Massapequa Herald 10_01_2025

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dedicates John F. Caruso Education Center

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Massapequa Water District and officials from the Town of Oyster Bay recently dedicated the newly named John F. Caruso Education Center, honoring the late water commissioner and longtime public servant.

“As water commissioner, John Caruso invited the public to see firsthand the operations of the district and how their water is processed,” said Water Commissioner Ray Averna. “He always wanted residents to feel aware and involved in the operations of the water district. Thanks to his efforts, the district began offering programs to high school students interested in environmental and science studies, as well as scouting and other organizations.”

Caruso, a professional engineer and former deputy commissioner of public works, served on the Massapequa Water District Board for 19 years. He was widely respected as an engineer, visionary and public servant, playing a key role in the decades-long effort to contain and remediate the Grumman-Navy Plume — the largest toxic groundwater plume within a sole-source aquifer in the United States.

Caruso died in November 2024 at the age of 80.

“I was incredibly honored to attend the dedication of the John F. Caruso

Massapequa School Board adopts cell phone ban for students

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Following a new state mandate, the Massapequa Board of Education adopted a districtwide ban on student use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices in school.

Under the policy, adopted Sept. 9, students are prohibited from using cell phones, smartwatches, tablets and personal laptops while on school grounds. The ban applies during all instructional periods, lunch, hallway transitions and extracurricular activities.

The restriction is in effect only when students are physically inside school buildings. At Mass-

apequa High School, students are permitted to use devices during off-campus lunch.

Exceptions to the policy include medical needs (such as glucose monitoring), instructional translation support, caregiver or emergency contact responsibilities, or when authorized for a specific educational purpose. Requests for exemptions must be submitted in writing to the building principal with supporting documentation and will be reviewed individually.

The policy implements Section 2803 of New York State Education Law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on May 9. Hochul described the law as a commitment to “protecting youth mental health

and promoting student success in the digital age.”

Massapequa’s new policy extends an existing device ban at Berner Middle School, which has been in place for the past two years, to students in grades 9–12.

Superintendent William Brennan said that at the high school

Courtesy Town of Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, second from left, joined with Commissioners of the Massapequa Water District to unveil the new ‘John F. Caruso Education Center recently.

Oyster Bay Town Board approves reopening of Manor East catering hall in Massapequa

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

The Oyster Bay Town Board unanimously approved an application from Escube LLC to reopen the former Manor East Catering Hall at its previous location, 201 Jerusalem Ave. in Massapequa, during its Sept. 9 meeting.

The approval follows a public hearing held at the board’s April 8 meeting.

Manor East operated as a popular local catering venue from 1970 until its sudden closure on June 13, 2013. Known for hosting weddings, baptisms, sweet sixteens and other celebrations—many for local police and firefighter families—it was long regarded as one of Long Island’s premier catering facilities. The abrupt closure left many families without alternate venues.

Escube LLC purchased the property in April 2021 and expressed its intention to “restore the property to its former glory” during the April hearing.

Shashi Goyal, one of the three principals of the new Manor East Catering Hall, said he was thrilled at the decision of the Town Board, but noted that there were several steps that needed to be taken before the Manor East will be open for business.

“The next step is to get approval of the detailed plans from the town’s

building dDepartment, and there is a variance needed as well.“I would say that if all goes well we will be ready to begin operations within five or six months,” Goyal said.

The board’s approval was granted subject to several restrictive covenants, including:

•Valet parking must be provided during all events.

•No more than two events may be held simultaneously, with staggered start times to reduce traffic congestion, and a maximum of three events per day.

•Hours of operation are limited to noon to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

•No more than 15 catering employees may be on site at any time.

•All exterior lighting must be directed onto the property, with no light spillover onto adjacent properties or roadways.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino welcomed the board’s decision. “After years of laying dormant, we are pleased that the property owner worked with neighboring residents to return this business and economic boost to the community,” Saladino said.

Other board actions:

Also at the Sept. 9 meeting, the Town

Board:

•Held a public hearing and approved a six-month extension of the town’s moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), extending it through April 30, 2026, by a vote of 6-0.

•Authorized the Distinguished Artists Concert Series, to take place at various public libraries from Oct. 5 through Dec. 14, including a perfor -

mance by Tom Pappas & the Gavrieli Trio at the Massapequa Public Library on Oct. 18.

•Approved the Oyster Bay Challenger Jamboree Baseball Tournament, scheduled for Oct. 5 at Burns Park in Massapequa.

•Approved the Senior Men’s All-Star Softball Game, set for Oct. 14 at Burns Park.

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The Manor East Catering Hall in its heyday

One Trial for accused serial killer Rex Heuermann

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Tim Mazzei ruled that accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann will face one trial for his seven alleged murders.

“We had faith in our arguments,” Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer Michael Brown said after Mazzei’s written ruling on Sept. 23 at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court in Riverhead.“We think we were right on the law,” Brown said, acknowledging that “it’s up to the court to make that decision, Judge Mazzei didn’t agree with us. We move forward.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney argued that due to the “inextricably interwoven,” nature surrounding the evidence of Heuermann’s alleged crime, the case had to be litigated as one trial.

“That’s particularly applicable in this case,” he said. “The evidence needed to prove one charge can necessarily prove the other charges.”

Mazzei also ruled in favor of admitting nuclear DNA evidence at trial for a second time this month. Heuermann’s attorneys filed a motion following his initial decision to admit the nuclear DNA evidence, arguing that California-based Astrea Labs did not have proper state Department of Health permits.

Heuermann’s defense filed a motion to sever and to split the seven murders into as many as five separate trials in January. Tierney and Brown both emphasized again that Heuermann had not considered taking a plea deal.

Mazzei set a Jan. 13 deadline for both parties to return to Riverhead and for any additional pretrial motions to be filed. Brown

indicated that they would be appealing the search warrants and the evidence presented to the grand jury.

“Several of the victims, the grand jury presentation is really bare bones,” Brown argued. “We don’t believe that there’s a reasonable cause, a probable cause, that was presented to the grand jury on two specific victims, at a minimum.”

Brown declined to share which victims they would be focusing on as well as when he anticipates the motions being filed, although he added that he was confident they would meet the January deadline.

Heurmann’s estranged wife, Asa, and daughter, Victoria Heuermann, attended the Sept. 23 hearing accompanied by their attorney, Robert Macedonio. Both declined to comment. Macedonio spoke for them.

“We are here,” he said, to see these proceedings play out in the courtroom. “Not in the media, not in the podcast-sphere she wants to see and hear for herself, as her daughter does any evidence of guilt that they may have against Rex.”

No trial date has been set for the case, which spans decades of killings on Long Island. Several true crime documentaries have been released about the Gilgo Beach murders, including “Gilgo Beach Killer: The House Of Secrets,” which debuted on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, on June 10 and features Macedonio, Asa, and Victoria.

A week prior to the premiere of the three-part documentary, Victoria “told the producers that based on publicly available facts that have been presented and explained to her, she now believes her father is most likely the Gilgo Beach killer,” according to text flashed on the screen at the

end of the series’ third episode. Heuermann, a 62-year-old who lived in Massapequa Park at the time of his arrest, now stands charged with the murders of seven people in total: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has maintained his innocence since his July 2023 arrest.

This story was originally posted on the Massapequa Herald website on Tues., Sept. 23 with free access to readers.

Students honored at Adventureland’s Friends and Family V.I.P. Night

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Local students were recently awarded by The Vivian and Tony Gentile Scholarship Fund at Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation’s 2025 Friends and Family V.I.P. Night.

Emily Ogurick, a graduate of Massapequa High School and attending Molloy University to study Secondary Education received the Vivian and Tony Gentile Scholarship. Avery Ketcham who has been a member of the Adventureland team since 2022, a graduate of West Babylon High School and attends SUNY Cortland to study Inclusive Education was the recipient of the Vivian and Tony Gentile Adventureland Employee Scholarship.

The Vivian and Tony Gentile Scholarship Fund awarded a total of 13 scholarships of $5,000 each, totaling $65,000 to high school seniors attending college as full-time students on Long Island this fall and this year, nearly 2,000 people attended the V.I.P Night to support the charity effort. The event raised $400,000 to help Long Islanders. Collectively, the foundation raised over $2.1 million from all eight VIP Nights since the start of the foundation.

“Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation is thrilled to be the catalyst for Long Islanders helping Long Islanders — the sup-

Right: Emily Ogurick of Massapequa who received the Vivian and Tony Gentile Scholarshipis shown with Steven Gentile and Paul Gentile, Adventureland Park Managers

port we have received through our annual VIP Night event is incredible,” said Steve Gentile, Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation’s Board President. “In just one night, we have raised over $400,000 for our scholarship program, grant program, and pledges that support Long Island students, teachers, schools and nonprofits. We are so grateful and thank you for the opportunity to serve Long Island and honored to have such extraordinary support from our donors and sponsors.”

James Carbone

Alleged Gilgo serial killer Rex Heuermann, right, in court on Sept. 23, where it was ruled he will face one trial for the seven murders he is accused of committing. At left, his attorney, Michael Brown.

Courtesy EBeth Photography

Above: Scholarship Group Photo

Two men arrested in separate stabbings in North Amityville

Suffolk County police arrested two men in separate stabbing incidents that occurred in North Amityville this month, leaving two victims hospitalized with serious injuries.

In the most recent case, police said Angelo Andrade, 49, of West Babylon, was arrested Sunday, Sept. 21, after allegedly slashing the neck of an acquaintance during an altercation at a home located at 187 Jefferson Ave.

According to police, Andrade also threatened another resident with a knife before fleeing the scene. The 45-year-old victim was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Andrade, of 544 18th St., was arrested a short time later and charged with firstdegree assault, second-degree assault, second-degree menacing, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He

was held overnight at the Third Precinct and arraigned Monday, Sept. 22, at First District Court in Central Islip. In a separate and unrelated incident, Joshua Deluna, 32, of North Amityville, was arrested following a stabbing on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Police said Deluna stabbed a 43-yearold Copiague man multiple times during a dispute around 6:25 a.m. in front of 104 Madison Ave., where Deluna resides. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Deluna was charged with seconddegree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned Sept. 15 at First District Court in Central Islip.

CRIME WATCH

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

PETIT LARCENY

Massapequa: Someone removed two license plates from a vehicle that was parked in front of 13 Oakley Avenue. That incident was reported Sept. 22 at 8 p.m.

South Farmingdale: Several items were stolen from. Stop & Shop at 55 Motor Avenue Sept. 20. The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. CRIMINAL MISCHIED

Massapequa: Someone damaged the driver’s side rear tire of a vehicle parked in front of 39 Springdale Ave., Sept. 21. The incident was reported at 9:30 p.m.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Amity School Board approves administrator’s contract

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Amityville School Board approved a contract with the Amityville Administrators’ Association (AAA), ending a three-year impasse dating back to 2022.

Under the new agreement, the district’s 14 administrators — including principals, assistant principals, directors and assistant directors — will receive a 2 percent salary increase annually, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

T“We are very grateful to the district which came and met us to the point where we are happy and looking forward,” said Evan Farkas, president of the AAA and the district’s health and athletic director. “This has been a lot of work, but it gives us a foundation to work upon.”

ment includes no employee concessions.

“The district recognized the importance of equalizing salaries and the need to provide equity among the positions regarding salaries,” Farkas said. “Equalizing salaries makes them more competitive with neighboring districts and helps to recognize specific years of service. We are grateful and want to be a part of moving the district forward.”

he board worked collaboratively to reach an agreement with the AAA. We value and appreciate the administrators and the dedication they each have to the children and staff of the district.

LISA JOHNSON Amityville School Board president

The new contract sets annual base salaries at $170,000 for principals and directors, $143,000 for assistant directors, and $134,000 for assistant principals. These figures do not include longevity pay. Union officials confirmed that the agree-

School Board President Lisa Johnson said the agreement reflects the board’s commitment to collaboration.

“The board worked collaboratively to reach an agreement with the AAA,” Johnson said. “We value and appreciate the administrators and the dedication they each have to the children and staff of the district.

Board debates how to fill vacant seat

The board also discussed how to fill the seat left vacant by trustee Caroline Fanning, who resigned two months ago. Three potential paths were considered: holding a special election, appointing a replacement, or leaving the seat open until the next general election in May 2026.

Trustee Kevin Nehring supported

a board appointment, noting it would avoid the estimated $20,000 cost of a special election while ensuring that the seat is filled.

Trustee Megan Messman opposed that idea. “I don’t think $20,000 is a lot of money to find in a $120 million budget and hold a vote and let the people speak,” she said, adding that the district has received additional state and other funding this year.

“The problem with appointing someone is that the board majority would do that and the board’s minority (of which Messman is a part of on many issues) would [lose] its voice,” she added.

Trustee Juan Leon expressed a different view, favoring neither a special election nor a board appointment. “I am not in favor of a board appointment, and I am not in favor of spending $20,000 on a special election,” he said. “We should wait until May and let the voters decide.”

Johnson said she had not yet formed a position, and the board took no action.

Trustees Leslie Kretz and Carol Seehof were absent.

In other business:

• The board appointed Dr. Stephen Lando as the district’s new director of human resources. Dr. Lando most recently served as assistant superintendent for secondary education in the Great Neck School District for 18 years. He previously held administrative roles in Eastchester, Seaford and Valley Stream schools,

and taught social studies and mathematics in Babylon. He holds a doctorate and administrative degree from St. John’s University.

• adopted the 2025–26 Professional Learning Plan, as recommended by Superintendent Dr. Gina Talbert.

• Trustees tabled approval of board meeting minutes from April through Sept. 10, 2025, to allow for further review.

The next regular school board meeting (combined) will be held Wed., Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. A special board of education is scheduled for Oct. 22. For more information, call the district at 631 565-6000.

Courtesy Amityville School District

Dr. Stephen Lando, Amityville School District Director of Human Resources

LUKE MARTINI

WANTAGH Sophomore FOOTBALL

IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 for Martini and the Warriors as they captured both the Nassau Conference IV and Long Island Class IV titles. One of a handful of returning starters and a rise to Confernece III, Martini is being counted on to produce even more. So far, so good. He led a 35-7 victory at Elmont Sept. 20 with four rushing touchdowns, all coming in the second half. He finished with 195 yards on the ground with his longest score covering 78.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 3

Football: Carey at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at East Meadow

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Seaford

Football: Mepham at Glen Cove 6

Football: Baldwin at V.S. Central 6 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at Lynbrook 6 p.m.

Football: Seaford at East Rockaway 6 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Massapequa 6:30 p.m.

Football: South Side at Bethpage 6:30 p.m.

Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 7 p.m.

Football: Garden City at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Girls Soccer: Garden City at Wantagh 2 p.m.

Football: Syosset at Uniondale 3 p.m.

Football: Lawrence at West Hempstead 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Hicksville 3 p.m.

Football: Manhasset at V.S. South 3 p.m.

Football: Mineola at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Clarke 3 p.m.

Football: Hewlett at Division 3 p.m.

Football: Roosevelt at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Football: Jericho at Kennedy 3 p.m.

Football: C.S. Harbor at North Shore 3 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Elmont 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.

Positivity flows for Farmingdale

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Same old Jets.

It’s a phrase Ilan Gornstein knows painfully too well.

It’s one born out of preseason optimism, followed by in-season agony and futility.

Gornstein, the diehard New York Jets fan, has had that same optimistic feeling at the start of every year for the past two decades as Farmingdale girls’ soccer coach.

And while his Dalers have had far more postseason success than Gang Green, this year, Gornstein’s annual preseason optimism has borne fruit. This Farmingdale team has been different than others.

A year removed from just three wins in 13 matches, Farmingdale is undefeated at 5-0-3 and sits atop Conference AAA/AA-3 with 18 points, one point in front of Bellmore JFK.

The Dalers are a plus-11 in goal difference on the season, and their nine goals against is by far the best among the eight teams in their conference.

A big reason for the success? An infectious positivity throughout the team, which helps when dealing with the ebbs and flows of an emotional sport.

“The atmosphere has been really positive. It’s been really light,” Gornstein said.

“The girls seem to enjoy being with each other.”

Terry Uellendahl/Herald

Senior two-year captain Gianna Racine is helping lead the surging Dalers, who carried a 5-0-3 mark into this week’s action.

That was evident when, without urging or suggestion from the coaches, the players met for a pasta party during the Rosh Hashanah break from school.

“There’s no magic explanation for this,” Gornstein said. “It’s just everyone’s been so positive.”

talented junior class, is the other captain. She’s been on varsity since eighth grade and has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches.

“She’s a good kid, very even-keeled,” Gornstein said. “None of the highs and the lows, she doesn’t go crazy, she doesn’t get down. She goes in and she does her job no matter what.”

Senior Annalise Ferraro controls the midfield, is maybe the most skilled player on the team, and can score goals from 20-30 yards out.

Junior Juliann Brzeski is a lacrosse star and another player who has been on varsity since eighth grade. The Stony Brook lacrosse commit scored a sensational goal from distance in a seasonopening win over Division.

Juniors Lily Cartagena and Anastacia Corr anchor the defense, giving Gornstein and assistant coach Courtney Sorrentino, who Gornstein said has been instrumental to the team’s success, the confidence to switch to three in the back this fall.

Up front, junior Kelsey Brosnan has blossomed in terms of her confidence, and eighth grader Lia Ruotolo isn’t just one to watch for the future.

“This kid, wow, super impressive,” Gornstein said. “She’s going to be something in a couple of years. Her name is going to be around, if it’s not already going around.”

A year after a challenging season, the Dalers believe they can make some noise in the playoffs later this month.

Goalkeeper Emma Ferraro, who is part of a really

Leading this year’s squad is senior Gianna Racine, a two-year captain and defensive midfielder who has free rein to push forward in attack. Racine is also a setpiece threat with her head.

“Why can’t we do some damage in the playoffs,” Gornstein said. “Why not us?”

What Juliet My 1st Afghan Hound Taught Me About Teaching

Born in 1980, Juliet was my first Afghan Hound— and the only one I raised from a puppy. Odd as it may sound, watching her grow up often reminded me of the students in my elementary classroom. Her behavior, and learning often mirrored what I saw in second and third graders navigating their own understanding. Here are four lessons she taught me—about dogs, yes, but also about education.

TOO MUCH, TOO CLOSE

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

We brought Juliet home at ten weeks old during the summer break. I taught her to sit at three months. The very next day, I introduced “give paw.” Big mistake. For the rest of her life, when asked to sit, she’d perform both commands in one motion—sit, then paw—always together. The distinction between the two had never taken hold.

That lesson stayed with me in the classroom. In math especially, we often ask students to grasp multiple connected concepts within a short time span—like counting by fives, telling time on analog clocks, and understanding nickels. Some students make the connections easily. Others, like Juliet, need more space between ideas to understand each on its own. During parent-teacher conferences, I often shared Juliet’s sit-paw combo as a gentle way to explain this learning need.

NOT ALL DOGS ARE DOBERMANS

Juliet and I enrolled in local obedience

classes taught by Fran, a respected trainer and nurse. Fran owned impeccably disciplined Dobermans— eager-to-please breed that thrived on structure. Juliet, on the other hand, was an Afghan Hound: bred to chase gazelles and snow leopards across the mountains of Afghanistan. Independence was in their DNA.

Back then, obedience classes emphasized dominance. We were told to enforce 30-minute “downs” to assert authority. Juliet wouldn’t last a minute. Once, during class, she broke free from my brother and leapt clear over the bench where spectators sat. She was banished to the car. Another time, Fran took her leash, and Juliet rose on her hind legs and smacked Fran across the face with her paw. Juliet was expelled—then, left back.

Fran never forgot her. For years afterward, she told her students about Juliet, the dog who taught her that not all breeds learn the same way. Just like students—each with their own temperament, background, and learning style— dogs require different approaches. With Afghan Hounds, you don’t command. You persuade.

EVERYONE GETS THE ZOOMIES

Juliet loved an audience. Our yard was fully fenced, so all six of my Afghans could race at top speed, carving a dirt path around the house like a racetrack.

Juliet, true to form, didn’t slow down just because she was indoors. She’d leap from sofa to loveseat and back again, hitting 30 miles per hour while we laughed until we cried. The more we laughed, the more she performed.

Kids get the zoomies, too. Expecting children to sit still and focus for six straight hours is unrealistic. When I was student teaching, my cooperating fifthgrade teacher had a simple solution: he’d open the back door, point to the track, and say, “Take a lap. Then eat your snack.” It worked. Energy out, minds ready.

LIFE IS BETTER WITH A BUDDY

Back in the 1980s, dog crates weren’t widely used. Instead, Juliet was gated in the kitchen when I returned to work in the fall. That’s when the destruction began. She pulled curtains down, took things from the stove, knocked the phone

off the wall—possibly to call her friends in Afghanistan—and even hit the wall clock, which stopped at exactly 7:50 a.m., just after I left.

Some might call it separation anxiety. I call it communication. Juliet was telling us she didn’t approve of our schedule.

In June 1981, we adopted Alfie, an older male Afghan Hound from the Babylon Shelter, as a companion for Juliet. He had been abused, passed through multiple homes, and used for breeding. Despite his difficult past, he adored Juliet— and from the moment he arrived, she was never destructive when left alone again. Their closeness helped me better understand students who struggle socially. Some children may be quiet or hesitant at first, but with the right peer connection, they can grow, open up, and truly flourish—just like Juliet did.

My Afghan puppy Juliet doing her silly sit/paw combo. Juliet and Alfie in 1982.

Supervisor Saladino says he’s not done yet

By MIKE POLANSKY

Senior Correspondent

When Joseph Saladino took over as Oyster Bay town supervisor in 2017, he says, the situation was dire: $765 million in capital debt, a $44 million operating deficit and a bond rating at junk status.

Now, Saladino says, the town has turned a corner, with roughly $100 million in reserves. “That turnaround is nothing short of a miracle,” he said.

As he campaigns for another two-year term, Saladino, 64, points to fiscal recovery and local revitalization as top priorities. He also emphasizes the importance of his position.

“We’re not talking about running a library or a school,” he said. “Oyster Bay is the third-largest town in the United States, and this is not a training ground for people who are just starting out.”

A resident of Massapequa, Saladino and his wife, Halina, have three daughters and a grandson. He attended Tulane University and graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a degree in broadcast journalism. He served in the State Assembly from 2004 to 2017. Saladino, who touts 37 years of government experience, said that shoring up town finances was a promise he made, and kept.

The property tax rate for Oyster Bay is 0.73 percent as of 2025. The median home price is $351,100, with a median annual property tax of $2,563.

Affordable housing is a key issue, and Saladino said he opposes high-rise, high-density developments. “The answer is not high-rise housing,” he said, citing the costs of infrastructure like sewage and water service, roads and schools. “I support redevelopment in sensible places.”

He pointed to the town’s revitalization initiative in Hicksville, where over 560 new housing units are currently being built.

Saladino also backs the town’s moratorium on battery energy storage systems, citing safety concerns. “We’re environmentalists in this town, but safety comes first,” he said, adding that new data is being evaluated. “Once the professionals approve the plans in the right places, with proper precautions and away from homes, it’s something we’ll consider.”

He expressed confidence in John Wighaus, the newly appointed town inspector general. “He’s got over 30 years of experience, he’s nonpartisan, bright and a powerhouse,” Saladino said. “I’ve seen him in action and spoken to many people about him.”

Wighaus’s appointment followed a review process that narrowed down the field of 21 applicants, and he was unanimously approved by the town board.

Saladino opposes term limits for local officials. “The power to restrict the tenure of elected officials should

solely be with the voters,” he said. “The voters have the right to put us in office and the right to take us out.”

He also opposes a new state law — currently being challenged in court — that would move most local elections to even-numbered years, aligning them with state and federal races. Saladino said the change would overcrowd ballots and wouldn’t save money.

He also dismissed proposals to replace the town’s atlarge board election system with councilmanic districts, arguing that population density is already well represented, and that such changes could increase government costs.

As a Massapequa High School graduate, Saladino voiced strong support for the school district’s resistance to a state mandate to eliminate its Native Americanthemed logo and name, the Chiefs. “I understand the need to retire the name ‘Redskins,’ but ‘Chiefs’ is a symbol of respect,” he said.

Saladino rarely addresses national politics, but made an exception on foreign policy. “That one is personal,” he said, referring to his strong pro-Israel stance. “It’s very important to me.”

He quoted former ITT CEO Harold S. Geneen to sum up his philosophy of leadership: “It’s easy to hold the tiller when the seas are calm. How you handle the crises and complicated situations is the test of one’s mettle.”

The supervisor’s term is two years. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more Nassau County election information, visit shorturl.at/emosh.

The challenger is former principal Sochet

By MIKE POLANSKY

Senior Correspondent

Sam Sochet, the Democratic candidate for Oyster Bay town supervisor, has made government transparency a cornerstone of his campaign, citing concerns over fiscal oversight and political accountability.

Sochet, of Syosset, is the former principal of Van Buren High School, in Queens, and a Syosset Public Library trustee. He has called for Town Board meetings to be held in the evening instead of the morning, saying that too many residents can’t attend them. He also believes meetings need to be more widely publicized.

He earned degrees from SUNY Stony Brook and Syracuse University, as well as a master’s in botany and plant pathology from Colorado State University.

“There’s a lot of question marks and a lot of mystery that surrounds how money in the town is allocated,” Sochet said. “Everything in the town needs to be audited.” He cited his experience in education, where the school’s finances were audited twice a year by Ernst & Young, as a model of accountability that the town should follow.

Sochet criticized the recent appointment of John Wighaus as the town’s inspector general — not because Wighaus was the choice, but for what

Sochet described as a lack of transparency in the hiring process.

“Were there other candidates considered?” he asked. “And why did it take over two years to finally have an inspector general in place?”

On taxes, Sochet challenged claims that town tax rates have remained flat since 2017, when general taxes were reduced. He argued that taxes had increased significantly before the resignation of former Supervisor John Venditto, and that fees and other costs have continued to burden residents.

“My taxes have not been flat since 2017,” Sochet said. “The town should reduce town taxes to negate or offset increases in other taxes, because functionally we’re still paying more.”

Housing affordability is also central to his platform. Sochet said that in his neighborhood, “every single house that’s built is priced at $1.4 million to start,” a trend he says is driving longtime residents and younger professionals out of town. “The only people who can afford that are not the people I know.”

He proposed that the town maintain zoning control while working with developers to create more affordable options. One approach, he said, could involve allowing two smaller homes to be built on lots typically designated for a single high-end home.

“Even if you’re young lawyers or pro-

fessionals, you can’t afford a house in much of the town,” Sochet said. “That’s why young people who grew up here are moving away.”

Calling for broader structural reforms, Sochet supports the creation of councilmanic districts that would elect Town Board members by geographic area rather than at-large. Currently, the supervisor and three board members all reside in Massapequa.

“My greatest concern with the current situation is the consolidation of power. That is not a democracy,” Sochet said. “We need two strong parties, and right now I think we have one whacko party and one inefficient party.”

He added that service disparities result from that imbalance, noting that “we’ve been on our street for 28 years, and our street hasn’t been done once. But if you go to Massapequa, it’s hard to find a road that needs work.”

He also supports term limits for all town elected officials.

Regarding the state mandate requiring the Massapequa School District to remove its Chiefs name and logo, Sochet said such decisions should be made by the community. While he agreed with the decision by the Washington Redskins team to change its name, he pointed out that Kansas City is still the Chiefs.

The town recently extended a moratorium on battery energy storage systems,

Carolyn James/Herald Sam Sochet, of Syosset, the Democratic candidate for Oyster Bay town supervisor.

citing safety and other concerns. Sochet said he did not yet have enough information to take a position, but emphasized the importance of relying on independent data.

“Everything I did as a principal was data-driven, and I don’t know that this is the case with the town,” he said. “There is nothing in the minutes of town meetings, or in the many fliers sent out, that gives insight into the real issues or what the data is. There is a clear lack of transparency.”

Carolyn James/Herald

Joseph Saladino, Oyster Bay town supervisor since 2017.

Drucker seeks fifth term in the Legislature

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Arnold Drucker, 68, takes pride in his lifelong ties to Plainview, where he has lived his entire life. Now seeking a fifth full term as a Nassau County legislator, Drucker is emphasizing what he calls a strong record of funding, road improvements and bipartisan cooperation.

Among the local investments he said he’s secured for the district are: $950,000 for the Mid-Island Y JCC, $300,000 for downtown Syosset improvements, $50,000 for the St. Edward the Confessor Church Food Pantry, and $10,000 for the Plainview Senior Citizen Club.

Drucker, a Democrat, was first elected in 2016 to fill the seat held by the late Legislator Judy Jacobs. He and his wife, Fran, have two children, Noah and Rachel. A graduate of SUNY Buffalo and Rutgers Law School, Drucker is a partner in the Queens-based law firm Drucker and Mattia.

He pointed to recent road repaving projects — including Old Country Road, South Oyster Bay Road and Manetto Hill Road — as examples of his work in the community. He also noted a law he sponsored that makes it a criminal offense to tether animals outside in extreme heat.

Drucker said his relationships with legislators across party lines have helped him secure support for key legislation.

He opposes state proposals to over-

ride local zoning powers, calling them ineffective, and instead advocates incentives to increase affordable housing in Nassau County. “The carrot, not the stick,” he said.

Drucker supports reassessing county properties annually and hiring more qualified assessors, saying that Nassau’s frozen tax rolls have created dysfunction.

He said he supports Gov. Kathy Hochul’s effort to take control of Nas-

sau University Medical Center to address what he described as longstanding problems. Drucker said the hospital has “always been a political wasteland” that offered jobs to “unqualified Republicans who lose elections.”

Drucker also criticized the county’s decision to designate the New York Post as its official newspaper. “I don’t consider the New York Post a newspaper,” he said, and called the substitution of the Post for Newsday “horrible.”

On immigration enforcement, Drucker voiced opposition to Nassau County police officers assisting federal agents in detaining undocumented immigrants who don’t have criminal records.

“I don’t think there’s a need to take away cops who are doing a very important job to knock on doors and take away people who are here illegally,” he said. “I have no problem deporting violent criminals — people who have felony convictions who are here illegally — but that doesn’t mean you should disrupt families and deport people who are taxpayers and students who did nothing wrong.”

Responding to a position taken by his opponent, Drucker said he does not believe the county legislator role needs to be full time, and said his law practice does not interfere with his public duties. “I am able to allocate my time properly,” he said.

“My intention is to provide service to my community and my fellow residents and do the right thing by Nassau County,” he added.

Nassau County legislators serve twoyear terms. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more election information, visit to shorturl.at/emosh.

Pravato, a newcomer, is hoping for an upset

By MIKE POLANSKY

Senior Correspondent

Although she acknowledges that she has a lot to learn about the issues, Jennifer Gallub Pravato vows to bring her passion, determination and attention to detail to a 16th Legislative District that she believes has been neglected by the incumbent legislator, Arnold Drucker.

She points to unrepaired sidewalks on Old Country Road and other county roads, poorly maintained streetlights and other infrastructure issues that she says are not being addressed. She is concerned that residents of the district are not being adequately informed about the issues that are important to them.

Gallub Pravato, 58, is married to Jeff Pravato, receiver of taxes for the Town of Oyster Bay. The couple have four children, Zachary, Jordanna, Ethan and Addison. Gallub Pravato graduated from Hebrew Academy of Nassau County and C.W. Post, and is a real estate agent with Anthony Napolitano Homes. She is a former employment counselor for the town.

Gallub Pravato promises to listen to people, answer phone calls, and find answers and solutions for her constituents, something she believes Drucker is not doing adequately now.

When asked whether she can match the financial grants he has secured for charitable organizations in the district, Gallub Pravato claimed that he has not brought assistance to many local businesses that also need the funding. “He has not been there

to do that,” she said.

Asked if she believes Nassau police should assist Immigration Customs and Enforcement in detaining and deporting nonviolent immigrants who do not have criminal records, she stated firmly that while ICE is doing a good job, she preferred to reserve comment on the level of assistance Nassau police should provide. “As soon as I get into the job, I will look into it,” she said. “On this, as with everything else, I will make myself informed on the issues.”

Regarding the need for affordable housing in Nassau County, Gallub Pravato recognizes that “we want our children to be able to afford to live here.” She strongly supports maintaining local control over zoning, and applauds initiatives by the Town of Oyster Bay and other municipalities to support “transit-oriented housing,” as is being done in Hicksville and elsewhere.

She is a strong advocate for efforts to combat antisemitism in the county, and wants the education process to start in middle school or earlier.

Gallub Pravato said she believes that a seat in the Legislature should be a full-time position, unlike Drucker, and she promised to dedicate that time to the people of the district if she is elected.

Finally, she said she would also focus on ensuring that the county fights crime — especially hate crime — and on keeping senior citizens and veterans in the district informed about available resources. She concluded by reiterating, “I don’t know everything yet, but I have a heart and passion, and will go the extra mile for my constituents.”

Carolyn James/Herald

Legislator Arnold Drucker, of the county’s 16th District, said he opposes having county police officers help federal agents detain immigrants who don’t have criminal records.

Carolyn James/Herald

Jennifer Gallub Pravato, Republican candidate in Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District.

HERALD NEIGHBORS

A diner’s sky-high tribute

350 drones light up the night sky in honor of 9/11 heroes

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The red, white and blue never leave the walls of the Embassy Diner in Bethpage — nor does its owner’s commitment to honoring those who serve.

Gus Tsiorvas, who owns the diner on Hempstead Turnpike, is known for offering discounts to veterans and police, decorating his business in patriotic colors, and contributing year-round to organizations that support veterans and first responders.

But this Sept. 10, on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, he took his tribute to new heights — literally.

Tsiorvas coordinated a special drone light show above his diner, with 350 synchronized drones illuminating the sky in the shapes of NYPD and FDNY logos, American flags and other emblems of service.

“It was a way to help make sure people don’t forget,” Tsiorvas said.

The light show was held in the evening, just outside the diner, where many community members and public officials gathered. Though the event wasn’t widely publicized, the glowing display could be seen for blocks across Bethpage.

The performance marked the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and honored not only those lost but also the first responders and civilians who risked their lives that day.

Tsiorvas’ gratitude doesn’t stop at annual events. Recently, he made a private donation to help a homeless veteran in Massapequa.

“He is always there for us,” said Sal Polito, a member of American Legion Post 1066 and a staff member for the Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Service Agency. “Whatever we need, Gus is there to help.”

The Embassy Diner is at 4280 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage. For more information, call 516 796-1132.

Tim Baker/Herald Drone leaves message to everyone at the event—in red, white and blue.

N.C. Exec Bruce Blakeman and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino wave flags to the pariotic music.

Gus Tsiorvas addresses the crowd at the event.

Andy Kuzma, aka Uncle Sam

An enthusiastic crowd cheers, raises American flags and sings Lee Greenwood’s song, “God Bless the USA.”

Gus Tsiorvas’ children Grace 7, and Gio, 5, solemnly take part in the event.

Members of various local law enforcement departments present colors.

Town collecting DVDs for troops and children’s hospitals

The Oyster Bay Town Board is partnering with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces as well as movies for children’s hospitals. Donations will be accepted during the month of October and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie

nights this holiday season.

“The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with Big Hy for Heroes for our Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe as well as to children receiving care in local hospitals,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We are asking everyone to help support these brave men, women and children by donating DVDs.”

The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all around the world and continues to do so today.

Exciting, suspenseful, comedy and classic DVDs are among the most

requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at these two locations from Oct. 1-31: Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local children’s hospitals, please call 516 6246380.

Farmingdale and Massapequa men’s clubs holding Peanut Butter drive

Oyster Bay Town officials will, once again, partner with the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club to host a Peanut Butter Collection Drive to help replenish local food pantries. Beginning October 1, residents are invited to donate new, unopened and sealed peanut butter to help support local families in need. Drop-off containers are located at Town Halls North and South, as well as at the Town Ice Skating Center. Alternative butters, including sun butters, almond butters and cookie butters, as well as jelly, are also accepted.

“We are proud to once again partner with this great organization to help ‘spread the love’ and stock local food pantry shelves with this very popular product,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Peanut butter is among the most highly requested food items at local food banks as it has a long shelf life, provides

many nutrients and doesn’t require refrigeration. We thank the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club for again putting our local communities first with this wonderful initiative.”

The Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club mission is to provide and encourage involvement in education, charitable and social programs for the men of local communities, and to support the local and wider community with activities and contributions.

“The Massapequa-Farmingdale Men’s Club has been assisting members of local communities and foodbanks for several years, and we’re thrilled to partner with them on such initiatives,” said Councilman Hand.

The Peanut Butter Collection Drive will run through November 15. Drop off bins are located during regular business hours at Town Hall North, 54 Au-

drey Ave, Oyster Bay; Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa and the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center at1001 Stewart Ave, Bethpage.

“Our organization works tirelessly to help the local and greater community, and we wouldn’t have the success we have without great partners in government like the Town of Oyster Bay,” said Tom Sabellico, president and founder of the Men’s Club. “This very popular food drive is appreciated by many food banks, who have expressed they par-

ticularly like peanut butter thanks to it being easy to use, it keeps a long time, provides a variety of nutrients, is high in protection and is enjoyed by all age groups.”

For more information about the Massapequa Farmingdale Men’s Club and their mission, visit www.massapequafarmingdalemensclub.com. For more information about the Peanut Butter Collection Drive and other Town programs, visit the Town’s website at www. oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 624-6380.

Long Island’s best gather for Excellence in Healthcare awards

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Long Island is home to some of the nation’s most skilled medical practitioners, the best of whom were honored at the Herald’s fourth annual Long Island Excellence in Healthcare Awards.

The ceremony — at the Heritage Club at Bethpage on Sept. 17 — brought together almost 40 groups representing hospitals, researchers and independent practices.

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of the Herald, began the gala evening by praising Long Island’s medical community for their unrivaled research and innovative programs and services.

“We’re here tonight to honor the doctors, nurses, hospital executives, educators, caregivers, and so many others who keep our families and our communities healthy, safe and informed,” he said. “Our honorees tonight are sources of both strength and inspiration, walking alongside us at some of the lowest and highest moments in life.”

Emmy award-winning investigative journalist Kristin Thorne, the creator of Hulu’s first true crime series “Missing,” emceed the ceremony.

Keynote speaker Dr. Purna Prasad, CEO of Vedi Robotics in Hicksville, led off the night’s awards segment preceding the distribution of honors.

“Our evolution in Vedi Robotics has made us who we are today,” he said. “We identified one problem that is always a challenge for healthcare: a deficit of workforce.”

During his tenure of 30 years at Stanford and Northwell, Prasad observed machine learning and artificial intelligence mature as a field of study. After two and a half years, his team produced a robotic platform that is ready for deployment; it can check in patients, process their paperwork and take their vitals.

“That whole concept of home-grown, state-of-the-art technology — you could say we are a flagship for that,” he said.

Vedi Robotics received the Trailblazers in Technology special award.

“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to bring a curated artificial intelligence into the arena that is only going to be beneficial,” Vedi Robotics COO John Power added.

A portion of ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Center at Stony Brook University. The LEND program, recipient of the Community Health Champions special award, provides interdisciplinary training to prepare the next generation — along with professionals, families and self-advocates — to lead in their fields as providers of high quality care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.

“Our team truly excels, in an interdisciplinary fashion, to deliver health care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families,” LEND Program Director Michelle Ballan said. “We offer hundreds of hours of training for people with disabilities and healthcare professionals to learn how to work effec-

tively with this group.”

Kerri Anne Scanlon, president of Northwell’s Glen Cove, Syosset and Plainview hospitals, received the Healthcare Visionary special award alongside CEOElect John D’Angelo; Northwell CEO Michael Dowling was honored with the Healthcare Legacy special award.

“I think the foundation of Northwell is really the incredible culture,” Scanlon said. “It’s a culture that truly invests in its employees. It’s a culture about worrying about someone as much as yourself, and then building that engagement so that we can give the best care to our patients.”

Carolyn Quinn, the director of Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center, received the Community Health Champions special award. The pediatric hospital was honored for providing outstanding long-term care for children.

“The team is just over the moon,” she said. “They are an amazing group of women, just an amazing group made up of three nurses and three certified holistic nurses and four Reiki Masters who are also certified and gifted in other holistic services. There’s quite a menu of services that we offer.”

Anne Petraro. founder and CEO of

The team is just over the moon.

CAROLyN QuiNN Director of Cohen Childrens’ Medical Center

Mending Hearts Counseling in Elmont, was honored with a Community Health Champions award for establishing an Article 31 MHOTRS clinic during the pandemic to aid underserved communities, specializing in brain care.

“I would love to change the face of mental health,” she said. “There’s so much stigma against it. And I guess by starting this agency, we’re kind of coming with a different approach, more of like a private practice feeling where everyone feels at home.”

Co-founders Linda Harkavy and Mitchell Goldstein of Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness in East Meadow received the Power Couple special award.

“We’re focused on now, rather than disease management and crisis management, keeping people well and getting them well and having them enjoy their best lives,” Harkavy said. “We engage in wellness, not only body but mind.”

Their practice now offers Exomind, an advanced non-invasive brain therapy designed to help patients with depression, anxiety and OCD.

“We’ve been doing health care here in Long Island for 40 years, and it’s been our great pleasure helping so many people over these decades,” Goldstein said. “We’ve taken it now to the next level with state of the art medical care and devices to improve people’s longevity and wellness — Nassau County deserves that.”

The following individuals were each recipients of Excellence in Healthcare awards.

Alla Shenkman is the former medical

director of PM Pediatrics in Syosset. After 10 years in the role, she stepped down to return to work as a regular physician.

“It’s my passion,” Shenkman said. “I love it. PM Pediatrics is a great — probably largest — urgent care for pediatric patients in the country, and I’ve been there since day one. I certainly want to thank all my colleagues. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. It was a mutual effort to bring PM Pediatrics to where we are today.”

Howard Goodman, better known as the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, is the recipient of numerous Herald honors: two Long Island Choice, one Long Island Health and Beauty, and now two Excellence in Healthcare awards.

“All these awards put us on the map,” he said.

Goodman uses all-natural methods to help patients reach their ideal weight while combating common internet misinformation.

“We’re fixing the damage that’s caused by these erroneous medications,” he said.

Brian Caberas is the COO of the People’s Arc of Suffolk, a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities across Suffolk County.

“We offer them residential alternatives and the ability to find jobs out in the community and a multitude of other services as well,” he said. “We want the People’s Arc of Suffolk to become the premier provider for people with disabilities.”

Sponsors of the event include Northwell Health, Episcopal Health Services, Henry Schein, Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health, The Speech Language Place, Brightview Senior Living, Stony Brook University LEND Center, Mending Hearts Counseling, Veda Robotics, LiveOnNY, People’s Arc of Suffolk, Long Island Nurses Honor Guard, PM Pediatric Care, Bellmore Dermatology, The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, Harmony Healthcare Long Island and the New York Institute of Technology.

To view a complete list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/healthcare-awards/honorees.

Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Vedi Robotics CEO Dr. Purna Prasad delivers the keynote address on AI and its impact on the future of healthcare.

A full house at the Heritage Club applauds honorees whose work is making Long Island a healthier community.

Healthcare Visionary Award recipient Donald T. Morrish, Episcopal Health Services CEO, center right, and his team.

Healthcare Visionary Award recipient Dr. Kimon Bekelis, Director of the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island.

Power Couple Award recipients Dr. Linda Harkavy and Dr. Mitchell Goldstein, of Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness.

Bernadette Riley, of NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Community Health Champions Award recipients, Integrative Holistic Center team, Northwell Health Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

Healthcare Visionary Award recipient Kerri Anne Scanlon of Northwell Health, center, and her team.

Danielle Hamilton, from Brightview Senior Living in Sayville.

Community Health Champions Award recipients, Stony Brook University’s LEND Team (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities).

Samantha Renieris, of the Speech Language Place.

Honoree Kelly Murphy, of Henry Schein, center.

Community Impact Award recipients Casey Skudin 343 Fund, from left, Ethan Abend, Founder and CEO Angela Skudin, Benjamin Skudin, Tina Braddock, and Avi Burnbaum.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

•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, OCTOBER 6

•Nassau County Legislature Committees Meeting: 9 a.m., Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola. For more information, call 516-571-6200.

Meeting: 10 a.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, please call (516) 624-6380.

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12step 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.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8

•Farmingdale School District Board of Education Meeting: 8 p.m., Howitt Middle School, 70 Van Cott Ave., Farmingdale. For more information, call (516) 434-5189.

•Massapequa Fire District Monthly Work Session: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7

•Town of Oyster Bay Town Board

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 3320552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

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: Herald Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: cbabirad@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.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 | 8:00 A.M.

STEPPING OUT

Doing it ‘His Way’ with the Nassau Pops

By Karen Bloom

ANew York moment arrives on the Tilles Center stage when Maestro Louis Panacciuill and his orchestra return with their popular gala musical in support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. This year the orchestra welcomes back Tony Danza and his band as their guest performers.

The concert continues to feature the Nassau Pops signature blend of popular and classical music as well as an inspiring moment with Creation, the CP Nassau vocal team. This heartwarming tradition dellights both musicians, guest performers and the audience.

“This is one big lovefest,” says Panacciulli, the orchestra’s longtime musical director. I’m so glad to be back at Tilles Center during our 42nd season. So many wonderful people have crossed this stage. It’s always exciting to be here.”

The connection between the Nassau Pops and CP Nassau is special for Panacciulli and the orchestra. He credits his mother, Panacciulli who was a member of the CP auxiliary in Valley Stream, for this special connection.

“When we first started performing, we decided we wanted to do more than just play music. We wanted to do something meaningful,” he recalls.

“In the past we had done benefits for Special Olympics, pop concerts for hospitals. This came about one day when I was discussing with her the idea of doing a benefit concert for CP Nassau. I’m thrilled to carry on Mom’s legacy. Plus it means a lot to the musicians. We’re leaving something behind long after the notes have faded away.”

And he’s delighted to have Danza, who performed with the Nassau Pops in 2023, back to share the stage.

“Tony dances, plays the ukele, always tells a corny joke or two,” Panacciulli says. “He’s very engaging, a wonderful entertainer.”

This collaboration brings a unique twist to Danza’s acclaimed cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories.” Combining his trademark wit, charm, storytelling, with a dash of soft

Yes:

‘The Fragile 2025 Tour’

Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening of Yes on the Paramount stage, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. Throughout a prolific and enduring music career spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums, Yes has electrified audiences with daunting virtuosity, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. The band — currently comprising Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davison on vocals and acoustic guitar, Billy Sherwood on bass guitar and vocals, and Jay Schellen on drums — performs their iconic 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety. “Fragile” holds a special place in Yes’s discography, as it propelled the band to headline status in the U.S.

Tony Danza stars in the return of the orchestra’s gala benefit concert

shoe, he offers up his take on the music of the legendary ‘Ol Blue Eyes, with whom Danza had a personal relationship. Some might not realize that Danza, who grew up on Long Island and attended Malverne High School, is a well-established song and dance man, in addition to his acting chops in television, film and on stage.

Throughout his 60-plus minute set, Danza blends personal anecdotes with Sinatra’s unforgettable tunes.

“He always has a big smile on his face. He’s certainly having a good time. And I guarantee the audience will as well,” Panacciulli says.

The tone is set from the moment the orchestra strikes up their first note.

“We like to start out with something hot and jazzy,” Panacciulli adds.

• Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.

• Tickets start at $30; available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, Brookville

Certainly the addition of a sax section gets the vibe going, as the orchestra opens the show with a medley of Big Band tunes.

As always, the musicians are joined by Creation — the singing duo who participate in CP Nassau’s Life Options Program — in a heart-warming segment during the concert’s opening. Each has their moment in the spotlight. David Tindal sings Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” while Chris Wawrzonek does “Till There Was You” from the Broadway classic The Music Man.

Tindal and Wawrzonek have ‘grown up’ with the orchestra.

“I’m filled with such a sense of gratitude that I can affect two lives by giving them a chance to perform in front of a full orchestra and a large audience,” Panacciulli says. “We share something special, when we share music together. They’re wonderful people and the audience gives them standing ovations every time. It’s just nice to see how they’ve grown up. They’re always smiling and in good humor.”

And for Panacciulli, a Franklin Square resident, who has been at the helm of the Nassau Pops since 1984 (and is on Nassau Community College’s music faculty where he serves as band director) that surely is the concert’s defining moment.

“Creation is a byproduct the wonderful work that CP Nassau does. It does my heart good to help them and give back to the community through the gift of music.”

Panacciulli gratefully acknowledges Long Island-based credit union Jovia (formerly NEFCU), the gala’s title sponsor since 2012. Proceeds from every ticket sold are donated directly to CPNassau.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $152.25, $129.75, $118.75, $108.75, $86.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Roomful of Blues

The renowned, horn powered, Grammy-nominated, houserocking “little big band” is ready to celebrate STEPPIN’ OUT!, their first new album in five years. With this album, Roomful of Blues brings something new to the table. After 19 releases with male singers, STEPPIN’ OUT! is the first to feature a female vocalist, the sublime D.D. Bastos. Her powerhouse, soul-stirring voice and her charismatic stage presence bring a whole new spirit to the Roomful sound. For over 50 years, this beloved, iconic and much honored band has been delivering wildly infectious, hard-swinging blues. Guided by guitarist-bandleader Chris Vachon since 19989, Roomful remains a defining musical force in the blues world, with their sound rooted in tradition, but their sights reaching far into the future.

Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $38. My Father’s Place in Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com or (516) 5800887.

Photos courtesy Nassau Pops

Tony Danza performs a selection of timeless Sinatra classics. He is acclaimed for his voice and showmanship.

Maestro Louis Panacciulli conducts the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, which he refers to as his “family.”

Panacciulli, left, and Danza share notes and conversation during rehearsal.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

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 entertainment-related 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

Billy Joel Exhibit is ‘Movin’ Out’

Now is your last chance to catch the Billy Joel Exhibit at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. The exhibit, ‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey,’ closes Oct. 26. Billy Joel fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance as it is anticipated that many days will sell out.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: imusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

OCT 5

OCT 16

Kate Kortum: The Music of ‘Wild Woman’

Bing your questions. Registration is required.

• Where: 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: massapequalibrary.org or (516) 798-4607

Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce October meets

The Farmingdale Chamber holds their monthly luncheon meeting at Palmer’s American Grille. Register if you plan to attend as the restaurant needs a head count. Refunds will be issued if you’re unable to make it. $30 per person if registered before noon on Oct. 8; $35 per person after. Chamber elections will be held at the November meeting, so this meeting features a Candidates Forum.

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: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Splish Splash…Animal

Bath

Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents” at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio’s in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal

Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the most exciting breakout artists in the jazz world. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, storydriven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Kortum discovered her passion for music at Houston’s legendary High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she studied flute and saxophone before ultimately falling in love with singing. She went on to earn a degree in jazz voice from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, studying with some of the leading voices in modern jazz. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album. featuresreimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions like obsession, promiscuity, self-pride, and hatred. She gives her audience a glimpse into the past, present, and future of jazz through her unique arrangements and improvisatory deliveries.

“residents.” Observe animal bath time.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

OCT

Long Island Choral Society Auditions

Audition now and be part of something bigger, a bold, inclusive future for choral music. The Long Island Choral Society is holding auditions for new members for their 96th Season. The 2025-26 season includes Let’s Go to the Movies, a celebration of choral music in film, Schubert’s Mass in G as well as Handel’s Messiah and a variety of other musical performance opportunities throughout the coming year. Auditions are by appointment only. Whether you’re a lifelong singer or just finding your voice, you belong here! If you love to sing, consider auditioning to be part of this tradition of musical excellence. For additional information, visit lics.org.

• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City

• Contact: Schedule an audition by calling (516) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics.org

OCT

7

Oyster Bay Town Board Meeting

All residents are welcome to attend the next meeting of the town board.

• Where: Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 624-6380

Government Contracting 101

New York Small Business Development Centers Business Advisor Lauren Linakis holds several free virtual workshops, beginning Oct. 7. Sessions include Government Contracting 101, Success Through Certification, Marketing to The Government and How to Respond to an RFP. You may register for one workshop or for all.

• Where: Tuesdays online

• Time: 11 a.m.-noon

• Contact: eventbrite.com/cc/ government-contracting-webinarseries-4602113 or (934) 420-2765

Microsoft Excel Lesson Stop by Plainedge Public Library to gain Microsoft Excel skills with a hands-on training session. Registration is required.

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: plainedgelibrary.org or (516) 735-4133

Farmingdale Library Cinema

Visit Farmingdale Public Library for a showing of “The Friend.” The 2024 drama is a story of friendship, grief and healing that follows a solitary writer who adopts and bonds with a Great Dane that belonged to a late friend. In the process of taking care of the dog, she begins to come to terms with her past and her own creative inner life.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.

• Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.

• Contact: farmingdalelibrary.org or (516) 249-9090420-2765

OCT

9

All About Cloud Storage

Find out about Cloud storage in a lecture/ demonstration class at Massapequa Public Library. Discuss popular cloud services such as Google Drive/ Photos, MS OneDrive, Apple iCloud and Dropbox. There are no prerequisites to attend this class.

• Where: 123 Fulton St., Farmingdale

• Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 200-1228, shorturl.at/rrzLQ.

Sculpture Stroll

OCT

10

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for an hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 5-6 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

Beware of threats to your pet’s health in your yard

Homes are often characterized as sanctuaries for their residents. Though such characterizations often are made in reference to humans and their domiciles, homes also should be safe spaces for pets.

Pet owners go to great lengths to ensure their pets are healthy and happy, and that typically includes efforts to ensure their home interiors are free of hazards that could affect their furry friends. But there are various threats to pet health in a yard as well. Recognition of those threats and what can be done to minimize them can ensure exterior spaces are as safe for pets as areas inside the home.

• Mulch: Mulch is found in many yards, as it adds aesthetic appeal to a landscape and helps soil retain moisture, which can safeguard trees, plants and flowers from drought and the dog days of summer. But some mulch contains theobromine, a chemical compound that can be toxic and may even be lethal to dogs when ingested. Pet owners are urged to use mulch that does not contain theobromine, which is typically found in cocoa mulch.

• Flower: The mulch around flowers can be toxic to pets, and so can the blooms themselves. Lilies, tulips, hydrangeas, and azaleas are just some of the popular flowers that can cause stomach upset in pets. Pet owners are urged to speak with their veterinarians about flowers and plants native to

their areas that might be toxic to pets.

• Wildlife: A collaborative study from researchers at the University of Michigan, the University of Washington and University College London published in 2024 warned that the overlap between humans and animals will increase considerably over the next half century. Climate change and human population growth are driving forces behind that increase, which suburban homeowners may already be witnessing. As more and more wooded areas are leveled to create additional housing, wildlife such as deer, racoons, opossum, foxes, and more are losing their habitats and subsequently being seen with greater frequency in suburban neighborhoods. Wildlife can carry disease that can make domesticated animals sick, and some wildlife might go on the attack when they encounter cats or dogs in backyards. Monitoring pets whenever they’re outside, sealing garbage cans so wildlife is not attracted to the yard and keeping compost piles free of foods that might draw wildlife to a yard are some of the ways to reduce the chances of interactions between wild animals and domesticated pets.

These are just a handful of threats to pet health that might be lurking in your backyard. Always keep an eye on pets when they’re outdoors and speak with a veterinarian to identify ways to minimize backyard threats.

SHOW US YOUR GAME DAY!

How do YOU watch Sunday football?

Whether you're decked out in team colors, surrounded by game day snacks, or have the ultimate fan cave setup –We want to see it all!

Upload photos of your Sunday football experience: your lucky jersey, famous wings, decorated living room, tailgate spread, or whatever makes your game day special.

The best photos will be featured in the Herald – and the WINNER will be chosen at random to win 2 tickets to an Islanders game!

Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025

Scan Here to submit

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

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

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12 One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025

Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.

Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

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

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.

• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.

MWD dedicates John F. Caruso Education Center

CONTINUED FROM COVER

Education Center at the Massapequa Water District,” said Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “John was not only a visionary in water conservation and public service — he was also a great mentor. His legacy of environmental stewardship and dedication to educating future generations will live on through this center.”

Saladino noted that Caruso’s expertise in engineering, environmental remediation and environmental law was invaluable to local efforts to improve water quality and accelerate environmental cleanup projects.

Caruso was the first civil service engineer to develop a comprehensive model

of the toxic plume during his tenure as deputy commissioner of public works for Nassau County. He spent decades identifying the plume’s parameters, advocating for its cleanup and leading technical teams to ensure steady progress.

In 2017, Caruso joined the Town of Oyster Bay as deputy commissioner of public works, where he continued his work to protect the environment—from the Grumman plume to the remediation of Bethpage Community Park.

“Today, thanks to the dedication of the Massapequa Water District, we celebrate now only his work but his legacy, with the naming of this beautiful education center in his honor,” Saladino said.

For more information on the center, go to: https://massapequawater.com/ or call 516 798-5266.

Massapequa School Board adopts cell phone ban for students

CONTINUED FROM COVER ered off throughout the entire school day while on campus,” he said. “The district is pleased to report that this policy has been highly successful, helping students stay focused, engaged and safe throughout the school day.”

level, students must power off devices at the start of class and either place them in designated storage areas or keep them in backpacks. Devices may not be used in hallways or between periods, and must remain off throughout the day—except for high school students during off-campus lunch.

Brennan noted that while the high school policy is slightly less restrictive than at Berner Middle School—where devices must be stored in lockers—the overall expectation is consistent.

“All student cell phones must be pow-

The policy was adopted as an interim measure.

“The (school) Board felt it would be important to obtain feedback from stakeholders before and after implementation,” said Brennan who added the district anticipates collecting feedback this fall for final policy review.

Funding Opportunities for small businesses and non-profits

The HIA-LI Small Business Task Force will be presenting “Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses and Non-Profits” on Oct. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the LI Cares Center for Community Engagement in Hauppauge.

Join this seminar to hear directly from banks, the SBA, and other experts about grants, loans and programs available to support the growth of your small business or hto help your nonprofit secure vital funding. To register, visit hia-li.org or call (631) 543-5355.

LI Cares Center for Community Engagement is located at 75 Davids Drive, Hauppauge.

Massapequa C of C Trunk or Treat

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.

x 313

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Premiere Homes Cleaning Services LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/08/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Olina Esmeralda Osorio: 464 Bellmore Road, Apt. A, East Meadow, NY 11554. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 25-266. 9/24, 10/1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: CL-25-10361001 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 84 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at HildebrantsStrano Corp. 25-267 - 9/24, 10/1

be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to: SureFix Strategies LLC, 236 Broadway, Massapequa Park, NY 11762.

Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.  25-270. 9/24, 10/1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25128309 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 152 Union Ave, Lynbrook, NY 11563, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at 152 Union Inc. 25-268 9/24, 10/1

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-25129038 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Movie Theater under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 40 Main Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Agonizingly Stubborn Productions LLC. 25-269. 9/24, 10/1 NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SUREFIX STRATEGIES LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/12/2025.

Office location: County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may

KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN GRIFFIN

**********************

**********************

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on OCTOBER 9, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 91-398 - AMENDMENT MASSAPEQUA

JOHN BERMING -

HAM: Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 91-398 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated October 24, 1991, for the enclosed porch converted to habitable space (dining room).

N/s/o Pocahontas St. W, E/o West Shore Dr., a/k/a 13 Pocahontas Street W., Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-228

MASSAPEQUA

MATTHEW PRIS -

Public Notices

second floor addition, first and second floor decks, and allow existing one story addition and second floor balcony exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to construct second floor addition, first and second floor decks, and allow existing one story addition and second floor balcony exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (F) Variance to allow existing hot tub having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Club Dr., 297.59 ft. S/o Bay Link, a/k/a 10 Club Drive, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-248

MASSAPEQUA

STEVE SOESMAN:

(A) Variance to allow existing front platform with wood steps to grade having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 7 ft. by 12.4 ft. shed abutting dwelling having less side yard setback and aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (C) Variance to allow existing rear wood deck, second floor cantilever addition, front platform with wood steps to grade and 7 ft. by 12.4 ft. shed abutting dwelling exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

having less side yard setback and aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance. E/s/o Fox Blvd., 260 ft. N/o Baldwin Ave., a/k/a 62 Fox Boulevard, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-260 MASSAPEQUA

SUNRISE MASS LLC: Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 2044 when 2172 parking spaces are required.

S/s/o Sunrise Hwy., E/o Carman Mill Rd., a/k/a 5500 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-333

MASSAPEQUA

JPM OWNERS, LLC: Direct Appeal for an interpretation pursuant to Chapter 246 Section 12.3.6 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay. SE/ cor. of N. Broadway & N. Kentucky Ave., a/k/a 1132 N. Broadway, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-352 NORTH MASSAPEQUA

MICHAEL GRANG-

less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Merrick Rd., 330.37 ft. E/o W. Shore Dr., a/k/a 21 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-271 10/1

8:00AM to 4:00PM at the District Building, One Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, NY beginning October 22, 2025. Petitions must be subscribed and attested to by not less than twenty-five qualified voters of the said Fire District. To be a qualified voter, a person must be a resident of the Fire District for thirty (30) days next preceding the election, who is a duly registered voter under the permanent personal registration applicable to general elections.

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –

CO: (A) Variance to construct porch having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct one and two story deck and second floor addition having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (C) Variance to construct second floor addition having less roof pitch than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to construct porch,

W/s/o Delta Rd., 518.80 ft. S/o Delta Rd., a/k/a 14 Delta Road, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-258

MASSAPEQUA

JOHN DEMARINIS:

(A) Variance to construct second floor cantilevered addition exceeding maximum building coverage, gross floor area and having less roof pitch than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 12.2 ft. by 5.7 ft. shed

ER: (A) Variance to construct second floor addition with cantilever having less average front yard setback, side yard setback, aggregate side yards and exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (B) Variance to allow existing oil tank having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o N. Suffolk Ave., 185 ft. W/o Flower Rd., a/k/a 570 N. Suffolk Avenue, North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-171

MASSAPEQUA

PACIFIC PREMIER

TRUST: (A) Variance to allow existing deck and shed exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed having

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-25129983 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 4863 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park, NY 11762, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at ACD Cafe, Inc. 25-272. 10/1, 8

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE FOR CANDIDATES TO FILE NAMES MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF OYSTER BAY NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

By resolution made and adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners it is required that candidates for the office of Fire Commissioner shall file their names with the Secretary of the Board of Fire Commissioners at least (20) days prior to the date December 9, 2025 of such election, and that such nomination be submitted in petition form. Petitions will be available from the Fire District Secretary from

Dated : September 22, 2025 Massapequa, NY By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners

Massapequa Fire District, Town of Oyster Bay Nassau County Amy Hanna, Secretary 25-273. 10/1

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2026 WHEREAS, on the 8th day of September, 2025, pursuant to Section 105 of the Town Law and Section 181 of the Town Law the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Massapequa Fire District confirmed that the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing will be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2026 on Monday, October 20, 2025 commencing at 7:30 p.m. at the Fire District Administration Building located at 1 Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, New York 11758 and WHEREAS the Board of Fire Commissioners is required to adopt a proposed budget at least 21 days before October 20, 2025, so that it is available for public inspection prior to the budget hearing. NOW, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that

the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Massapequa Fire District has adopted a Proposed Annual Fire District Budget for 2026 as of this date for purposes of discussion and review at the Budget Hearing to be held on October 20, 2025 and a copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Oyster Bay and at the office of the Massapequa Fire District Secretary at the Fire District Administration Building located at 1 Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, New York 11758, where it may be inspected by any interested person during office hours. In addition, a copy of the proposed budget will be posted on the fire district's website, and copies of the proposed budget will be available on the night of the said hearing.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the aforesaid budget will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the Massapequa Fire District and to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Massapequa Fire District, for their respective consideration at this public hearing and for the purpose of considering the said resolution and hearing all persons interested in the subject concerning same on Monday, October 20, 2025 commencing at 7:30 p.m. at the Fire District Administration Building located at 1 Brooklyn Avenue, Massapequa, New York 11758.

Dated: September 10, 2025 Massapequa, New York

ATTEST: Amy Hanna Massapequa Fire District Secretary Board of Fire Commissioners Massapequa Fire District Town of Oyster Bay 25-274. 10/1

Notice Of Election –Massapequa Water District

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Town Law the following Resolution was duly adopted on September 24, 2025, by the Board of Water Commissioners of the Massapequa Water District.

BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to Article 13 Section 213 of the Town Law as amended, an election of the Massapequa Water District will be held within said District in the office of the Board of Water Commissioners of said District at 84 Grand Avenue, Massapequa, Long Island, New York, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 between the hours of four (4:00) o’clock p.m. and nine (9:00) o’clock p.m. for the purpose of electing one Commissioner for a term of three (3) years beginning on January 1, 2026 and ending on December 31, 2028.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that every voter must be registered in the Town under permanent registration and registered from the address from which he/she wishes to vote in order to be entitled to vote for Improvement District Commissioner.  Further, said voter shall have been a resident in the Water District for at least thirty (30) days next preceding the election and be a citizen of the United States, eighteen (18) years or over in age.

Pursuant to the provisions and requirements of Subdivision 20 of Section 215 of Article 13 of the Town Law of the State of New York, as amended, candidates for the office of Water Commissioner shall file their names and nominations in petition form with the Sec-

retary of the Board of Water Commissioners of the Massapequa Water District at its headquarters at 84 Grand Avenue, Massapequa, New York no later than the close of business at 4:30 p.m. on or before Friday, November 7, 2025 and that such nomination petitions must be subscribed by at least twenty-five (25) registered voters of the Massapequa Water District.

Public Notices

bre de 2028.

SE RESUELVE

ADEMÁS que cada votante debe estar registrado en la Ciudad bajo registro permanente y registrado desde la dirección desde la cual desea votar para tener derecho a votar por el Comisionado del Distrito de Mejoramiento. Además, dicho votante deberá haber residido en el Distrito del Agua durante al menos treinta días después de la elección y ser ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, de dieciocho años o más.

By Order of the Board of Water Commissioners of the Massapequa Water District.

Dated:  Massapequa, New York     September 24, 2025 C25-275. 10/1

AVISO PÚBLICO A LOS VOTANTES REGISTRADOS Y A LOS RESIDENTES DE EL DISTRITO DE AGUA DE MASSAPEQUA SE DA AVISO QUE de conformidad con la Ley del Pueblo, la siguiente Resolución fue debidamente adoptada el 24 de septiembre de 2025 por la Junta de Comisionados del Agua del Distrito de Agua de Massapequa.

SE RESUELVE que conforme con el Artículo 13, Sección 213 de la Ley del Pueblo enmendada, una elección del Distrito del Agua de Massapequa se llevará a cabo dentro de dicho Distrito en la Oficina de la Junta de Comisionados de Agua de dicho Distrito en 84 Grand Avenue, Massapequa, Long Island, New York el Martes, 9 de Diciembre, 2025 entre las cuatro (4:00) en punto y las nueve (9:00) en punto p.m. con el propósito de elegir a Comisionado: por un período de tres (3) años a partir del 1 de enero de 2026 y dándose por terminado en el 31 de diciem-

INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA PARK

SE RESUELVE

ADEMÁS que la Junta de Comisionados rescinde el uso de Boletas en Ausencia conforme con la Subdivisión 1 Sección 213b del Artículo 13 de la Ley del Pueblo del Estado de Nueva York. De conformidad con las disposiciones y requisitos de la Subdivisión 20 de la Sección 215 del Artículo 13 de la Ley del Pueblo del Estado de Nueva York, según enmendada, los candidatos para el cargo de Comisionados del Agua deberán presentar sus nombres y nominaciones en forma de petición ante el Secretario de la Junta de Comisionados del Agua del Distrito de Agua de Massapequa en su sede en 84 Grand Avenue, Massapequa, Long Island, New York a mas tardar al cierre del negocio a las 4:30 p.m. en o antes del viernes 7 de noviembre del 2025 y que tales nominaciones deben ser suscritas por al menos veinticinco votantes registrados del Distrito de Agua de Massapequa. Por Orden de la Junta de Comisionados del Agua del Distrito de Agua de Massapequa. Fecha: Massapequa, Nueva York 24 de septiembre de 2025 25-276. 10/1

NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provision of the State of New York that a Public Hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762 for the following purposes: Case No. 4511 To consider the variance application of Mrs. Kristy Gomez, 94 Broadway, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to erect an inground swimming pool and pavers deficient in rear and side yard setback and maintain a shed without the required setbacks in violation of Village Code. Such proposals are in violation of the following Village Codes: Chapter 345-41 (H, J) Pools, Walkways, Distances, which states: An unobstructed walk area of not less than 24 inches wide shall be provided to extend entirely around pools below grade. Also, no portion of a pool, including walkways, pump, filters, showers, accessories or pool water disinfectants, shall be located at a distance less than five (5) feet from any side or rear property lines or building setback line.

Proposed inground swimming pool to be located five (5) feet from rear west property line, deficient by two (2) feet. Pavers to be located two (2) feet and one point two (1.2) feet from rear and side property lines, respectively. Chapter 345-43 Sheds which states: Side and

rear yard setbacks must be greater or equal to two (2) feet.

Existing rear yard shed is located one point two (1.2) feet from rear property line, deficient by zero point eight (0.8) feet.

By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals September 25, 202525277. 10/1 25-277. 10/1

Improve your game watch experience

Football season is winding down to the biggest games of the year, and fans can’t wait to find out if their favorite teams will make a playoff run.

Watching the big games together with friends and fellow fans makes football even more engaging and fun. With that in mind, fans can consider these tips to improve their game watch parties as the stakes get higher for their favorite teams.

• Upgrade your equipment. There’s no doubt about it, football is best watched on a big screen. Choose a screen size of at least 65 inches and ensure the television has a high refresh rate, which helps to keep up with fast-moving action on the gridiron. A TV with good motion handling can help ensure that moving objects are clear.

• Tailgate at home. There’s something about football and the outdoors that works. Although watching the game indoors is perfectly acceptable, think about taking the action outside. Open the door to the garage and set up a viewing area there. Man a grill nearby in the driveway and prepare all of your favorite tailgate foods and beverages. Once the drinks are flowing you might not even notice chilly temperatures.

• Offer finger foods. Foods that can be grabbed and shared are ideal options for football watch parties. These include sliders, pizza, tacos, and wings. The game day menu does not need to be complicated. Just make the food readily accessible and guests will dig right in.

• Toss around the pigskin. Get some exercise and test your skills by throwing around the ball during commercial breaks or before and after the game. If you really want to go all out, play a game of touch or flag football (leave the tackling to the professionals).

• Up the ante. Make watching the playoffs a little more competitive by taking bets beforehand. Betting boxes (football squares) provide a simple way to collect and pay out during game play. Participants buy as many squares as they like for a set price and write their initials inside the squares they choose. Teams are assigned to the rows and columns which are numbered zero through nine. Those numbers will represent the final digit of the score for the corresponding team. Winners can be called each quarter as well as for the final score.

• Create a winning playlist. Compile a playlist of songs that can raise fans’ spirits. Include teams’ theme songs in the mix when possible; otherwise, incorporate upbeat options that span the last few generations.

Fans gather to watch the NFL playoffs every year and certain watch party pointers can make such viewings even more fun.

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The challenges of building next to open water

Q. We were given two options for building a new building next to a saltwater bay where there are great views. The first option is to build a wood building with siding, and the second is to build a metal building that comes in a kind of kit form, with the option to have the company selling the parts also assemble the building. Which type would you recommend, considering the salt spray we will get, and will we need helical piles in the ground? We were told that we could just build on a 6-inch concrete slab.

A. If you remember the story of the three little pigs, you’ll also remember the big, bad wolf, who huffed and puffed … Salt spray is just one of the natural issues you’re dealing with. If you’re concerned about possible rust, verify with the company engineering the metal system that the building will be subjected to salt.

If the steel components are galvanized, zinc-coated, anodized or stainless steel — that is, treated to resist salt — then the best choice is the steel system, for many reasons. Consider all the elements your building must resist, not just salt. Wind, water and weight settlement are also factors that any professional building designer, either an architect or engineer, would examine as well.

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A wood building, by the standards of state building codes, would still require metal connections to hold places where wood parts are joined to meet wind-resistance requirements. Wood-to-steel connections aren’t as strong as steel-to-steel connections, generally, due to the reactions of the dissimilar materials. Those reactions include internal expansion and contraction that can loosen wood fibers, warping, twisting and the loss of fiber strength due to changes in moisture of the fibers. The fibers loosen as they expand with moisture, so metal screws or nails can pull out in extreme conditions.

Metal-to-metal will hold together better, because the reactions are similar in metal-to-metal connections. In similar expansion and contraction, the screw connections will stay connected. After virtually every tornado and hurricane disaster, investigators uncover evidence that steel-to-steel connectors held together, while wood connections often failed.

As for the foundation, consider that a helical pile is like a screwed-down fastener and a tree root system combined. Whoever told you that a building next to an open body of water need only be attached to a concrete slab was misleading and uninformed about the power of any large body of water in motion. Just by researching the height of ocean surges on your smartphone, you can educate yourself to the fact that the ocean height rose as much as 32 feet and moved inland at levels between 12 and 15 feet in Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Once the surge contacts land, it can reduce to 7 feet from that greater surge and spill inland, reducing in height to where some people experienced 3 to 4 feet while others saw only ankle-deep water. Good luck!

© 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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OpiniOns

Trump meets with the king and mixes it up at the U.N.

president Trump’s state visit to Great Britain and his meetings with foreign leaders at the United Nations General Assembly emphasized the continued significance of personal diplomacy in international affairs.

Trump’s royal welcome by King Charles III at Windsor Castle demonstrated the lasting relationship between the United States and Great Britain. (I say this as an Irish-American who severely criticized British policy in Ireland in the years before the signing of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.) The reality is that beyond a common language, Americans and Brits share common values emanating from the Magna Carta. British leaders have demonstrated firmness and strength at key moments in our history.

Winston Churchill stood alone, defending Western civilization against Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in the dark early days of World War II, and then, in the postwar years, alerted the U.S. and the world to the growing menace of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain.

Margaret Thatcher allied with Presi-

dent Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II to bring down the Soviet empire.

Tony Blair stood with President George W. Bush and America in the aftermath of 9/11. I observed Blair behind the scenes during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, and was struck by his extraordinary courage and leadership. That British leadership continues today, as Britain provides weapons to Ukraine and deploys RAF fighter jets to Poland to help the nations resisting Russian aggression.

The state dinner Charles hosted for Trump was more than pomp and ceremony. It was a dramatic affirmation of the special relationship between our nations. This show of unity was particularly vital when totalitarian states — Russia, China and North Korea— threaten world security. In his remarks, Charles urged the U.S. and Great Britain to stand strong against Russian aggression in Ukraine, as we did against Hitler. (My wife, Rosemary, and I met then Prince Charles in Washington in 2011. He was very engaging and down to earth.)

ing, friendly relationship. Their meeting certainly appeared to go well, with Starmer emphasizing the importance of the U.S. and Europe standing with Ukraine.

By all accounts, the president’s visit to Great Britain was a solid success.

F for the General Assembly, a classic performance on the world stage.

The following week, he was in New York for the annual opening of the U.N. General Assembly. Trump was the first major leader to speak, and it was a classic Trump performance brought to the world stage. He began by mercilessly critiquing the U.N. for being consistently ineffective, exemplified that morning by the malfunctioning of an escalator and his teleprompter.

al concessions to Putin).

Just hours after his General Assembly speech — which went three times longer than his allotted time — Trump met with Zelensky, and went beyond just criticizing Russia and Putin. He made a full reversal. Informed by a key adviser, Gen. Keith Kellogg, how weak Russia was after having suffered more than a million casualties, taken control of only 1 percent of Ukraine and with its economy in shambles, Trump hailed Ukraine’s courage and fighting ability. With allied support, he said, Ukraine could win the war and regain its lost territory, and that NATO countries should shoot down Russian planes that violate their air space.

I have supported Ukraine from the start, not just because its position is just, but because it’s in America’s national interest for Russia’s aggression to be stopped.

The following day, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Though Starmer is a member of the Labor Party and has a number of policy and ideological differences with Trump, the two are known to have a good work-

Not content to assail the organization itself, Trump verbally attacked countries individually and continents collectively. He was particularly critical of Russia and its dictator, Vladimir Putin, for its continued attacks on Ukraine, especially its innocent civilians. Significantly, one country that was spared Trump’s caustic criticism was Ukraine (in stark contrast with Trump’s White House encounter earlier this year with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he criticized for continuing to wage what Trump thought was a futile battle against Russia, because Ukraine had “no cards” left to play and would have to make territori-

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s failure to stop Hitler at Munich because it was a “faraway” war led to World War II and millions of deaths, including more than 400,000 Americans. I believe that Trump’s visit with our closest ally was a reminder of the necessity to follow Churchill’s example, stand with Europe against Russian imperialism and not let the tragic failures of appeasement and isolationism be repeated.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani

Over the past few weeks, Democrats have been having a slugfest over the question of the obligation of party officials to endorse the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. The debate was triggered by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to endorse Mamdani. State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs angrily pledged that he would not support Mamdani, in an obvious break with the governor. So who’s right and who’s wrong?

power in the House of Representatives. A state chair’s endorsement of a controversial mayoral candidate could reverberate around the state. and beyond.

First of all, to quote my parents, it’s a free country. You’re entitled to endorse whomever you want, and Jacobs has the right to break from Hochul. She has yet to explain why she endorsed Mamdani, but I have no doubt that she has her own bona fide reasons to do so.

And Jacobs has a lot of reasons to disagree with her endorsement. Next year there will be dozens of congressional races that will decide the balance of

The more I’ve thought about Mamdani’s candidacy, the more I’m convinced that there are lots of reasons why some Democrats will rightly shun him. He made a decision to run for mayor after analyzing the field of potential opponents, and had the backing of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. He had the endorsements of other socialist and progressive groups that have the ability to organize voterturnout operations and have helped elected a number of members of the State Assembly. They’re especially effective when moderate Democrats are sound asleep.

Tmedia and old-time get-out-the-vote operations to win the nomination. He had a story to tell right out of the socialist playbook.

He focused on the high cost of living in the city, and pledged free bus rides, a rent freeze and public grocery stores. While these promises aren’t realistic, they appealed to thousands of young voters, many of whom had never voted in a primary.

he failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse him is no surprise.

Mamdani saw that his Democratic rivals would likely be former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams. Both had a ton of political problems that would affect their chances — indeed, Adams suspended his campaign on Sunday — and that gave Mamdani a clear field to tell his story, and utilize social

Another facet of the campaign is that the vast majority of moderate voters don’t vote in city primaries. They show up in November for the general election, but don’t understand that the primaries determine who the candidates will be in November. It’s no surprise that all of these factors combined to help Mamdani win a decisive victory, which stunned Democratic elected leaders as well as party officials. While they privately conceded that Mamdani won fair and square, they simply couldn’t believe that a socialist might be the next mayor. Aside from the fact that Mamdani wasn’t a moderate candidate, once the primary was over, the media began exploring his views on Israel, and focused on his

Muslim background. He had made numerous controversial statements on the war in Gaza. In the past he has also advocating defunding the police. Post-primary, he has backtracked on a number of previous positions, including that one, but he has failed to satisfy his critics, and he has made other controversial statements that have kept the political pot boiling. In my political lifetime I have often noted that retractions only make things worse, and that the public rarely changes its views after the first missteps.

So the failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse Mamdani is no surprise. Embracing him could be fatal for a moderate member of the party. Other than having won its primary, Mamdani isn’t a traditional Democrat, and there’s no reason to believe that he would act like one come next January. He will temper his past comments now, but he is rumored to be selecting lots of people who are pleasing to him and the socialist movement. In the past, I’ve gone against my party on some major occasions. If I were still in office, I wouldn’t endorse Mamdani, either.

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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HERALD

Protecting Long Island from invasive species

asilent invasion is making its way across Long Island. From beetles boring through forests to aggressive weeds choking native plants, invasive species pose an urgent and growing threat to the natural beauty, the economy and the very identity of our region.

As these pests encroach on farmland, damaged crops mean higher food prices and struggling farms. Infested woodlands mean fewer tourists and diminished property values. And the loss of treasured natural spaces — from forests and meadows to backyards and parks — erodes the very character of Long Island.

The recent detection of the redbay ambrosia beetle in Suffolk County, likely imported accidentally from Asia and bringing with it a tree-killing fungus, only increases the volume of our collective wake-up call. The question before us is simple: Will we act now to defend our communities, or will we watch as our landscapes steadily degrade and our land-based livelihoods slowly unravel?

Invasive species aren’t a new problem, but their spread has accelerated dramatically in recent decades. Increased global trade, climate change and urbanization have opened doors for pests and plants that don’t belong here, allowing them to thrive in places where native species have no natural defenses. The result is widespread ecological disruption.

In Nassau County, we already know the damage invaders can do. The spotted lanternfly, a deceptively attractive insect with mottled wings, feeds on more than

letters

Vote ‘yes’ on Plainedge library referendum

To the Editor:

70 species of plants. Its favorite targets include vineyards, orchards and hardwood forests — ecosystems that support industries that have helped Long Island grow. Left unchecked, lanternfly infestations can cripple agriculture and rob us of the fall foliage many tourists come here to see.

The plant kingdom has its own wellknown adversaries. Japanese knotweed, with its bamboo-like stalks and dense root systems, is nearly impossible to eradicate once it takes hold. It smothers native plants, leaving wildlife without food or shelter, and even undermines human infrastructure, pushing up through sidewalks, driveways and foundations. Its spread is a quiet but relentless reminder that invasive species are as much an economic challenge as an ecological one.

And then there’s the southern pine beetle — a small insect with an outsized appetite that can be found across the Island. This pest can wipe out acres of pine forest, reducing green woodlands to brown arboreal graveyards. The loss is not only aesthetic; forests are essential for carbon storage, stormwater absorption and wildlife habitat.

Together, these threats underscore a sobering reality: Invasive species weaken biodiversity, strain local economies and diminish our quality of life. Each unchecked outbreak increases the costs borne by everyone from homeowners to landscapers to farmers, while also endangering industries like agriculture and tourism that are the backbone of Nassau and Suffolk’s economies.

The earlier an invasive species is detected, the greater the chance of stopping it before it becomes a living feature of the landscape. Funding for local monitoring programs isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Public education is equally critical. Residents are often the first line of defense against invasive species. With the right tools and training, they can help identify and report harmful insects and plants before they spread out of control. Imagine how much better off we’d be if every homeowner could recognize lanternflies and every gardener knew how to prevent knotweed from hitching a ride in soil or mulch.

State and local governments, environmental nonprofits, research institutions and industry leaders must work together to create a unified strategy. Protecting Long Island’s agriculture, landscaping and tourism sectors requires pooling resources, sharing knowledge and mobilizing communities. A fragmented, haphazard response will only give invasive species more opportunities to occupy new territory.

By investing in prevention, monitoring and education today, we have the power to preserve our island’s future. The rising tide of invasive species is controllable — but only if we act decisively. Long Islanders have always taken pride in protecting our shoreline, parks and communities. Now we must extend that vigilance to these less visible, but no less dangerous, invaders among us. Our environment, economy and way of life depend on it.

As president of the Plainedge Public Library board of trustees, I’m writing to share with the community why we are proposing a bond referendum for a community vote on Oct. 7 — a vote aimed at investing in a new public library for the Plainedge community.

Our current library has been a place of learning, connection and collaboration for multiple generations. However, given the age of our building — it’s 57 years old — and the current structural challenges, along with limited ADA compliance, we are finding that it is increasingly difficult to meet the needs of our patrons.

Over the past several months, the library board has engaged in an open and thoughtful outreach process to inform the community about the upcoming vote. We’ve hosted public meetings, mailed a newsletter, monitored social media and explored every option to address the concerns we were hearing, including simply repairing the existing facility. What we found was that even the most basic repairs would come at a high cost, without solving many of the underlying limitations

of the current building.

In fact, retrofitting the existing library would decrease the overall size of our facility — as bathroom size would need to be increased, the elevator nearly doubled in size and the upper mezzanine removed for ADA compliance. In contrast, a new

library would provide an efficient, flexible and future-ready facility for generations to come while also providing patrons with greater access to resources, physical spaces and more.

Please know, we listened to the community since our last bond

opinions

I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed

iwent to a Herald reunion at Garden Social, in East Meadow, a few weeks ago. It’s been 20 years since I worked at the newspaper as an editor, and I got to see some faces I thought I might never see again.

The five years I spent as a journalist were some of the best years of my life. I met so many interesting people, and most of them were the reporters, editors and photographers I worked with.

It was great to see everyone. We talked about the old times and drank ourselves some beers. The conversation was light. What have you been up to? Where do you live now? How many kids do you have? That sort of thing.

I wish we’d spent some time talking about how drastically different the media, and indeed our world, is nowadays.

When we all worked together, we were dedicated to informing, educating

and, at times, entertaining our readership. Today it seems the media’s job is to do nothing but incite, prod and provoke.

John O’Connell, who was the executive editor of the Herald when I left in 2005, was at the reunion. John’s a teddy bear of a guy — a great journalist, photographer and person. Our viewpoints didn’t always align when we worked together. John’s were mostly on the right, while mine leaned left. He supported the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003. I didn’t. There were spirited debates in our office. But those differences never cost us our mutual respect for each other, or our ultimate goal to report what was true. Today we live in nasty, divisive, misinformed times, and I hold the media, in its current incarnation, squarely responsible. There aren’t many places people can turn to for honest, objective news. The Herald, and other publications like it, are thankfully still there. But increasingly, people get their information from cable news talking heads who present opinions as facts. Even worse, people shape their realities on

LeTTers

attempt, which is reflected in the proposal before voters on Oct. 7. This new bond proposal is one that is reduced in both the scope and size of the project, as well as the cost, since our last vote. However, the plan cannot come to fruition unless the community approves it in the public vote.

We are proud of the time and care that has gone into this proposal. It reflects the voices of our residents and the evolving role libraries play in the community. For more information about the proposal, why not stop by the library and speak to the staff? They would be happy to help you with your questions/ concerns. Also, you can reach out to any trustee, as well as find additional information on the library’s website, plainedgelibrary.org/new-building-project.

Please remember to come out and vote, because every single vote truly counts! The vote will be held at the library from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ANN DOxSEy President, Plainedge library board

The fight against smoking isn’t over

To the Editor:

As partners in the New y ork State Tobacco Control Program, Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free N y and the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island work together to reduce the burden of

posts they see on Facebook and Instagram, or in videos on TikTok, with little to no regard for their validity. And it has eroded our society’s common sense and civility.

Too many people fell for the story about the litter box in the school bathroom.

A year or two ago, my daughter Adriana came home and informed me that Woodland Middle School had placed a litter box in a bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I knew it was utter nonsense, but I pressed my daughter for more information.

Have you seen the litter box? I asked. No, she replied. And who is this child who identifies as a cat? I don’t know, I think some sixthgrader, she said. Though she was sure it was true, I assured her it was likely just a rumor. I explained the danger of believing anything without evidence, and left it at that.

A few weeks later, my friend Tim exasperatedly texted me that his daughter had told him her school had placed a litter box in the bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I chuckled to myself, and replied that my daughter had told me the same thing, and that it

was hogwash. He swore it wasn’t.

Not long after that, my colleague Erin and I were grabbing lunch when she told me that a friend of hers who worked in security at a local school said they had put a litter box in the bathroom. She was apoplectic, and sure it was true. It was only after I told her of my two previous encounters with this legend that she accepted that it might be false.

Apparently, several politicians and media personalities perpetuated this hoax on posts and podcasts in 2022. It’s not that we didn’t have urban legends back in my Herald days; it’s just that the media didn’t spread them. What’s more, they didn’t incite such vitriol.

I wish I could turn the clock back to the early 2000s, when I used to see those familiar faces every morning in the Herald offices. I wish I could get rid of the talking heads, the social media posts and the viral videos that dominate the media landscape, but I can’t.

The best I can do is implore people to think critically, and not take anything they see and hear at face value. Chances are if you’re reading this, you already do. Encourage others to do so. Politely.

Nick Buglione, who lives in East Meadow, is a teacher, freelance journalist and former editor of the East Meadow Herald.

commercial tobacco use and support a healthier, tobacco-free Long Island.

Since the inception of the state’s comprehensive Tobacco Control Program 25 years ago, cigarette smoking among adults in the state has dropped dramatically, from 23.2 percent in 2001 to 9.3 percent in 2023. Nassau and Suffolk counties have achieved two of the five lowest smoking rates in the state. There has also been a striking decrease in youth smoking since 2000, when 27.1 percent of high school youth reported cigarette use. The latest data show a 92 percent drop, to just 2.1 percent.

Nonetheless, the tobacco industry continues to harm New yorkers. Industry documents reveal how tobacco companies have deliberately marketed menthol cigarettes to specific populations, including LGBTQ, Black and Hispanic communities, for decades. Data from the Adult Tobacco Survey highlight these disparities: Menthol cigarette use was highest among adults who identify as Black or African American (88 percent) and those who identify as Hispanic (70 percent).

The use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is on the rise, especially among youth. Vaping exposes users to serious health risks such as heart disease, lung cancer, asthma attacks and long-term effects from toxic metals. Nicotine can harm the developing brains of adolescents, and nearly one in five high school students in our state report vaping. Adding to the concern, social media have begun promoting pouches as a cheaper

alternative to weight-loss drugs.

The closing of the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health puts years of progress at risk. Without this support, states will have a harder time keeping prevention and quit-smoking programs strong. These programs have helped countless families in New y ork and around the country live healthier lives. The cuts will hit vulnerable communities the hardest.

Here in New york, funding cuts have led to the layoff of more than a dozen key members of the state’s tobacco control program. This could weaken

our free State Quitline services, reduce support for the Health Systems program and limit several other vital tobacco-control initiatives. It’s imperative that we continue to employ comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco product use and nicotine addiction. The decline in cigarette smoking is worth celebrating, but there is still more work to be done.

Framework by Tim Baker

At the Town of Hempstead Fall Finale Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show — Point Lookout

CHrISTINE FArDELLONE PJ Tedeschi East Meadow