Grilled Corn and Tomatoes
Makes 4 servings
31⁄2 tablespoons lemon juice
1⁄2 cup olive oil Kosher or sea salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, minced
1⁄4 teaspoon thyme
1⁄4 teaspoon cumin
4 boneless chicken breast halves
4 ears fresh corn, husks removed
2 tomatoes, thickly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1. In a small glass bowl, combine the first eight ingredients to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken and the marinade in a one gallon plastic storage bag. Squeeze bag to coat the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
3. Grill chicken over indirect medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the breast registers 170 F.
4. About 10 minutes before the chicken is ready, brush corn and tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Watching carefully, grill for about 5 to 8 minutes until done. Cooking time will depend on grill temperature.
Ames security guard Steve Miller, a retired NYPD officer,
the day and showed some artifacts, including a book
from
Massapequa students learn 9/11 lessons with respect
Social studies teachers in the Massapequa School District devoted a day to discussions of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, educating a generation that wasn’t alive when it happened. The history lesson on the 24th anniversary featured many personal anecdotes from teachers who shared their experiences of the day while explaining the impacts on today’s society.
Ames Campus teacher Tara Camilleri, whose ninth graders were mostly born in 2011, had her students take part in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s annual Remember the Sky campaign. Inspired by the clear blue sky of Sept. 11, 2001, students briefly went outside and took pictures above with their Chromebook camera. Coincidentally, 24 years later, the sky was just as clear. Back in the classroom, students used their pictures to make simulated social media posts with the tags #neverforget911 and #rememberthesky.
Co-teachers Patti McMahon and Robin Whitton welcomed a guest speaker to two of their classes. Ames security guard Steve Miller was a member of the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit, responding to the World Trade Center on 9/11 and working there for 39 days in the aftermath. He shared his recollections from the day as well as artifacts including small pieces of steel and glass from the Twin Towers and a dented Pepsi can that was likely part of a time capsule from when the buildings were constructed.
Mr. Miller also showed students a book, “Aftermath,” that included a picture of him at the scene in his NYPD uniform. The American flag bandana he was wearing in that photo was also one of the artifacts he showed.
“There’s a generational responsibility for the young people who weren’t alive at the time to hear from the people who lived it,” Ms. McMahon said. “They’re going to be the closest to the event someday and will have to teach others about it. The idea of humanizing history is important and these
are not stories from afar.”
Massapequa ninth graders are currently reading “Ground Zero,” a historical fiction book by Alan Gratz, and will visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Manhattan in November.
At Berner Middle School, seventh grade social studies teacher Maria Casale noted how her Sept. 11 lessons have evolved over the years, as she went from teaching students who also lived through the tragedy, to having students born more than a decade after it occurred. She showed a Nickelodeon video that answered many common questions that children and teens have about the day, discussed the reasons that the different targets were chosen because of what they symbolized, and highlighted the acts of kindness and spirit of unity that followed.
Jennifer Bilich’s lessons spanned the entire week, culminating on Sept. 11 with a hands-on project. Students had the choice of four activities: writing a “dear hero” letter, creating a plan of action to help others, writing a poem, or drawing symbols and pictures to honor first responders on printouts of police and firefighter badges.
Ms. Bilich talked to her seventh graders about the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and showed them several covers of the New Yorker magazine in the weeks and even years after that were about the tragedy.
Curriculum Associate for Social Studies Jason Gelardi said the stories from teachers and staff provided students with a meaningful history lesson. He noted that there aren’t many events in which students can hear first-hand accounts, and it’s those recollections that they will most remember.
“Every year, the social studies department faculty does such a wonderful job educating our students about Sept. 11 through the human element,” he said. “They handle it in such a respectful and solemn manner while still teaching about the events of the day.”
Courtesy Massapequa School District
shared his recollections from
he is pictured in. He was joined by ninth graders,
left, Leona Orozco, Vincenzo Fazio, Drew Hopwood and Tristan Spero.
Introduction for Northeast Elementary pre-K students
On Sept. 12, Amityville’s youngest learners took the first step in their educational journey during Northeast Elementary School’s annual pre-K orientation.
Throughout the day, students met their teachers and took time to familiarize themselves with their new classrooms. Joined by their parents and guardians, students also participated in arts and crafts, and they got to check out all of the fun, educational tools that their classrooms have to offer.
Students were ready for their educational adventure that begin during the first day of school on Sept. 15.
C of C Trunk or Treat Oct. 18
The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 2 nd Annual Trunk or Treat on October 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the McKenna Elementary Senior Center Parking Lot.
Member’s trunks are needed. To sign-up, please visit shorturl.at/ rWz95.
McKenna Elementary Senior Center is located at 2 nd Ave., Massapequa Park. For more information, please call (516) 541-1443.
On Sept. 12, Amityville’s youngest learners took the
pre-K orientation.
Courtesy Amityville School District
first step in their educational journey during Northeast Elementary School’s annual
Nassau and other Police unions endorse Blakeman for re-election
According to the report, Nassau spent $1,148 per capita on health and emergency services—nearly three times the national average of $440. The report also found that 1.39% of Nassau’s population works in public safety, compared to the national average of 0.82%.
“These numbers are not by accident,” Blakeman said. “They’re the result of a government management plan designed to protect our residents.”
Blakeman credited cooperation among multiple agencies—including Nassau and Suffolk County police, the NYPD, MTA police, State Police and local departments—with maintaining regional
Free Senior Workshops for Town of Oyster Bay Residents
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino is partnering with Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips to host Free Senior Workshops designed to provide valuable resources and information to the town’s senior community. Topics covered at these workshops will include possible unclaimed funds, senior discounts, emergency preparedness and self-defense tips.
“I’m proud to join with County Comptroller Elaine Phillips to offer this informative program to residents,” said Saladino. “These workshops will go over a wide variety of topics and resources our seniors should be made aware of and take advantage of. By supporting and educating our seniors, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community.”
Workshops will be offered on Septem-
ber 8 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Oyster Bay Community Center, 59 Church St., Oyster Bay; September 16 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Marjorie R. Post Park Community Center, 451 Unqua Road, Massapequa; and September 23 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, 28 W. Carl Street, Hicksville.
“The health and safety of our senior residents is of the utmost importance,” said County Comptroller Elaine Phillips. “Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal safety or understand how to better utilize available senior resources, this workshop is designed to help you live more confidently and securely every day.”
For more information, please contact Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips’ Office at (516) 571-2386.
safety.
He also highlighted his 2022 executive order declaring Nassau a non-sanctuary county, saying it was a step toward protecting public resources and ensuring community safety.
“We are not spending vital public resources on people who are not vetted, who overburden our schools, contribute to homelessness, and in many cases, engage in criminal activity,” Blakeman said. “And we were the first county in the country to sign a cooperation agreement with ICE.”
Blakeman is being challenged by Democrat Seth Koslow, a Nassau County legislator representing the 5th District, in the Nov. 4 general election. Early voting runs
from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2.
“Bruce Blakeman doesn’t care about community safety — he cares about publicity stunts and whatever advances his political career,” his Democratic opponent said.
The challenger argued that Blakeman’s claims, along with those of Nassau PBA officials, that local law enforcement agencies are well trained and fully staffed are not true. “Our law enforcement agencies are facing severe shortages, which Blakeman has failed to address,” he said.
For more information on the election, visit nassaucountyny.gov/566/Board-ofElections.
To watch video of event, go to: Watch video at: https://youtu.be/XuYqUZ3ei10
Massapequa’s Annual
Italian Feast and Festival, Sept. 28
The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, The Columbus Lodge, in conjunction with the Town of Oyster Bay will be hosting their annual Italian Feast and Festival on Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. along North Broadway in North Massapequa. A rain date will be scheduled for Oct. 5.
Opening ceremonies will feature the Italian National Anthem and the American National Anthem and the event will include lots of food, a classic car show
at Antoni Ravioli, vendors, local merchants, jump around party rental for rides, clowns, petting zoo and pony rides.
The North Massapequa Fire Department will also be in attendance with a first aid station, Rag-A-Muffin registration and recruitment station.
Additionally, the event will feature Spindrella and The Posers and the LI Rewind Band.
For more information, please call (516) 624-6333.
How six pounds of courage taught us a world of lessons
Frankie the Toy Poodle weighed just six pounds — and five of those might well have been her heart. With crooked front feet and a zest for life, she brought light into every room she entered, even after years of neglect by former owners.
Frankie died earlier this month. She was believed to be 16 or 17.
Dogs don’t dwell on the past. They live in the now.
For Frankie, that “now” — the final year and 15 bonus days of her life — was filled with love, healing and the kind of care that let her finally enjoy the perks of being a pampered pup.
A MURKY PAST
JOANNE ANDERSON Pets, Pets, Pets...
Frankie’s background was unclear. She arrived at a town shelter in Nassau in August 2024, brought in by individuals who said they had found her near a diner on Sunrise Highway.
She was in terrible condition: her front legs bent outward like Charlie Chaplin’s, her back legs bowed. She had severe dental disease, skin infections, a matted coat, clouded eyes and was malnourished — weighing just 4.5 pounds.
A microchip revealed she had previously belonged to “her finders”. They lived in another Long Island town and may have been unable to afford the veterinary care she desperately needed.
Her chip identified her as “Muñeca,” meaning “doll” in Spanish — a name that
can be either endearing or offensive. A shelter veterinarian estimated her age between 15 and 16. No spay scar was found, so the vet recommended against surgery at her advanced age.
Shelter x-rays showed trauma in early life caused fractures in her front legs that had healed improperly without treatment, leaving her with lifelong orthopedic issues, limited mobility and later, arthritis.
SHELTER STARTS HEALING
The shelter’s veterinary team gave Frankie the best start to her new life. She underwent a complex dental procedure to remove decayed teeth and treat ulcerated gums, staying overnight for pain management and hand-fed meals. Her ears and eyes were cleaned, matted fur trimmed, and nails clipped.
Recognizing her as a special-needs senior, shelter staff reached out to Last Hope Animal Rescue. But Frankie never spent a single night at Last Hope — Sue, a retired elementary music teacher and longtime volunteer, picked her up the day she arrived.
Sue had previously adopted Team Timmy, a group of small dogs with disabilities who became “ambassadogs” during visits to schools and community events. Readers of this column may remember their adventures over the past decade.
Sue gravitates toward adopting senior dogs, especially small ones. She named
the new arrival “Frankie,” honoring both St. Francis and the TV show Grace and Frankie, as she already had a senior dog named Gracie from the Babylon Shelter. Frankie quickly bonded with her new sisters — Gracie and Pammy Sue, a Shih Tzu from Team Timmy. Though she was likely the oldest of the trio, Frankie was also the most spirited. She was feisty, animated and sometimes bossy — but always comical and endearing.
FLOURISHING WITH LOVE
Under Sue’s care, Frankie’s health continued to improve. A sore on her back healed, and fur regrew with a “secret” remedy — brewed black tea gently dabbed on her skin. Her homemade diet gave her strength, and she gained a little weight. Her eyes cleared, ears improved, and her mouth finally healed.
Veterinarians believed Frankie had likely been used for breeding. She had two mammary tumors developing — a heartbreaking discovery, considering her tiny frame and the number of litters she may have carried. Caesarean deliveries were doubtful, given their cost, suggesting she likely endured difficult births.
Despite her challenges, Frankie learned to use the doggie door — though she needed help navigating a step from the grass to the deck. She went on daily walks, often riding in a stroller beside one of her sisters when she grew tired.
She adored Sue’s grandchildren and every visitor. Dressed in a crocheted hat, Frankie once delighted a visiting Brownie troop who squealed with excitement as if they were meeting Taylor Swift. She at-
tended a St. Francis Day blessing at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City and visited the Massapequa High School Dog Rescue Club to represent Last Hope. Wherever Frankie went, she won hearts. DOGS DON’T HOLD GRUDGES
Frankie’s decline came suddenly. She began to whimper in pain when Sue picked her up. Tests and X-rays offered no answers, but within a week, the pain grew worse. Even untouched, she cried out. It was time to let her go.
There’s much we can learn from dogs — especially those who have survived cruelty. They do not hold grudges. They welcome love when it finally arrives.
Frankie, small in stature but mighty in spirit, carried the spunk and forgiveness of every neglected senior dog before her. On her crooked legs and fragile frame, she bore that legacy with grace until the very end.
Frankie in her crocheted hat.
News brief
Ryder Cup Youth Day is Sept. 25
The PGA of America will host Youth Day at the 2025 Ryder Cup on Sept. 25, at Bethpage Black, furthering its commitment to helping the game grow through PGA Jr. League and local youth initiatives.
PGA Jr. League players from the Metropolitan PGA Section and local high school students are invited to attend free of charge with a ticketed adult. Youth Day provides access to Ryder Cup practice rounds and the decisive Junior Ryder Cup singles matches, featuring the top 24 junior golfers from the U.S. and Europe.
Jeffrey Bessen/Herald Youth Day at the 2025 Ryder Cup is on Sept. 25. Above, volunteers Sara Blau and Andres Diez picked up their uniforms last month.
The Junior Ryder Cup, established in 1997, has launched the careers of some of golf’s biggest stars, including Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang and Rory McIlroy.
A select group of participants will also take part in Beyond the Green, a career exploration program led by the PGA of America REACH Foundation. The event will feature New York-based sports organizations and brands, with youth representatives from groups such as First Tee of Metropolitan New York, The Bridge Golf Foundation and 100 Black Men of New York. Youth Day attendees will also be invited to the Ryder Cup opening ceremony that evening.
As part of the PGA’s mission to
increase inclusion and participation, juniors ages 15 and under receive free admission on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Ryder Cup week with a ticketed adult (limit two juniors per adult). Tickets for juniors are available only at the Main Spectator Entrance on the day of play.
Additionally, PGA Jr. League Day at Ryder Cup Live will take place on Sept. 27, at Rockefeller Center. Players wearing their PGA Jr. League jerseys will enjoy a watch party, simulator competition, activities, prizes and raffles. For more, go to Bit.ly/3VaI8EN.
For more information, visit RyderCup.com.
–Jeffrey
Bessen
SHOW US
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN
A resident speaks in in support of extending the town’s battery storage systems
rium at a meeting last week.
O’BAY moratoriums on BESS
the issue. Several residents also voiced their support of extending the town’s moratorium during the public hearing.
“Placing a BESS here is not just a bad idea,” Glen Head resident Karen Yanelli said. “It is a violation of the public trust and of the duty of our state government to protect the families who call this place home.”
Oyster Bay, Hempstead, and North Hempstead—the three townships in Nassau County—as well as Babylon Town in Suffolk, have moratoriums in place on BESS.
The Town of Oyster Bay’s BESS moratorium was originally enacted in February 2024, and effective as of April 2024. It was extended for another six months in October 2024. The Nassau County Planning Commission voted in favor of the town’s moratorium on April 10, and the board extended the ban for a third consecutive time from April 30 until Oct. 30. at its April 24 meeting.
The Town of Hempstead Board voted to enact a year-long moratorium on Feb. 25 in response to a proposed 40-megawatt lithium Battery Energy Storage System slated to be installed at 4200 Industrial Place in Island Park. The Town of North Hempstead voted to implement a year-long moratorium in December 2024, which is set to expire Dec. 3.
Jupiter Power, a Texas-based battery storage company owned by BlackRock, cancelled its contract to build the proposed Oyster Shore Energy Storage facility in May.
The proposed facility, a 275-megawatt battery energy storage system, at the site of the current Global Energy facility on the corner of Glenwood Road and Shore Road, drew substantial pushback from residents; who expressed serious concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the project’s proximity to homes, schools, and Hempstead Harbor.
Despite Jupiter’s decision to cancel the project, residents cited the possibility of another developer using the current Global Petroleum terminal at the corner of Glen Head Road, Shore Road, and Glenwood Road near Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing as cause for concern.
John Fabio, president of the Greenvale Civic Association said to “keep these facilities out of the town of Oyster Bay” the board should pass a zoning restriction banning the development of battery energy storage systems.
Michael Montesano, the town attorney’s office’s special counsel, explained the legal complications that could arise if the board pursued an outright ban. “We just can’t broadly zone out certain categories,” he said, “of applicants or places the zoning is more fit to particular use areas.”
The state has been trying to increase its renewable energy supply since the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act was signed into law in July 2019. The legislation requires New York to reduce greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 40 percent by 2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050. Battery energy storage systems are crucial to help reach those statewide renewable energy goals, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a public-benefit corporation that provides information, programs, and funding to promote clean energy and energy efficiency statewide.
Proponents of Battery Energy Storage Systems highlight their ability to reinforce the power grid, improve grid stability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, while also offering backup power and potentially reducing costs for consumers.
Speakers at the public hearing, however, argued that the systems present health and safety concerns to residents. Pointing to potential fire hazards that could result from the facilities.
Several speakers referenced the fire that hit the oldest group of batteries installed at Moss Landing, a 300-megawatt array in California this January. The incident resulted in the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents, road closures, and a wider emergency alert warning residents nearby to stay indoors.
“Could we even evacuate if this happened here?” Glen Head resident Linda DelGuadio asked the board. She added that “this facility would be a half a mile to a mile from our schools, endangering our children for health and safety,” concluding that the board should continue the moratorium “for the sake of our communities.”
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, since 2020, BESS failure incidents have decreased. After the Moss Landing fire, air quality monitoring and sampling occurred and found no risks to public health per the agency’s website. There was no testimony provided supporting or opposing the moratorium or the development of battery energy storage systems in the Town of Oyster Bay.
Luke
Feeney/Herald
morato-
STEPPING OUT
‘Love’ is all around us
Photos from the streets on view at Hofstra Museum
By Abbey Salvemini
Hofstra University Museum of Art opens its gallery to “Love Is The Message: Photography by Jamel Shabazz,” an inspiring exhibition honoring the decades-long creative output of the renowned street photographer. With his keen eye, Shabazz’s powerful images reflect pop culture, fashion and especially hip-hop, spanning the 1980s through today. The exhibit is on view in the Emily Lowe Gallery though Dec. 16.
Shabazzz’s striking black-and-white and color photography radiates joy and human connection, offering a deep sense of empathy and cultural pride. Alongside his photographs, visitors can also explore his personal collection of cameras, artwork and memorabilia.
“Jamel Shabazz is history, and it is a real gift that we are able to share this with our community,” Museum Director Sasha Giordano says.
As Giordano puts it, so thoroughly articulated in her forward in the exhibition catalogue: “Community is the heart of a museum.”
The exhibit was conceived with this spirit and curated by “Team Love,” a collective partnership composed of Shabazz; Robert Dupreme Eatman; Dr. Bilal Polson, principal of Northern Parkway School in Uniondale, Erik Sumner, art educator at Northern Parkway School; and the Hofstra University Museum of Art. Over two years, slowly and carefully, through meeting after meeting, the exhibition took shape from concept to fruition.
With Team Love’s valuable insights, “Love Is The Message”honors 50 years of Jamel Shabazz’s artistic achievement and is his first solo exhibition on Long Island — a fitting location as he is a longtime resident of Hempstead.
“Love Is the Message” explores how Shabazz’s work occupies a vital space at the intersection of art, activism and cultural storytelling. Deeply influenced by trailblazers like Gordon Parks, Shabazz embraces the camera not just as a creative tool, but as a means of witnessing everyday life within Black and Brown communities. Shabazz centers dignity, resilience, and beauty in his portraits by capturing not only how his subjects look, but how they live and love. His lens is one of empathy, inviting viewers not simply to observe but to feel and to witness the quiet strength of a
father holding his child, the joy in a group of friends dressed for a block party, or the pride in a young person striking a confident pose. In this way, Shabazz’s work does more than document; it cultivates understanding, mends division and illuminates the shared humanity that connects us all.
“Jamel wanted the team to put fourth an exhibition that showed love of community, friends, family and music,” Giordano explains.
As for Shabazz, he considers this retrospective a significant honor.
“When I look at the current situation of the country and the world, this exhibition is one of the most important shows of my life because we need love in the world right now,” he says. “I’m sharing my work to help inspire the next generation by using this universal global language of photography to create conversation.”
• Now through Dec. 16
• Programs require advance registration; call (516) 463-5672 to register
• Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, Hofstra University’s South Campus, Hempstead
Shabazz commutes to his day job daily but returns to his Hempstead studio, where he immerses himself in reflection and creativity.
“The Town of Hempstead offers me a space where I can get into deep thought and develop my ideas,” he says.
Among the many photographs and artifacts on view, Shabazz shares that a photograph of his mother holds especially deep meaning for him. Entitled “‘The Giver of Life,’ it’s the work of which he is most proud.
“I went out to Jones Beach with my mother and I caught an incredible photograph of her with bread in her hand as the seagull approaches her. She’s never experienced anything like that before.”
Beyond that moment, his eye offers his special perspective on the world around us.
“My objective was to contribute to the preservation of culture for this generation. It is my hope that the younger generations can look at my work and get a glimpse of the style and culture of back in the day. I want young people to understand the importance of love and see the power of photography,” he adds.
As always, related programming enhances the viewing experience. Upcoming on Oct. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., join Giordano for an exhibition tour. She’ll discuss the community collaboration that shaped the exhibit, offering insight into the artist’s creative process and the legacy of love reflected in the work.
Meet the man behind the camera at “Love Is the Message: A Conversation with Jamel Shabazz,” on Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-noon. He’ll talk about his creative process, personal influence and the impact of his work documenting everyday life in Black and urban communities. It’s followed by an audience Q&A session.
The events schedule also includes “Feel the Love – Experience the Photography of Jamel Shabazz with a Heart Meditation,” on Nov. 6. Denise Peterson, of Denise Peterson Yoga, brings mindfulness and meditation techniques to the art experience.
NYC Ska Orchestra
The NYC Ska Orchestra blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpeter-vocalist Kevin Batchelor, deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. This 20-piece big band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, band members have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz.
Friday, Sept 26. 8 p.m. $42, $37 members. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Soulful notes with Vincent Ingala
Contemporary jazz saxophonist/ multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala and his electrifying band bring their funky grooves to the Madison Theatre. Declared by Jazziz Magazine as “one of the most exciting artists to emerge this past decade,” Ingala remains an unstoppable, creative force in urban contemporary jazz. His career includes10 #1 Billboard hits, 23 Top 10 singles, with more to come from his latest release and eighth album, “Escape With Me.” Ingala’s unique dual ability to electrify fans while connecting emotionally with them has made him one of the genre’s most popular talents on the scene today. He draws the audience in; becoming part of an exciting musical experience that bridges the gap between the music of his father’s R&B, funk and soul collection ( which he was heavily immersed in) and Ingala’s well executed horn lines.
Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.
Photos courtesy Jamal Shabazz and Hofstra University Musem of Art
A Time of Innocence Series, Flatbush, Brooklyn, 1981
The Giver of Life, Jones Beach, 2005 Youth and Age, Hempstead, Undated
Church Ladies, Harlem, 1997
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
SEPT
18
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
SEPT
20
Last Hope Adoption Event
Plainedge Public Library hosts Last Hope. Adopt your new furry best friend and apply to volunteer. With giveaways including dog toys, clothes and accessories. The team will also to answer any inquires.
• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa
• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Contact: plainedgelibrary.org or (516) 735-4133
Hats Thru History
Ever wonder about the Massapequans who came before us? The Massapequa Historical Society welcomes all to their special presentation during their open house, “Hats Thru History.”
• Where: Old Grace Church, 4755 Merrick Road, Massapequa
• Time: Noon
• Contact: massapequahistorical society.org or (516) 799-2023
Town of Oyster Bay’s Last Summer Blast
The Lords of 52nd Street perform at Ellsworth Allen Park.
• Where: 45 Motor Ave., Farmingdale.
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 797-7925
‘…We will rock you’
Get ready to sing along — Queen-mania is back on Long Island. Almost Queen, the acclaimed tribute band, is set to return to the Paramount stage, bringing with them the soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and theatrical flair that defined one of rock’s most legendary groups. Almost Queen isn’t just another cover band. Their performances are carefully crafted to honor the spirit of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor while delivering a concert experience that feels fresh and alive. The lineup features Joseph Russo as the dynamic and charismatic Mercury, Steve Leonard as guitar virtuoso May, Randy Gregg as bassist Deacon, and John Cappadona as drummer Taylor. Together, they recreate Queen’s iconic sound with impeccable four-part harmonies, precise musical interludes, and the kind of stage energy that pulls audiences to their feet. Attention to detail sets the band apart. From authentic costumes to faithful renditions of classic hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love,” the band captures both the power and the playfulness of Queen’s original shows. Their devotion to accuracy — paired with undeniable chemistry on stage — has earned them a loyal following that grows with every tour. $108.75, $98.25, $76.25, $64.75, $54.25, $48.75.
Gatsby’s Swingin’ Scavenger Hunt
Old Westbury Garden’s Gatsby Weekend celebration the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” continues with a family adventure. The jazz artists are late for Gatsby’s big bash and lost in the gardens! Hunt for jazz players hidden in the landscape. Check off your findings then and return to Westbury House for a special prize.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Gatsby in the Gardens: Art Deco Perspectives
Experience the glamour and bold design of the Roaring Twenties through contemporary artwork inspired by the opulence of Long Island’s Gold Coast. This juried exhibition at Light Court Hallway celebrates the era’s iconic fashion, architectureand luxury in true Art Deco style.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
SEPT 21
Farmers Market
Schneider’s Farm Farmingdale 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.
Massapequa
SEPT
22
Fire District meets The Massapequa Fire District holds their regular monthly meeting.
• Where: 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa.
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 798-2648
SEPT
Farmingdale Library Cinema
Stop by Farmingdale Public Library for a showing of “Green and Gold.” The faith-based sports drama follows a struggling family farmer who wagers everything on a high-stakes championship bet, while his granddaughter’s musical ambitions could be their ticket to a new beginning.
Luncheon. The event proudly honors local law enforcement officers. $25 members, $30 nonmembers. Bring a raffle prize. Registration required.
• Where: American Legion Post 1066, 66 Veterans Blvd., Massapequa
• Time: Noon
• Contact: massapequachamber. org or call (516) 541-1443
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week use blocks to stamp patterns for geometric art. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Understanding the World of Renaissance Art
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.
• Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.
• Contact: farmingdalelibrary.org or (516) 249-9090
SEPT
Seasonal Sprouts
Bring the family to Old Westbury Gardens for fun, fresh air and fall beauty. Ages 4-10 can enjoy an educational outdoor tour through the vibrant autumn gardens, filled with colorful leaves, exploration, and nature-themed activities. This guided experience is designed just for kids, sparking curiosity about the changing seasons while encouraging handson discovery in the great outdoors. Registration required. $18, $10 children.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-noon
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
Fall Fusion Networking Luncheon
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosts a Fall Fusion Networking
Massapequa Public Library hosts an art talk. The session reviews the fundamental characteristics that constitute the art of the Renaissance. Identify examples of Renaissance art and contrast with the art movements that came before and after the Renaissance.
• Where: 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park
• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
• Contact: massapequalibrary.org or (516) 798-4607 ext. 6304
After Hours
Networking
Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce hosts their monthly business card swap and networking event at The Melting Pot.With complimentary appetizers and a cash bar with happy hour pricing. All are welcome. No cover charge but registration required.
• Where: 2377 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale
• Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 286-7800 or shorturl.at/tjAbj
Having an event?
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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
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor-in-interest to all permitted successors and assigns of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Specialty Underwriting and Residential Finance Trust Mortgage 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 Foreclosure and 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, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and
being at Massapequa, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 65 Block 101 Lots 2314, 2315, 2316, and 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
Notice of Self Storage Sale
Please take notice
Safeguard Self Storage #190113 located at 6000 Sunrise Highway Massapequa NY 11758 intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the below listed Storage Spaces. The public sale shall occur as an online auction via HYPERLINK www. storagetreasures. com on 9/25/2025 at 10:30AM. Unless listed below, the contents consist of household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Danielle Layer unit #0116; Darron Yelling unit #1444; Quantiah Gaines unit #2405; Owen Stanton unit #2708; Daniel Jacob unit #3472. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. See manager for details.
25-258. 9/10, 17
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Massapequa Fire District, Massapequa, New York will receive proposals for: 50 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Cylinders at the Fire District Administration Building, One Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, New York on Monday October 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. prevailing time at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. Specifications may be obtained from the Fire District Secretary (516-798- 2648) at the Fire District Administration Building, One Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, New York, 11758 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Board of Fire Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informalities and/or award the bid to the lowest responsible bidding meeting the specifications. All bids shall remain firm for a period of forty-five (45) days.
Dated August 25, 2025 By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners Massapequa Fire District Massapequa, New York
Amy Hanna, Secretary 25-265 9/17
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-25127304 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/ Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1000 Shames Dr, Ste C, Westbury, NY 11590, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption
Public Notices
at Memory Maker Event Center LLC. 25-261 9/17, 24
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25127096 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 287 N Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at CB BROADWY DINER INC. 25-262. 9/17, 24
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25125824 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 429 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook, NY 11563, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Gourmology LLC. 25-263. 9/17, 24
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25127726 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 1424 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Edge Hospitality LTD.
25-264. 9/17, 24
AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO EN UN ÚNICO LUGAR DE VOTACIÓN, REGISTRO DE VOTANTES Y DISPONIBILIDAD DE BOLETAS POSTALES ANTICIPADAS Y DE AUSENTES
Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York En nombre de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York
La Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union y la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, POR EL PRESENTE DAN AVISO de que se celebrará una reunión especial del distrito para los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, ubicada en 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York, para los votantes que residen en todos los distritos electorales de dicho Distrito Escolar, el día 7 de octubre de 2025, a las 9:00 A.M. (hora local vigente), y las urnas permanecerán abiertas entre las 9:00 A.M. y las 8:00 P.M. (hora local vigente), con el fin de votar sobre la siguiente proposición: PROPUESTA DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE PLAINEDGE ¿Se deberá aprobar la siguiente resolución, a saber?
SE RESUELVE que la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge queda autorizada a demoler el edificio actual de la biblioteca y construir un nuevo edificio de biblioteca, operado por dicha Junta de Síndicos, con dirección principal en 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York, incluyendo mobiliario orig-
inal, equipamiento, maquinaria, aparatos, accesorios, trabajos en el sitio y otras mejoras y gastos relacionados, por un costo máximo estimado de $19,865,795, de los cuales $3,000,000 se pagarán con fondos de reserva de capital y, respecto al resto del monto de $16,865,795, la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union queda autorizada a emitir obligaciones por dicho monto (junto con sus renovaciones) o tanto como sea necesario, y para lo cual dicho Distrito Escolar queda autorizado a recaudar mediante la imposición de un impuesto sobre las propiedades inmobiliarias imponibles del Distrito, y recolectado en cuotas anuales conforme a lo dispuesto en la Sección 416 de la Ley de Educación, el monto anual necesario para pagar el capital, los intereses y las primas, si las hubiere, de tales obligaciones, sin que el monto anual de dicho impuesto exceda los $1,400,000 para cubrir el servicio de dicha deuda. Dicha proposición podrá aparecer en las máquinas de votación en forma abreviada debido a limitaciones de espacio; en ese caso, el texto completo estará disponible en el sitio de votación. Una copia del texto completo de la proposición mencionada y los planos preliminares del proyecto están disponibles en la oficina de la Junta de Síndicos del Distrito de la Biblioteca de Plainedge en 1060 Hicksville Road y en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union en 241 Wyngate Drive, ambas en North Massapequa, Nueva York, donde pueden ser inspeccionados por cualquier persona interesada durante el horario laboral habitual. La votación en dicha reunión especial del distrito se realizará
mediante el uso de máquinas de votación. El único lugar de votación será la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York.
DETERMINACIÓN DE SEQRA. TAMBIÉN SE HACE SABER que el proyecto anteriormente mencionado ha sido clasificado como una Acción No Listada conforme a las regulaciones del Departamento de Conservación Ambiental del Estado de Nueva York según la Ley Estatal de Revisión de Calidad Ambiental (“SEQRA”), y cuya implementación, según lo propuesto, no generará impactos ambientales adversos significativos, según ha determinado la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge como agencia principal. La documentación completa de SEQRA está disponible en la oficina de la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge en 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York, durante el horario normal de oficina. AVISO DE REGISTRO. TAMBIÉN SE HACE SABER que, conforme a la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere registro personal de votantes, y ninguna persona podrá votar en dicha reunión si su nombre no figura en el registro del Distrito Escolar o si no se registra como se indica a continuación, salvo que esté calificada para votar y registrada bajo las disposiciones del Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Los votantes registrados para elecciones generales bajo dicho artículo están autorizados a votar en la reunión especial del distrito el 7 de octubre de 2025 sin necesidad de registrarse nuevamente. La Junta de Registro preparará un registro para dicha reunión especial,
utilizando como base el registro preparado en la última reunión o elección anual, e incluirá a todas las personas que se hayan presentado en persona para registrarse y también a aquellas previamente registradas y que hayan votado en alguna reunión o elección del distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro años calendario anteriores a la preparación del registro.
El registro personal para la reunión especial del distrito se aceptará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar de Plainedge, en 241 Wyngate Drive, North Massapequa, Nueva York, durante todo el año (excepto los cinco días previos a la reunión especial del distrito), entre las 9:00 A.M. y las 3:30 P.M. en días hábiles escolares. Cualquier persona podrá registrar su nombre en dicho registro, siempre que se demuestre satisfactoriamente que está o estará calificada para votar en la reunión especial del 7 de octubre de 2025. El último día para registrarse antes de la reunión especial será el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025. El registro se archivará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar de Plainedge y estará disponible para inspección por cualquier votante calificado durante los cinco días previos a la reunión, entre las 9:00 A.M. y las 3:30 P.M., hora local vigente, excepto el sábado 4 de octubre de 2025 y el domingo 5 de octubre de 2025, días en los que solo se atenderá con cita previa. También se podrá revisar el registro en el lugar de votación el día de la reunión especial. BOLETAS POSTALES ANTICIPADAS Y DE AUSENTES. TAMBIÉN SE HACE SABER que las solicitudes de boletas postales anticipadas y de ausentes pueden reali-
Continued on next page
Continuedfrom previous page
zarse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar de Plainedge, 241 Wyngate Drive, North Massapequa, Nueva York. Dichas solicitudes deben recibirse no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la reunión especial del distrito. Además, deberán recibirse al menos siete días antes si la boleta será enviada por correo, o el día anterior a la reunión si se recogerá en persona por el votante o su representante designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la reunión especial. Las boletas completadas deben ser recibidas a más tardar a las 5:00 P.M. del 7 de octubre de 2025. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan emitido boletas estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito durante los cinco días previos a la reunión (excepto el 4 y 5 de octubre, con cita previa), y también se publicará en el lugar de votación durante la reunión. Cualquier votante calificado podrá impugnar la aceptación de una boleta de cualquier persona de dicha lista, manifestando su objeción y las razones a los Inspectores Electorales antes del cierre de las urnas.
BOLETAS MILITARES. Los votantes militares que aún no estén registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar. Los votantes militares calificados pueden solicitar una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden elegir recibir formularios de registro, solicitudes de boleta o las boletas mismas por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de registro y solicitudes de boleta militar deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar antes de
las 5:00 P.M. del 11 de septiembre de 2025. Ninguna boleta militar será contabilizada a menos que (1) sea recibida antes del cierre de las urnas y tenga un matasellos del Servicio Postal de EE.UU. o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un recibo de otra agencia del gobierno estadounidense; o (2) sea recibida a más tardar a las 5:00 P.M. del 7 de octubre de 2025, y esté firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha no posterior al día anterior a la reunión especial.
Fechado en: North Massapequa, Nueva York, 28 de julio, 2025. POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE PLAINEDGE UNION, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK.
Por: /s/ Maureen Ryan Secretaria del Distrito Escolar
25-252 - 8/20, 9/3, 17, 24
NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT
MEETING AT SINGLE VOTING LOCATION, REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND AVAILABILITY OF EARLY MAIL AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS
Plainedge Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York
On behalf of Plainedge Public Library, Nassau County, New York
The Board of Education of the Plainedge Union Free School District and the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library, Nassau County, New York HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that a special district meeting of the qualified voters of Plainedge Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, will be
held at the Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, for voters residing in all election districts of said School District, on October 7, 2025, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. Prevailing Time and the polls will be kept open between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 8:00 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, for the purpose of voting upon the following proposition:
PLAINEDGE PUB-
LIC LIBRARY PROPOSITION
Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library is hereby authorized to demolish the existing library building and construct a new library building operated by said Board of Trustees, with the principal address of 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, site work and other improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $19,865,795, with a $3,000,000 portion to be paid with capital reserve fund monies and, as to the remaining $16,865,795 portion thereof, that the Board of Education of Plainedge Union Free School District is hereby authorized to issue obligations in the amount of $16,865,795 (together with renewals thereof) or as much thereof as may be necessary therefor and for which said School District is hereby authorized to raise by the levy of a tax upon the taxable real property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided in Section 416 of the Education Law, such amount as is necessary annually to pay principal, interest and premium, if any,
Public Notices
on such obligations, and the library tax shall be raised, but in no event in an annual amount greater than $1,400,000 to pay such debt service.
Said proposition may appear on the voting machines in abbreviated form due to space constraints; if so, the full text of the proposition will be posted at the voting site.
A copy of the full text of the proposition referred to and preliminary plans regarding the project described in said proposition is on file in the office of the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Library District at 1060 Hicksville Road and the offices of the Plainedge Union Free School District Clerk, located at 241 Wyngate Drive, each in North Massapequa, New York, where the same is available for inspection by any interested person during regular business hours. Voting at said special district meeting will be by the use of voting machines.
The sole polling place where such special district meeting will be held is at the Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York.
SEQRA DETERMINATION. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the aforesaid project has been determined to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), the implementation of which as proposed, the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library has determined, as lead agency, will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. Full SEQRA documentation is available at the office of the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge
Public Library at 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, during normal office hours.
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting whose name does not appear on the register of said School District, or who does not register as hereinafter provided, except a person who is otherwise qualified to vote and is registered under the provisions of Article 5 of the Election Law. Voters registered for general elections under said Article 5 are eligible to vote at the October 7, 2025, special district meeting without further registration. The Board of Registration shall prepare a register for said special district meeting, except that the register prepared at the last annual meeting or election shall be used as the basis therefor, and shall include all persons who shall have presented themselves personally for registration and shall also include all persons who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special district meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special district meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years prior to the preparation of said register.
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that Personal Registration for the special district meeting will be accepted at the Office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, at 241 Wyngate Drive, in North Massapequa, New York, throughout the year (except for the five (5) days
preceding the special district meeting), between the hours of 9:00 A.M., and 3:30 P.M. on days when school is in session, and any person shall be entitled to have his or her name placed upon such register, provided that he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said special district meeting to be held on October 7, 2025. The last day of registration before the special district meeting on October 7, 2025, will be Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Said register will be filed in the office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, in said School District and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter on each of the five days prior to the day set for the special district meeting, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, except Saturday October 4, 2025 and Sunday, October 5, 2025 which days will be by appointment. The register will also be available for inspection on the date of the special district meeting at the polling place. EARLY MAIL BALLOTS AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early mail and absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, 241 Wyngate Drive, in North Massapequa, New York. Such applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the special district meeting. Furthermore, such application must be received by said School District Clerk at least seven days prior to the special district meeting, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or on the date prior
to the special district meeting, if the ballot is to be personally obtained by the voter of his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the special district meeting. Completed early mail ballots and absentee ballots must be received by said School District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M., Prevailing Time, on October 7, 2025, the date of the special district meeting.
A list of all persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the special district meeting, except Saturday, October 4, 2025 and Sunday, October 5, 2025 which days will be by appointment, and such list shall also be posted at the voting place during the special district meeting, and any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his challenge and the reasons therefor known to the Inspectors of Election before the close of the polls.
Military Ballots: Military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter
registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the School District no later than 5:00 P.M. on September 11, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before close of the polls at the special district meeting and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign county’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt of another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on the date of the special district meeting and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the special district meeting. Dated: North Massapequa, New York, July 28, 2025. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE PLAINEDGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK. By: /s/ Maureen Ryan School District Clerk 25-251. 8/20, 9/3, 17, 24
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A reader offers a correction on P.T. boats
A reader from Bellmore, Steven Vella, wrote to question my recent column in which I addressed bomb shelters and the related specific construction of P.T. boats (“In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation,” July 24-30).
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I stated that gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch, and that swimming pools and “P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, the ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact.” P.T. stands for patrol torpedo, and P.T. boats were meant to be lighter, swifter craft for short-range reconnaissance and rapid deployment of torpedoes to attack enemy ships. Vella, a World War II buff, pointed out that he was only aware, through a relative who worked for the Elco Boat Company, in Bayonne, New Jersey — a major builder of P.T. boats for the U.S. Navy — that “the keel is a 70-foot-long piece of 6 x 6 Alaskan spruce. The stem is of American oak. The frames (ribs) are of African mahogany. Sides and bottom of the hull are double-planked mahogany with canvas laid in marine glue in between the diagonally spaced planking.” I misstated that the steel-rod-reinforced construction was used for P.T. boats, when it was actually used for slower-moving landing craft, such as the type used at the beach landing at Normandy, and for barges shipping supplies. The slower-moving craft needed to be heavily reinforced because they were, presumably, easier targets.
Unlike today, where we can instantly find information on almost any topic using our cellphones, I sat in my Methods and Materials classes in architecture school, 50 years ago, and listened to professors explain the physical and chemical properties as well as the applied uses of materials in construction, without the ability to research or fact-check. I never forgot the story related to us about the strength of the concrete, the application to Navy vessels and the story of torpedoes being trapped without exploding, in the sides of some boat hulls. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to confirm the type of concrete used, or that the boats in which the cement and steel reinforcement were applied weren’t P.T. boats, back then.
The concrete type was still steel-reinforced, but it was fero-cement, and not gunite. Gunite is cement that is sprayed using a high-pressure gun, often referred to as a cannon, and the mix is semi-dry cement and sand. The actual concrete hulls that the Navy engineers came up with were made of handapplied cement over steel reinforcing rods. Concrete and steel are used together in many different configurations, because concrete is extraordinarily strong in compression and highly resistant to crushing, and steel is highly tensile or flexible. When applied together, the combination provides great resistance to impacts, such as bombs. So thank you, Steven, for your noteworthy question.
© 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.
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On the stump and on the field, the pressure builds
We’re just past the midway point of September, the month that traditionally signifies key flashpoints in two very competitive American pastimes: Major League Baseball and American politics.
Before MLB initiated division play and wild cards, there were just two leagues, the National and American, and the team with the best record in each league at the close of the regular season, at the end of September, made it to the World Series. That made the league pennant races do-or-die. Sudden death. No “postseason” or second chances.
There were years in which the pennant race had as much drama and tension as the World Series. In 1951, for instance, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants finished the regular season in a dead heat, necessitating a three-game playoff, which the Giants won on Bobby Thompson’s three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 — the fabled “shot heard
around the world.” That was one of the most famous moments in baseball history, and the fact that the Giants went on to lose the World Series to the Yankees is barely a footnote.
Now there six divisions, and 12 teams qualify for the postseason, taking away the suddendeath aspect. The flip side of the coin is that with more teams in the hunt and more games to be played, there’s sustained fan interest almost to November. That’s especially welcome news for New York fans this year, since neither the Yankees nor the Mets will win their division, but both are good position to be wild card teams.
TLabor Day. Voters are back from vacation or home from the beach. All that went before was but a prelude to the nine-week race that won’t end until late on election night, Nov. 4.
This campaign run to the finish is both a sprint and a marathon. Having run for elective office 19 times, I can tell you that a campaign is both exhilarating and exhausting. A candidate who has run a serious race should have nothing left at the end.
he candidates and the playoff contenders head down the stretch.
And the postseason is a brand new ball game. Last season, the Mets won postseason series over the Brewers and the Phillies, both of which had finished ahead of the Mets in the regular season. The Mets then pushed the Dodgers to six games before finally succumbing, falling short of the World Series by just two games. This year’s September challenge for the Mets is to make sure they nab a wild card slot so they can go on to October, where anything can happen.
Much like baseball, the American political season begins in earnest after
BThis is especially true in Nassau County, where there are few easy races. I assure you that despite Bruce Blakeman’s excellent record as county executive, with Nassau being rated the safest county in the United States and no tax increases, he is not taking his re-election for granted. Yes, polls show that Blakeman has a solid lead over his challenger, Democratic County Legislator Seth Koslow, but he also knows there are 100,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in Nassau County.
Blakeman remembers just four years ago, when he was the challenger and incumbent County Executive Laura Curran was the frontrunner, clearly leading in the polls. But Blakeman waged a strong, hard-fought campaign,
and on election night in November 2021, he was victorious.
Similarly, in the race for county district attorney that same year, Democratic State Sen. Todd Kaminsky was the clear favorite over career prosecutor Anne Donnelly, a Republican. The consensus among political insiders was that Kaminsky would use the D.A.’s office as a steppingstone to state attorney general, and then governor. But Donnelly ran as a strict law-and-order candidate, opposed to the so-called “bail reform” legislation supported by Kaminsky. Election night saw a landslide win for Donnelly.
While national and statewide races get the most media attention, it’s county and town races that are closest to, and most intense for, voters. There are no flyover candidates or Rose Garden campaigns. The candidates are right there in our communities, at local events. We see them up close, and get to know who they are and what they stand for. And the issues are ones that affect us directly: safe streets and neighborhoods, support for our police, preventing tax increases and creating jobs. All of it leading to Nov 4, Election Day, the World Series of politics.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
The battle of egos in the Big Apple
eing a former elected official, I am asked frequent questions about political matters. Some are about national developments or personalities, but lately, almost all are about New York City’s mayoral contest. For most of this year, many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility that a total unknown, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, could become the city’s first socialist mayor.
My initial comments have been intended for city dwellers who failed to show up at the June Democratic primary and are now brooding about the potential of having someone so controversial and unqualified running a city of more than 8 million people. I remind them that the city primary elections now use a ranked-choice voting system, which favors unknown candidates, who may have little funding but know how to run a campaign. Mamdani was able to raise a substantial amount of money through
small donations, and ran a professional campaign that is now the envy of the political establishment. The first political shockwave was on primary night, when, early in the evening, it became evident that he would be the clear winner. He won so handily that his opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, made an early concession speech.
UBy the time the sun was up the following day, my telephone was ringing off the hook. While the summer months are usually la-la time, the inquiries continued on a daily basis. In August I switched my responses from “I don’t know” to “Let’s see who will run against Mamdani,” hoping that Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo and the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, would agree on one independent challenger who could give Mamdani a real contest.
have massive egos, there has been a lot of pushback, though Adams has appeared to leave the door open to “a challenge where my country calls me.”
nless there’s a show of humility, New York City will be led by a political novice.
The “country” Adams is referring to is President Trump, who has made it clear that he doesn’t want Mamdani to win. Even though having a socialist mayor would give Republicans a great issue against traditional Democrats, the president is a New Yorker at heart and has many interests to protect if the city were to take a downturn. It’s possible that Adams will be enticed to drop out, and that may have happened by the time this appears, but even then the picture would still be cloudy if Curtis Sliwa stays in the race.
is hard-nosed, and the winner will be Mamdani.
There is another facet to this New York City battle. Few city elections have ever attracted national attention, but this one is attracting national and even international poll watchers. The Republican Party would love for Mamdani to win, so they could label all Democrats socialist sympathizers. Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani over the weekend, but many other major Democratic officeholders have yet to take a position on the race. The few who have were almost forced to act, because their party base is made up of all factions, which include socialist backers.
But now the September clock is ticking, and there is daily buzz about who will stay in the race and who will drop out. Behind the scenes, prominent conservatives, such as the philanthropist Ronald Lauder and the supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, have been trying to get either Adams or Sliwa, or both, to drop out. But because both men
A recent Siena Research/NY Times poll concluded that if the only candidates in the race were Cuomo and Mamdani, Mamdani would win 48 percent of the vote, and Cuomo 44 percent. But those figures may not take into account how, in a race that tight, voters in all political parties might coalesce around Cuomo because of their fear of the Democratic designee. I expect that on Election Day it will be a three-person contest, because Sliwa
The November date of destiny is coming at us quickly. There are an impressive number of young voters in the city who have been smitten by Mamdani’s pledge of free buses, rent freezes and public grocery stores. But they don’t pay the real estate taxes and support the infrastructure that make New York the most important city in the world. And if the political novice gets elected, all of New York City and state will suffer.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
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tOur disagreements must stop at debate
he United States has long prided itself on being a nation in which political differences are aired by way of ballots, not bullets. In recent years, however, violence has too often invaded our public square, shattering lives, feeding a general atmosphere of fear and distrust, and undermining the democratic ideals we claim to cherish.
As we count down to Election Day on Nov. 4, we must recommit to the principle that civil political discourse — not intimidation, assault or bloodshed — is the only legitimate path forward.
Consider the troubling list of recent events. On Jan. 6, 2021, rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, brutally attacking police officers in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power to then President-elect Joseph Biden, a Democrat. Five people died in the rioting. Since then, President Trump, a Republican, has survived two assassination attempts.
In 2022, Paul Pelosi, the husband of former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was bludgeoned with a hammer in the Pelosis’ home in San Francisco. In April of this year, a man attempted to burn down the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a fellow Democrat.
In June, Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was killed in a targeted attack at her home, along with
letters
Blakeman has a narrow definition of ‘safe’
To the Editor:
Re County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s op-ed last week, “Protecting our kids and keeping Nassau County safe”: Blakeman’s myopia ought not be ours. Though the Nassau County Police Department is top-notch in both competence and compensation, “safety” is a far broader sentiment than armed personnel.
With the most foreclosures in the metropolitan region, Nassau is not a safe place for those who can’t keep up with the Joneses. Our growing population of residents dependent on food bank services, absentee landlords and gig work surely appreciate our police, but don’t feel safe from economic predation. And neither drivers nor pedestrians are especially safe in Nassau, and the roadways themselves would win no awards.
Our famed police are no comfort to anyone viewed through ICE-eyes as dusky, dusty or dawdling. We are not yet saved from Nassau’s dual-action dysfunctional
her husband, Mark Hortman. In a separate incident, Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were wounded, allegedly by the same gunman.
On Sept. 10, one day before our national commemoration of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk shook the nation.
All of these acts, though politically motivated in different ways, shared a tragic theme: a rejection of reasoned debate in favor of violence. The perpetrators’ actions defied both justice and ethics. Political leaders, regardless of party, must unequivocally denounce violence not only when it is directed at their allies, but also when it strikes their adversaries.
The answers to bitter disagreements can be found instead in the very foundation of American law: our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, association and petition. These rights were spelled out so that individuals and groups could argue, persuade and organize without fear of reprisal.
Violence, by contrast, seeks to silence opponents permanently. It is not an expression of political conviction but rather a repudiation of it — an attempt to destroy debate rather than contribute to it. That is why every civilized society criminalizes assault, murder and terrorism. To resort to such methods is not
only to break the law but also to tear at the moral fabric that holds communities together.
Violence corrodes democracy itself. When citizens and leaders live under constant threat, they retreat from public engagement. Ordinary people withdraw from activism. Elected officials alter decisions out of fear for their families’ safety. Journalists censor themselves to avoid becoming targets. These chilling effects shrink the civic space, and create an atmosphere of suspicion and anger.
The way forward requires a cultural shift that emphasizes respect, empathy and resilience even in the face of profound disagreements. Everyone from students to business executives to politicians to the media should refuse to share disinformation, avoid demonizing those with whom we have differing opinions and welcome calm, reasoned argument that can change minds more effectively than threats ever could.
Passionate debate is fine. Disagreement is natural in a diverse society, and progress often emerges from that vigorous discussion. In stark contrast, every time a political leader is targeted, every time a citizen is attacked for his or her beliefs, the American experiment itself is weakened.
At this point in our country’s history, the stakes could not be higher. We must choose civility over cruelty, and persuasion over violence.
FLegislation that’s critical to L.I. firefighters’ safety
irefighters across Long Island, especially volunteers, face growing risks not just in the line of duty, but also from the very gear meant to protect them. That’s because many of the region’s fire departments — including those in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as Brooklyn and Queens — have relied on turnout gear and firefighting foam that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals now strongly linked to a variety of serious health problems. As a result, many fire service personnel around the region deal with repeated and prolonged exposure to toxic compounds, often without access to safer alternatives.
The issue has become even more concerning as PFAS have leached into the water and soil, which ultimately caused widespread contamination. While federal and state agencies have begun to address this ongoing issue, the occupational health risks tied specifically to firefighters remain insufficiently prioritized.
The PFAS Alternatives Act — first introduced in Congress in July 2023 — presents a targeted and science-driven response. By investing in the development of PFAS-free turnout gear and training programs focused on reducing exposure, the legislation advances measures that protect not only full-time firefighters, but also volunteers.
ESince the 1950s, PFAS have become a staple in various commercial goods because of their remarkable resistance to extreme temperatures and moisture. The problem is that, because of their strong carbon-fluorine bond, these so-called “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily. Instead, they accumulate in the environment and even the human body, triggering many catastrophic illnesses, including cancer, immunosuppression, liver damage, Type 2 diabetes in women, and developmental delays in children. These medical facts prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an advisory stating that no level of PFAS is considered safe, and even the slightest exposure can have serious repercussions.
ments in Nassau County and over 100 in Suffolk County. Despite their critical roles in safeguarding their communities, these brave firefighters are often forced to respond to emergencies using contaminated equipment.
quipment meant to protect them contains harmful ‘forever chemicals.’
This public health issue has also led to a big wave of legal battles involving the firefighting community. Thousands of firefighters nationwide have filed lawsuits in multidistrict litigation to hold chemical manufacturers, such as 3M and DuPont, accountable for distributing hazardous products without providing proper warnings about the dangers. As of early last month, there were more than 12,000 active cases. Although this mounting legal pressure indicates a growing awareness among victims of their right to hold chemical manufacturers liable, it also underscores the urgent need for legislative solutions.
safety. The bipartisan group that initiated it included Long Island Reps. Andrew Garbarino and Michael Lawler, as well as former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, all of whom signed on as cosponsors, recognizing the urgent need for action in New York state.
The latest iteration of the legislation prioritizes a vital investment of $25 million annually, through fiscal year 2029, for the innovation and testing of PFASfree turnout gear. Besides this, a $2 million yearly budget is likewise set to be allocated during the same period to support training programs that will help first responders reduce PFAS exposure while safer gear is being developed. This funding is particularly critical on Long Island, where many volunteer fire departments continue using contaminated equipment simply because affordable alternatives are unavailable.
Unfortunately, this danger is almost unavoidable for hundreds of firefighters on Long Island, in nearly 70 fire depart-
LETTERs
property-tax regime, its failed bus patrol tax, its Nassau University Medical Center mess nor wasteful BLAKEMAN signage. Nassau’s water safety is in question. Discoveries of buried chemical toxins and depleted shorelines threaten real estate, and the police cannot arrest viruses. Nassau has enough police, but not enough security.
BRIAN KELLY
Rockville Centre
Honoring veterans through service and support
To the Editor:
On Sept. 12, the day after 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance, PSEG Long Island, National Grid and the nonprofit General Needs came together to host the first-ever Veteran Warm Up event, serving more than 100 local veterans. At this drivethrough event, veterans received bedding, pillows, heaters, LED light bulbs and information about financial and energy-efficiency
programs designed to help them keep warm when the weather gets colder.
Why would PSEG Long Island step into this role? The answer is simple: because veterans are our neighbors, and many are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. Long Island is home to one of the largest populations of veterans in the country, and too many of them face challenges related to housing, health and employment. At PSEG Long Island, we believe our responsibility goes beyond keeping the lights on — we have a duty to support the well-being of the communities we serve.
That’s why, year after year, our employee-volunteers give their time, energy and compassion at events that provide direct aid to veterans and other neighbors in need. Collaborating with organizations like General Needs amplifies that impact, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.
This commitment to community is an extension of our mission: to provide safe, reliable energy while also strengthening the fabric of the neighborhoods we call home. By supporting veterans, we
The PFAS Alternatives Act is a crucial federal initiative aimed at tackling the severe health risks firefighters are compelled to confront because of their prolonged exposure to PFAS. First introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in July 2023 and reintroduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell and other lawmakers this May, the bill reflects a longstanding and even growing concern over firefighter
But for the region and the entire state to fully benefit from this legislation, local leaders must strongly support its immediate ratification and effective implementation. Until PFASfree equipment becomes standard statewide, firefighters will continue to confront serious risks from the very gear that’s supposed to safeguard them.
Jonathan Sharp is chief financial officer of the Environmental Litigation Group, a firm that helps fast-track compensation claims filed by victims of toxic exposure and their families.
honor their service and sacrifices while building a culture of understanding and respect that benefits us all.
The Veteran Warm Up event is just one example of how PSEG Long Island strives to live out its values of safety, security and
service. We do this because it’s the right thing to do — for our veterans and for our communities.
Interim president and chief operating officer, PSEG Long Island
JonATHAn sHARp
FRAmEwoRk by Tim Baker
At the Town of Hempstead sunrise Sept. 11 memorial service — Town Park Point Lookout
DAVID LYONS
