Softball champions!
Calhoun’s softball team captured its first county title in program history Monday night, beating MacArthur 7-4 in
Empire Games help recruit a new generation of firefighters
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Students from two high schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District tested their strength, teamwork and composure in May during the third annual Empire Games, a local recruitment initiative to address the decline in volunteer firefighters.
The competition brought together 40 students from Sanford H. Calhoun High School and John F. Kennedy High School to learn the fundamentals of firefighting while exploring volunteer service opportunities in their community. Empire Hose
Company 3 of the Merrick Fire Department came up with the idea for the games, held between May 7 and 21.
Over the course of three nights, students participated in hands-on training exercises that introduced them to core firefighting skills, including donning and removing turnout gear, operating self-contained breathing apparatuses, hose handling and search-and-rescue techniques. The program culminated in a series of challenges designed to simulate the physical and mental demands firefighters face during emergencies.
Before the competition began,
Calhoun students participated in a two-day fitness and recruitment challenge at the school that served as a qualifier for the Empire Games. According to Calhoun Assistant Principal Mark Melkonian, students navigated agility ladders, completed push-up stations, crawled through a darkened obstacle maze and performed a rescue dummy drag alongside a fire engine. Top performers advanced to represent the school in the competition.
The Empire Games was first introduced in 2024 as a unique recruiting effort aimed at younger residents. Organizers said the event was created in response to
dwindling volunteer numbers both locally and nationally, as fire departments increasingly struggle to attract new members.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of volunteer firefighters in the United States has dropped from nearly 900,000 in 1984 to roughly 680,000 in 2020. More than 80 percent of fire departments across the country are
staffed entirely or primarily by volunteers.
Empire Hose officials said high school students were specifically targeted because of the department’s junior firefighter program, which allows residents under 18 to become familiar with the fire service before becoming eligible for full mem-
Ron Manfredi/Herald
Game 2 of the Class AA finals. Story, photos, Page 7.
Dwindling number of volunteers sparks idea
bership. Melkonian said the partnership has already produced results, noting that one Calhoun student joined the junior fire department after participating in the Empire Games.
“What we saw over the past three weeks was a new generation stepping up for their community,” Ryan Cassidy, Empire Hose Company 3 captain, said in a news release. “During a time when fire departments across the country are struggling to recruit new members, we have created a model that, I hope, will be emulated widely.”
Jon Loew, a Merrick firefighter who developed the initiative, said the games are designed not only to recruit
Students from two high schools in the Bellmoremerrick Central High School district tested their strength during the annual empire games.
future firefighters, but also to teach responsibility, teamwork and public service.
“For three weeks, a bunch of teenagers put down their phones, turned off the TV, and made a commitment to something greater than themselves,” Loew said in the release. “It also took dozens of our members and hundreds of hours to hold this year’s games. Yet this demonstrates our firehouse’s commitment to ensuring that a new generation will step up to protect our community.”
Last year alone, Empire Hose Company 3 responded to roughly 1,500 incidents, including house fires, motor vehicle accidents, carbon monoxide alarms and ambulance rescue calls, underscoring the department’s ongoing need for volunteers.
Courtesy Stefan Oberman photos the empire games was first introduced in 2024 as a unique recruiting effort aimed at younger residents.
Rotary give ‘dignity bags’ to homeless vets
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
On May 16, members of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary and other volunteers participated in a humanitarian effort for homeless Long Island veterans. Approximately 65 volunteers assembled “dignity duffle bags” that provided recipients with several basic necessities.
In the fourth year of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary’s Dignity Duffle Bags event, participants met at 9 a.m. at Freeport High School to put together a total of 150 duffle bags that can go to one person each.
The dignity duffle bags were filled t-shirts, underwear, socks, bath towels, wash cloths, combs, brushes, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and three in one shampoos.
According to New York State data, there are approximately 1,000 homeless veterans across the state. That number is significantly down from where it was less than two decades ago, topping out at nearly 6,000 in 2009. Black veterans represent disproportionate share of homeless veterans according to the State.
“Every veteran deserves more than just our gratitude,” DeRosette Harrison, a Rotary member who helped organize the event, said, quoting the website of General Needs, a veterans charity. “I could not have said it better. The experience (of volunteering for veterans) has been both memorable and life changing. Being invited to the human condition touches the very depths of what drives genuine compassionate care.”
Participants, like Joe Di Blasi, helped put together about 150 dignity duffle bags in total at Freeport High School.
About 65 volunteers helped assist in the Freeport-Merrick Rotary’s Dignity Duffle Bags event.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Clothing and toiletries were amongst the items assembled in the dignity duffle bags.
Dianne Marmann and Lonnie Shemon help pack socks and clothing items for the dignity duffle bags.
4
4
4
4
1
8
The “inside” vacation elevate the Conversation
First the vacation as we knew it morphed into the staycation. From a marketing perspective the staycation was ingenious for local tourism that embraced the idea of a pseudo-getaway and addressed the unwieldy costs and process of getting packed and getting out of the neighborhood for several days.
Now, as we watch rain and cold demolish the spring season and any real hopes for outdoor activity, I suggest that it is the “inside” vacation that offers a brand-new option.
that have gone unanswered for months on some yellowing paper “ToDo” list or the excuse to ignore diets, formal clothes or overdue library DVDs for a few more days. If anything can absolutely wait, it must. It’s not exactly anarchy, but more like controlled chaos to respect the “inside” vacation’s mood and purpose.
At Ettinger Law Firm, we are fond of saying “trusts create order out of chaos” — for three major reasons:
First, an ever-increasing number of Americans suffer a period of legal disability later in life. Without your own private plan for disability, consisting of a trust and a “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney, you run the risk of a state appointed legal guardian. Do you want the people you choose to be in charge in the event of your disability, with the freedom to act immediately in your best interests, or do you want the state to appoint someone, often a stranger, who will require court permission to protect your assets and your family — which permission is sometimes denied. A guardianship proceeding is expensive, timeconsuming and stressful — in other words, chaotic. Trusts create an orderly process whereby your appointed trustees consult with your elder law attorney and are free to act immediately without court interference.
Secondly, trusts avoid probate court proceedings on death whereby wills, even though supervised by an attorney, with
two witnesses and a notary, must first be proven to be valid in court proceedings. The client has no control over probate court proceedings — the time they will take or the amount they will cost. Typically, it takes months and, not unusually, one to two years or more. Meantime, property cannot be sold and assets cannot be reached to pay bills. In other words, chaos. With a trust, the trustee may act immediately upon death, list property for sale and access investments and bank accounts.
Thirdly, wills provide no plan for protecting your home and life savings either from the cost of in-home care or nursing home care. Nothing is more chaotic then seeing one’s home and life savings used up in a few short years to pay for the high cost of long-term care. A properly drafted Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) protects your assets from long-term care costs and allows you to leave a legacy to your children and grandchildren. When the time comes, your MAPT will allow you to qualify for Medicaid
for
or
Given the tedium of a highly structured weekday, the chance to sit on the couch is actively incorporated into the “inside” vacation. It’s scheduled time: for pleasure reading and chocolate eating, for watching the Knicks (win), the Mets (lose), and the Wienie 500 prevail (a race that’s a precursor to the Indy 500, thanks to Oscar Meyer).
But the best part of this kind of vacation is that there are no demands that can lead to exhaustion before, during and after a standard vacation. No organized excursions, curated food tours or extra suntan lotion. No need to renew passports or ensure enough medication for overseas travel. There is a deliberate attitude with the “inside” vacation – a release from guilt whether it is ignoring the tasks
Vacations are hard to come by. We live so deeply 24/7 and too often the motivation to travel stops abruptly at the TSA checkpoint. However, we are more familiar with the “inside” vacation than one would think. Last winter we experienced an unexpected “inside” vacation thanks to two feet of snow. And if and when the warm weather really arrives, our families and friends will be brought together by bursts of cool, indoor air conditioning. It will get us through the way no travel, even to the FIFA World Cup finals, ever would.
A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.
L auren L ev
Long Island catches FIFA World Cup fever
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in the New York metropolitan area this month, Long Islanders won’t need tickets to MetLife Stadium to feel part of the action. Local venues are already preparing for what could become one of the region’s largest shared celebrations in decades.
This year’s World Cup — the largest international soccer tournament — will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Matches will be played across North America, including at eleven stadiums on U.S. soil. Close to home, MetLife Stadium, Gillette Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field will see action, although during the tournament, the venues will be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium; Boston Stadium; and Philadelphia Stadium, respectively.
Games will be played between June 11 and July 19. This is the first tournament to feature an expanded, 48-team format. 12 groups with four teams each will complete in the earliest stage of the tournament, before teams advance to the Round of 32, the Round of 16, and lastly, the final stages of the tournament.
New York/New Jersey will host the finals on July 19 at 3 p.m.
While MetLife is slated to become a centerpiece for the tournament, regionally, soccer fans can expect festivals, viewing parties and tourism events, all catered around the World Cup.
Nassau County viewing party
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museums Department and The Island FC will host a public viewing event for the United States and Aus -
Eleven venues in the U.S. will host FIFA World Cup matches. The stadiums names will change to be reflective of the city they are located in.
tralia FIFA World Cup 26 match on June 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
The free, ticketed event will feature a live broadcast of the match, giveaways, family-friendly activities and concessions. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for viewing on the theatre grounds. Free parking will be available in parking fields 6 and 6A.
Fans must register for free tickets at TheIslandFC. com or NassauCountyTourism.ticketspice.com.
“Nassau County is proud to partner with The Island FC to bring this exciting event to Eisenhower Park,” Blakeman said. “FIFA World Cup 26 is the biggest sporting event in the world. This is a great opportunity for residents and families to come together to celebrate the game and enjoy a worldclass community experience right here in Nassau
County.”
The event marks the first official community activation hosted by The Island FC as the club prepares for its inaugural professional season.
“This is about more than watching a soccer match; it’s about bringing Long Islanders together around the beautiful game,” said Travis Lamprecht, president of business operations for The Island FC. “Long Island has an incredible soccer culture and deep passion for the sport at every level. We’re proud to partner with Nassau County on our first community event and create an experience that feels welcoming, energetic, and truly representative of this community.”
For updates, visit TheIslandFC.com or NassauCountyNY.gov.
Stony Brook viewing party
Free ticket registration is open for the New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Long Island, set for June 12 at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium.
The free public viewing event will feature live broadcasts of two FIFA World Cup matches on the stadium’s video board — Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. and USA vs. Paraguay at 9 p.m. Fans can request tickets online for one or both events.
The evening match will be preceded by an 8 p.m. performance from rock band Third Eye Blind.
Organizers said the event will include interactive soccer experiences, entertainment, food and beverage offerings, and other programming celebrating Long Island and communities across New York State.
The Hal Knopf Team Your Local Real Estate Experts
Map by Jordan Vallone
HERALD SPORTS
Kennedy wins historic baseball championship
By NIKO SCARLATOS & TONY BELLISSIMO sports@liherald.com
For the first time in program history, the Kennedy Cougars are Nassau County baseball champions.
After falling short in each of the previous two seasons despite reaching the Nassau Class AA finals, Kennedy finally broke through last Sunday, defeating No. 1 seed and defending champion Garden City, 4-3, in the decisive third game of the best-of-three series at Farmingdale State College.
The emotional victory capped a memorable run for the Cougars, who took Game 1 2-0 in 12 innings but dropped Game 2, 13-10.
“This means everything to us,” coach Mike Gattus said. “We have our entire school and community behind us so to be able to do this for them is awesome.”
Kennedy (21-4) wasted no time taking control. The Cougars sent Garden City starter Fionn Ryan, who earned the save in Game 2, out of the game after just 2/3rds of an inning during a chaotic four-run top of the first. Kennedy managed only two hits in the frame but capitalized on multiple bases-loaded walks and patient at bats to jump out to a 4-0 lead.
First baseman Dylan Babek delivered a pair of RBIs, helping provide all the offense the Cougars would ultimately need.
“We talked when getting off the bus
that we have to come out attacking early and I’m glad I was able to come through for the boys in that first inning,” Babek said.
Garden City answered with a run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first, trimming the deficit to 4-1. Neither team scored in the second before the Trojans crept even closer in the third. Two walks, two wild pitches and a Kennedy error allowed Garden City to plate two runs and make it a one run game.
With momentum suddenly on the opposite side, Kennedy ace Derrick Yormack faced his biggest challenge in the fourth inning. A walk, stolen base and wild pitch put the tying run at third base with nobody out. Yormack responded with three consecutive strikeouts, preserving the lead and swinging momentum back toward the Cougars.
“Once we got to the sixth inning, the adrenaline really hit me and it propelled me to get the team across the finish line,” Yormack said.
The hard-throwing right hander delivered a championship performance, tossing a complete game while striking out 14 to earn his seventh win of the season. According to Gattus, the outing will be remembered for years to come.
“Derek’s performance was legendary,” Gattus said. “He’s a once in a lifetime player and that was a once in a lifetime performance.”
Kennedy nearly added insurance in the sixth when second baseman Frankie
Stella ripped a ground-rule double and advanced to third, but Garden City escaped the threat. Stella also made several outstanding defensive plays to help protect the slim lead.
It ultimately didn’t matter. After escaping the fourth-inning jam, Yormack was untouchable, retiring the final 12 batters he faced.
“The team played amazing,” Yormack said. “We always have each other’s backs. We’ve been working for this since September at workouts and practices and it all worked out in the end.”
For a Kennedy team that spent three years chasing the moment, the celebration was long overdue.
“This is something that I’ve been dreaming of for three years since I was a freshman,” Babek said.
Now, the Cougars turn their attention toward the Long Island Class AA championship. They’ll be back at Farmingdale State this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. to take on Hauppauge.
“We just have to take this day by day at practice with hard work so that we can be prepared for the Long Island championship,” Babek said.
The Cougars, who eliminated MacArthur and Clarke on the way to the finals, won a marathon series opener May 28 as Yormack blasted a homer in the top of the 12th for the eventual winning run. Babek pitched nine scoreless innings, firing 123 pitches, and Max Goodman earned the win in relief.
Matt
had a bases-loaded triple in Game 2.
Garden City kept its season alive last Friday despite Kennedy’s 8-run explosion in the bottom of the fifth that turned a 6-2 deficit into a 10-6 lead. Matt Tolipano had two hits in the inning, including a bases-loaded triple.
Erik Lee/Herald
The Cougars won a thrilling Game 3 of the Nassau Class AA finals over Garden City, 4-3, last Sunday afternoon.
Jeff Wilson/Herald
Tolipano
HERALD SPORTS
County title a first for Calhoun softball program
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Coach Michael Pisano was more than happy to fulfill a promise he made to Calhoun’s softball players back in March.
“I told them I’d shave my head if we won the county championship,” he said.
On Monday night at Farmingdale State College, the top-seeded Colts took out the broom on No. 3 MacArthur, completing a sweep in the best-of-three Nassau Class AA finals with a 7-4 victory, and then broke out the buzzer on Pisano to cap the celebration of the first county title in program history.
“It feels absolutely amazing, just unbelievable,” Calhoun sophomore center fielder Megan Hobdy said. “To see that last out happen, I just threw my glove as high as I could in the air and ran as fast as I could to celebrate with my teammates. We’re such a closeknit team. I’m so happy we made history and get to keep playing.”
The Colts (15-12) will face defending champion East Islip (16-5) for the Long Island Class AA crown this Saturday at Martha Avenue Field in Bellport at 2 p.m.
“We’ve been waiting all season for this moment and it’s really exciting,” said sophomore pitcher Sophia Nicastro, who struck out five and helped her own cause with an RBI triple and two runs scored. “MacArthur’s a tough team and we didn’t want to get too ahead of ourselves,” she added. “That last inning, I just took a deep breath and locked in.”
The Colts, who won Sunday’s series opener, 4-2, behind Nicastro’s nine strikeouts,
trailed 1-0 in Game 2 before scoring three times in the top of the third. They never relinquished the lead.
Senior Ruth Small, who scored two runs, reached on an error with one out and scored on Nicastro’s triple. Senior Katelyn DiPaola followed with an RBI single for a 2-1 lead and later scored on junior Madison Martins single.
“We brought the energy and kept it up the whole game,” Martins said. “We really wanted to win tonight.”
After the Generals cut the margin in half on pitcher Olivia Macken’s RBI single in the bottom of the inning, the Colts pushed across two more in the top of the fourth to lead 5-2. Martins and eighth-grader Selma Redoncic had the RBIs.
It was 6-2 in the sixth when MacArthur, which knocked off second-seeded Mepham in the semifinals, responded with Ashley Powers’ two-run triple to slice the lead in half once again.
But Calhoun, which beat No. 5 Bethpage in the semis, provided Nicastro additional breathing room with an insurance run in the seventh as Martins reached on an error with one out and scored on sophomore Adriana Kayantas’ two-out single.
“This is tremendous for the entire community,” Pisano said. “I’m so proud of these girls. What makes this group so special is the diversity they bring between the grades and personalities. It’s really awesome.”
Ron Manfredi/Herald photos
The Colts were all smiles after defeating MacArthur, 7-4, Monday night to seal the Nassau Class AA championship.
Sophomore pitcher Sophia Nicastro totaled 14 strikeouts in the county championship series.
Reworld honors Long Island’s sustainability champions
Reworld recently honored many of Long Island’s leading sustainability advocates, municipal leaders, students, organizations and community partners during the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island Presented by Reworld, on May 14 at The Heritage Club at Bethpage.
The event recognized those making meaningful contributions to environmental policy, conservation, education, municipal sustainability and community-driven programs across Long Island. Reworld also awarded local students with $2,500 in prizes for their efforts to inspire sustainability and encourage the next generation of environmental leadership.
“Environmental progress depends on people and organizations who are willing to lead with purpose and take action in their own communities,” said James Regan, Reworld’s market area director. “Through our work across Long Island, Reworld helps communities reduce landfill reliance, recover valuable resources and create more sustainable solutions for managing waste. We are proud to support and recognize the leaders, students and community partners who are helping move Long Island toward a cleaner, stronger and more sustainable future.”
Twenty honorees were recognized across six award categories throughout the evening celebrating leaders, organizations and students who are driving meaningful environmental progress across Long Island:
• Environmental Policy Leaders: Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and New York State Senator Siela Bynoe (District 6), recognized for their leadership on environmental protection, responsible growth and long-term sustainability across Long Island.
• Community Impact for Sustainability: Devon Giordano (Long Island Conservancy); Derek Betts (Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District); Corey Humphrey, C.P.E.S.C. (Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District); Cynthia Seibold (Balloon Mission Inc.); Eileen Minogue (Book Fairies); Julie Tighe (NY League of Conservation Voters and Education Fund); Maxine Montello (New York Marine Rescue Center); and Robyn Silvestri (Save the Great South Bay).
• Environmental Leaders: National Grid Ventures, UBS Arena and Tritec Real Estate Company, honored for incorporating sustainability into ener-
gy, infrastructure, development and large-scale operations.
• Municipal Leaders for the Environment: Marty Bellew (Town of Islip Department of Environmental Control and Islip Resource Recovery Agency); and Nicholas Krupski (Southold Town Department of Solid Waste).
• College Student Champion for Sustainability: Vienna De Lombaerde (Senior, Hofstra University).
• Student Champion for Sustainability: Zoe Lazarus and Emma Klein (9th grade, Sayville High School); Charles Metzger (10th grade, Roslyn High School); and Matias Kalaitzis (12th grade, Hauppauge High School).
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld continues to support those at the forefront of environmental progress on Long Island. With facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport and Ronkonkoma, Reworld processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycles 60,000 tons of metals and generates enough electricity to power 100,000 homes each year. Through its work, Reworld helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and support local communities in adopting more sustainable waste solutions. Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and community partners. From educational initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns to local cleanups and community programming, Reworld
continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s commit-
ment to a cleaner, greener future.
- Jeffrey Bessen
Tim Baker/Herald
Hundreds of Long Island’s business and political leaders at the dinner awards ceremony attended the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island Presented by Reworld, whose team is above.
Tim Baker/Herald Reworld’s East Region President, Adel Omrani welcomed award winners and guests to the ceremony.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald
Reworld Market Area Director James Regan, left, with honoree State Sen. Siela Bynoe and Reworld Lead Community Relations Specialist Maureen Early.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald Honoree Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, fourth from right, with his team.
Long Islanders rally for transgender rights
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Transgender, gender non-binary and intersex residents, joined by family members, friends and allies, gathered outside the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola on Saturday for a rally celebrating identity, resilience and community solidarity while drawing attention to legislative and social issues affecting transgender people.
The event, hosted by Gender Equality New York, brought together advocates and supporters from across Long Island amid what organizers described as a period of increasing anti-transgender rhetoric and legislation affecting transgender rights.
“This gathering is more than a rally. It is a declaration of our pride and a reminder of the collective power we hold when we rise together,” Juli GreyOwens, executive director of GENY, said. “Our voices matter. Our lives matter. And we refuse to be silenced, erased or pushed back into the shadows.”
Participants emphasized visibility, equality and the protection of civil rights for transgender, nonbinary and intersex people, with several organizations coming from across the Island, including the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Rockville Centre Pride and Freeport Pride.
Karin Johnson, co-founder of Rockville Centre Pride, thanked the ralliers for continuing their fight for equal rights.
“You make the world more beautiful, more interesting and more amazing,” Johnson said. “I am filled with gratitude for your magnificent resistance, and the world will be, too.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees listened to speeches from advocates, joined in songs celebrating community and resilience, and joined in chants call-
ing for transgender rights and equality, saying, “We are here! We will not disappear!”
Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, spoke about his own experience with a close friend who reached out to him for help to navigate her transition years ago.
“Twenty years later, I stand here today with you, not just as an ally, but a spirit knowing that all of us are on journeys,” Sackman said. “Some of us have
BELMONT PARK VILLAGE
had head starts, some of us have had harder struggles and bigger hurdles to continue, and we all need help on this journey.”
Ralliers voiced their opposition to discrimination and discussed challenges the members of the transgender community face. Speakers highlighted the experiences of people who they said cannot safely live openly as their authentic selves, and called for continued advocacy to ensure equal opportunities and protections.
“Remember this moment, remember this feeling, remember this truth,” Grey-Owens said in concluding the rally. “We are visible, we are united and we’re not going anywhere. Our futures are not up for debate.”
Gender Equality New York advocates for the rights of transgender, gender non-binary and intersex people throughout New York state. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organization works to increase public understanding, address discrimination and promote equal rights.
GENY’s work is centered on four core pillars — advocacy, education, connection and empowerment — and focuses on addressing barriers to economic, educational, racial and social equity while promoting a more inclusive society, according to the organization. For more information, visit GenderEqualityNY.org.
Long Island’s Best Kept Shopping Secret
Just off the Cross Island Parkway, shop designer fashion finds from Coach, lululemon, Valentino, and more, at up to 65% off every day.
Dine at award-winning restaurants, stroll through pedestrian-only streets, and turn a quick trip into a day’s escape.
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York, spoke on the steps of the Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola during Saturday’s rally.
MJC hosts Sarah Hurwitz at legacy event
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Following a community conversation on Jewish identity and antisemitism at the Merrick Jewish Centre earlier this month, organizers and religious leaders said the discussion left attendees reflecting on the importance of Jewish pride, education and community connection during a time of rising antisemitism.
Author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz visited the Merrick synagogue on May 19 to discuss her New York Times bestselling book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us, which explores Jewish history, identity and modern antisemitism.
The event, presented by the Rabbi Charles and Betty Klein Legacy Committee, drew community members for a discussion that synagogue leaders said was especially meaningful in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the rise in antisemitic incidents across the country.
“There were so many important takeaways from Sarah Hurwitz’s presentation at the Merrick Jewish Centre,” said Rabbi Emeritus Charles A. Klein. “I hope that those who attended will take to heart her call for us to live proudly Jewish without apology in a time of rising antisemitism. Her talk opened the
door to an urgently needed conversation for our community.”
Steve Greenfield, co-chair of the Lifelong Learning Committee and one of the event organizers, said Hurwitz’s personal journey resonated strongly with attendees.
“What impressed me about Sarah Hurwitz was that at the height of a career — working in the White House —
she realized that something was missing in her life,” Greenfield said. “She then undertook an exploration of Judaism that added meaning and purpose for her future. That is a great model for all of us, no matter your faith.”
Rabbi Joshua Dorsch said Hurwitz’s presentation connected with many in attendance because it addressed both the challenges Jewish communities are
facing and the importance of strengthening Jewish identity through education and engagement.
“Sarah Hurwitz gave voice to something many American Jews have been feeling, especially since October 7 — that being Jewish today requires not only resilience, but a deeper understanding of who we are and why our tradition matters,” Dorsch said. “What resonated so strongly with our community was her message that Jewish identity cannot be sustained only through responding to antisemitism; it has to be rooted in learning, connection, and pride in Jewish life itself.”
Dorsch added that the Merrick Jewish Centre aims to create opportunities for thoughtful dialogue and meaningful Jewish experiences for members of the community.
“At Merrick Jewish Centre, we strive to create meaningful Jewish experiences where people can ask difficult questions, engage seriously with Jewish ideas, and feel connected to a community and a tradition larger than themselves,” he said. “The conversation Sarah led was honest, thoughtful, and deeply needed.”
Organizers said the discussion encouraged attendees to continue conversations about Jewish identity, history and community engagement beyond the event itself.
Donations needed: state in ‘blood emergency’
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
American Legion Post 1282 and the Merrick Kiwanis Club found a way to share their interests in life-saving action and neighborly community service: donating blood.
The two organizations are hosting a blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center, a nonprofit that works with medical facilities across the state. The drive will be held on June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 160 West Merrick Road. Donors must be 17 or older and require an ID to participate.
Vice presidential nominee Neil O’Keeffe, a member of the Merrick Kiwanis Club, took the initiative to bring this opportunity into existence. O’Keeffe, a former NYPD officer specializing in counterterrorism, has years of experience in protecting the health of his community.
“I was looking for a partner for the blood drive, and I know the American Legion does a lot for the community,” he said.
O’Keeffe moved to Merrick decades ago. He quickly heard about the Kiwanis Club and what community service opportunities it offers.
“It’s really great what they do for children,” he said. “They raise a ton of money, they send underprivileged kids to Camp Kiwanis in upstate New York, they do can drives, they do cleanups. We just did a cleanup with the Save the Great South Bay organization where we lifted 700 pounds of garbage out of the pond… It’s a great, great organization.”
While the club encourages civic activity year-round, this drive has some of the most immediate and profound benefits for those in need.
“Somebody needs blood every two minutes, especial-
ly mothers during childbirth and cancer patients,” O’Keeffe said. “We always do fundraisers, and people are very generous, they give a lot of money, and this is free. You don’t donate anything except blood. We’re not asking anybody for money. We just ask them for the gift of life, and it really is for a good cause.”
Commander Robert Dishman of American Legion Post 1282 was happy to help.
“The Kiwanis called me, and they said, ‘we’d like to run a blood bank, but we don’t have a place to do it, would you be interested?’ I told them yes,” he said. “It’s good for both of us. It’s good because blood is needed all the time and the Kiwanis needed a facility, and for us it’ll have people realize what the American Legion is.”
Blood donation is an easy way of preventing further harm to people who have suffered major injuries. Making a blood donation takes about an hour, including registration, brief questioning and the actual collection. The blood association recommends staying hydrated on the day before to help accelerate the process.
Stephen Brock, business development manager of the New York Blood Center, is responsible for helping the center find new opportunities for community blood drives and connect with more donors.
“This led drive that the Kiwanis Club is putting home at the American Legion comes at a critical time for us,” he said. “Blood donations are down about nearly 15 percent, so that represents about 4,500 fewer donations than needed to meet the hospital demands across the region.”
This deficit puts New York in a “Blood Emergency,” according to Brock, which makes every individual donation more important than ever.
“We take the platelets, the red blood cells, and the plasma, and those can be used to save three different patients’ lives,” Brock said. “We take a pin prick and we check your medical, we check your blood pressure and
Join local volunteers for a life-saving blood drive on June 6.
just make sure your hemoglobin levels are what they should be, and then then you can donate.”
One donation of blood has the potential to save three lives. For more information about the upcoming event, visit Donate.NYBC.Org/Donor/Schedules/Drive_ Schedule/338284.
Courtesy Neil O’Keeffe
Courtesy Merrick Jewish Centre
Author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz visited the Merrick synagogue on May 19.
Men’s Health
• Fitness with purpose: Fuel. Move.Thrive.
• The power of sleep
• Mind over stigma: No more silent struggles
Suffering in silence Men need to know it’s ok to speak up
For generations, outdated ideas about masculinity have made conversations about mental health difficult for many men. Strength has too often been associated with silence, leaving emotional struggles hidden behind expectations to “tough it out” or handle problems alone. While attitudes are evolving, stigma and social pressures still prevent many men from seeking the support they need.
“While society is making strides in recognizing the importance of mental health, there still exists a gender disparity in seeking help and addressing mental health concerns,” says psychiatrist Ashley Zucker, MD. “Men face unique challenges and societal pressures that can impact their emotional well-being.”
Conversations about men’s health often center on physical fitness, annual screenings and heart health all important pieces of overall wellness. But emotional well-being deserves equal attention. Mental health is health, and caring for the mind is just as essential as caring for the body.
Yet a silent crisis continues to affect men across the country. Mental health struggles frequently go unrecognized or unspoken, with serious consequences. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, men are significantly more
likely to die by suicide than women, underscoring the urgent need to challenge stigma, encourage open dialogue and remind men that seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness.
If you know someone who may be at risk of suicide, it can help to encourage open conversations, promote mental health awareness, understand mental health, and provide support.
Men respond differently to depression
Depression and anxiety affect both men and women, but men often exhibit different symptoms or may not recognize their emotional distress. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 6 million men in the United States experience depression each year.
Men tend to underreport their symptoms, leading to a lower rate of diagnosis and treatment. It is important to be aware of male-specific symptoms, promote early intervention, and create safe spaces for men to seek help.
Targeted interventions needed for substance abuse
Men are more likely than women to abuse alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for their underlying mental
health issues, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This fact highlights the need for mental health and wellness support tailored to men, focusing on healthy coping mechanisms, support networks, and education.
Impact of stress
Career demands and financial pressures contribute to stress among men. The American Psychological Association highlights that 27 percent of Americans are struggling with multiple external stressors that are out of their control. Stressors can lead to burnout, anxiety and other mental health issues. The good
news is that there are ways to cope with stressors by understanding and managing stress.
Build a community of support
Small steps can lead to significant change, changes that we all can lead together. Guys need to build a culture where men feel safe speaking up and reaching out. As a community, we can break the stigma, support one another, and ensure no one struggles in silence.
Photo: In a world that often emphasizes strength and resilience, the topic of men’s mental health can sometimes be overshadowed.
Your path to well-being
Make some lifestyle changes to for optimal health
Good health is one of life’s greatest assets, yet it is often pushed aside amid busy schedules, responsibilities and daily demands. For many men, personal wellness can slip to the bottom of the priority list — postponed for another day or overshadowed by everything else that needs attention.
But healthy living is not simply about avoiding illness; it is about having the energy, strength and resilience to fully show up for the people and moments that matter most. Whether as fathers, brothers, sons, friends or mentors, making health a priority is an investment not only in yourself, but in the loved ones who depend on and care about you
Sleep. More. Yes, this is by far at the top of the list. You don’t get enough sleep. From burning the candle at both ends, putting in too much time at the office and then trying to get to your daughters soccer game, dance recital, or sons karate practice.
You’re exhausted. Oh yeah, and then experts tell you to eat together as a family and you also want to spend time with your spouse all while trying to finish a big project at work and you’re on your email until the wee hours of the night! Power down and get some solid sleep (seven to
eight hours/night). You’ll do better at all those other things when rested. Eat breakfast. Intermittent fasting is all the rage right now. While that may work for some, for most nutrition experts will advise, as indicated in most of the scientific literature, that a high quality breakfast is best. And that’s the key — high quality, meaning some color (veggies and/or fruit), some protein and fiber. A veggie omelet, for example. A couple hardboiled eggs with a piece of fruit. A homemade protein smoothie.
The list can go on, but fueling your body in the morning is best.
Eat bacteria. It may be weird to think about, but your body is not your body. You share it with around 100 trillion bacteria in and all over your body. It’s known as your microbiome and it plays a major role in human health, so much so that it is often referred to as the “forgotten organ.” There are data showing your specific microbiome affects everything from immunity to skin and heart health, vitamin D status, digestive health and more — and while your microbiome is “set” by the age of four, you can alter the microbiome through diet, antibiotic use and the use of probiotics. You’ve surely heard about “live, active cultures” in
yogurt, right (AKA, probiotics)?
There are at least 350 specific strains of probiotics that each have unique benefits. Embrace the bacteria, since they clearly embrace you.
Eat protein more frequently. As of now, most eat the majority of protein at night. But it would be better to spread intake more evenly throughout the day. Include a fairly equal amount with all meals and snacks. Eggs, nuts, cottage cheese, fish, chicken, turkey, Greek yogurt, protein shakes — mix it up, just be sure to eat it frequently!
Eat Your 3’s. Eat fish regularly. With heart disease the #1 killer of men (and
LOOK TO US FOR EXPERT VISION CARE
women) in America, eating more fish or replacing other protein sources with fish is a smart idea.
Power down. You may be physically present with those who matter, but being mentally present is most important. Set deliberate “no electronics” time each night with your family and actually talk. To real people. It’s amazing.
Start your day smarter. Rather than immediately checking your phone as soon as your eyes open, try a new routine. Down time is necessary and will boost your brain function.
Photo: To take your health to the next level, you’ve got to think details.
Many men experience challenges in the bedroom but are loathe to talk about it with anyone, including their partners.
Reproductive and sexual health disorders weaken the physical, emotional and social well-being of millions of American men and damage their relationships.
Infertility, erectile dysfunction (ED), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and low testosterone are among the conditions that can be very troubling to men. And many suffer in silence.
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. men prefer to skip discussing prostate health with their doctors, 33 percent decline to be screened for prostate cancer, and approximately 39 percent of men with ED refuse to seek treatment, according to recent surveys.
Michael Herman,MD,Director of Urology at Mount Sinai South Nassau, leads an expert team dedicated to treating male reproductive and sexual health disorders.
Urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau, led by Michael Herman, MD, Director of Urology, have a message for men: “Have no fear, the help you need is here.”
“We take the worry, stress and apprehension out of the diagnosis to focus on providing our patients with the treatments as well as the positive reinforcement they need to address the condition,” said Dr. Herman, a specialist in robotic and laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer.
Dr. Herman and his team, including Mahyar Kashani, MD, Director of Male Sexual Health, and Raymond Sultan, MD, offer advanced, confidential and specialized care for male reproductive and sexual health disorders, emphasizing minimally invasive procedures to ensure faster recovery and improved outcomes.
Here are some common male reproductive health disorders and the advanced treatment options the Mount Sinai South Nassau urology team uses to correct them:
1. BPH/enlarged prostate causes urinary issues including urgency, frequency, and weak stream, affecting a man’s quality of life and sexual health. Dr. Herman and Dr. Sultan are Long Island’s leaders in Aquablation therapy to shrink the enlarged prostate or remove prostate tissue without traditional open surgery. Other minimally invasive solutions include Rezum water vapor therapy and the UroLift system.
2. ED, defined as difficulty obtaining or sustaining an erection, affects both fertility and confidence. Medical and surgical solutions include oral medication management, penile injections and penile prosthesis (implant) surgery to restore function.
3. Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature) is caused by a plaque buildup inside the penis, leading to significant curvature and pain. Dr. Kashani can prescribe nonsurgical treatment options like Xiaflex® injection to break down the plaque or recommend penile reconstruction surgery to correct the curvature and restore function.
4. Low testosterone (Low-T or male hypogonadism) causes a range of physical, sexual, and emotional symptoms, including reduced sex drive, ED, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat or depression. It is primarily treated through Testosterone Replacement Therapy alongside lifestyle modifications and addressing any underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Herman and urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau also specialize in vasectomy male sterilization, where the tubes carrying sperm (vas deferens) are cut or sealed and microsurgical vasectomy reversal to reconnect the tubes to restore the flow of sperm back into the semen.
All treatment plans are complemented by comprehensive education and counseling so that patients may achieve maximal outcomes. For more information or to contact the hospital’s urologic specialists, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit https://www. mountsinai.org/ locations/south-nassau.
One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
PROSTATE CANCER TREATED.
And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau
Nassau honors 110-year-old naval air unit
By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent
With a celebration of history and patriotism, the “birthplace of American Naval aviation,” on Nassau County’s North Shore, was honored two weeks ago by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other area officials as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration.
One of the earliest naval aviation programs was created at the Peacock Point Estate, in Lattingtown. In 1916, a group of 28 students from Yale University formed the First Yale Unit, which was the first naval air reserve unit to enter service in World War I.
“We are known as the Cradle of Aviation,” Blakeman said of Nassau County on May 21, “but not that many people know about what happened here at Peacock Point.”
Nicknamed the Millionaires’ Unit due to the privileged upbringing of its members, the group took part in war battles and daring rescues. Descendants of its members who attended the ceremony included Henry P. Davison II, grandson of founding member F. Trubee Davison, on whose property the ceremony take place.
“We are, in this generation, extremely fortunate to have had members of all of our families play such an important
role in giving us the gift of liberty that we enjoy today,” Davison said. “We never take it for granted, and we are very grateful for their efforts.”
The families of the unit’s members
used their financial resources to bolster the U.S. Naval Reserves, which was in its infancy at the time. The stories from the First Yale Unit made it clear that no matter their social status, these young
men would potentially sacrifice their lives in order to defend America and its values.
“My grandparents could have used their social status to be able to avoid being drawn into the conflict, and yet they decided that they were going to lead the way into battle,” Davison said. “In their mind, there was an explicit understanding that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’”
The event included a ceremonial flyover of U.S. Naval aircraft, as a T-45 Goshawk flew across the Long Island Sound. Navy Lt. Raven Shanmugam and Lt. Luke O’Sullivan, both pilots in the Training Squadron 9 Tigers of the Naval Air Station Meridian, in Mississippi, orchestrated the flyover. After the pilots arrived at the event, Blakeman thanked each one for their service to the country.
“We’re incredibly proud that you’re with us to join in this celebration on the 250th anniversary of America,” Blakeman said.
Local officials echoed the importance of the nation’s servicemen, women and veterans. “From the Revolutionary War to the present day, generations of Americans have answered the call to serve and protect our freedom,” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We’re proud of our veterans, and truly proud of all America has to offer.”
Sean Kennedy/Herald
Henry Davison II, far left, a descendant of a member of the First Yale Unit, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman welcomed ceremonial flyover pilots Lt. Luke O’Sullivan and Lt. Raven Shanmugam at the America 250 celebration.
STEPPING OUT
From vine to basket
Red, ripe and ready to pick
By Karen Bloom
June brings one of the region’s most anticipated harvests — strawberry season.
For a few fleeting weeks, local fields burst with rows of bright red berries, offering the unmistakable sweetness and flavor that only fresh-picked fruit can deliver. It’s a seasonal tradition that invites families outdoors to enjoy sunny days and fill baskets at nearby U-Pick farms.
While spring fades into summer, strawberries reach their peak here, ripening throughout June and rewarding pickers with fruit far sweeter than supermarket varieties shipped from afar. The short harvest season makes each bite feel like a celebration of early summer.
And the enjoyment doesn’t end at the farm. Back home, those ruby-red berries can take center stage in everything from simple snacks to homemade desserts and refreshing seasonal recipes, bringing a taste of our Long Island summer to every table.
Classic Strawberry Shortcake
The quintessential treat is always in style.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 package (16 ounces) strawberries
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cups milk
Hull strawberries and cut each in half. Combine half of strawberries in a bowl with 2 tablespoons sugar. Combine cream and vanilla with remaining sugar and set aside. Stir cream occasionally to dissolve sugar.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and trace outline of an 8-inch circle. Set aside.
Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. With a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut in 4 tablespoons butter until
Northwinds Symphonic Band
mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until dough just comes together. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle using outline on parchment paper as a guide. Bake about 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes on pan. Using a serrated knife, slice crosswise in half and carefully separate. Spread insides with remaining room temperature butter. Combine strawberries and cover bottom shortcake layer with half of the strawberry mixture. Replace top cake layer on bottom layer and cover with remaining strawberries. Serve warm, cut into wedges and drizzled with sweetened cream.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
This colorful salad makes a healthy, flavorful statement on your summer table.
• 5 ounces arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion (about ½ small onion)
• 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta, or 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup halved and thinly sliced radish (about 3 medium)
• 1 medium jalapeño, very thinly sliced (omit if sensitive to spice)
Balsamic vinaigrette:
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1
½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
Pinch of fine sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter or in a large serving bowl, layer the ingredients as listed.
Prepare the vinaigrette: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and whisk until fully blended. Taste, and add more salt or pepper if needed. The dressing should be nice and tangy, but you can add more maple syrup for balance if desired.
When ready to serve the salad, drizzle vinaigrette on top, and toss to combine. Serve promptly. (If you’re planning to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately and toss before serving.) Stored separately, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Strawberry-Ricotta Pastry
Perfect for a party or simply indulging yourself, these addictive pastry puffs make it hard to stop at one.
• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 basket fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup homemade, part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 400 F.
Cut both puff pastry sheets into nine squares. Make slit in corner of each square toward middle of pastry. Fold corners to other corners to create pinwheel shape. Brush pastry with 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle on each puff pastry.
Bake 12-15 minutes until pastry is golden brown and raised.
In medium saucepan on medium to high heat, pour in remaining granulated sugar and water. Once sugar is dissolved, pour in fresh strawberries. Bring mixture to boil then simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are broken apart and semi-thick sauce is created. Let chill in refrigerator 2 hours. To chill faster, put in freezer 45 minutes.
In medium bowl, using mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In separate medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy. Return whipped cream to ricotta mixture and whip 1-2 minutes until mixture is light and fluffy.
Spoon ricotta cream into center of each puff pastry pinwheel. Spoon strawberry compote in middle of ricotta mixture.
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the majestic backdrop for a lively musical afternoon. Northwinds Symphonic Band returns with “Broadway, Movies, and Light Classics.” The concert (indoors) features treasured tunes from the big screen to the Broadway stage. Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey’s entertaining program of instrumental and vocal selections from popular movies and Broadway shows, as well as familiar classics., with music music from “Cyberworld 3D,” favorites from “Star Wars” and much more. The concert also pays tribute to Louis Armstrong with Satchmo! A special appearance by Broadway performer Karen Murphy and tenor Joe Stroppel are among the highlights. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the majestic grounds prior to the concert.
Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. $10. 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
David Lee Roth
Get ready to jump! Diamond Dave is back! The iconic, high-flying frontman of Van Halen is bringing his legendary swagger and a massive arsenal of rock anthems to the Paramount stage. Fans can expect a high-octane night packed with timeless hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
This tour marks a massive return for the rock legend, who officially ended a five-year hiatus from the stage last May with a triumphant, headline-making debut at the M3 Rock Festival. Far from a strippeddown nostalgic act, Roth backs up his signature showmanship with a powerhouse new eight-piece band to perfectly replicates those massive, classic Van Halen harmonies. Between the fresh musical muscle and Roth’s undiminished, charismatic stage presence, this promises to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll.
Sunday, June 7, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Strawberry-Ricotta Pastry
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JUN 5
Friday Night Car Show
Drop by to check out hundreds of antique and custom cars, every Friday, through Oct. 30.
• Where: Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Broadway between Bellmore and Bedford avenues
• Time: 5-10 p.m.
Pokémon Club
Kids in grades 2-6 are welcome to join friends or meet new ones at North Merrick Public Library’s Pokémon Club. Explore all things Pokémon. Registration required.
• Where: 1691 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Contact: nmerricklibrary.org
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” back at the museum by popular demand. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon since you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can finally do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also June 7, June 10-11
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JUN
6
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Storybook Stroll. Little listeners are invited to participate in a guided stroll through the Gardens, with a reading of “The Secret Garden” by Callista Brill (based on Frances Hodgson Burnett) Along the way, discover nature’s wonders, in the formal gardens. The tour ends at the Thatched Cottage with a story and hands-on craft for each child to take home.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
JUN
11
Live After Five
Don’t miss out on Merrick’s Live After Five, back for another year. Merrick Community Civic Association hosts an evening dedicated to supporting local businesses. Participating restaurants and shops offer special promotions for the evening for all customers. Enjoy music at the Gazebo near the LIRR (weather permitting).
• Where: Along Merrick Avenue, from LIRR to Loines Ave, and into the Merrick Mall
• Time: Beginning at 5 p.m.
• Contact: For the most up to date list of participating businesses, check out @MerrickLiveAfterFive on Instagram
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy visits the Paramount ready to cut loose. Since their formation in the early’90s in Ventura, Calif., the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s original horn-infused music and legendary high energy show introduces the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music’s rich legacy. Together for over 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in movies and television shows. With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country’s finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Super Bowl XXXIII, the band continues its decades long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America’s original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.
Dad & Me LEGO printmaking
Special guys and kids in grades K-6 are welcome to visit Merrick Library for a children’s workshop. Create a print or painting using LEGOs. Registration required.
• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.
• Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: merricklibrary.org
Blood Drive
Merrick Kiwanis Club and American Legion Post 1282 host a blood drive. Blood donations save lives, and the need for blood is constant. If you’re able to donate, consider signing up. Appointments must be scheduled.
• Where: American Legion Hall, 160 West Merrick Road
• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Contact: donate.nybc.org/ donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/
Whatever Floats Your Boat
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to celebrate the opening of the H2Oh! Water Play exhibit by creating a floating boat. Put your boat to the test in a water tub to see if
it sinks or floats at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 issues.
• Where: 1057 Merrick Ave.
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nmerrickschools.org
JUN
7
Library concert
North Merrick Library hosts the Day Trippers.
• Where: 1691 Meadowbrook Road
• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
• Contact: nmerricklibrary.org
Rockin’ at the park
Eisenhower Summer Concert Series is back and welcomes Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Blessid Union of Souls bands.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 76 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
JUN
North Merrick BOE meets The Board of Education holds its next meeting. Stay up to date on district
Harmonize with Long Island Harmonizers
Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like — join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:309:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
North Bellmore BOE meets
The North Bellmore Board of Education holds it monthly meeting. Let your voice be heard.
• Where: 2616 Martin Ave.
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: northbellmoreschools.org
JUN
20
Pollinator Week
Program
Celebrate Pollinator Week with a free community event featuring activities and education about pollinator gardens and environmental stewardship at the Garden at St. Francis
• Where: 1692 Bellmore Ave, North Bellmore
• Time: 9 a.m.-noon
• Contact: Beth Baier at (516) 825-5514 or Tara at (516) 557-8117 or Rev. Grace Flint at (516) 679-1184
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.
Park Avenue students grow, donate asparagus
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Students at Park Avenue Elementary School are learning lessons in gardening and community service by harvesting fresh asparagus from the school’s garden and donating it to families in need through the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard.
For the past two months, students have helped harvest asparagus grown in the school garden before it is delivered to the cupboard ahead of its biweekly food distribution days.
“We’ve been really staying on top of picking the asparagus,” said Patricia Assande, a first-grade teacher and one of the school’s garden managers. “As we were picking so much of it, I started thinking about who could we be giving this to.”
Assande, who has taught at Park Avenue for 24 years and recently took over management of the garden alongside Alexa Laskowitz, said the school contacted the Community Cupboard to see if it would accept fresh produce donations.
“When the elementary school’s garden started producing and they wanted to give us some, we were thrilled,” said Karin McMahon, a Bellmore-Merrick teacher and one of the cupboard’s founders. “Our people are so grateful for any fresh produce and things that we get.”
Since then, the school has delivered about eight to 10 bundles of asparagus harvested by students and recently began donating fresh chives.
According to Assande and McMahon, families have been quick to take the vegetables and express appreciation.
“They were saying how expensive groceries are and how fresh produce is very expensive,” Assande said. “The asparagus is going quickly. People get it right away when they see it.”
McMahon said fresh produce is among the most requested items at the cupboard.
“If we don’t have it one week, they’re like, ‘We’d like fresh produce,’” she said. “So when the elementary school wanted to share what they were growing, it was really exciting.”
The donations have reinforced the educational mission of the school’s garden, which was established in 2011. Every grade level participates by planting and harvesting crops throughout the
year, including lettuce, spinach, sugar snap peas, string beans and potatoes.
Third-grade students have led the asparagus harvest this spring, while younger students help plant and maintain other sections of the garden.
Assande said students have embraced the opportunity to help local families.
“I think they’re surprised,” she said. “But they’re also feeling proud that they’re doing this work and helping others.”
McMahon said introducing children to community service at a young age can create lasting habits.
“We like to get the younger kids involved in community service early so they continue it through not only high school, but into college and adulthood,” she said.
The Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard was founded by McMahon and three fellow educators after they recognized a growing need to address food insecurity in the community. The organization operates entirely through donations from individuals, businesses and community groups.
“We saw a need,” McMahon said. “A lot of people were kind of like, ‘It’s Bellmore-Merrick, there’s no need,’ but we were seeing it.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Brookside Building, 1250 Meadowbrook Road in North Merrick.
Courtesy Patricia Assande
Park Avenue Elementary School have helped harvest asparagus grown in the school garden and donated to the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard.
June 4, 2026 —
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Public Notices
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, PS FUNDING, INC., Plaintiff, vs. PROPERTY A10 LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 20, 2023 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee to Compute May 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 15, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3376 Robin Lane a/k/a 3376 Robbin Lane, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 327 and Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment is $878,911.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600211/2022.
Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Chartwell Law, One Battery Park Plaza, Suite 710, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160198
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for BNC Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-1, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-1, Plaintiff AGAINST
Mark Harrington a/k/a Mark R. Harrington; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 19, 2018, and amended November 6, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 23, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1987 De Kalb Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of
land situate lying and being in the Village of Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55 Block 55 Lot 57-58. Approximate amount of judgment
$652,597.28 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 011299/2014. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Sheharyar Ali, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: May 5, 2026 160263
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ANISSA METAYER, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 15, 2026, and a Short Form Order entered on April 1, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 1, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 189 Evergreen Drive, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 10, Block 330 and Lot 9. Approximate amount of judgment is $688,288.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610442/2024. Cash will not be accepted.
Howard E. Colton, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215,
Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160433
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
Advancial Federal Credit Union, Plaintiff AGAINST Michael A. Volino, a/k/a Michael Volino; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 18, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 1, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 204 Margaret Boulevard, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56 Block 87 Lots 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 [Lot Group]. Approximate amount of judgment $293,934.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 615213/2022.
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: November 24, 2025 160323
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 50-2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of May 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 50-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 50-2026, to amend
Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: May 27, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Hempstead, New York OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160450
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of June 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following location(s):
FRANKLIN SQUARE ROOSEVELT AVENUE (TH 184/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Delmar Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.
MERRICK
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 182/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Thorne Court, north for a distance of 68 feet.
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 182/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 68 feet north of the north curbline of Thorne Court, north for a distance of 870 feet.
RUGBY ROAD (TH 188/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Dobson Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.
RUGBY ROAD (TH 188/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Dobson Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.
DOBSON AVENUE (TH 188/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Rugby Road, north for a distance of 30 feet.
DOBSON AVENUE (TH 188/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Rugby Road, south for a distance of 45 feet.
OCEANSIDE
OAK COURT (TH 59/26)
South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 50 feet east of the east curbline of Harvey Avenue, southeast for a distance 52 feet.
POINT LOOKOUT
OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 180/26) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 877 feet east of the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east for a distance of 56 feet.
OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 180/26) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 959 feet east of the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east to its termination.
SEAFORD
TONOPAH STREET (TH 157/26) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 68 feet west of the west curbline of Neptune Avenue, west for a distance of 41 feet.
WANTAGH
WEST SEAMANS NECK ROAD (TH 187/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 105 feet south of the south curbline of Demott Avenue, south for a distance of 615 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD
NASSAU BOULEVARD (TH 176/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Guildford Court, north for a distance of 40 feet.
GUILDFORD COURT (TH 176/26) North Side
- NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Nassau Boulevard, west for a distance of 20 feet.
GUILDFORD COURT (TH 176/26) South Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Nassau Boulevard, west for a distance of 25 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s):
NORTH MERRICK LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 239/79) West Side - NO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting from the north curbline of Thorne Court, north to the north property line of the north school. (Adopted 11/27/79)
POINT LOOKOUT OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 63/10) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 877 feet east of a point opposite the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east to its termination. (Adopted 5/25/10)
WEST HEMPSTEAD NASSAU BOULEVARD (TH 60/96) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Guildford Court, north for a distance of 30 feet.
(Adopted 7/9/96)
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: May 27, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160550
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff - againstBRUCE WEINSTEIN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 27, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 7th day of July, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 2089 2nd Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566.
(Section: 56, Block: 50, Lots: 13, 14 and 15)
Approximate amount of lien $453,792.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No.
003454/2014. David S. Zeidman., Esq., Referee.
All checks must be made directly to David S. Zeidman, Esq, as Referee, no third parties checks and no cash will be accepted., Esq., Referee.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
Dated: May 5, 2026
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face
coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
160479
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST BRIDGETTE M. DELMORE AKA BRIDGETTE DEVERNA, WILLIAM P. DELMORE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 13, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 2682 Beach Drive, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62 Block 7 Lot 32-33. Approximate amount of judgment $482,337.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610539/2024. Matin Emouna, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-004968 90056 160488
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info
HomesHERALD
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place
What permits do we need before we sell?
Custom Pristine Ranch
Nestled in the sought-after Malverne Oaks South section of West Hempstead, this custom expanded ranch blends spacious living with elegant design details. Set on a beautifully landscaped 12,332-square-foot property, the pristine home offers
Q. I’m trying to figure out what to do about the old construction on my house that I am being told needs permits before I can finish selling. First, I understand that I may have to pay a penalty, and second, I’m wondering why my buyer says they will take over and get permits after we close but their attorney says it’s a lot more complicated because we didn’t get a flood repair permit after Hurricane Sandy. What can you tell me about this? It seems much more complicated than it needs to be.
A. This is a typical case of “you snooze, you lose.” I regularly hear from people who tell me that their friends, contractors, even their attorneys, in some cases, give them “off the record” advice not to make waves, not to do anything. But the issues and requirements don’t just go away, and design professionals are held back from what you really wanted them to do, like an addition or a home makeover, many years later.
Waiting and ignoring the requirements has put you in a much more difficult situation. Since Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has required that people who received funding, whether directly from the federal agency or through public funds like New York Rising, had to confirm that the funds were put toward the repairs they were meant for. It’s just like providing your car insurance company the receipts and/or an inspection to confirm that the money they gave you for repairs was spent on the car, and not on some fraudulent luxury expense.
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
BALDWIN: 2 CAR Garage With Small Fenced-in Area. Perfect For Storage. $650/ Month. Call/Text 516-330-6688 CEMETERY PLOT FOR TWO: Pinelawn Cemetery. Garden Of Normandy North. $5,800 Negotiable. $8,400 Value. 516-375-1905
Memorial Park 2 Cemetery Plots For Sale Plot M Grave 222 Range 26, Block 6, Section 40
Each Total Real Value $8,000 615-444-3175 or 615-609-0332 Harrywatkins@yahoo.com
In 2013, your municipality required a repair permit, and instead of repeatedly contacting you, they opted to say that they notified you (once or twice), and now it’s your problem that you didn’t respond. The friction this created has lasted long after the memory of the flood turmoil has diminished. People feel ambushed, but arguing or passing on the requirement doesn’t make it go away.
In fact, one of the requirements is a “proof of loss” letter issued to the property owner, preferably the person who owned the property at the time of the flood. Switching to the next owner just complicates the process. Even though repair permits do not have a permit fee, most people made improvements during repairs, and your municipality recently doubled the fees for property improvements. So putting off the repair is now going to cost even more, which your buyer’s attorney might also realize while protecting the buyer.
When it comes to building department fees, one of the biggest municipalities, whose fees were more lenient, just raised them substantially. A couple who applied for permits in 2019, later hampered by the pandemic, saw their projected fees go from $2,000 to $4,600 this past month. Yes, it really did take that long, due to the pandemic and the stages of approval they had to go through, and they weren’t snoozing. Listen to the buyer’s attorney and follow through. Good luck!
© 2026 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.
Monte Leeper
We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464
Costume Jewelry Wanted Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & Rings. Also Buying Gold & Silver. $$ CASH PAID $$ 631-500-0792 Long Island / Will Travel
TWO VINTAGE 36 inch bar clamps. One is a Hargrave, the other Wetzler. $40.00 516-781-7069
APPLIANCE DOCTOR FOR ALL YOUR APPLIANCE REPAIRS! Prompt, Reasonable, Reliable. All Repairs Guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Serving Community 45 Years. $10 OFF Repairs. Seniors $12 OFF. 516-764-7011
THE APPLIANCE KING: Washers, Dryers, Dishwashers, Microwaves, Stoves, Refrigerators. WE RULE REPAIR ! $10 Off Repair With Ad. Senior Discount. Lic/Ins #201025, Call 516.640.8593
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC.
Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE
Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day! 917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
TERRORISM IN NONPROFIT facilities is growing. But available security grant money can help protect them. Edldirect Consulting can help. Call/text 1(516)318-6385 for more information
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS
$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199. Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS. 516-297-2277
DONATE YOUR CAR today, running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free fast pickup. Max tax deduction. Se habla Español. Call now: 844-415-1229
GET A BREAK on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-484-3467 today!
opInIons
Rudy Ruettiger’s inspiring story
Recently Joe Cairo, former St. John’s basketball great Frank Alagia and I had the chance to meet Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the cult classic film “Rudy,” based on Ruettiger’s improbable football “career” at Notre Dame. Ruettiger was in town to speak at Nassau Community College’s graduation.
Cairo and I are graduates of Notre Dame, and Alagia was heavily recruited by Notre Dame before deciding on St. John’s. We’re all longtime followers of college sports, and no collegiate sports program has had a more storied tradition than Notre Dame football.
The Fighting Irish have had, by last count, 94 All-Americans, 50 College Hall of Famers and seven Heisman Trophy winners.
Ruettiger was none of these. He played for a total of less than 40 seconds, and made one tackle in Notre Dame’s final home game of the 1975 season, his senior year, against Georgia Tech. Because the Irish were leading 24-3 when Coach Dan Devine put Ruettiger
in the game, that tackle had zero impact on the game or the season.
Yet Rudy’s is one of the first names millions of sports fans will raise in a conversation not just about Notre Dame football, but college football in general. More than 50 years after his single moment of gridiron glory and 33 years after the film premiered, “Rudy” remains a cable television mainstay. Why?
Because Ruettiger’s story is what so many consider college sports, Notre Dame and the American Dream to be all about: hard work and a fighting spirit overcoming the odds.
The tale of his brief moment in the spotlight at Notre Dame is a cult classic.
Raised with 13 siblings in the very-blue-collar steel mill town of Joliet, Ill., Ruettiger demonstrated neither the academic nor the athletic skills to be accepted, let alone play football, at Notre Dame. He was dyslexic and underweight, a poor high school student and a mediocre football player. But his lifelong dream, like that of so many Catholic ethnic kids of his generation, was to play football at Notre Dame.
After serving in the Navy in the Vietnam War, Ruettiger began his quixotic quest to be admitted to Notre Dame. As the film recounts, after personal entreat-
ies to university priests and officials, he was admitted to its affiliate, Holy Cross Junior College, adjacent to the big school’s campus. He got a janitorial job and a place to sleep in the bowels of Notre Dame’s football facilities while studying at Holy Cross. Then, after several rejections and much tutoring, he was admitted to Notre Dame as a junior, and set out to make the football team as a walk-on.
He played on the practice team, going up against the varsity as it prepared for upcoming games but receiving no assurance that he would ever take the field at Notre Dame Stadium himself. But in that final game in 1975, he did.
As Ruettiger is the first to tell you, his story isn’t about football heroics. It’s about the American Dream of working hard to overcome hard times and disappointments without complaint or selfpity. It’s about Notre Dame’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence while staying loyal to lasting beliefs and principles. Its athletes had to measure up to the same academic requirements as other students, and experience the same living conditions. The players who were on the field on
Saturdays were in the classrooms, dining halls and dorms with other students during the week.
The day after our meeting, as I was writing this, Ruettiger called to continue our conversation. He and I are both concerned about how much things are changing in college sports. While college athletes are entitled to fair compensation, now, with the transfer portal, players sign lucrative contracts and can move from college to college one year to the next, season to season. Star players can transfer to play for a college team for one year, after barely setting foot on that school’s campus, and then play for a rival college the following year. This takes away the sense of identifying with players who share your experience — even so many Notre Dame “subway alumni” who have never attended the school but share its aspirations.
As a guy who has been through so much, however, Ruettiger has confidence that college sports will prevail, and he will continue to believe in his inspirational film and message. Whether the odds are great or small, whether in life or on the gridiron, old Notre Dame will win over all. Go, Irish!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored
Ihave just celebrated another birthday, and there is no denying that I am up there in years on this planet. I take every birthday seriously, but in my case they’re a reminder that none of us are going to be around forever, and some of us have only a short time left to share our experiences with our friends and family.
The world around us is moving at such a rapid pace that it’s impossible to keep up with the blizzard of news that we endure each day. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our wonderful country, I often think about the Founding Fathers and the challenges they faced to tell the nation about their vision of what they wanted America to become, and about our responsibilities as its citizens.
Benjamin Franklin offered us many words of wisdom during the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention. He famously remarked, on leaving the
convention, that he and his colleagues had given us “a republic, if you can keep it.” He further offered, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
WFranklin argued that self-governance relies directly on the moral character of its citizens. And lastly, he stated, “This Constitution can only end in despotism … when the people shall become so corrupted.” Those remarks were a warning that the system would fail if the people lost their capacity for self-governance. That’s a lot of wisdom to digest, and it takes time to unpack all of it.
advance his personal agenda.
hat would he think of our Congress, and a slush fund, and unapproved wars?
If I had to choose one example of how we have failed to heed Franklin’s words, it is the U.S. Congress. Starting around the fourth grade, history teachers tell us that we have three “equal” branches of government. That used to refer to Congress, the Supreme Court and the president. But today we have a neutered Congress, a feuding Supreme Court and a president who has successfully taken control of the levers of government to
I rarely comment about the happenings in the Republican Party, because I have enough issues with my fractured Democratic Party. But watching television the other night, I felt some sadness about Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s primary defeat. I relate to Cornyn because of my 23 years in the State Legislature. Government is only as good as the people who serve in it, and Cornyn, a Republican, was a hardworking, productive senator. I feel the same way about Louisiana’s Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who incurred the ire of President Trump for voting to impeach him after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, contributed much to the Senate, but also lost a primary last month.
What would Franklin think about the $1.776 billion slush fund created by Trump to reward the Jan. 6 rioters for their misdeeds? A number of Republican senators who have been silent on so many issues have spoken out against this money grab. Think of the significance of this concept. All of the money
given out will remain confidential. There are no restrictions on who can apply. People who assaulted Capitol policemen could walk away with taxpayer money.
The people who crafted our Constitution did so with the hope that we would avoid future wars, and only start them with the consent of Congress. The president has called the Iran war a “military operation” and a “skirmish,” but it has dramatically depleted our supply of sophisticated weapons. Depriving Iran of a nuclear weapon is important, but when the conflict is over, Iran will be better off, and capable of waging terror in the region for years to come.
Benjamin Frankin, and the many other signatories to the Constitution, hoped that we would, in time, become a better nation. These are the thoughts that occupy me as I enjoy another birthday. I worry not for me. I worry for my children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. We owe them a more perfect union.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
Keep your pets out of hot vehicles
We all know the dangers of leaving your child in a parked car, especially in the summer. But what most people don’t realize is the deadly consequences that can result from leaving your pet in a parked car, too.
This danger is not exaggerated; it’s science.
A parked car acts like a greenhouse, trapping heat inside that builds with alarming speed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside a vehicle parked on an 85-degree day can reach 104 degrees in just 10 minutes, and within an hour can soar more than 40 degrees above the outdoor temperature.
Even on days that feel merely warm — not scorching — the heat in a sealed vehicle can become lethal.
Many pet owners still cling to dangerous myths. Parking in the shade isn’t enough. Cracking the windows doesn’t offer meaningful relief. Leaving water in the car changes little. Once heat becomes trapped, the temperature rises rapidly and relentlessly.
What makes the situation even more dangerous is that animals can’t cool
letters
Battery energy storage is still too risky
To the Editor:
I have lived on Long Island for many years, and it’s part of my DNA. I was shocked to read the op-ed in the May 14-20 issue, “Battery energy storage isn’t just an experiment. It works,” by Nick Guariglia, the advocacy manager of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance. It was a completely one-sided commentary by an insider to the battery storage proposals floating around Long Island.
One basic, and most important, concern Mr. Guariglia didn’t mention is the lack of technology for avoiding lithium battery fires. The fires that have occurred in the U.S. and around the world caused by overheating energy-storage batteries are well documented. Fire departments, and fire marshals, across the U.S. acknowledge the lack of knowledge, appropriate tools and training of volunteer firefighters that’s necessary to manage these fires. Firefighters simply depend on hours of watering the batteries until the fire is extinguished.
This archaic process of putting out a fire costs thousands of gallons of expensive water, and the chemicals that burning lithium-based batteries release into our communities, and our Long Island waterways, are a
towns where these bat
themselves the way humans do. People sweat efficiently. Dogs and cats rely primarily on panting. But when the air surrounding them is already hotter than their bodies, panting can actually worsen the problem by drawing in even hotter air. Heatstroke can occur in just minutes.
Certain kinds of pets face even greater risks. Older and overweight animals, and short-muzzled breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, struggle to regulate body temperature under normal conditions. Inside a hot car, they can quickly suffer brain damage, organ failure or death.
The warning signs of heatstroke are often easy to spot: heavy panting, frantic behavior and excessive drooling are early signs of distress. Bright red gums, vomiting, stumbling or collapse signal a medical emergency. At that point, every second matters.
If a pet appears to be overheating, it should immediately be moved to a cooler area and relieved with cool — not icecold — water while emergency veterinary care is sought. Ice water can shock the body and worsen the situation.
Unfortunately, many tragedies occur because owners convince themselves they will “only be gone a minute.” But a
quick stop in a store, coffee shop or pharmacy can turn deadly if a line forms or there’s another distraction.
If you see a pet left in a car, call 911. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
The issue is serious enough that New York, and many other states, have laws addressing animals left in dangerous conditions inside vehicles.
New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353-d prohibits confining a companion animal in a vehicle during extreme heat or cold when doing so puts the animal in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury. The law authorizes police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and humane officers to remove the endangered animal if necessary. A pet owner can also face criminal cruelty charges if an animal is injured or dies after being left in a hot car.
But laws alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness and personal responsibility matter most. The safest choice is also the simplest: If your pet can’t come inside with you, leave it at home. No errand, appointment or convenience is worth risking your four-legged best friend’s life.
opinions
Decision making in 2026, frozen in place
remember “snap decisions”?
They’re now DOa. I sit down to write about the epidemic of obsessive overthinking that grips many of us as we try to get through the day, decision by decision. Should I set the alarm for 7:15 a.m. and have time for coffee, or 7:25 and sleep 10 more minutes?
Should I wear the boots to work? and how long should I think about this? You take my point. The problem isn’t just that the process of “choosing” is overwhelming. It’s that we can’t think fluidly. Our thoughts are fragmented by our screen life.
This has led to a kind of decision paralysis.
I need wallpaper. There must be thousands of choices, so why don’t I go online and look at all of them? Or I’m studying a menu: blackened tuna or chicken parm? I stare. Others are waiting for me.
Letters
teries are proposed to be installed.
My own process is a little like fishing. I cast a line, like “What should I write about this week?” and if something bites, I go with it — except for recent times, when I sometimes lose the fish, or drop the rod, or forget why I’m standing on a riverbank in my brain, trying to land an idea.
So I was on the riverbank a minute ago, planning to explore more productive decision-making techniques, when my phone beeped, and told me there was an “audacious” recipe for cucumber salad waiting for me online. Who could resist?
against institutionalized cruelty unworthy of a great country.
So that’s always a compelling topic, I thought, as I was looking up the details of the new $1.8 billion fund to “deliver payouts to people who say they were harmed by the justice system,” according to The Washington Post. That would include the people charged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
t he task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? No.
after saving it to my online file of never-to-be-used recipes, I came back to my task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? Wrong.
I am so riven by the political threats to our democracy that I believe I should use my space to resist, to support the integrity of the Constitution and to summon the help of people in power to stop the madness that is Trump. It’s my little bit. Maybe a reader or two will join me in pushing back
Let’s be clear: Our communities are not opposed to innovative ideas for generating much-needed added energy, but that shouldn’t come with a high risk of exposing our children and families to lithium batteries that have not yet proven to be manageable, but have proven to be fire-prone when they overheat. Let’s not ignore these facts and offer one-sided comments to the public.
Mr. Guariglia also failed to mention the critical nature of base-load generation, the foundation of consistent and reliable energy production. Before considering additional supplementary energy sources such as wind and solar, we must strengthen our existing power generation structure by repowering the E.F. Barrett, Northport and Port Jefferson power plants, and increasing their efficiency by converting them to combined-cycle-generation capacity from existing single-cycle generation. This will almost double their power output.
We must expand the capacity of the upstate Nine Mile Point nuclear power plants 1 and 2. Utilize the availability of clean natural gas to New York state via the new pipeline known as the North East Supply Enhancement project to supply Long Island plants. Take full advantage of the existing cross-Sound cables that transport energy to and from Long Island, as well as the Neptune cable, from Sayreville, N.J., that transmits electricity generated in the Midwest to Long Island.
Funding the above must take precedence over expending resources on inconsistent power generation from wind and solar projects or risky battery energy storage systems.
GEOrGE P. POMBar President, Glen Head-Glenwood Landing-Greenvale Civic Council
Editors’ note: Nick Guariglia’s op-ed did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald.com.
Paying the perpetrators? and as part of the deal, according to The New York Times, the Trumps, senior and junior, might not ever be subject to audits, like every other United States citizen. Basically, if they were so inclined — and I’m not suggesting they would cook the books — they would never have to pay a tax bill again. No one would be looking. My friends, conservative or liberal, how is that possibly OK?
I took a lunch break last hour, and while I was chowing down on a hamburger, I got a news alert that I could be dead by the time I finished my meal due to the risks of fatty meats and overprocessed hamburger rolls. and
Framework by Tim Baker
the energy drink I was swilling could trigger a heart attack from the caffeine content alone.
Well, that could make a good topic for a column, but by the time I returned to the computer, my weather app was screaming at me to take shelter, from “tornadic” activity in the area. Turned out to be a false alarm, but it did make me lose my train of thought…
Oh, yes. Deciding on what to write about today. I can’t choose just any topic, because a gene for obsessive rumination is part of my DNa, and I must believe that I have made the perfect decision for readers, for our moment and for me.
No need to rush and tell me I missed the mark. We all know, intellectually, that perfection is the enemy of the good. The quote is frequently attributed to Voltaire, but I’ve heard many writers offer a version. It’s so apt today, as we scroll day and night, trying to decide on the best all-night car wash or strapless bra or Korean barbecue. We can be consumed by the process or make peace with “good enough.” Good enough may keep us sane as we live through destabilizing times.
Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
A performance by the nattily outfitted high school jazz band — Uniondale
CELEBRATING
OF PETS, PEOPLE & COMMUNITY
A DAY FULL OF FUN!
ADOPTION
Find your new best friend!
FOOD Treats & samples!
GIVEAWAYS
Fun prizes & suprises!
SALES
Great deals you’ll love!
FUN!
Activities for all
vities ages!
JUNE 5TH - JUNE 7TH ADOPTION
For nearly 50 years, Mutts & Butts has been a trusted, family-run staple in Merrick, growing from humble beginnings into one of the community’s go-to destinations for pet care. Founded in 1976 as a small shop selling pet food alongside beverages and cigarettes, the business quickly recognized the rising demand for quality pet products. Over time, the founders shifted their focus entirely to pet supplies, expanding their offerings and building a loyal customer base.
By the mid-2000s, Mutts & Butts had transformed into an impressive 8,000-square-foot pet superstore, serving generations of local pet owners with dedication and expertise. As they celebrate 50 years in business, the team at Mutts & Butts extends heartfelt gratitude to their customers and community for decades of support and looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional service for many years to come.
