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Retired dentist captures women’s baseball history Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m., I’m on a flight to Springfield, Illinois, to start to shoot this Just days after retiring from Women’s Pro Baseball League his longtime Rockville Centre thing.” This marks the first profesdental practice, Michael Rechter was capturing history at a ball- sional women’s baseball league park in Springfield, Illinois as a in the United States in more photographer for the inaugural than 70 years. The last was the Women’s Pro Baseball League. All-American Girls Professional Rechter, 69, retired after 38 Baseball League, which operatyears, during which ed from 1943 to 1954. he transfor med a Rechter said he small dental office first learned about into Long Island the WPBL around a Dental Excellence month before its on North Centre opening weekend Avenue. While he and was immediatesaid the decision to ly d r aw n t o t h e leave his practice opportunity. was difficult, he felt “I said, ‘Wow, the time was right that’s interesting,’” to pursue photogra- MICHAEl RECHTER he recalled. “I would phy, to travel and Retired Rockville just love to shoot it spend more time Centre dentist and be there and with family. capture the history.” Rechter, a MerAfter researching rick resident, also has worked how the league was handling as a freelance photographer for media coverage, Rechter conthe Herald since 2024. tacted Natalie Mikolich, the After finishing his final day league’s director of public relaas a dentist on July 29, he took a tions and communications, and flight to Illinois the following requested a photographer’s cremor ning to photograph the dential. After reviewing his opening weekend of the four- information and application, team WPBL. Mikolich approved the request. “It’s been a whirlwind,” Although he was not officialRechter said. “I walked out of ly hired or paid by the league, my office on the last day, and

By BRIAN KACHARABA

bkacharaba@liherald.com

Courtesy Vonn Brickmeier

With the help of artificial intelligence, Kathy and Vonn Brickmeier have created animated scenes and backgrounds for the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Extended School Year production of ‘Ones Upon a Mattress.’

Coming to the big screen thanks to ESY, ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Extended School Year program took to the screen Aug. 13 with a production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” continuing an 11-year tradition of giving students with special needs an opportunity to perform in a supportive, creative environment. The film was shown at Merrick Avenue Middle School for family members, teachers, administrators and other supporters. About 50 students participated in this year’s production, according to Kathy Brickmeier, a Calhoun High School paraprofessional who writes and directs the

shows. The musical, a comedic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Princess and the Pea,” follows Prince Dauntless as his mother, Queen Aggravain, tries to prevent him from finding a bride. Princess Winnifred the Woebegone arrives and challenges the queen’s plans while winning over the prince. For the students, however, the production is about more than the fairy tale. The six-week ESY program serves students with special education needs ages 11 to 21. Along with academics, students participate in social activities, trips, recreation and enrichment opportunities. “It’s also to help with socialization,” COntinUED On pagE 3

t’s one thing to shoot a ball game. It’s another thing to capture history.

COntinUED On pagE 2

Community partnerships have been built at the local library

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Owning a library card provides much more clout than simply checking out a book for three weeks at a time — and the North Bellmore Public Library is encouraging residents to take another look at what it can offer as part of September’ s National Library Card Sign-up Month. While borrowing books always will remain central to the library, the building, at 1551 Newbridge Road, has evolved into a community hub offering educational programs, technology, cultural experiences and resources designed to meet a variety of needs, according to the library’s director, Jessica Tymecki. “As the needs of our community have evolved, the library has continued to adapt and innovate to meet them,” Tymecki said. “A library card is much more than a means to borrow books — it’s a gateway to free resources, programs, technology, creative spaces, educational opportunities, and services designed to meet the evolving needs of our community,” she added. Among the resources available to cardholders are e-books, concerts, bus trips, cooking and craft programs, and the library’s growing Library of Things — a collection that includes folding tables and chairs, lawn games, an outdoor movie projector and screen, a sewing machine and a drill. “A library card unlocks these opportunities and so much more,” Tymecki said. Tymecki said the library also offers several lesser-known services, including genealogy sessions for residents interested in researching their family history and home delivery of library materials for residents whose medical or physical needs prevent them from visiting the library. Scouts can receive Merit Badge Counseling in reading, journalism and genealogy, while the library’s museum pass program provides free admission to attractions, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Cradle of Aviation Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Old Westbury Gardens. The library also offers discounts to attractions such as Splish Splash and the Bronx Zoo through its corporate partnership program. For puzzle enthusiasts, the library recently introduced its Puzzle Connection Corner, where patrons can work on puzzles without having to check them out. The North Bellmore library is also celebrating the third year of its partnership with local businesses, offering special discounts to cardholders throughout September. The initiative began in 2024 to encourage residents to get library cards while strengthening connections between the library and local businesses. Library staff went door to door that year to introduce businesses to the pro-

Herald file photo

North Bellmore Public Library Director Jessica Tymecki spoke to the Herald to remind library patrons that their library card is a gateway to more than just books. gram. The Original Salpino Italian Food Market in North Bellmore was among the first businesses to participate, and owner Sal Gambino said the store’s close proximity to the library made the partnership a natural fit. “The library’s right across the street. I thought it was a good thing to do,” Gambino said. “Give back a little bit, help out the community.” Gambino said customers have responded positively to the promotion and have asked whether Salpino would continue participating. “I told them when I spoke to the library, I told them just to keep putting us on,” he said. “They didn’t even have to ask us. Just keep doing it year after year. Everyone loves it.” Tymecki said the program has earned rave reviews, while participating businesses have benefited from increased visibility and foot traffic. “We have received positive feedback from our cardholders and even our staff,” Tymecki said. “They appreciate the incentives and are encouraged to visit and support these local businesses ...” For Gambino, supporting the library is about more than attracting customers. He said libraries remain important despite the abundance of information available online. “The library is vital, and I think it’s very important to help them as much as you can,” he said. The library also has adapted to changing community needs, and Tymecki said demand for quiet workspaces has increased as hybrid and remote work have become more common. Environmental sustainability also has become a focus, with North Bellmore becoming Nassau County’s first Certified Sustainable Library, adopting practices aimed at making its operations more environmentally friendly. Tymecki said the goal of National Library Card Sign-up Month is ultimately to encourage residents who live or work in North Bellmore to visit the library and discover its resources.

COntinUeD frOM PAge 1

Brickmeier said. “They do have the academic part of the day, but they also play outside, they go on trips ... and they do act.” Brickmeier and her son, Vonn, began filming the productions about 11 years ago after recognizing that traditional theater could create challenges for some students. Vonn serves as the production’s cameraman and film editor. “We started this program years ago when we realized that the special ed. kids enjoy performing, but unfortunately, remembering lines and the occasional case of stage fright interfered with the kids performing,” Vonn said. Filming allows students to do multiple takes when they forget a line or make a mistake, removing some of the pressure associated with performing live. Vonn said the approach helps “level the playing field” for the actors. Brickmeier said students can initially be nervous when they enter a set filled with green screens, lights, costumes and props. Staff members gradually introduced them to the equipment and characters. “We let them see themselves on camera, just to break them in, so to speak,” she said. Preparing the production also requires extensive work. Brickmeier begins adapting the script weeks before the ESY program starts, cutting the original production to about 40 minutes and removing material that may not be appropriate or easily understood by the students. Because memorizing lines can be difficult for some performers, individual lines are printed and held near the camera as a makeshift teleprompter. Brickmeier estimates production requires 250 to 275 hours of work, while Vonn spends at least five hours a day editing the footage. The pair have produced musicals including “Oliver Twist,” “Les Misérables,” “Into the Woods,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Seussical the Musical.” Technology has expanded production in recent years. Vonn uses green-screen effects, and this year incorporated artificial intelligence to create animat-

Audrey M. as the Queen.

Courtesy Vonn Brickmeier photos

Alex C. as Princess Dauntless in ‘Once Upon a Mattress.”. ed scenes and backgrounds. One scene featured a student riding a horse through a forest. “The kids loved it,” Brickmeier said. “They loved how we were able to animate them in some scenes.” Vonn said the productions allow students to step outside their everyday routines. “They have the ability to escape from reality for a few minutes,” he said. At the premiere, students cheered for their peers as family members, teachers, administrators and even bus drivers applauded the performances. “It’s just pure joy,” Brickmeier said.

Jamie M. as Sir Harry.

Vonn said the most rewarding part is watching students reach their potential and capturing those moments on film. “It’s just so touching to see them reach their maximum potential, and to be able to capture that so that others can see it too,” he said. For Brickmeier, the production creates an atmosphere where students can discover their abilities while supporting one another. “It’s an atmosphere of acceptance and of being creative and having fun,” she said. “They really support each other.”

MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

‘It is an atmosphere of acceptance’

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

News briefs

Courtesy Kerry Esmay

The Freeport-Merrick Rotary donated $500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island to help fund their youth services. Courtesy Adelphi University

Local rotary donates to L.I. youth charity Members of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club helped support the back-toschool charity efforts of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island through a $500 donation to the organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island have been collecting various school supplies and life essentials this summer to be given away to students and families in need. They have stockpiled backpacks, three-ring binders, notebooks, scientific calculators, combination locks, writing utensils and more. The Freeport-Merrick Rotary’s donation helps acquire more items and contribute

Adelphi University’s Mindfulness Center, which opened in 2022, offers programs including guided meditation, yoga classes and wellness retreats as part of the university’s mental health and well-being initiatives.

to other initiatives. In addition to their school supply drive, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island have developed mentorship programs aimed at providing quality academic and emotional growth of children across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Children between the ages of 7 and 16 are matched with volunteer mentors that are 18 years and over. To learn about the Freeport-Merrick Rotary, please visit their website, freeportmerrickrotary.org.

Adelphi honored for mental health initiative

— Andrew Francis

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Adelphi University has received a national award recognizing its efforts to support the mental health and well-being of students and employees. The Garden City university was named a recipient of Insight Into Academia magazine’s 2026 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award. Adelphi is among 38 colleges and universities that will be featured in the magazine’s September issue. The award recognizes programs and initiatives aimed at advancing mental health and wellness on college campuses. “The culture of care we have built at Adelphi goes far beyond academic and professional development — it requires fostering a community that recognizes the mental health challenges students face and actively supports them at every level,” Adelphi President Michael Balboni said. Among the programs highlighted was Adelphi’s Mindfulness Center, which opened in 2022 and provides a quiet space for members of the university community. The center offers guided meditation, yoga classes and annual wellness retreats. Adelphi also provides counseling services for students facing psychological, behavioral or learning challenges at its campuses and centers. Scheduled appoint-

ments and walk-in crisis counseling are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services include individual and group therapy, substance education, wellness workshops and referrals to additional resources. The university’s Achan Family Interfaith Center also provides space for worship, fellowship and dialogue among people of different religious traditions. “We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to and prioritizing mental health and wellbeing services and support for their students and employees,” Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia, said. “We are proud to honor the colleges and universities who are standouts as the need for these resources continues to grow substantially.” Balboni said the university plans to continue making mental health resources and wellness programs a priority. “This honor from Insight Into Academia reflects the ongoing work and dedication of our care teams to provide accessible mental health resources and wellness initiatives, which will continue to be a focus on our campus,” he said.

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Cannabis users who consume face higher addiction risk By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ Nearly half of U.S. adults who use cannabis primarily smoke it, but about 1 in 7 use the drug in nearly every form available, a pattern associated with daily use and a higher risk of cannabis use disorder, according to a new study led by NYU Langone Health researchers. Cannabis can be smoked, vaped, eaten or consumed through dabbing, which involves heating cannabis concentrates and inhaling the vapor. About 43.8 million people ages 12 and older — more than 15 percent of the U.S. population — reported using cannabis within the past 30 days, according to recent national survey data. Researchers analyzed responses from 17,732 adults who reported past-month cannabis use in the 2022-23 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study, published online Aug. 8 in the journal Addictive Behaviors, is the first national study to examine how different methods of cannabis use cluster among users. The researchers identified four groups: 48 percent who primarily smoked cannabis, 21 percent who both smoked and vaped, 17 percent who primarily used edibles and 14 percent who used nearly every form, referred to as the “polymodal” group. About half of those in the polymodal group reported using cannabis every day. That compared with 28 percent of primarily smokers, 31 percent of those who smoked and vaped, and about 13 percent of those who primarily consumed edibles. The same pattern was found for cannabis use disorder, the clinical term for problematic cannabis use and addiction. About 67 percent of polymodal users met the criteria, compared with 36 percent of primarily smokers, 47 percent of those who smoked and vaped, and 15 percent of primarily edible users. “Our findings suggest that using cannabis in multiple

Courtesy NYU Langone

NYU Langone Health researchers studied how adults use cannabis and the potential risks associated with different methods. forms may be a red flag for heavier use and symptoms of addiction,” said Omar El-Shahawy, an assistant professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the study’s lead author. El-Shahawy said asking patients not only whether they use cannabis but also how they use it could help health care providers determine whether a more detailed assessment is needed. The study also found differences among the groups based on age and demographics. Nearly one-third of people in the smoking-and-vaping and polymodal groups were between 18 and 25, compared with about one-sixth of those who primarily smoked. More than half of those who primarily consumed edibles were women, and edible use was particularly common among college graduates. Researchers did not examine why people selected par-

ticular methods of cannabis use, so the reasons for those patterns remain unclear, El-Shahawy said. The study also found that people who smoked cannabis were more likely to smoke cigarettes than those who primarily vaped or consumed edibles. Because both cigarette and cannabis smoke involve combustion, researchers said using both could expose people to a wider range of chemicals and increase risks to the lungs. “The strong tie between smoking cannabis and smoking cigarettes is of concern because this subset of people are breathing in a wider range of chemicals via combustion, and their lungs are at risk,” said Joseph J. Palamar, a professor in NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Population Health and the study’s senior author. El-Shahawy said public health messaging about cannabis has historically focused on smoking, even as people increasingly use the drug in other ways. For younger adults, he said, conversations should include the risks of vaping and combining multiple methods. For people who use edibles, he recommended starting with a low amount and waiting for effects before consuming more. The researchers said they plan to study why people choose particular methods, including whether people who primarily use edibles are more likely to use cannabis for reasons such as pain or sleep. The researchers cautioned that the study relied on participants’ self-reported cannabis use, which may have resulted in underreporting. The study also could not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between using multiple forms of cannabis and addiction. The study was funded by a National Institutes of Health grant. In addition to El-Shahawy and Palamar, NYU Langone researchers Mohsen Abbasi-Kangevari, Michelle He and Xiaoying Zheng contributed to the study. Neal Doran of the University of California, San Diego, also participated.

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HERALD SPORTS Hofstra looks to kickstart winning season By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra University’s women’s soccer team encountered plenty of gridlock during last year’s 6-5-7 season that featured seven straight ties and is seeking a breakthrough fall that yields a deep postseason run. The Pride’s historic draw streak lasted a month from Aug. 28 to Sept. 28 as part of a frustrating campaign in which Hofstra finished 3-3-3 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and qualified for the conference tournament with a 3-2 win at Stony Brook in the regularseason finale. The Seawolves ended Hofstra’s season four days later with a 2-1 overtime win in the CAA North Division quarterfinals created plenty of hunger for the Pride’s 14 returning players. “They were disappointed in the way it ended,” said 21st-year Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. “They have all worked very hard and had good energy in the preseason but we are very young with a lot of new players.” Hofstra will look for more wins with a largely new roster that includes 13 newcomers. The Pride lost nearly 80 percent of last year’s scoring. The top returning scorers are junior forward Hailey Moschitta and senior defender Alexia Des Croisselles, who each tallied two goals apiece. Riddiough said he hopes for a collective scoring effort this fall with a number of potential goal scorers in Maggie Peterson, Kendyl Peterson and Jadyn Hsu at the forward position along with freshman midfielder Mia Claro, an AllState player from Kellenberg. Veteran fifth-year midfielder Amy Meadows also could be a key offensive force and she tallied Hofstra’s lone goal in a season-opening 3-1 loss at St. Joseph’s on Aug. 15. Senior midfielder Alexia Bromfield, who came off bench to score a late tying goal in Hofstra’s 1-1 draw with Columbia on Aug. 21, adds to Hofstra’s offensive depth. “We’re going to be relying on a collective team effort,” Riddiough said. “Set pieces are going to be especially important.” The backline is anchored by senior fender Sasha McTiffin, a preseason AllCAA honorable mention selection. The defense also returns Des Croisselles, junior Emma Johnson and sophomore Jessica Martin. Senior Jill Conlon, a former two-time All-County player at Calhoun High School in North Merrick, adds depth to the defensive roster after missing last season with an injury. Freshman Ryann Zydor, who earned All-State honors at Oceanside High School, is another local product who could see playing time on

Hofstra’s defense is anchored by senior Sasha McTiffin, a preseason All-CAA honorable mention selection. the backline. The defense will be aided by the return of junior goalkeeper Lilly Bailey, a Perth, Australia native, who posted four shutouts and 52 saves last season. “She’s very good with her feet and is very athletic,” Riddiough said of Bailey. “She needs to become a bit more commanding with her communication, but outside of that I’m pretty content with how she is as a goalkeeper.” Hofstra will next host Fordham Aug.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

Goalkeeper Lilly Bailey posted four shutouts a year ago.

27 at 7 p.m. and then return home on Sept. 13 to face Ivy League power Brown for a Sunday matinee starting at 1 p.m. The Pride kickoff CAA play on Sept. 20 against Towson at 1 p.m. The Pride were picked to finish third in the CAA’s six-team North Division behind Stony Brook and Monmouth and ahead of Towson, Northeastern and Drexel. A top three standings finish would qualify Hofstra for a 10th straight CAA playoffs and 19th time in 21 years since Riddiough took com-

mand of the program with a chance to earn an automatic qualifier into the NCAA Tournament. “There’s going to be a lot of parity and hopefully by the time conference play starts we’ve got ourselves sorted and we can challenge people and get ourselves into the playoffs again,” Riddiough said. “We’re a young team and we’re going to learn and take our lumps early and hopefully by conference season we’ll be ready to get some results.”

MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

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Maggie’s Kitchen and Baths opened its door at a grand opening event on Aug. 21.

Maggie’s Kitchen and Baths opens Maggie’s Kitchen and Baths recently celebrated its grand opening on Bedford Avenue in Bellmore, bringing local officials, business leaders, friends and neighbors together to mark the occasion. Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray attended the Aug. 21 opening, along with owner Maggie Gahn and members of her staff. Also in attendance were Robert Saylor, president of the Chambers of Com-

merce of the Bellmores; Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio; Shannon Fredericks, representing New York State Assemblyman Dave McDonough; and other community members. The g rand opening marked the launch of the new Bellmore business, which specializes in kitchen and bath products and services. — Hernesto Galdamez

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Fitness coach’s advice: “Live more, hurt less” ccolucci@liherald.com

If you’ve traveled the boardwalk in the past year, you may have seen Sean Pastuch, a doctor of chiropractic, holding a microphone, standing beside an A-frame sign with handwritten messages on each panel. On one side: “What hurts? I know stuff.” On the other: “Ask me about fitness. I know stuff.” The Merrick native and Sanford H. Calhoun High School graduate waits to answer fitness- and pain-related questions from passersby, recording the content to share with his nearly 40,000 social media followers. Pastuch began working as a personal trainer in 2005, practiced as a chiropractor from 2009 to 2018 and founded Active Life on East Park Avenue in 2023. A second location is scheduled to open in Port Washington later this year. Pastuch, who has lived in Long Beach for more than 15 years, recently wrote “Live More. Hurt Less.: The practical guide to overcoming pain and living an active life,” which became an Amazon bestseller within its first week on the site. In the book, he challenges the mindset that chronic pain should dictate how people live. “Why would you ever shrink your life,” Pastuch said, “compromise on how you live, so that you can keep the pain at bay? The thesis

Courtesy Sean Pastuch

The longtime fitness professional has set up along the boardwalk to answer health and fitness questions from the public. of the book is, the more that you live, the less you’re going to hurt.” Rather than solely offering exercise advice and physical assessments, the book also explores the psychological and social factors that influence recovery and performance. Pastuch said people

often reinforce one another’s limitations by accepting casual statements such as “I used to be able to” as inescapable. “Their friends giggle because they think the same way,” he explained. “So how do you get out of that if everybody around you agrees, celebrates you for it

and shares that commonality?” Pastuch discussed his firsthand injury experience, when years of persistent neck pain eventually left him unable to put his 5-year-old daughter on his shoulders during a walk home from a neighborhood block party. “I didn’t sleep that night,” Pastuch recalled. “Not because of the pain, but because I never wanted to be the dad who couldn’t do anything.” He worked with a coach to regain his quality of life, an experience that meshed with the book’s philosophy — helping people regain the confidence and capacity to perform activities that give their life fullness. The unique tactics aren’t solely focused in the gym. Pastuch recognizes that legitimate injuries require medical insight and the book facilitates the conversation. He says readers will learn how to be a “teammate” with the doctor, and more efficiently self-advocate, instead of being a passive patient to whom the physician dictates treatment. “A lot of people, unfortunately, settle for lives that they would prefer were different because they don’t know a better way,” Pastuch said. “The fear of the conflict of changing their life is greater than the perception of what it could be on the other side.” “Live More. Hurt Less.” is scheduled for release Sept. 8 and is currently available for presale on Amazon.

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES BELLMORE UFSD NOW HIRING

LETTER/RESUME/CERTIFICATION: Dr. Joseph S. Famularo, Supt. of Schools 580 Winthrop Ave., Bellmore, NY 11710 | Fax: 516-679-3027 bellmore@bellmoreschools.org or apply directly on OLAS

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MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

By CHRIS COLUCCI

East Meadow native brings Neil Diamond tribute home

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

For Robert Neary, performing at Eisenhower Park is more than another stop on tour. It is a homecoming. Neary, who grew up in East Meadow, returned to the park Aug. 13 with “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience,” his touring tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter. The free show was part of Nassau County’s summer concert series. Long before Neary was performing Neil Diamond songs for crowds across the country, Eisenhower Park was part of his childhood. He played Little League baseball there and spent winter days sledding down its hills, describing the park as essentially his childhood “backyard.” “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t performing,” Neary told the Herald previously. As a boy, Neary sang along to Elvis Presley records and pulled out his guitar to perform whenever company visited. By his teenage years, he was taking acting classes at Nassau Community College and becoming increasingly determined to make performing his career. At 20, Neary left Long Island for Los Angeles after an acting professor encouraged him to pursue professional opportunities in California. After repeatedly searching for representation, he landed an agent and began securing film and television roles. His credits included an appearance opposite Jason Bateman in “Teen Wolf Too,” a guest role on “Fame” and a two-year run as Officer Frank Marino on “General Hospital.” Neary later returned to New York after landing a role in the Broadway production of “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” a musical revue featuring the songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The production also introduced him to his future wife, Natasha. “I never thought I’d be on Broadway,” Neary said. “I grew up with Elvis Presley’s music, so it was just meant to be.” Neary eventually returned to Los Angeles and continued working in television, film and commercials, but as opportunities became less frequent, he began looking for another way to perform. After Neil Diamond retired from touring in 2018, Neary began learning Diamond’s catalog. In 2019, he approached members of the Long Island-based band The Mystic about developing a tribute show. The musicians spent part of the coronavirus pandemic recording material and building what became “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience.” Over the

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Robert Neary returned to Eisenhower Park on Aug. 13 for another ‘homecoming,’ taking to the stage at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater with his show, ‘So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience.’ next several years, the act gained traction and began touring around the country. T hat jour ney eventually brought Neary back to the place where his own performing ambitions began. His Eisenhower Park concerts have drawn former East Meadow classmates, family members and other longtime supporters, with his wife also joining him onstage. For Neary, who left East Meadow at 20 to chase a career thousands of miles from home, returning to perform at the park where he spent so much of his youth has brought that journey Neary was joined on stage by members of The Mystic, which provides the musical arrangements for the various acts. full circle.

Fans clapped along to one of Neil Diamond’s classic hits, ‘Sweet Caroline.’

Robert Neary is an East Meadow native. Moving to Los Angeles at age 20 to pursue a career in showbusiness, he has returned to Eisenhower Park numerous times with his tribute show.

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MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

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News brief Pet Supply Drive collects 450 pounds

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN presents NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

More than 450 pounds of pet supplies were collected during a weeklong community drive organized by state Sen. Steve Rhoads to benefit two Nassau County animal rescue organizations. Rhoads partnered with PetSmart in Levittown and the Wantagh, North Merrick and Bellmore Memorial Libraries for the Aug. 3 through 10 collection, which brought together residents, local businesses and volunteers to support animals in need. The drive was spearheaded by Rhoads’ interns, Platonas Demosthenous and Daniel Donahue. Residents donated a variety of supplies, including cat and dog food, toys, blankets, beds, bowls and other pet necessities. The collected items were donated to the Nassau County SPCA and Last Hope Animal Rescue in Wantagh. The Nassau County SPCA cares for animals rescued from abuse, neglect, cruelty and other dangerous circumstances, while Last Hope works to rescue and rehabilitate stray and abandoned animals. The donated supplies will help both organizations provide food, comfort and other essential care to animals as they recover and wait to be placed in safe homes. “Long Islanders have always shown an incredible willingness to come together

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when there is a neighbor, or in this case, an animal, in need,” Rhoads said. “Collecting more than 450 pounds of supplies is a tremendous reflection of the generosity of our community and will make a real difference for the animals being cared for by the Nassau County SPCA and Last Hope Animal Rescue.” Rhoads thanked PetSmart Levittown, the three participating libraries, Demosthenous and Donahue, as well as the residents who contributed to the drive. The collection is part of Rhoads’ broader efforts to connect residents with opportunities to support organizations serving the community. For the participating animal organizations, the donations provide practical resources that can be used to care for animals while they await their next chapter. The drive also showed just how much of a role community organizations can play in supporting local causes. Libraries, businesses, volunteers and residents joined together throughout the week to collect supplies that will ultimately benefit animals across Nassau County. The more than 450 pounds of donations will now be put to use by the Nassau County SPCA and Last Hope as they continue caring for animals in need. —Hunter Fenollol

EISENHOWER PARK

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Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information. 1360829

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

STEPPING OUT

Jolson ’ Story is timeless

Jolson Festival marks 80 years By Iris Wiener

or many, Al Jolson is forever embraced as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” and honoring his legacy has become an annual tradition. Celebrating him every year is an unmissable moment for so many. As Jolson himself once said, “A responsive audience is the best encouragement an actor can have.” Judging by the enduring enthusiasm for his music and legacy, there will be no shortage of that encouragement at this year’s celebration. Fans of legendary entertainer Al Jolson will travel from as far away as Kentucky, Ohio, Massachusetts, and New Jersey when the Long Island • Saturday, Sept. 26, Jolson Festival returns next 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • To purchase tickets and for month, on Sept. 26. The more information, call Jan annual celebration takes Hernstat at (516) 678-3524 on added significance as it • Lambrou’s Catering Hall, marks the 80th anniversary 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park of “The Jolson Story,” the beloved film that inspired generations of Jolson admirers and serves as the theme of this year’s event. With the 27th festival in a span of more than 32 years, the event has grown into a national gathering for devotees of Jolson’s music and legacy. Jan Hernstat, who has served as president of the Al Jolson Society for more than 24 of those years, expects visitors from to make the pilgrimage to Lambrou’s Catering Hall in Island Park with gusto. According to Hernstat this year’s milestone anniversary has inspired even more people to attend. “Because this is the 80th anniversary of ‘The Jolson Story,’ it’s really about the movie and the love for Al Jolson,” he enthusiastically says. For Hernstat, the connection is deeply personal. As a child home sick from school, he stumbled upon “The Million Dollar Movie” and repeated television broadcasts of “The Jolson Story,” and found himself captivated. “They used to play the same movie eight or nine times in a row,” he recalls. “I must have watched ‘The Jolson Story’ five or six times, and that was it. I was hooked.” He notes that while Jolson dominated Broadway from 1911 through the mid-1920s, few living fans remember those performances firsthand. Instead, it was the Academy Awardwinning film that introduced audiences to his remarkable story and unforgettable songs. “Nobody’s alive to say they saw him on Broadway,” Hernstat says. “Why are people alive who can say they are Jolson fans? Because they saw ‘The Jolson Story.’ That movie took this old guy who was no longer relevant and made him

a superstar all over again.” Courtesy Jan Hernstat This year’s Al Jolson in a scene from his film “The Singing Kid” in 1936. It entertainment lineup has was his final lead role in a musical film. been carefully built around that cinematic celebration. Tony Babino, known as “The Heart of Al Jolson,” is back, performing the film’s signature hits, while Richard Halpern will sing the songs featured during Jolson’s childhood scenes in the movie. Music historian Ed Greenbaum will present rare outtakes and songs that were considered for “The Jolson Story” but never made the final cut, offering fans a glimpse into what might Courtesy Iris Wiener have been. The festival Tony B., joined by Society President Jan Hernstat, left, wows also features Brian Gari, the crowd with his lively take on Jolson standards. grandson of entertainer Eddie Cantor; Noah Diamond portraying Groucho Marx; Bob Greenberg performing as Lou Costello, Curly Howard, Ralph Kramden and Oliver Hardy; Angelo Capone as Jerry Lewis; and comedian Jeff Greenberg. Hernstat especially enjoys his own playful interaction with “Groucho Marx” throughout the annual auction portion of the day. The inclusion of Jerry Lewis is especially fitting. Lewis and Dean Martin were lifelong Jolson admirers, and Lewis famously said that meeting Jolson was the only time he had ever been speechless. Hernstat relates that Jolson’s influence stretched far beyond one generation of entertainers. “He was the first superstar before the phrase was even coined,” he says. “He had universal appeal. He was a star in Europe and all over because of ‘The Jazz Singer.’” Yet even after decades of studying Jolson’s career, Hernstat still finds new discoveries. “You would think I’ve heard every song he ever recorded, but I haven’t. I don’t rush to hear and see everything, because when I discover something new, it’s exciting.” Looking back over more than three decades of organizing the festival, Hernstat shares that the greatest reward has been the people. He treasures the opportunity to meet classic entertainers who have attended over the years, along with the friendships formed among fans who return annually. He has begun to appreciate the broader impact of his work. “I am doing something that is making people feel good and helping people,” he reflects “I never looked at it like that when I started doing it, but now I know that’s what it is.” As the lights go up on another Long Island Jolson Festival, the celebration honors more than an entertainer — it will celebrate the film that ensured his music, charisma, and remarkable story would live on. Eighty years after “The Jolson Story” rekindled America’s love affair with Al Jolson, fans continue to gather for the same reason Hernstat did as a child: to relive the movie that first made them believe they were witnessing the world’s greatest entertainer.

Melissa Etheridge Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge (“I’m the Only One” “Come to My Window,” “I Want to Come Over.”) has remained one of America’s favorite female singers since bursting onto the scene in 1988. Etheridge performs songs from her new album, Rise, and her hits. “I chose to survive,”she sings on “Being Alive,” the powerful, exuberant opening song on her 17th studio album. Her concerts usually move between bigger sing-along songs, slower emotional moments, and the kind of tracks that let her voice really take over the room. That balance is a big reason her live shows connect so strongly with the audience. The Rise Tour carries that same feel, with a set that blends the songs fans know best with newer material.

Tuesday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Troy Ramey Troy Ramey is part troubadour, part crooner and all heart — an artist who blends emotional depth with timeless soul, captivating audiences with every note. With a voice that moves effortlessly between vulnerability and power, Troy doesn’t just perform — he shares pieces of his life, inviting listeners into the story with him. Raised in a music-ﬁlled household, Troy initially pursued athletics until the sudden loss of his father led him to discover the healing power of music. From singing at open mics in Boston to performing on national television as a Top 12 ﬁnalist on “The Voice,” Troy’s journey has been one of reinvention and resilience.

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet. org or (516) 767-6444. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.

MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

‘The

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

Your Neighborhood AUG

‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page. • Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh • Time: Ongoing • Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220

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.

Long Island’s American Idols Eisenhower Park’s summer concert series welcomes Constantine Maroulis, Kevin Covais and Robbie Rosen, with special guests. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

AUG

Dancing Dream

Eisenhower Park’s summer concert series continues with Dancing Dream’s tribute to ABBA. This tribute act will take you back to the days when Swedish disco group ruled the music world with their great pop hits and memorable performances. The New York City-based ensemble was founded by two European singers in 2009 in hopes of transporting nostalgic audiences back to the happy and groovy times of the ‘70s. And they’ve since done just that. The

CALENDAR • Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset • When: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. • Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 5214779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers. org

SEP

Australian Pink Floyd Show

The Australian Pink Floyd Show arrives at the Paramount on The Happiest Days Of Our Lives – Greatest Hits 26 Tour, bringing the complete Pink Floyd Experience with a stunning laser show, massive inflatables, and more! The Australian Pink Floyd Show will take the stage with a collection of greatest hits that resonate deeply with Pink Floyd fans worldwide. Performing the music of Pink Floyd with note for note perfection, this critically acclaimed tribute show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for nearly 40 years. Striving to reproduce the Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state-ofthe-art LED screen technology and other special effects. Featuring a new stage set and video animation, cutting-edge lighting, precision lasers, massive inflatables, and impeccable live sound, TAPFS promises to offer an unforgettable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. The Australian Pink Floyd Show gave its first concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, they have performed in over 35 countries worldwide; played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by David Gilmour and Rick Wright. Covering music from every era of Pink Floyd’s evolution, this tour highlights TAPFS’s unwavering commitment to the legacy of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright, and Mason, delivering an authentic and heartfelt tribute to the legendary Pink Floyd productions. In addition and in true Pink Floyd tradition, • Where: The Paramount, 370 huge inflatables include a giant pig, and their own unique Pink Kangaroo. Reproducing the New York Ave., Huntington complete Pink Floyd experience and bringing the music to new audiences, TAPFS inspired a whole new genre of acts. So much more than a tribute band, The Australian Pink Floyd Show • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: ticketmaster.com is the first Pink Floyd tribute show that took the concept into the worldwide arena circuit. or paramountny.com

seasoned musicians and talented lead singers (“Agnetha” and “Frida”) to take everyone on a nostalgic trip back to the glitz and glamour of the ‘70s with their beautiful harmonies, elaborate costumes and choreography. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

AUG

Bricknic Weekend

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to festive weekend to enjoy summer’s final days, inspired by Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects: Made with LEGO Bricks. Pack a picnic, explore the award-winning outdoor exhibition, then enjoy live music, LEGOthemed crafts, free-play building stations, lawn games and fun building challenges for all ages. It’s one of the last opportunities to experience the popular exhibition before it closes on Sept. 7. Included with admission. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 11 a.m-5 p.m.; also Aug. 30 • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Christie Jones: ‘Long Island Color Field Study Bring the family to Long Island Children’s Museum to learn about current Artists’ Corner artist Christie Jones. Make art based on her work to take home at the drop-in program. For all ages. • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m., also Oct. 3 • Contact: licm.org or (516) 2245800

AUG

Iron Horse Run

The annual Iron Horse Run arrives at Cedar Creek Park. Food, drinks, wrestling, music, vendors and a lot of fun! $20 per rider donation, $5 passenger. Where: 3340 Merrick Road • • Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon signup, 1:30 p.m. start

AUG

Summer sounds Eisenhower Park’s summer concert series welcomes the exuberant rappersinger Flo Rida.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside

Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

SEP

Rockin’ on Eisenhower Park’s summer concert series welcomes the iconic Texas blues, boogie rockers ZZ Top.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

Harmonize with Long Island Harmonizers Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The Barbershop Harmony Society chapter 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 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.

Nature Connects

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Seasonal Sprouts offers is a LEGO-themed adventure for young explorers. Children (ages 4–10) embark on a guided outdoor tour of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects made with LEGO bricks. Everyone discovers the wonders of nature in a fun and hands-on way. After the tour, kids can unleash their creativity in a LEGO free-play area. $22 per adult, $20 ages 62+, $12 child. Registration required. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 11 a.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

SEP

Rock out

Eisenhower Park’s summer concert series welcomes The Lords of 52nd Street, the legendary New York band known for backing up Billy Joel and classic hits. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

SEP

Grooves in the park

Eisenhower Park’s concert series continues with Los Lobos. The Mexican-American band rocks on, inspired by the deep and soulful Mexican and Latin American sounds they grew up with. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

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.

Public Notices

LMER1-2 0827

RESOLUTION CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE APPLICATION OF BEECHWOOD 829 MERRICK, LLC, TO REZONE PROPERTY AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF MERRICK AVENUE AND CORPORATE DRIVE IN WESTBURY TO PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (PUD); ENACT PARAGRAPH J. OF SECTION 370 REGARDING PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES IN THE PUD, AND ENACT PARAGRAPH G. OF SECTION 372 REGARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONDOMINIUM HOTEL (‘CONDOTEL’) USE IN THE PUD, OF ARTICLE XXXV OF THE BUILDING ZONE ORDINANCE; AND FOR PUD MASTER PLAN REVIEW AND APPROVAL WHEREAS, Beechwood 829 Merrick, LLC (the “Owner”) owns: 829 Merrick Avenue Town of Hempstead Section 44, Block 78, Lot 56 ALL that certain tract or parcel of land, situated in the Town of Hempstead at Westbury, County of Nassau, and State of New York, more particularly bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly road boundary of Merrick Avenue (80 foot wide public right of way), also known as Nassau County Route No. 4, said point being Southerly a distance of 276.0 feet from the Southerly road boundary of Privado Road as measured along said Westerly road boundary of Merrick Avenue; RUNNING THENCE South 19 degrees 24 minutes 10 seconds East along said Westerly road boundary of Merrick Avenue, a distance of 421.96 feet to its intersection with the Northerly road boundary of Corporate Drive (80 foot wide public right of way);

THENCE South 70 degrees 35 minutes 50 seconds West, along said Northerly road boundary of Corporate Drive, a distance of 310.00 feet to its intersection with the Easterly line of land now or formerly owned by ASN Roosevelt Center, LLC;

THENCE North 19 degrees 24 minutes 10 seconds West, along said Easterly line of ASN Roosevelt Center, LLC a distance of 421.96 feet to is intersection with the Southerly line of lands now or formerly owned by The Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency; THENCE North 70 degrees 35 minutes 50 seconds East, along the Southerly line of said Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency, a distance of 310.00 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING; (the “Premises”); and, WHEREAS, the Owners petitioned this Board to change the zoning classification of the Premises from “X” Business District and “Y” Industrial District to PUD District, and include the Premises within the adjacent Northeast Quadrant of the PUD District; and to enact paragraph J. of Section 370 regarding principal permitted uses in the PUD, and enact paragraph G. of Section 372 regarding requirements for a condominium hotel (‘Condotel’) use in the PUD, of BZO Article XXXV; and for master plan review and approval (the “Petition”); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, RESOLVED, a public hearing shall be held at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of September, 2026 at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day at which time all persons interested shall be heard on the Petition, and the proposed amendments to BZO Article XXXV to enact paragraph J. of Section 370 regarding principal permitted uses in the PUD, and enact paragraph G. of section 372 regarding requirements for a condominium hotel (‘Condotel’) use in the PUD, shall state as follows:

Article XXXV Planned Development (PUD)

Unit District

* * * § 370. Principal permitted uses. *

J. Condominium Hotel (“Condotel”). *

§ 372. Standards and Requirements. *

G. Notwithstanding any inconsistent standards set forth in Section 372(A), a Condotel is subject to the following regulations: (1) Maximum height. No building or structure shall contain more than four (4) stories, or exceed a height of 50 feet, excluding architectural design features such as gabled roofs, decorative dormers or rooftop equipment enclosures up to additional height of 25 feet. (2) Maximum building area. The maximum building area, exclusive of streets and paved parking areas, shall be 40% of the land area of the parcel. (3) Off-street parking. One parking space shall be provided for each condotel unit, plus one-half parking space for each bedroom. (4) Density. The maximum density shall be 30 units per acre. (5) Floor area ratio (FAR). The maximum FAR shall be 1.50. (6) Minimum open space. At least 32.5% shall be required to be preserved as landscaped open space areas. (7) Buffer areas. A buffer area of at least 25 feet shall be provided along any site boundary that is coterminous with the boundary of the PUD District except if the buffer area is adjacent to properties zoned “X” Business District or “Y” Industrial District. * * * and, BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, the Town Clerk shall publish notice once at least ten (10) days prior to the

date set for the public hearing, and the Owners shall give written notice to persons entitled thereto according to law. The foregoing resolution was seconded by and adopted upon roll call as follows: AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 161952

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 September 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): BELLMORE ANTHONY AVENUE (TH 294/26) South Side NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Bellmore Avenue, west for a distance 40 feet. BELLMORE AVENUE (TH 347/26) East Side NO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 50 feet north of the north curbline of Clubhouse Road, north for a distance 118 feet. EAST MEADOW CHESTNUT LANE (TH 345/26) North Side NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Prospect Avenue, west for a distance of 40 feet. CHESTNUT LANE (TH 345/26) South Side NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Prospect Avenue, west for a distance of 50 feet. (NR)EAST ROCKAWAY BAISLEY AVENUE (TH 348/26) West Side NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of North Boulevard, north for a distance of 43 feet.

BAISLEY AVENUE (TH 348/26) East Side NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of North Boulevard, north for a distance of 30 feet. NORTH BOULEVARD (TH 348/26) North Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Baisley Avenue, east for a distance of 30 feet. LEVITTOWN SPRINGTIME LANE NORTH (TH 292/26) South Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Skylark Lane, east for a distance of 30 feet. MERRICK CENTRAL BOULEVARD (TH 299/26) West Side NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Berkshire Road, north for a distance of 55 feet. ROOSEVELT BROOKSIDE AVENUE (TH 302/26) East Side NO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 10 feet north of the north curbline of Whitehouse Avenue, north for a distance of 270 feet. BROOKSIDE AVENUE (TH 302/26) East Side NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Whitehouse Avenue, south for a distance of 35 feet. SEAFORD WEST SEAMANS NECK ROAD (TH 187B/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIME starting at a point 105 feet south of the south curbline of Demott Avenue, south for a distance of 434 feet. WANTAGH PARK AVENUE (TH 339/26) North Side NO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 10 feet east of the east curbline of Wantagh Avenue, east for a distance of 105 feet. ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s): WANTAGH WEST SEAMANS NECK ROAD (TH 187/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIME -

starting at a point 105 feet south of the south curbline of Demott Avenue, south for a distance of 615 feet. (Adopted 6/9/26) PARK AVENUE North Side NO PARKING OR STANDING - from the east curbline of Wantagh Avenue, east for a distance of 100 feet. (Adopted 5/1/56) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid. Dated: August 4, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 161929 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank National Trust Association, as Trustee for Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust 2004-4, Adjustable Rate Mortgage-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-4, Plaintiff AGAINST Sharon Longo; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 2, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 29, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 1654 James Street, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55 Block 31 Lots 550, 573, 574 & 575. Approximate amount of judgment $788,693.50 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 604316/2024. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Francesco P. Tini, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: August 10, 2026 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 161973

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to:

legalnotices@liherald.com To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, FAMILY BENEFIT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. EXECUTIVE RENTALS NY INC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 21, 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 September 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2216 Van Nostrand Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, not an Incorporated Village, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 25 and Lots 396-397. Approximate amount of judgment is $745,015.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610395/2023. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 231149-1 161969

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR REPERFORMING LOAN REMIC TRUST CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-R3, Plaintiff, v. JOHN R. SCHMIDLIN A/K/A JOHN SCHMIDLIN; ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE WILLIAM PEARSALL A/K/A WILLIAM F. PEARSALL, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF; SUSAN SCHMIDLIN A/K/A SUSAN E. SCHMIDLIN; RAB PERFORMANCE RECOVERIES LLC; NEW YORK ANESTHESIA ASSOCIATES; MAIDENBAUM & STERNBERG, LLP; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; GENE BANCALARI A/K/A EUGENE MICHAEL BANCALARI; SHIRLEY HUFFMAN; JAMES SHIPLEY; MARGARET SCHMIDLIN Defendant(s). Index No.: 620289/2025 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Property Address: 170 SHERMAN AVENUE MERRICK, NY 11566 SBL No.: 56-022-310 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or

MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE Case No. 31403 28678 Resolution No. Adopted: Councilmember Goosby moved the following resolution’s adoption:

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

Rechter photographs first 2 games in league history Continued from PAge 1

Rechter said the opportunity appealed to him for reasons that went beyond simply photographing baseball. “It’s one thing to shoot a ball game,” he said. “It’s another thing to capture history.” Opening day was held on Aug. 1, when the Los Angeles Queens played the New York Heights at Robin Roberts Stadium at Lanphier Park, a 5,200-seat baseball venue in Springfield. The following day, Rechter also served as the official photographer for the second game between the San Francisco Firebells and Boston Hunters. He has not applied for credentials to photograph any other WPBL games since. The four teams will play 30 games at Robin Roberts Stadium during the regular season, which concludes Sept. 6, followed by the playoffs. The final game of the championship series, if necessary, is scheduled for Sept. 22. Realizing that the league’s opening day was historic, bringing with it a series of milestones, Rechter said he arrived with a plan. “I need to make sure I capture all those firsts,” he said, referring to taking pictures of the first pitch, hit, RBI and home run. “Then I could settle more into the action of the game and behind the

Courtesy Michael Rechter

Justine Siegal, the first commissioner of the Women’s Pro Baseball League, took part in opening day ceremonies on Aug. 1, symbolically passing the torch from the league’s past to its present and future generations of women’s professional baseball players. scenes of the game and some of the more creative shots.” The opening day itself saw some rain and delays, but Rechter said the weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm surrounding the historic occasion. “There was definitely a sense of

Public Notices

LMER2-2 0827

if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorneys within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND

BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Honorable Jeffrey Goodstein, Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the 14th day of July 2026 at Nassau County Supreme Court in the State of New York. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: Tax I.D. No. SBL No.: 56-022-310

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN MERRICK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS ALL

OF LOT 1213 AND PARTS OF LOTS 1212 AND 1214 ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED “MAP OF MERRICK MANOR ADDITION”, COMPRISING 833 LOTS AND PLOTS AT MERRICK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK, OWNED BY LONG ISLAND REALTY COMPANY, NEW YORK CITY AND SURVEYED SEPTEMBER, 1904 BY ROBERT KURZ, C.E., JAMAICA, NEW YORK, AND FILED IN THE NASSAU COUNTY CLERKS OCTOBER 3, 1904 AS MAP NO, 251, NEW NO. 1904, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE, DISTANT 230.10 (230 TAX MAP) FEET EASTERLY FROM THE CORNER FORMED BY THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE WITH THE EASTERLY SIDE OF WHALE NECK ROAD; RUNNING THENCE NORTHERLY AT RIGHT

ANGLES TO THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE, 125 FEET; THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE, 56 FEET; THENCE SOUTHERLY AND AGAIN AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE, 125 FEET TO THE NORTHERLY SIDE THEREOF; AND THENCE WESTERLY ALONG THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE 56 FEET TO THE POINT OR PLACE OF BEGINNING. Subject to easements, covenants, and restriction of record. These premises are also known as 170 Sherman Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. Dated: 7/30/2026 Stefani S. Kusterbeck, Esq. Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 Tel.: (800) 280-6205 161885

excitement,” he said. “The vibe was, ‘Hey, look, we’ve waited 70 years to have this game again. We’ll wait another few hours.’” His work required both planning and improvisation. With limited access to positions on the field, Rechter moved around the stadium and used long lenses to capture the action from different vantage points. He also photographed the excitement surrounding the event, including players, fans and pregame ceremonies. Rechter added that he was looking for action shots and wanted to capture the emotion of the game. He also was interested in photographing Hall of Fame MLB manager Tony La Russa throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, former longtime major league infielder Matt Williams managing the San Francisco team, and the energy of the crowd. “The fans were very excited,” he said. “Even during the game, just really hooting and hollering and just very excited about it.” By the end of the weekend, Rechter had roughly 6,000 images to review. He narrowed them down to about 300, then selected around 100 of his favorites before picking what he considered his strongest images. “There’s the action shot,” he said. “There’s a little bit behind the scenes of the pregame. Some stuff I’d call my cre-

ative artsy side.” Rechter’s photos appeared on the league’s website and social media platforms. Tim Baker, the Herald’s photo editor, said Rechter’s involvement in such an assignment came as no surprise. “Michael has always been a great photographer, especially with sports, so it doesn’t surprise me he shot the women’s professional baseball league photos,” Baker said. Rechter has photographed a variety of assignments for the Herald, including sporting events such as East Rockaway’s 2024 homecoming football game and other intramural contests. Baker praised Rechter’s ability to find the images that help tell a story. “He’s great at capturing the best shots for the story and has always been a pleasure to work with,” Baker said. For Rechter, who recently displayed his photography at an art show in Montauk, the assignment marked an unexpected beginning to retirement. Shortly after ending a 38-year career serving patients in Rockville Centre, he was documenting the opening chapter of a new era in women’s professional baseball. “I still look at them today, and somebody asks me what I did, I’m excited to show them,” he said. “It was just an amazing opportunity and an amazing four or five days.”

rakyung Kim, of the new York Heights, delivered the historic first pitch of the Women’s Pro Baseball League on Aug. 1.

E1 08/27

Employment

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

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Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

LONG B EACH P S CHOOLS

Grades K-8

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE PROGRAMS

• Account Clerk, PPS

SCOPE IS HIRING

• Probationary School Psychologist

For The Before & After School Child Care Programs That Will Be Opening For The 2026 - 2027 School Year In Nassau and Suffolk County Elementary Schools

• School Bus Drivers Must have CDL Class B license with P&S endorsement • Bus Aides • Sub Teachers - $150/day • Sub Nurses - $180/day

www.olasjobs.org LBPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EMPLOYMENT Help Wanted

Administrative Assistant P/T Leading To F/T Various Office Duties Must Be Proficient In Word And Outlook Will Train Right Candidate $21/Hour Email Resume To:

jwpersonal@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com No Phone Calls Or In-Person Inquiries

BELLMORE UFSD NOW HIRING Permanent, Guaranteed, Everyday, Building Substitutes, Full Time. Applicants applying for this position must have New York State Childhood Education (1-6) or (N-6) certification (preferred) or may be pursuing an Undergraduate/Graduate Degree in Education. Teaching Assistants Full Time with Full Benefits. Applicants applying for these positions must have New York State Teacher or Teaching Assistant Certification Teacher Aides - Part Time and Full Time with Benefits School Monitors - Part Time Send Letter/Resume/Certification: Dr. Joseph S. Famularo, Supt. of Schools, 580 Winthrop Ave. Bellmore, NY 11710. Fax 516-679-3027 or email- bellmore@bellmoreschools.org or apply directly on OLAS

1361176

Please apply online at:

Building Maintenance Assistant and Porter

needed for Management Co. in Long Beach. 6 Days/Week Experience Preferred Email: humanresoures5771 @gmail.com or Call: (212) 873-7575

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Needed For Orthodontic Practice In Long Beach Mon. Tues. And Wed. Seeking Experienced Person But Willing To Train Call 516-432-5195 Or Text 516-808-8057

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

Looking to Buy, SeLL or Hire?

Check out our Classifieds Section —

Your go-to local marketplace.

Hiring Directors, Assistants, Group Leaders and Substitutes. Up to a $500 Signing Bonuses, Scholarships and Employee Referrals Questions call: 631-360-0800 ext. 149 or send a resume to: cc@scopeonline.us SCOPE Education is an equal opportunity Employer 1356440

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. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave 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

LAND SURVEYOR FT

Surveying Firm Seeks Experienced Only. Instrument Operator $20-$30/hr. Call/ Email Resume 516-678-9610; ra@aksurveyors.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

MEDICAL SECRETARY

POSITIONS AND STARTING SALARIES • RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION Bachelor Cert $54,308.70 Master Cert $59,847.63

• MATH COACH $87,500

• MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RANGE $140,000 - $150,000

IF YOU THINK YOU CAN ADD TO THE FOCUS OF RCACS PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO

rdillehay@rcacs.org

1360391

SCOPE EDUCATION SERVICES

Long Beach Public Schools, a diverse district with high expectations for students and staff, is seeking innovative and caring candidates who reflect the diversity that makes our community unique to fill the following positions:

Established 2000

Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School was the first charter school to be established in Long Island, New York. Now Hiring: Dynamic Educators and Leaders! We are seeking energetic teachers, passionate professionals holding a valid NYS Certification for the following open positions:

Main Location 111 Pleasant Avenue, Roosevelt, New York 11575 516-867-6202 • www.rcacs.org

BUS NOW HIRINGIVERS AND VAN DR

DON’T MISS The Bus!

P/T - F/T F/T: 9-12 Saturdays A Must Pediatrician's Office Flexible Days Office Experience Preferred But Not Necessary $17-$20 Per Hour 516-680-5771

$5000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR ALREADY LICENSED CDLBPS & CPS DRIVERS!

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

We Guarantee 30 Hours A Week

Open the door to a bright future! Check the

Job listings today!

516-569-4000 Press 5

SEPTEMBER PAYRATES

Big Bus $33.93/hr.

NEW

Non-Benefit Rate

Van $31.16/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Sign On Bonus $5,000.00 *Some restrictions may apply.

for CDL driver bus and van $500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants

EDUCATIONAL BUS TRANSPORTATION

1359462 1355793

UBLIC

ROOSEVELT

CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

516.454.2300 Call Today!

Positions available in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Apply At: www.educationalbusjobs.com/ EOE

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 to careers@liherald.com

SECRETARY P/T

Phones, Clerical, Greet Customers, Support Administrative Staff $19/Hour. Email Resume To: jwpersonal@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com No Phone Calls Or In-Person Inquiries

MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

HERALD

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

E2 08/27

Homes

HERALD

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HOME Of tHE WEEK

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

Massapequa

Stunning Neighborhood

iscover refined living in this custom-built Colonial in Massapequa’s prestigious Old Harbour Green community. Built in 2008, this exceptional 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence offers 2,715 square feet of beautifully appointed living space and quality craftsmanship. A grand foyer welcomes you into elegant formal rooms, while the chef’s kitchen, equipped with Wolf, SubZero, and Bosch appliances, flows into a spacious family room with gas fireplace. A covered threeseason porch extends the living space to a beautifully landscaped backyard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The luxurious primary suite is a private retreat with dual walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bath with radiant heat. Hardwood floors, central vacuum, whole-house generator, security system, oversized basement, and attached two-car garage complete this impressive home. Timeless style, modern comforts, and an exceptional location come together in one of Massapequa’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Paul Generosa Licensed Sales Associate 516.581.7175 Jonathan Sanchez Licensed Sales Associate 516.406.4046 Newman Realty 341 Hempstead Ave. Malverne, NY 11565 516.599.2800

REAL ESTATE Real Estate 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

Apartments For Rent MERRICK: 1 BR, 2nd Floor, No Pets. $1,400/ Monthly. 2 Months Security Plus Electric. By Owner. 516-486-6139

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-569-4000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME … a place to call your own. Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Call us today!

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Do we have to replace all the windows? Q. We have been told that when we add to our second floor, over our one-story garage, we will have to change every window in the house so we can meet the “egress” code. This is going to make our project out of budget, so we have to ask somebody else to know whether this is the case, and whether there’s any way we can keep the windows we have. There is nothing wrong with them, and it seems like a lot of cost when, if we left everything alone, we apparently wouldn’t have to do this. Can you explain this?

A. You don’t need to change every window in your home. You got the easy, simple answer, which was wrong or, at best, only partially right, and misleading. If everything could be explained with a simple answer, like the black-and-white, all-ornothing answer that you received, the world would be a simpler place. But nothing is simple, and, onte eeper unfortunately, regulations on windows, which make sense, were not explained to you correctly. First, the building codes exist for occupant and public safety. You need to be able to escape in an emergency, and you also may need to be rescued. Picture a big firefighter with his equipment strapped to him, trying to get in to save a child who is huddled, as many will do, in a closet. Window size regulations in the building codes for escape and rescue were changed with the issuance of the 2003 version. In that updated code, the previous clear opening size was 4 square feet, but it was changed to 5.7 square feet for floors above or below the first floor. The first-floor windows for habitable spaces were then upgraded to 5 square feet clear opening from 4 square feet. This became required if more than 50 percent of the building was being physically altered, or if the occupancy use of a room changed, such as changing a den to a guest room. All bedrooms are now required, in new construction, to have 5.7-square-foot openings with a minimum height of 24 inches and a minimum width of the clear opening, with the window in the open position, of 20 inches. Now that you have processed that information, the key is “habitable” versus “non-habitable.” Your bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen are not habitable rooms and are not sleeping rooms. The windows in those non-habitable rooms do not have to comply, and need not be changed. Rooms like your dining area, living room and family room may have access to the outside by doors, so those windows do not need to be changed. This leaves the bedrooms, which may need to be changed, but if the area you are adding over your garage does not constitute 50 percent of the dwelling, the new windows need to be 5.7 square feet, but the ones in the old bedrooms do not. Appendix J allows for the existing windows to remain. Calculate the new areas and compare. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

© 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.

E3 08/27

Market Place • •

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

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1356085

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

opinions

n two weeks we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 — the deadliest attack on American soil in the nation’s history. Nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed that day, and the death and suffering didn’t end there. In the years that followed, thousands more became ill and, in many cases, died from the toxic dust in and around the World Trade Center. Each year, as Sept. 11 approaches, I think back to that day, and how it began so beautifully and uneventfully. I was in Washington, in a car with my chief of staff, Rob O’Connor, heading toward the Capitol. The sky was exceptionally clear — great for flying, I thought. I figured my wife, Rosemary’s, plane would be right on time. That night was to be the annual congressional barbecue on the south lawn of the White House — the first of George W. Bush’s presidency. Most members of Congress and their spouses

would be there. Rosemary was due to land at D.C.’s Reagan National Airport at about 9:40 a.m. The morning traffic wasn’t particularly heavy. The Capitol dome was in clear sight as I scanned the morning paper. Then Rob’s cellphone rang. It was my press secretary, Kevin Fogarty, telling us matter-offactly that he’d heard on “The Today Show” that a commuter plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Then we heard on the radio that the plane had hit high on the north tower, exploding “like a bomb.” That didn’t sound like a commuter plane. I feared that Rosemary’s 8:30 flight out of LaGuardia might have been near Lower Manhattan about the time of the crash. Kevin called back to say that the flight had been held and was on the runway, but he had no further details. My daughter, Erin, called. She had just spoken with her husband, John, who worked four blocks north of the trade center and had seen the crash. “It’s just massive,” he told her. “Flames and black smoke shooting out. Debris flying through the air.”

I got out at the Cannon Building, walked up to my fourth-floor office and opened the door to the reception area. It was 9:03. I looked up toward the television on top of a bookcase, and watched as a huge jet flew directly into a tower and exploded in soaring flames. At first I thought it was a video of the north tower crash, but then I realized it was a second plane. Erin called again. John had seen the plane coming in his direction before it hit the south tower, and he began to run down from his 28th-floor office. Still no word from Rosemary. My calls went directly to her voicemail. I managed to contact my son, Sean, who worked at the Commerce Department. As we were talking, at 9:21, Rosemary called. Having no idea what was happening, she complained about her plane being taken back to the terminal and the airport being shut down. “How am I supposed to get to the White House tonight?” she asked. “New York is under attack,” I told her. “Terrorists have attacked the World Trade Center.” Just then I heard the pilot of her plane making that announcement,

y wife had no idea why her flight from LaGuardia was grounded.

and passengers shrieking. My district office director, Anne Rosenfeld, who was very pregnant, drove to LaGuardia to pick up Rosemary. Erin was concerned that she hadn’t heard again from John. But at 9:35 she called with the good news that he had found a cab that took him to the 59th Street Bridge, and was now taking another cab home. At 9:43, CNN reported an attack on the Pentagon. We were at war. Capitol police were evacuating the Cannon Building, and there was a report of an explosion near the Commerce Department. I called Sean, but his line was dead. He called at 9:55. The report was false, and I breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment I allowed myself to think all was well. But of course, it wasn’t. The next report was of the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa. For days, weeks and months there would be news of friends, neighbors and so many more who had died. The funerals were endless. Our lives would never be the same. Most important, though, America never wavered. We fought back, and the struggle continues. Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Trump owns the war in Iran. That’s not good news.

ike it or not, the war with Iran will soon enter its seventh month. It may be true that the war was started with the express purpose of taking away Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon, but as of now that goal has proved elusive. Iran has been a clever and resilient foe, and it’s possible that the current battle will last far into the future. The longer it lasts, the longer Americans will pay a hefty price for gasoline, fertilizer and other badly needed consumer products. On numerous occasions, President Trump has displayed a chart highlighting the fact that the Iran war hasn’t lasted anywhere near as long as the Vietnam War, the war in Afghanistan or the Korean War, and on that he is correct. The Vietnam War lasted from 1955 to 1975. The war in Afghanistan lasted 20 years, and the Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953. The problem with the White House chart is that it fails to point out the fact that the wars in Vietnam and Afghani-

stan were total failures, and the Korean War is considered a draw and not any kind of victory. Many of us who were alive during the 20 years of strife in Vietnam still remember the photo of desperate evacuees reaching for a helicopter ladder as the U.S. Army left the capital. By all accounts, Vietnam was a terrible loss. Our military failed to prevent Communist forces from taking over South Vietnam, culminating in the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the unification of the country under a Communist government. Another indelible image from that war is the dramatic photo of children, one of them naked, fleeing a napalm attack. The war in Afghanistan was another embarrassment for our nation. Failing to consider the loss of over 15,000 Soviet soldiers, we forged ahead and ultimately withdrew after 20 years, leaving the country to the Taliban, the same group we tried to oust in 2001. That war cost the lives of more than 2,400 U.S. military personnel, and an additional 20,700 were wounded. An estimated 66,000 to 69,000 Afghan national military and police officers were killed. The Korean War was supposed to

result in the unification of that country, but ended with an armistice agreement. It’s estimated that the U.S. lost 33,700 members of the military, and 103,000 were wounded. When America entered that war, it didn’t anticipate that China would contribute hundreds of thousands of troops, transforming a relatively local battle into an international showdown. The strategic location of South Korea has been of major importance to the United States, which makes the current situation in that country so confusing. Trump recently pulled back U.S. support for strategic war games, apparently as a favor to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. Trump is seeking to renew what he describes as a friendship with Kim, which experts agree is, at best, a waste of time. Our adventure in Iraq should be added to the list of doubtful wars conducted by the U.S. military. While we succeeded in removing Saddam Hussein, a brutal dictator, there were setbacks. We started the war with the goal of finding stockpiles of so-called weapons of mass destruction, but none were ever found. In addition, the failure to

e’s compared it with Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan. Not the best idea.

recruit the Iraqi army to our side turned their soldiers into our sworn enemies and triggered a civil war. America lost more than 4,400 troops. The U.S. has won a number of significant conflicts in recent decades — the invasions of Grenada (1983) and Panama (1989-1990) and the Gulf War (19901991). Of course, whether we “win” sometimes depends on how you define a military victory. Occasionally these wins end with political solutions. What would you call the war with Iran? It’s currently a standoff, with the Strait of Hormuz still closed. Trump is now considering declaring the strait some kind of American property, but that idea isn’t exactly acceptable to everyone else in the region. In the meantime, the Iranians feel emboldened by virtue of the fact that there is a stalemate. Trump has declared a number of times that the warring parties are close to a deal, but it never happens. Historians tend to attach presidents’ names to lost wars, and there’s little doubt that Trump will own the Iran War. 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.

MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

A morning I will never — ever — forget

Herald editorial

Merrick

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

HERALD and Merrick Herald News Established 1994

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Solving the who-needs-to-know mystery

nformation has never been easier to share — and somehow, it has never been easier to misunderstand. A text message can reach a dozen people in seconds. Emails can be forwarded with a click. Group chats keep families, friends and co-workers connected. Businesses communicate through websites, social media, apps and automated messages. Yet confusion remains remarkably common. Often, the problem isn’t that people disagree. It’s that they’re working with different information. One person thinks the family gathering starts at 2, while another was told 3. Two employees complete the same task because no one clearly assigned responsibility. A customer expects one thing, because that’s what a website says, only to hear something different from an employee. A plan changes, but the people affected never get the message. Then come the assumptions. People fill in gaps when information is missing. They guess what someone meant. They assume someone else handled a task. When things go wrong, frustration can quickly become anger or resentment. We should advocate for something simple but too often overlooked: better coordination and clearer communication. That doesn’t mean turning every decision into a meeting, copying everyone on every email or creating another group chat. It means being intentional. Who needs to know? What do they need to know? Who is responsible? Has

letters How much did county residents pay for that presidential rally? To the Editor: Re President Trump’s rally at the Nassau County Police Department’s training facility on Aug. 14 (“A high-profile Blakeman backer pays a visit,” Aug. 20-26): The rally’s theme was public safety, and how Nassau County is the safest county in the U.S. The truth is that our county first achieved that accolade under the leadership of then County Executive Laura Curran. As I watched the rally on television, it sure looked like a campaign event, with everyone running for office on the Republican ticket invited up to the stage to receive the president’s endorsement. The backdrop for all of this was the hundreds of police officers and trainees who were cheering on the same president who pardoned the folks who attacked police officers on Jan. 6, 2021,

something changed? If it has, have the affected people been told? Consider your family. Planning a birthday party, a holiday gathering or a weekend outing can get complicated when several people make arrangements independently. Maybe someone buys food that someone else already bought. A guest is given one time, while everyone else has another. A few minutes spent making sure everyone has the same information can prevent hours of frustration. The same applies to friends and coworkers. When plans change, people need to know. When responsibilities are divided, everyone should understand who is doing what. When there’s uncertainty, asking a question is almost always better than making an assumption. Businesses and organizations have a responsibility, too. Customers shouldn’t have to navigate conflicting information depending on whether they visit a website, receive an email or speak with an employee. If hours change, services become unavailable or procedures are different, that information should be updated where customers are most likely to find it. Clear communication also means acknowledging when something has changed. Too often, people continue operating according to an outdated plan because no one made the extra call, sent the email or had the necessary conversation. A few minutes of communication can head off lots of unnecessary work. Communication is a two-way respon-

sibility. Sending information isn’t enough; sometimes we need to make sure it was understood. That can be as simple as asking, “Does everyone understand the plan?” or “Are we all on the same page?” Clarity builds trust. When people know what is expected, who is responsible and where things stand, they’re more likely to feel respected and confident. When information is unclear, people are left to guess — and guessing is where misunderstandings begin. There’s a broader lesson for our communities. Schools, municipalities, civic organizations, nonprofits and businesses are more likely to earn cooperation when people understand what is happening and why. Clear communication makes it easier for residents and customers to participate and understand decisions. The answer isn’t necessarily more emails, meetings or messages. It is better information delivered to the right people at the right time, with clear responsibility for what happens next. Before assuming someone else handled something or becoming frustrated because someone “should have known,” we should first ask whether they were actually told. In our families, friendships and workplaces and our dealings with businesses and organizations, we can all do a better job of making sure the right people have the right information. It takes little effort — and can save us a lot of time, frustration and aggravation.

opinions

he last column I wrote was an obituary for my husband, don, who died in July. this month I hoped to move on to my usual subjects like politics, or the life and times of my grandkids, or the weird and wonderful touchstones of our evolving culture. In 40 years of column writing, I’ve never been at a loss for words. But this loss is different. I discovered that I’m not myself anymore; more challenging, I’m not sure who I am. When you’re a partner in a 58-year-long marriage, identity becomes somewhat fluid. We were a “we” and now I’m an “I.” the reminders are constant, some profound, some silly. When would I ever buy one banana? How do I change the lightbulbs? I’d like to step out to dinner, but I’ve never sat across from an empty chair. I walk the dog and realize that no one would know if I fell into the bushes and spent the night alfresco.

I’m not feeling sorry for myself, just observing from an emotional distance how the scenery, the characters and the story have changed completely. And I’m not yet sure what part I’m playing. I explored not doing what I ordinarily do. I ate a sweet potato and a bowl of Haagen dazs for dinner. no protein-starch-vegetable pyramid. I stayed up all night and slept all morning. I went to the mailbox in our building and realized I couldn’t reach it. that was donnie’s job. Sometimes I find myself wondering where he could’ve gone. How is this possible? We have A.I. Why hasn’t someone figured this out? I see signs in nature and out of nature, like the perfect, long-stemmed red rose that came floating my way in the ocean. I’m a super-grounded person, yet I’m willing to let my thoughts take flight. of course, I’m reading all the grief literature and, of course, on facebook, thanks to its mind -reading algorithms, everything that has ever been published about grief is on my page. I’ve heard more from elizabeth Kubler-ross

’m told I need to join widows’ groups. But I prefer the couples we hung out with.

Letters at the U.S. Capitol. I wonder how much of our county funds, raised by residents’ taxes, were spent on salaries and overtime to have those police in the stands, provide protection for the president and close our streets and highways for the convoy of vehicles through our county that day. Is that the wisest way to use our county tax dollars? How does this help our citizens and communities? BIll YoUngfert Franklin Square

A stronger grid for Long Island to the editor: this month marked the 23rd anniversary of the northeast blackout that left 50 million residents in the dark. the event is a stark reminder of what can happen when critical transmission infrastructure fails, and why projects like Propel nY are essential. electric transmission is the backbone of our energy system, moving electricity long distances from where it’s generated to the communities that depend on it. While we have made progress since the 2003 blackout, the lesson from that historic event remains clear: our grid is only as strong as its weakest link. the state’s grid operator, new York

in the past month than in my entire life, and she’s been dead for 22 years. “Uplifting” poetry and exotic mourning rituals fill my page. Strangest of all, I’ve heard from people out of the past — the way, way past. People I knew in college or my first job, people who heard from a friend of a friend and just wanted to say what a champ my donnie was. How sweet that so many people stop for a moment and write down words that will land in my mailbox and lighten the weight of these days, even briefly. this is part of what I do now in these early days: I curate the memories of our life together. My kids and I try to figure out the unfathomable. We distract ourselves with activity and open books we never actually read. My other job is saying yes. According to the experts, I must say yes to every opportunity to see people, even though they may be irritating nudniks who were never part of my life. And I need to join widows’ groups, friends advise. But wait; I want to embrace my old friends. I like the cou-

Independent System operator, has been sounding the alarm about growing reliability challenges on long Island and in the downstate region. Winter cold snaps and summer heat waves are putting enormous strain on the grid, requiring emergency procedures to keep the lights on. Without investment, the region faces increasing risk to energy reliability. Propel nY is a key solution to ensure that long Island and the downstate region have the necessary infrastructure to deliver power for our growing needs. Put simply, Propel is designed to avoid brownouts and blackouts while strengthening the local economy and lowering the cost of power. our transmission network operates like a highway system, and it’s now experiencing bumper-to-bumper traffic. Power that could serve the area can’t get here efficiently or economically due to bottlenecks on aging transmission lines. Picture the throgs neck and Whitestone bridges at rush hour, with deadstopped traffic. Propel is the equivalent of adding three new “bridges” between long Island and the statewide grid to create new pathways for power flows. It will reduce congestion, lower electricity costs and significantly reduce the risk of power interruptions. Propel doesn’t rely on one generation source — whatever power is available and less expensive can move on Propel. this provides the nYISo with more flexibility to power the region with modern underground cables, even under

ples, the women and men with whom we dined and hung out. they, especially, share my memories. no friendship possibility need be exclusionary. the categorization of women whose partner has died is problematic. I have always had difficulty with the word “widow.” there is something about the word, which comes from old english and meant “lonely,” “separate” and “divide.” And, of course, the spider. I don’t think we need to be identified by our marital status. recently I was filling out a form, and it asked if I was married, single, widowed, divorced. And I thought, nobody’s damn business. My husband’s death should not change my official identity. except maybe for Social Security. for my next column, I promise, I’ll stay anchored in the everyday world. Maybe back to politics. When I wrote don’s obituary, I received dozens of supportive, loving notes from readers, and I thank you all. this has set a new standard for me. ordinarily when I open an email, I’m expecting big-time political push back. this was a sweet, healing interlude, connecting with readers heart to heart. let it be. Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

Framework by Emma Bellissimo

On the sand by a beloved amusement park — Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

challenging circumstances. Wi t h g row i n g p owe r d e m a n d , extreme weather and grid congestion, investing in modern, resilient transmission systems isn’t optional. every mile of upgraded line and every new

substation bring us closer to a future where blackouts are history. JorIS VeldHoVen President, NY Transco

MERRICK HERALD — August 27, 2026

Traveling the road solo and with no GPS

August 27, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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