Merrick Herald 09-10-2026

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Jacob Fine brings financial lessons to local libraries “He was definitely very knowledgeable about it, and the way he had his presentation A conversation with a fellow organized, it looked very prostudent about money left Jacob fessional,” Sferlazza said. The workshop was initially Fine with a question: How could someone understand recommended to Sferlazza by investing but not know the another Nassau County libraribasics of saving? an. She said Fine’s work demThat realization led Fine, 17, onstrates what can happen to launch the Financial Free- when a young person sees a dom Initiative, a stuneed and takes the dent-led effort proinitiative to address viding free financial it. literacy workshops “That’s the best t o yo u n g p e o p l e version of pay it foracross Nassau Counward you could posty. s i b l y h ave, ” s h e Fine, who lives in said. “When a teen Jericho, has conductwants to do someed more than 50 thing like that, not JAcoB FINE workshops, reaching only are they pasmore than 1,200 stu- Founder, Financial sionate about the d e n t s e a c h y e a r Freedom Initiative subject they’re lookt h r o u g h p a r t n e ring to teach, they’re ships with libraries and other also passionate about helping community organizations. Two others.” of those stops brought his Fine said his interest in wo rk s h o p t o t h e M e r r i ck financial literacy began after Library and the East Meadow speaking with another student Public Library. through his school’s investing At the Merrick Library, Fine club. led two workshops earlier this “We talked about stuff that’s summer for students in sixth more complex like investing, grade and older. For Rachel and I mentioned something Sferlazza, head librarian of that was definitely more basic, Youth & Parent Services at the like a savings calendar,” Fine M e r r i c k L i b r a r y, F i n e ’ s said. “They had no idea what I approach stood out. Continued on page 11

By JUlIA GIllEGo

jgillego@liherald.com

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Kennedy sophomore wins STEAM logo competition Dylan Siegel, sophomore at John F. Kennedy High School, won the districtwide STEAM Logo Design Competition. Siegel, second from left, with STEAM Chairpersons Danielle Caliednao and Roger Bing and Kennedy Principal Gerard Owenburg.

‘Pink Ribbons and Cognac’ brings breast cancer story to a local stage By JUlIA GIllEGo jgillego@liherald.com

A new stage production coming to Bellmore this October will use storytelling, humor and emotion to explore the realities that can accompany a breast cancer diagnosis, including struggles that families may face behind closed doors. “Pink Ribbons and Cognac,” a production by LaKeesha Gethers under Skyeboxx Entertainment, will be presented at the Bellmore Movies on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m., during Breast Can-

cer Awareness Month. The play, which Gethers wrote, produced and directed, is based on the true-life experiences of two women who battled breast cancer. “This is a true-life story of two women who battled breast cancer and at the same time battled alcoholism,” Gethers, of Hempstead, said. “So that’s why it’s called Pink Ribbons and Cognac.” While breast cancer is at the center of the production, Gethers said she also wanted to address Continued on page 7

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Chabad expands High Holiday services to South Bellmore By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

For the first time, Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh will offer High Holiday services at two locations, adding a site in South Bellmore to bring services closer to residents of Bellmore, Wantagh and surrounding communities. Chabad’s established High Holiday services will continue at its Merrick location, while the new South Bellmore site will provide a smaller, more closeknit setting for local families and individuals. Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of Friday, Sept. 11, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 13. Yom Kippur begins the evening of Sunday, Sept. 20, and concludes Monday night, Sept. 21. Services in South Bellmore will be led by Rabbi Aizik Kramer, the son of Rabbi Shimon Kramer, director of Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh. He will be joined by visiting rabbis Chaim Rapoport of Long Beach, California, and Zali Lifshitz of Boise, Idaho. The three rabbis will lead High Holiday services intended to offer Bellmore and Wantagh residents a welcoming and

Courtesy Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh

Three rabbis will lead Chabad’s new High Holiday services in South Bellmore, including two visiting for the holidays. From left are Rabbi Chaim Rapoport of Long Beach, California, Rabbi Aizik Kramer of Merrick and Rabbi Zali Lifshitz of Boise, Idaho. meaningful experience closer to home. Chabad’s larger services in Merrick will continue under the direction of Rabbi Shimon Kramer. The new South Bellmore location is intended to provide a convenient alternative for people who want to celebrate the

holidays in their own community. Services at both locations are open to everyone, including those who have never attended High Holiday services and regular synagogue-goers seeking a place to worship and connect. “We want everyone to feel

comfortable walking through the door, regardless of their background or level of experience,” Rabbi Aizik Kramer said. “You can join us for the entire service or come for a part that is meaningful to you, whether it’s the shofar blowing, the sermon, Yizkor or any other part of the day.”

Hebrew-English prayer books will be available, and English guidance will be provided throughout the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. The schedule will include traditional liturgy, a festive Kiddush following Rosh Hashanah services and a community break-fast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. There is no charge to attend, although donations are appreciated. Advance registration is required for all guests. The address of the South Bellmore location will be provided to those who register. Through the addition of the neighborhood location, Chabad hopes to make High Holiday observances more accessible and give residents another place to reflect, pray and celebrate the beginning of the Jewish New Year close to home. For schedules, registration and more information about both locations, visit ChabadJewishLife.org/services or call the Chabad office at (516) 833-3057, ext. 104. Rabbi Aizik Kramer can also be reached at (516) 425-4122. The Chabad is asking those wishing to attend services to RSVP in order to receive addresses for both service locations.

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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Books unpacked for new year in North Merrick The halls of the North Merrick School District were once again filled with excitement, smiles and eager students as children returned for the first day of the new school year on Sept. 1. Teachers and staff at Camp Avenue, Old Mill Road and Harold D. Fayette elementary school welcomed students into their classrooms, helping them settle into new routines, reconnect with friends and begin the year with enthusiasm. From setting new goals to exploring their classrooms, students embraced the many opportunities that come with the start of a school year. Friends ecstatically reunited and formed new bonds as they found

their assigned desks and unpacked their school materials. The first day marked the beginning of another year of learning, growth and discovery for the district’s youngest learners. “We were thrilled to welcome our students back and see the excitement on their faces,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cynthia Seniuk. “Our teachers and staff have worked hard to prepare for a wonderful year, and we look forward to all that our students will accomplish.” The district wishes all students and families a happy, healthy and successful school year. —Julia Gillego

Many fourth graders sported their Camp Avenue blue.

Photos courtesy North Merrick Public Schools

Third graders at Camp Avenue Elementary School celebrated the start of a new school year on Sept. 1.

Enthusiastic staff welcome back Merrick students Hallways buzzed once again as the Merrick School District opened its doors for the 2026-27 school year on Sept. 1, greeting prekindergarten through sixth graders at Lakeside, Chatterton and Birch schools. Between decorated classrooms, enthusiastic staff and backpacks stuffed with fresh supplies, the first day captured the excitement and promise of a brand-new year. Superintendent Diana Ketcham once

again visited a local bus stop on the first day, chatting with students and families before riding the bus to school alongside them. “Watching our students arrive at school on day one reminds us why we do this work,” she said. “Every child deserves a place where they feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn, and that’s exactly what our schools aim to provide.” —Julia Gillego

Chris Hoisik, assistant principal at Chatterton School, fist bumps kids as they walk in for the first day of school.

Courtesy Merrick Union Free School District photos

Superintendent Diana Ketcham with students Valentina, Sienna, Joey, Mia, Devin, Dylan, Danny and Jeffrey at their bus stop.

MERRICK HERALD — September 10, 2026

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Merrick Jewish Centre, I have the ne of the things I love about privilege of watching people celebrate Rosh Hashanah is that it together, support one another through reminds us that no matter difficult moments, welcome new faces, what the past year has and build relationships that extend far brought, a new beginning is always beyond the walls of the synagogue. It possible. is a reminder that Jewish community And I think that message is espeis ultimately not about a building; it is cially meaningful when we think about people, and the ways we show up about the community we share here in for one another. Merrick and Bellmore. As we enter 5787, the shofar chalWe may worship in different synalenges us not simply to gogues, send our children hope for a better year, but to different schools, shop in to wake up and help create different stores, and root one. Reach out to someone for different teams, but we you have not spoken to. are neighbors. We see one Repair a relationship that another at the supermarhas become strained. Perket, on the sidelines at the form an unexpected act of sports fields, at community kindness. Find a place events, and simply walking where you can connect, through our neighborcontribute, and make a difhoods. Our lives are more ference. connected than we often abbi oshua It is not enough for the realize. call of the shofar to wake At the heart of Rosh oRsch us up. The real power of Hashanah is the sound of the shofar lies in what it the shofar, a ram’s horn. It inspires us to do once we is an ancient sound, but its are awake. message is remarkably relevant. The This year, may we hear the call of shofar is meant to wake us up: to interthe shofar, and may we answer it rupt the routines that can consume us together. And may this new year bring and call us to pay attention. Pay attenhealth, happiness, peace, and sweettion to the people we love. Pay attenness to our families and to all of our tion to the person who might be strugneighbors throughout Merrick, Bellgling. Pay attention to what is happenmore, and the surrounding communiing in our community and our world. ties. And perhaps most importantly, pay From my family and the entire Merattention to the person we are becomrick Jewish Centre family to yours, ing, and how we can contribute to Shanah Tovah U’Metukah, wishing us making our world a better place. all a happy, healthy, and sweet new That sense of connection is one of year. the things I treasure most about serv—Rabbi Joshua Dorsch ing as a rabbi in this community. At

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Book Review: “The Good Life” by Robert Waldinger, MD and Marc Schulz, PhD

“The Good Life” reports on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever done. Tracking the lives of hundreds of participants for over 80 years, the report concludes that it is the strength of our relationships with friends, relatives and co-workers that most determine quality of life, health and longevity. Regarding older adults, the authors note that time is suddenly very precious. Questions arise such as: • How much time do I have left? • How long will I stay healthy? • Am I losing it mentally? • Who do I want to spend this limited time with? • Have I had a good enough life? • What do I regret? “The fewer moments we have to look forward to in life, the more valuable they become. Past grievances and preoccupations often dissipate...research has shown that human beings are never so happy as in the late years of

their lives. We get better at maximizing highs and minimizing lows. We feel less hassled by the little things that go wrong, and we get better at knowing when something is important and when it’s not. The value of positive experiences far outweighs the cost of negative experiences, and we prioritize things that bring us joy. In short, we’re emotionally wiser, and that wisdom helps us thrive.” We learn that neglected relationships, like muscles, atrophy. Our social life, being a living system, needs exercise. Further, the reason social relationships are so valuable has a biological basis — a means of protection from predators. Without meaningful relationships, we remain in a state of stress, often unknown to us. Make the effort. Most of us have friends and relatives who energize us and who we don’t see enough. As Mark Twain said, “There isn’t time, so brief is life, for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving, and but an instant, so to speak, for that”.

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Calhoun undergoes roster overhaul along with senior forward Noah Katz, who also was a member of the varsity. Coming off one of the Katz has gotten bigger most successful seasons and stronger, Vogel said, and in program history, Calwill be asked to pick up houn boys soccer boasts some of the offensive slack barely any varsity experialong with senior Jonathan ence but is eager to comMpoy, a speedster who can pete. be dangerous with room to The Colts not only operate. “Noah is wellgraduated their entire rounded and Jonathan does starting 11, including six things with his speed you All-County selections, but just can’t teach,” Vogel also most reserves from a explained. 16-1-1 club that reached There’s big shoes to fill the Nassau Class AA title between the pipes. Sheehan game. blanked both New Hyde “We had a phenomenal Park and South Side in the group of seniors we’re playoffs and had nine regugoing to miss,” coach lar-season shutouts. Senior C h r i s Vo g e l s a i d . Sheldon Soya was last year’s “They’re more than just backup keeper and brings exceptional soccer playsize and physicality to the ers. They’re great kids.” position. Sophomore Shaun Among the graduates Sullivan was outstanding for this past June were some the JV, Vogel said, and is of the county’s top playvery much in the mix to ers: midfielder and threeearn major time. year captain Drew LenJonas Wan’s younger non, goalkeeper Austin brother Mason, a sophoSheehan and Offensive more, was a JV standout as Player of the Year Jacob well and is likely to make Bacharach (14 goals, 18 his presence felt in the offenassists.) sive zone. “Mason is super Vogel’s revamped rosdisciplined and skilled,” ter includes just a few Vogel noted. “I’m not sure of varsity holdovers and a his exact role but he’s a big large number from a piece.” 13-win JV team. He said Defensively, the Colts will the offseason went as well lean on three others debutas he could’ve imagined. ing at the varsity level. Ales“I’m sure there’s talk sandro Pena, Nathaniel out there about us losing Grace Hughes/Herald Odell and Aidan Carr. Pena everyone,” he said. “Our Sophomore Mason Wan is one of many underclassmen the Colts will is one of the roster’s mostJV also had a great sea- be counting on to produce this fall. versatile players but is likely son. We’ll see how those to begin the campaign at younger guys adjust to Senior Jonas Wan is the champion Garden City, which fullback. Odell is a defensive the speed and physicality of defeated the Colts 4-1 in the Colts’ lone returnee with var- middie who does everything varsity, but there’s definitely Nassau AA final, Calhoun sity points on his resume. He well and brings a strong skill a good amount of talent.” will tangle with Mepham, netted a pair of goals and set, while Carr is a tough onVogel described the confer- Carey, MacAr thur, Long assisted on four others in ball defender at center-back. ence schedule as “ruthless.” Beach and Jericho twice 2025. He’ll play center-mid“It’ll be a year of growth In addition to defending state apiece. field and serve as a captain and development,” Vogel said.

By TONY BELLISSIMO

tbellissimo@liherald.com

JUSTIN DEpIETrO CAREY Senior FOOTBALL ONE OF LONG ISLAND’S most dynamic two-way players, DePietro as a sophomore in 2024 helped lead the Seahawks to a perfect 12-0 season while winning the Piner Award, given to the top linebacker in the county. He had 95 tackles and 6 sacks and also starred at running back with 1,109 yards and 14 touchdowns. Last season, he followed up with 14 more scores, 918 yards, 81 tackles and 4 sacks as Carey finished 7-3.

games to watch Thursday, Sept. 10 Football: E.Rock/W.Hemp at V.S. North................3 p.m. Football: Oceanside at East Meadow...................4 p.m. Football: V.S. Central at Baldwin .....................4:30 p.m. Football: MacArthur at Mepham .....................4:30 p.m. Football: Long Beach at Carey ........................4:30 p.m. Football: Calhoun at Garden City ....................4:30 p.m. Football: Roosevelt at Kennedy ......................4:30 p.m. Football: Carle Place at North Shore ..............4:30 p.m. Football: Hempstead at Uniondale .................4:45 p.m. Football: Oyster Bay at Lawrence .........................5 p.m. Girls Soccer: Clarke at West Hempstead ..............5 p.m. Boys Soccer: Mepham at Garden City .................5 p.m. Boys Soccer: Calhoun at MacArthur ....................5 p.m. Boys Soccer: Glen Cove at South Side ................5 p.m. Boys Soccer: V.S. South at Wantagh ....................5 p.m. Boys Soccer: Uniondale at Westbury ...................5 p.m. Girls Volleyball: South Side at V.S. South .............5 p.m. Boys Volleyball: Garden City at Hewlett ................5 p.m. Boys Volleyball: Roslyn at Kennedy ......................5 p.m. Football: Westbury at Freeport ........................5:30 p.m. Boys Soccer: G.N. South at Oceanside ................6 p.m. Football: Clarke at Bethpage ..........................6:30 p.m. Football: Lynbrook at Seaford.........................6:30 p.m. Football: Malverne at Locust Valley .................6:30 p.m. Football: Island Trees at V.S. South ......................7 p.m.

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Production blends humor, emotion and awareness alcoholism, which she believes is often overlooked or dismissed within families. “People may mention it, but people don’t realize that it’s a disease,” she said. “It’s something that goes kind of unnoticed in families sometimes.” The play also examines the emotional impact of a diagnosis and the importance of having a support system. Its premise focuses on a woman’s diagnosis, which forces her and those around her confront long-buried truths, shining a light on the importance of early detection, support, forgiveness, and hope. Gethers said she has seen women navigate breast cancer without the support they need and hopes the production encourages audiences to recognize that they do not have to face the experience alone. Tenise Lewis, who plays Miss Clarissa, a breast cancer coordinator at a rehabilitation center, said her character embodies that message of encouragement. “She takes pride in encouraging and supporting the women as they navigate this sensitive, touching, emotional time in their life,” Lewis said. “She’s always advocating. She’s always trying to comfort and support and look at the optimistic perspective out of the situation.” Lewis, a breast cancer advocate whose family has been affected by the disease, said the play goes beyond simply discussing diagnosis and treatment. “We’re going behind the diagnosis,” she said. “We’re also focusing on the emotional, how families handle it and the different ways the survi-

vors cope with it.” Lewis said she hopes audiences will leave with more knowledge, empathy and an openness to conversation. “It’s beyond the diagnosis,” Lewis said. “It’s beyond the pink ribbon. It’s real life.” Louis Ciccolella, who plays Dr. Benson, said his character demonstrates another side of the experience. The doctor is sympathetic toward one patient but dismissive of another, brushing aside her concerns as cramps or simply a result of getting older. Ciccolella hopes the production encourages audience members to take their health seriously. “It will bring more awareness to breast cancer and to maybe (encourage women) go get themselves checked out,” he said. For Gethers, theater was the natural medium for telling the story because of the connection created between performers and a live audience. This is her second stage production. Her first, “Bruise,” focused on domestic violence. “I just love theater because it’s live,” Gethers said. “It’s a true story. It’s live right in front of you, and I feel people get a more connection with the characters.” Gethers said she chose Long Island for the production in part because of her connection to the area and the number of people in the community who have been affected by breast cancer. Doors for the Oct. 10 performance will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available through Eventbrite by searching for “Pink Ribbons and Cognac.” The Bellmore Movies is at 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore. Visit BellmoreMovies.com for more information.

MERRICK HERALD — September 10, 2026

COntInued fROM PaGe 1

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Courtesy LaKessha Gethers

‘Pink Ribbons and Cognac,’ a stage production by LeKessha Gethers, will be staged at the Bellmore Movies on Oct. 10. It will use complex storytelling, humor and emotion to explore the realities of those dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

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Senior Health & Beyond Expo brings energy, Information and community together By Anna Graci The Merrick community came out on Aug. 13 for a morning filled with health, wellness, valuable information and plenty of energy at the Senior Health & Beyond Expo, hosted by Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE at Congregation Ohav Sholom. The free community event brought seniors, caregivers and families together with healthcare professionals, wellness experts, financial advisers, home-care providers and community organizations — all with one goal: helping Long Islanders stay healthy, active and connected. The expo was buzzing from the moment guests walked through the doors. Attendees visited exhibitors, explored resources, participated in activities, asked questions, enjoyed presentations, and had plenty of opportunities to win prizes and giveaways. An impressive lineup of local organizations participated — including AARP Long Island, Aetna, Amber Court Communities, ClearCaptions, D&D CBD, Edward Jones, Igbans Home Care Services, Jerusalem Memorial Chapels, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, NYSARC, Oasis Senior Advisors, Rehoboth Elderly Care and Companionship, Silver Lining Homecare Agency, The Grand Pavilion, and Vitreoretinal Consultants, among many others.

Information You Can Use

The expo’s programming featured speakers addressing important issues affecting older adults and their families. PSEG Long Island discussed programs and services, while Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation Cen ter shared information on resources and services. I Love Hearing tackled the important relationship between hearing loss, dementia and cognitive decline, and Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation highlighted programs and services available to seniors and their families. Meltzer Lippe also provided guidance on elder law and estate planning — an important conversation for anyone thinking about protecting their future and planning for their loved ones.

Bringing The Energy

Helping keep the morning lively was Mae Caime, founder of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, who served as

Tim Baker/Herald

Attendees at the Merrick Senior Health Expo anticipating the first speaker. the event’s host. And Mae didn’t just welcome the crowd — she brought the energy! Known for getting people up, moving and engaged, Mae danced her way through the event, encouraging attendees to join in and reminding everyone that staying healthy doesn’t have to mean sitting still. Her enthusiasm quickly became contagious, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a celebration of healthy living than a traditional health event. Whether she was dancing, interacting with attendees or introducing the next speaker, Mae brought a sense of fun and positivity that kept the crowd smiling and engaged throughout.

More Than An Expo The Merrick Senior Health & Beyond Expo was about more than gathering information. It was about making connections: connecting residents with trusted local organizations, families with valuable resources and seniors with new opportunities to stay active and engaged. Guests were able to take advantage of health screenings, interactive experiences, fitness demonstrations, raffles, prizes, giveaways and complimentary refreshments, with boxed lunches available for the first 150

Seniors got up to exercise and dance between panelist speakers. attendees. With so many organizations, experts and community members coming together under one roof, the Merrick expo proved that healthy aging is about more than healthcare. It’s about staying informed, trying something new, meeting people and having a little fun along the way. And the fun isn’t over yet.

Next Stop: Rockville Centre

The Expo series continues on Fri-

day, Sept. 18, in Rockville Centre, bringing another morning of health information, community resources, exhibitors, activities, giveaways and opportunities to connect. After the energy and enthusiasm here the team is ready to do it all over again. For more information about upcoming Senior Health & Beyond Expos, visit the Long Island Herald and RichnerLIVE for event details and registration information.

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MERRICK HERALD — September 10, 2026

Tonya Simmons, with PSEG Long Island, gave a presentation on programs and services that can benefit the community.

Christina Rossi and Jamie Rossi, of I Love Hearing, offered information on their services.

Jillian Tejeda, Alma Alonzo, Amy DiLeo, and Tonya Simmons, representing PSEG Long Island, at their booth.

Jess Dunbar, of Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation, showing their programs and services at their booth.

Ronald Fatoullah, with Meltzer Lippe, discussed elder law and estate planning.

Larry Abrams, LNHA, representing Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation, offered insights into healthcare planning in New York State with attendees.

Seniors showed off their moves during a “get-moving” activity.

Mae Caime danced with attendees during a fun exercise.

September 10, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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Tim Baker/Herald photos

Over 20,000 fans packed into the fields in front of the theater in Eisenhower Park.

Flo Rida brings the hits and the heat to the park Grammy-nominated rapper Flo Rida brought his catalog of chart-topping hits to Eisenhower Park on Aug. 31 as part of Nassau County’s free summer concert series. The concert, presented by Nassau County, featured Flo Rida as the headliner, with DJ duo Quantum Cor opening the show. The performance was held at 7 p.m. at the county park in East Meadow and was free to the public. Flo Rida, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, has been a fixture in pop and hip-hop music for nearly two decades. The Florida native broke onto the national music scene in 2007 with “Low,” featuring T-Pain, which became a massive crossover hit and spent 10 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. The song helped introduce Flo Rida’s signature blend of hip-hop, dance and pop music to an international audience. “Low” was featured on his 2008 debut album, “Mail on Sunday,” and became one of the defining hits of the late 2000s. His success continued with a string of songs that became staples of radio, clubs and parties, including “Right Round,” featuring Kesha; “Club Can’t Handle Me,” featuring David Guetta; “Good Feeling”; “Wild Ones,” featuring Sia; “Whistle”; “I Cry”; and “My House.” Located in the heart of Nassau County, Eisenhower Park encompasses hundreds of acres and draws residents from communities across the county. Its summer concerts give Long Islanders an opportunity to see established performers without traveling into New York City or purchasing tickets to a traditional arena or theater show. The Aug. 31 performance continued that tradition with an artist whose career has produced some of the most commercially successful pop-rap songs of the past two decades. For Nassau County residents, the concert also brought a major national act practically into their backyard, with Eisenhower Park serving as a regional e n t e r t a i n m e n t d e s t i n at i o n wh i l e remaining deeply connected to the surrounding community. —Jordan Vallone

Flo Rida brought his catalog to Eisenhower Park as part of Nassau County’s free summer series. The ‘Low’ and ‘My House’ entertained a pack house at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

Valentina Peranzo, 10, and Kyleigh Hegarty, 10, were among fans in the crowd.

At points during the show, Flo Rida hopped off stage and interacted with fans in the crowd.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman clapped along during the performance.

Jacob Fine leads free, peer-led money workshop was talking about. I just found it mindboggling that they could talk about investing, but they don’t understand basic concepts of financial literacy.” The experience prompted Fine to research the issue further. He took online courses, spoke with educators and school administrators and began developing his own initiative. What started as an effort to teach students about money soon became something Fine found personally meaningful. “I realized I really love doing this,” Fine said. “I love teaching. I love seeing the impact I’m making on these kids and how I’m helping them build these habits and understand these concepts.” At the Merrick Library, Fine encountered students with different levels of knowledge and learning needs. He said the experience has taught him to adapt his workshops depending on who is in the room, with the goal of making sure each student leaves with something useful. For younger students, Fine focuses on practical examples. “His examples were about things like saving up for your first car or for college, and when you get a job,” Sferlazza said. “It wasn’t so much about retirement, which is forever away to the average 12 or 13-year-old.” Fine held his first workshop at East Meadow on Aug. 6.

Courtesy Jacob Fine

Jacob Fine and Edwin Chen teach a group of elementary school children during a Financial Freedom Initiative workshop on July 9. Shanna Konowitz, a young adult librarian at the East Meadow Public Library, said Fine also made potentially intimidating financial concepts accessible. “The topics weren’t so scary,” Konowitz said. “Topics about money could kind of be daunting and scary, especially for younger teens or tweens.” Rather than relying primarily on lectures, Fine uses stories, simulations and conversations to teach budgeting, saving and needs versus wants. In one sim-

ulation, students receive a set amount of money and must decide how to spend it, sometimes realizing that seemingly simple purchases can cause them to spend more than they have. Fine said the lesson is ultimately about building habits early, particularly as students approach major financial decisions after high school. New York is also moving toward making financial literacy education a more formal part of students’ education. In March, the New York State Board of

Regents approved a requirement for personal finance education for public school students in grades K-12. But Fine believes classroom instruction alone will not necessarily be enough. That is part of why he continues to emphasize community-based workshops and has expanded his reach through digital resources. H e c re at e d M o nu c at e, a n ap p designed as a “Duolingo” for personal finance, with hundreds of lessons students can use to reinforce concepts after a workshop. He also offers virtual workshops and publishes a newsletter. The resources grew out of a problem Fine noticed after his workshops: Students might be engaged while they are there but forget what they learned once they leave. While his initiative has expanded beyond Nassau County through virtual programming, Fine continues to focus much of his in-person work on local communities. For Fine, the mission remains simple: Give young people the financial knowledge they should have before they need it. “They have to start being built now,” Fine said of financial habits. For more infor mation about the Financial Freedom Initiative, including upcoming events and ways to book a free workshop, visit FinancialFreedomInitiative.org.

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Dutch Apple Pie Apple-Berry Crisp

Bring the orchard home Apple picking season arrives By Karen Bloom

T

here’s something quintessentially fall about wandering through an orchard, basket in hand, in search of the perfect apple. As September settles in, we wait for the air to turn crisp and the leaves to begin their colorful transformation. Meanwhile local orchards are coming alive with the sights, scents and flavors of harvest time. There are baskets to fill, cider to sip and plenty of reasons to gather family and friends for a leisurely day outdoors. Apple season typically stretches well into October, giving plenty of time to visit a nearby orchard and bring home a bounty of crisp, juicy fruit. And with dozens of varieties to choose from, there’s an apple for every palate and practically every recipe. For eating fresh, look for favorites such as Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Macoun, Empire and Gala — varieties prized for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. For baking, apples such as Cortland, Empire, Rome, Granny Smith and McIntosh hold their own in pies, crisps, cakes and other autumn favorites. Mixing several varieties can add even more depth of flavor to a dessert. Some apples are particularly well suited to sauces and other dishes. McIntosh and Paula Red, for example, soften beautifully when cooked, while Cortland’s flesh resists browning, making it a natural choice for salads and other recipes where appearance matters. Of course, no orchard outing is complete without fresh-pressed cider — another quintessential taste of the season. Whether you enjoy your apples straight from the tree, baked into a warm dessert or transformed into a savory dish, there’s no better time to celebrate the harvest. So fill your basket, head home and get cooking. These delicious recipes are a perfect way to savor the season, one apple at a time.

Dutch Apple Pie

Pie is always a welcome fall treat, whether

as a scrumptious ending to a meal, or even as a snack. Crust: • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon shortening • 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water Filling: • 8 cups sliced cored peeled apples • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Topping: • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar In medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour and the salt. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions), until particles are size of small peas. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost leaves side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary). Gather pastry into a ball. Shape into flattened round on lightly floured surface. Wrap flattened round of pastry in plastic wrap, and refrigerate about 45 minutes or until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable. This allows the shortening to become slightly firm, which helps make the baked pastry more flaky. If refrigerated longer, let pastry soften slightly before rolling. Heat oven to 400° F. On surface sprinkled with flour, using floured rolling pin, roll pastry dough into circle 2 inches larger than 9-inch pie plate. Fold pastry into fourths; place in pie plate. Unfold and ease into plate, pressing firmly against bottom and side and being careful not to stretch pastry, which will cause it to shrink when baked. Trim overhanging edge of pastry

1 inch from rim of pie plate. Fold and roll pastry under, even with plate; flute as desired. In large bowl, toss filling ingredients. Pour into pie plate, mounding apples toward center. In medium bowl, use pastry blender or fingers to mix butter, 1 cup flour and the brown sugar until a crumb forms. Sprinkle evenly over top of pie. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon granulated sugar on top. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until pie crust and crumb topping are deep golden brown and filling begins to bubble. Transfer to cooling rack to cool.

As summer gives way to fall, head to the garden and celebrate the timeless cycle of planting, harvesting and renewal. Families can dig into the season, get hands in the soil and discover the traditions that connect people, plants and place at Planting Fields Park’s Community Garden. Join Shane Weeks and Tecumseh Ceaser of the Metoac Indigenous Collective for a hands-on morning exploring Indigenous gardening practices, the cultural importance of native plants, sustainable harvesting techniques and the vital tradition of saving seeds for future generations. The experience then continues in the garden, where participants help replenish the soil with nutrient-rich local seaweed before creating native wildflower seed balls to take home. It’s a fun way to support pollinators and carry the garden’s spirit of growth into your own backyard.

Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. Information available at plantingfields. org or call (516) 922-9210. Planting Fields Park, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay.

Apple-Berry Crisp

Crumbles and crisps offer the flavor of homemade pie without the fuss of making pastry. • 5 Golden Delicious or Rome apples, peeled, cored, and sliced • 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, blueberries, cranberries or raspberries • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1/3 cup unsifted all-purpose flour • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 5 tablespoons butter • 1/3 cup quick rolled oats Note: If using cranberries, add two tablespoons more brown sugar to apple-berry mixture, since cranberries are especially tart. Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly grease a 1 1/2to 2-quart baking dish. In large bowl, combine apples, berries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; toss to blend. Place appleberry mixture in prepared dish. In medium-sized bowl, combine flour, salt, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. With pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly; stir in oats. Sprinkle mixture over apples and bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is crisp and golden.

‘The Rocketman Show’ Remember when rock was young? You will after this enthralling show, starring Scotsman Rus Anderson — Elton John’s official stunt and body double for various “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” world tour projects. Hand picked by Elton and David Furnish, it was Rus’ own live Broadway-esque production “The Rocket Man Show” that got him noticed. Rus storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, killer vocalist, fierce piano player. His painstaking attention to detail includes wearing spectacular costumes, including Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984.

Thursday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

MERRICK HERALD — September 10, 2026

Seeds of the Future

September 10, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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Your Neighborhood SEP

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Laughs with Mitch Fatel

CALENDAR

• Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

Comedian and former Howard Stern Show intern performs at The Brokerage.

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Don’t miss out on Merrick’s Live After Five, ongoing. 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: 2797 Merrick Road • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: Brokerage.Govs.com

An evening with Kelly Bishop Molloy’s Madison Theatre and Theodore’s Books will presents an evening with award-winning actress Kelly Bishop. Best known for her role as Emily Gilmore on the Emmy Award-winning series “Gilmore Girls,” Bishop discusses her memoir, “The Third Gilmore Girl,” and reflect on her sixdecade career in entertainment, including her Tony Award-winning performance in the original Broadway production of “A Chorus Line” and roles in “Dirty Dancing” and other acclaimed projects. Each ticket includes a paperback copy of her memoir. • Where: Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.

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Blood Drive

Bellmore Library hosts New York Blood Center. Donate blood for those in need. Every 2 seconds someone is in need of blood, and your donation can save up to 3 lives! Registration preferred but walk-ins accepted. Where: 2288 Bedford Ave. • • Time: 2:45-7:15 p.m. • Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

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. • Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset • Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. • Contact: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org

Live After Five

• Where: Along Merrick Avenue, from LIRR to Loines Ave, and into the Merrick Mall • Time: Beginning at 5 p.m.

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Michael Carbonaro

Michael Carbonaro returns with Wonderboy, his all-new live tour from the star of truTV’s “The Carbonaro Effect.” Packed with audience participation, sly improv, and his signature reality-twisting illusions, Carbonaro delivers a high-energy, laugh-filled experience for all ages. Part magician, part comedian, all mischief-maker —Wonderboy is where magic is the superpower, laughter is the sidekick and reality doesn’t stand a chance. The multi-talented actor-magician-comedian has built a career turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Best known for his hit “The Carbonaro Effect,” he’s made millions laugh in astonishment by blending quick-witted comedy with jaw-dropping illusions in everyday settings. Now he delights everyone with his newest adventure, Michael Carbonaro: Wonderboy — a tour where audiences discover him as the Hero of Mischief, in a world where magic is the superpower and laughter is the sidekick. An accomplished actor, he’s appeared in “Law & Order: SVU,” “CSI: Miami,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” among other projects. As a magician, he’s been named Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts and is the sole recipient of the Copperfield Prize, awarded for elevating the art of magic itself. A performing magician • Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington since his youth, Carbonaro studied experimental theater at New York University with the • Time: 7:30 p.m. aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on late night TV, prior to his own • Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com series. Bringing wonder, mischief and magic to the stage — reality doesn’t stand a chance.

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to missed.

Bellmore Family Street Festival The annual street festival presented by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores is not

• Where: Bedford Avenue LIRR, Bellmore • Time: Varied, through Sept. 20

Stargazers Old Westbury Gardens invites everyone to join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island for an evening of guided stargazing and nighttime skywatching. Learn about the stars, planets, and seasonal constellations visible overhead while experienced observers help you navigate the night sky through telescopes and shared knowledge. Gates open 30 minutes before observing begins, allowing guests time to settle in and take in the twilight transition before the sky comes alive. Bring your curiosity and enjoy a relaxed, awe-filled evening under the stars. Free with admission. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 8:15-10 p.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

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Laughs with Peter Revello Enjoy stand-up comedy with Peter Revello at The Brokerage.

Where: 2797 Merrick Road. • • Time: 7 p.m., also Sept. 19 • Contact: Brokerage.Govs.com

Senior Health and Beyond Expo Adults ages 50 and older are invited to attend the free Long Island Herald Senior Health and Beyond Expo at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center. With exhibitors and resources focused on health, wellness and financial planning, along with refreshments, giveaways and opportunities to connect with local organizations and service providers. The Expo is designed to help seniors and their families learn about programs and services that support healthy, active living. • Where: 111 N. Oceanside Road, Rockville Centre • Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Contact: Register at Eventbrite or call (516) 569-4000

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Melodies by Melissa

Merrick Library welcomes vocalistsongwriter Melissa Mandel. She brings a nostalgic sound inspired by the musical greats of the 1970s and 1980s, including The Carpenters, Stevie Wonder, and Carole King. A Long Island Music Hall of Fame scholarship recipient, Melissa captivates audiences with her emotive vocals, original music, and heartfelt performances. • Where: 2279 Merrick Ave. • Time: 2-3 p.m. • Contact: merricklibrary.org

Battle of the Decades Take a musical journey through three unforgettable eras at Battle of the Decades at the Madison Theatre at Molloy University. The high-energy tribute concert features Radio Gold performing hits from the 1970s, Rock of 80’s celebrating the biggest anthems of the 1980s and Reality Bites bringing the sound of the 1990s to life. The evening will also include the presentation of the Ted Fass Music Scholarship to an incoming Molloy University music student. • Where: 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

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‘We the People’

Celebrate 250 years of American independence with an evening of music inspired by the American experience when Old Westbury Gardens emsemble-in-residence Poetica Musica presents We the People: USA at 250. Featuring Poetica Musica artists Barry Crawford (flute), Oren Fader (guitar), William Anderson (guitar), Molly Morkoski (piano), and Eleanor Valkenburg (mezzo-soprano), the program showcases works by some of America’s most celebrated composers, including Aaron Copland, Cole Porter, Scott Joplin, William Bolcom, Katherine Hoover, and Robert Beaser. Among the highlights are Beaser’s Mountain Songs for flute and guitar, selections from Copland’s vocal repertoire, piano rags by Joplin and Bolcom, and Hoover’s evocative solo flute work Kokopelli. A pre-concert talk begins at 7:30 p.m., Meetthe-Artists reception in the West Porch follows performance. $30, $25 seniors and students. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 8-9:30 p.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

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

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Public Notices

September 10, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

LMER1 0910

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

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 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;

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Students in the district’s AP Capstone program work on teambuilding exercises at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.

Bellmore-Merrick schools celebrate 767 AP Scholars The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is proud to announce that 767 students have been recognized by the College Board Advanced Placement Scholars Program for demonstrating exceptional college-level achievement through their performance on AP exams. The AP Scholars program recognizes three levels of achievement. AP Scholar awards are presented to students who achieve scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. AP Scholar with Honor awards are granted to students who earn an average score at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams. AP Scholar with Distinction awards are the highest honor AP students can earn and require students to average 3.5 or higher on all AP exams taken and score 3 or higher on at least five exams. AP exams are scored on a 1-5 scale. Of the 767 Bellmore-Merrick students recognized, 258 were AP Scholars, 139 were AP Scholars with Honor, and 369 were AP Scholars with Distinction. Further, the 767 students honored this year is the most in recent history, marking a 15% increase from just two years ago. All three high schools — John

F. Kennedy, Sanford H. Calhoun and Wellington C. Mepham High had over 250 students recognized. In addition, all three high schools were designated as Gold Schools on the AP School Honor Roll, which is also overseen by the College Board, for developing an AP program that creates a college-going culture and gives students opportunities to earn college credit and to maximize their college outcomes. 78 Bellmore-Merrick students earned prestigious AP Capstone Diplomas and 45 students earned AP Capstone Seminar and Research Certificates. These students were recognized for their outstanding presentation, research, collaboration and writing skills. “Earning recognition through the College Board’s AP Scholars Program reflects the rigor, discipline, and intellectual curiosity our students bring to their coursework every day,” said Scott Bersin, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment. “This accomplishment speaks not only to their individual dedication, but also to the strength of our teachers and the college-level instruction happening across our high schools.”

RUNNING THENCE NORTHERLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF SHERMAN AVENUE, 125 FEET;

known as 170 Sherman Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. Dated: 7/30/2026

— Julia Gillego

Public Notices

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

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 Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE Apex Dance Collective LLC filed with the SSNY on 4/13/2026. Office: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent for process and shall mail copy of process to Northwest Registered Agent LLC, 418 Broadway, Ste N, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: any lawful 162153 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

17

E1 09/10

Employment

CLASSIFIED

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

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.

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.

BUS NOW HIRINGIVERS AND VAN DR

ROOSEVELT

CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL Grades K-8

SEPTEMBER PAYRATES

Big Bus IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE PROGRAMS

SCOPE IS HIRING

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 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 1361569 1356440

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

$33.93/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Van $31.16/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

We Guarantee 30 Hours A Week

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

SCOPE EDUCATION SERVICES

NEW

516.454.2300 Call Today!

Positions available in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Apply At: www.educationalbusjobs.com/ EOE

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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

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

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

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

School Monitors Part Time

$17.85/Hour. 17 ½ to 25 Hours/Week.

Starting Immediately! Applications may be picked up at:

Malverne UFSD Office of Human Resources 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565 or Call 516-887-6419 dlawlor@malverneschools.org

1362890

DON’T MISS The Bus!

MERRICK HERALD — September 10, 2026

HERALD

Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SECRETARY P/T

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

Consider It

M

D Scho O P $17.85/Ho N Start E

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS In-Person Inquiries FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop Eldercare Offered looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary HOUSEKEEPING/ SENIOR CARERanges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. GIVER Available. Private/ Professional. • 49270 Malverne Richner Communic 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne Email resumes or contact info to CNA* HHA* CCA Certified. 3.125x 3"Experienced/ Richner Communications TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD careers@liherald.com Excellent References. Emma Call 516-569-4000, press 5 then 2 to speak to an Account Executive. 516-519-0456

Appli

Offic 301 Wick o Check out our Classifieds dlawlo

Looking to Buy, Section — Your go-to local SeLL or Hire? marketplace.

Malverne Unio

September 10, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

18

E2 09/10

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

Long Beach

An Extraordinary Waterfront Retreat

Open House: Sunday, September 13, 12:00-2:00pm. 491 East Bay Drive

A

ll boats lead to this spectacular open-bay waterfront beauty, where breathtaking views can be enjoyed from virtually every room. The open-concept main level features a spacious living room with cathedral ceilings, den, dining area, and a stunning gourmet kitchen with premium stainless steel appliances. Radiant heat and a whole-house water filtration system add exceptional comfort. Expansive waterfront outdoor living, entertaining spaces, and dock seamlessly extend the interior. Upstairs features two bedrooms, a full bath, and a luxurious primary suite complete with a steam shower and walk-in closet. Every detail has been meticulously designed and executed to the highest standards of craftsmanship, with top of the line finishes throughout.

All we want to do is move in

Q. We completed construction last year, and got a letter recently from our building department that our work was never “signed off.” We called the number of a person who turned out to be our building inspector, and after calling several times, we finally got them on the phone. That’s when we learned that our contractor never got a single inspection — not one — and that now we’re faced with getting a “design professional” to write a signed and sealed letter. We tracked down who our architect was — the one whose seal is on our building plans, since we never met them — and they don’t answer their phone. The contractor recommended another architect. What do we need to do or ask the other architect to get our final c/o? A. Start by asking the architect if they can see through walls. Sounds like a job for Superman. The real problem here is that you, like many, got stuck by people who don’t take the process seriously and would have left you holding the bag had it not been for an official who was “just doing their job.” Obviously, your inspector didn’t see the ongoing onte eeper procedures of the work, and doesn’t want to lie and say they did, so they need someone else to do it. Instead of relying on the contractor, who should have called for inspections, they look for someone with a cape who can see hidden details. That someone is a licensed, state-designated responsible individual who may take the liability when something hidden is wrong — namely, an architect or engineer. In such a situation, I always wonder why a homeowner wasn’t suspicious or concerned that they never met the licensed professional architect or engineer who would be ultimately responsible for their home’s strength, code compliance and safety. Based on my experience, most people show little understanding of or respect for why a certificate of completion or occupancy is needed, and regard it as a needless formality. Many building departments haven’t made it easier, and people tell me they’re sorry they ever mentioned doing work. Instead of helping people through the process and clearly explaining other potential issues, some delay the work, defer the communication to an architect and look for reasons not to release a permit without finding other “illegal” items, such as an air conditioner, shed, fence, deck, etc., that also need permits that were never gotten. This isn’t always true, because some officials are very helpful, so I hope the ones who are communicative don’t automatically take this to heart. When I’m asked to get involved in such an issue, I ask for a notarized affidavit from the contractor who did the work that they stand behind the airsealing, insulation, fire-stopping and structure that they saw and were supposed to install, then I attach that sworn affidavit with a letter corroborating the visual inspection. Letters don’t hold up buildings, and nobody I’ve met can see through walls. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

M

Rhonda Healy RE Salesperson, ABR, SRS Coldwell Banker American Homes 1025 West Beech Street, Long Beach 516.236.7269

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. 516-5694000, 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!

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

L

© 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.

19

E3 09/10

Market Place • •

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

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

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CERTIFIED ARBORISTS ON STAFF

OWA_GotClutter_BW_Bold

MERRICK HERALD — September 10, 2026

HERALD

220 South Service Rd., Roslyn Heights, NY 11577 OUR ! AKE Y E WE M S SPARKL OW WIND

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Licensed & Insured

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1358313

HOME SERVICE

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HERALD

Stuff

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Wanted To Buy

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E4 09/10

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HErald

Crossword Puzzle

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Medical

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Call 516-534-5907 to schedule your free quote today!

1356085

September 10, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

20

Answers to todAy’s puzzle

21

opinions

W

hether it’s the war in Iran, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s expansionism or the continuing threat of Islamist terrorism, the United States and the world are faced with crises from multiple directions. This should be a time when nations with common values and interests forge a united front, no matter our policy differences or personality clashes. The most significant example of this unity occurred at the close of World War II, when the U.S., Canada and the countries of Western Europe put aside historic differences and rivalries to unite against the common threat of world communism emanating from the Soviet Union by forming NATO, which became the largest and most successful military and governmental alliance in human history. After centuries of conflict, including World Wars I and II, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans, NATO ultimately caused the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and prevented the inva-

i

sion of one country by another on the continent of Europe for 75 years, until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As the world’s lone superpower, the U.S. was the main force within NATO, providing troops on the ground in various countries, a nuclear umbrella for all of the organization’s members and, most important, our credibility and commitment. The member countries were of course also essential to NATO’s success, coordinating their military units under an American Supreme Command and pledging unity. No wonder it has been Russian President Vladimir Putin’s long-held dream to somehow bring about NATO’s dissolution. NATO demonstrated its commitment to stand united when it responded so quickly and forcefully to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Though no other NATO country was attacked and there was no war on European soil, countries responded with troops, courage and ability. Great Britain, Denmark, Canada, Poland and Italy would suffer casualties at a per-capita rate which approached our own. Previously, in the successful Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in 1991, countries such as Britain and

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France sent troops to fight alongside American forces. NATO did, however, develop lingering deficiencies. Its over-reliance on the United States led to a continuing failure by member countries to meet their financial commitments to the alliance. I recall being at a meeting in London with Britain’s defense minister as far back as 1997, where he acknowledged the fear of NATO’s becoming a “paper tiger.” It is to Present Trump’s credit that he effectively saved the alliance by pressuring its member nations to pay up. Trump’s more recent actions, however — his threats to take Greenland from Denmark, engaging in a tariff war with Canada while referring to it as our 51st state, his exchange of insults with Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and his attack on Pope Leo— have only weakened NATO. Similarly, Trump’s withdrawal of troops from Poland and Germany, and cuts in aid to Ukraine, have raised doubts about American credibility and reliability. Also damaging to the alliance was the failure to coordinate strategy with NATO countries before beginning the war against Iran. (This was so contrary to the close cooperation I saw between American

s strong as we are, maintaining alliances is vital to our national security.

and British generals when I had visited Afghanistan.) This has resulted in Britain’s refusal to provide its minesweeping capability to Trump in the Strait of Hormuz, and Meloni’s denying us use of air bases in Italy. These actions, on both sides, are shortsighted, and counterproductive to everyone. There is no doubt that the United States is the superpower and indispensable partner in the alliance. It is also true that our relationship with NATO, and our actions and level of support for Ukraine, South Korea, Taiwan and Israel, are watched carefully by our adversaries China, Iran, North Korea, Al Qaeda and ISIS, as well as by our allies and friendly nations such as Japan and the Philippines in the Pacific and Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East. As strong as the U.S. is, maintaining alliances and international support is vital to our national security. Isolationist policies such as America First and Fortress America have failed us in the past, and we can’t afford to rely on, or even experiment with them again. We live in an ever more dangerous, threatening world. We cannot risk America First becoming America Alone. Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

What our government once was, and what it is now

’ve just finished watching a threehour documentary on the life of President Franklin D. Roosevelt titled “Rendezvous With Destiny.” It highlights the accomplishments of one man and provides us with a refreshing reminder of a time in history when our leaders led and the people benefited from their selfless labors. When you have sat through hours of commentary by brilliant historians and seen the priceless film footage, it’s impossible not to think about the current state of our country and its leadership. I’ve had the good fortune to spend 29 years in public service at the local and state levels. I’ve rubbed elbows with some of our nation’s most gifted politicians, and witnessed their accomplishments as a spectator and firsthand. The more you witness the history of our multiple governments, the more you realize how our current government is no longer capable of serving the people who desperately need it. I have no issue

with the people from both parties who provide us with services in our counties, towns and villages. But I am saddened by our federal system, which serves only itself. The U.S. Congress is trapped in a state of gridlock. Years go by and not one bill is passed that helps the people who need it. The House and Senate managed to pass a bill that provides tax relief to the wealthy and robs the poor of health care coverage and food benefits. Members of Congress who voted for the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill try to portray it as a tax-cutting law, but on closer examination, it helps only those who need no help. One provision of the bill provides some tax relief for suburban homeowners by raising the cap on deductions for state and local taxes from $10,000 to $40,000 through 2029. Many members pledged to stop Congress from insider stock trading, but the bill failed to even get a floor vote, thanks to pressure from some of the more senior members. The voters took note of the failures of Congress in recent months by kicking 16 members from both political parties off

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the ballot. We are six months into a war with Iran that has robbed us of our extensive inventory of key weapons and put us in danger if we were to have any conflict with China or Russia, our sworn enemies. We have insulted our NATO allies, who are being criticized for failing to join the battle in Iran, even thought they were never consulted. The price of gasoline continues to spike due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic. There is little or no chance that there will be any compromise before Election Day, and some incumbents will suffer for this travesty. With prices still high, health benefits being cut for 12 million people and another 7 million losing the benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, President Trump keeps insisting that affordability is a Democratic hoax. In the midst of this national economic crises, the president has ratcheted up his personal war with Canada by imposing 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods. Tariffs work both ways, and American consumers will pay more for toilet paper, plywood and other crucial products.

he nation is juggling lots of challenges, but the president is fixated on other things.

While our country faces crisis after crisis, our ally Ukraine is being bombarded by hundreds of Russian drones. The Ukrainians have waged a successful four-year battle against the Russian invasion, but they now faces the possibility that North Korea will enter the conflict with thousands of troops. Europe is doing its share, but it appears that Trump doesn’t want to offend Russian President Vladimir Putin by offering Ukraine more assistance. Our nation is being forced to juggle numerous challenges, but the president is fixated on building his White House ballroom as well as a ceremonial arch near Arlington National Cemetery. He is also accelerating his efforts to put his name on our currency and a number of public buildings. The more we watch documentaries on Roosevelt and former Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, the more we are struck by the contrast between what government once was, and still should be, and what it is now. 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 — September 10, 2026

The United States needs to be a dependable ally

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Herald editorial

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September 10, 2026 — MERRICK HERALD

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Twenty-five years later, we remember

ept. 11, 2001, remains a defining moment for anyone who lived through it. For some, it is remembered in exact detail — where they were standing, who they were with, what they saw and the moment they realized that life as they knew it had changed forever. For others, particularly those born after the terrorist attacks, it is history. They learn about it in school, see photos and videos and hear stories from parents, grandparents and teachers. But 25 years later, the challenge for all of us is the same: How do we remember Sept. 11 in a meaningful way, and how do we help those who continue to live with its consequences? In the middle of unimaginable horror, people helped one another. Strangers carried strangers. First responders risked their lives for people they did not know. Communities opened their doors. Ordinary people performed extraordinary acts of courage and kindness. Long Islanders were in the thick of 9/11, as volunteer fire departments from across Nassau and Suffolk counties, many with FDNY firefighters, raced to the site. Baldwin’s Bob Beckwith, a retired city fireman, responded, and three days later stood with President George W. Bush atop the rubble in a defining image of the attacks’ aftermath. Roosevelt High School students creat-

ed a memorial garden honoring two graduates who died at ground zero. Students at Deasy Elementary School, in Glen Cove, made stuffed animals for children who lost parents in the attacks. Scouts from across Suffolk collected 153,000 bottled drinks in 70 hours for rescue workers. The attacks brought a sense of insecurity and a horrifying realization that we could not control what was happening around us. Nearly 3,000 people were killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, including 497 Long Islanders. Families lost parents, children, siblings and friends. First responders ran toward danger, and countless others demonstrated extraordinary courage simply by helping strangers. In the succeeding years, children grew up without mothers or fathers. Some followed in their parents’ footsteps, becoming police officers, firefighters or other public servants to honor those they lost. Grandchildren were born who never had the opportunity to know the people whose names are spoken every Sept. 11. For many families, the anniversary isn’t simply a day on the calendar. It can bring back memories, grief and questions that never fade away. That is why remembering matters. Memorials, ceremonies and the simple

act of saying the names of those we lost are vital ritual. We remember everyone who died, we remember those who died later from illnesses connected to their work at ground zero, and we remember the families that were left behind. The anniversary is a day for reflection and service — much like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when we pause to recognize sacrifice and those who served something greater than themselves. Honor their memory through action. Help a neighbor. Support a first responder or veteran. Visit a memorial, take part in a community service project, or teach a child why Sept. 11 still matters. Children should learn about that day in age-appropriate ways, understanding both the tragedy and the remarkable response of people who came together. These lessons are important. Twenty-five years is a long time. But it is not long enough to forget. So say the names. Remember the lives. Honor the families. Thank those who responded. Support those still suffering. And then do something good. The Herald’s 9/11 special section seeks to do just that. Through the memories and experiences of people who lived through or lost someone on that horrific day, and were forever changed, we hope to show that Sept. 11 isn’t just something that happened 25 years ago. It is part of our history, and part of our present.

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letterS We were unified after Sept. 11. What’s happened since then? To the Editor: The aftermath of Sept. 11 was a lost opportunity for this country to be much stronger and united. For a very brief time, we grieved, suffered, and consoled one another, despite differences in race, ethnicity, religion and politics. At the time, the feeling was that we had taken a quantum leap in our tolerances and respect for one another. For many, a spiritual awakening was activated to strengthen our resiliency as well. Who would believe the shelf life of this unity would expire in so short a time? This teaching moment was fleeting, and in many ways has been forgotten. We are now more divided politically, led by our two parties. We are angrier in our discourse, often misinformed, and less patient with our differences. We attack the

person, not the ideas. We are more distrustful — and in many cases, the mainstream media plays their role in this. The sadness is that we could have been better

as a country, but regressed to our darker side. TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside

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opinions

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s the 2026-27 academic year gets under way, it’s a good time to get motivated for the challenges and opportunities ahead, whether you’re a student, a parent or a teacher like me. The next nine to 10 months will be a time of growth, and include the occasional hurdle that will require us to employ old and new knowledge and skills. It would certainly help to be inspired by someone as you take on a new year. Well, how about an entire team? I have been a professor of sport management for 21 years, 16 as a full-time professor at Farmingdale State College. I am also a huge sports fan. And in that time, not one team I closely follow — the New York Jets, Mets, Knicks and

Georgetown University basketball — had won a championship. That is 83 years of futility. Tack on the years since the Mets won in 1986, that’s another 20 years and another 80 seasons of no championships. That is a lot of losing. In fact, A.I. told me that the odds of none of my teams winning a title in 40 years was extremely low, roughly 0.44 percent. So you can imagine how strange, and great, it feels now, as I approach a new school year with a Knicks title under my belt. Teaching sports management, I find a lot of motivation in working with students who are going to be the future leaders in this growing industry. But have I felt joy? Not really. To see your favorite teams lose year after year — and my teams seemed to lose a lot of painful games — sapped the joy out of being a fan. I’ve always felt like an out-

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sider in the world of fandom, jealous of others around the country whose teams achieved their ultimate goal. We’re New York fans, for God’s sake. We deserved better! Well, 2026-27 is shaping up to be very different. The magical playoff ride that started for the Knicks in April and culminated with an NBA championship in June continues on for us fans. At least it does for me. Frankly, though, I’m not sure what that means, or how I should behave at school. After spending the past few months fist-bumping and high-fiving strangers in the street, in restaurants, on the train and on the subway, do I now continue that in the classrooms and hallways at Farmingdale? Can I keep saying, “Knicks in five!” as I do to my wife, members of my extended family and my best friends — but now to students and fellow professors? I sure hope so.

an I keep saying, ‘Knicks in five!’ now to students and fellow professors?

Framework by Tim Baker

Flo Rida on stage at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre — East Meadow

Turns out that urge is likely very normal. According to Todd Rogers, a professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School who leads the Fandom and Social Connection Initiative, “Fandom is a very communal phenomenon and has the potential to increase the quantity and quality of our relationships.” All I can say is that I’m hyped. I have an energy now that I realize has been absent for the past 21 years. I know that I’ve always given students my best, but the effort was devoid of the joy that comes with cheering with thousands of other New Yorkers who share the beauty of being a sports fan — connection, camaraderie and community. I don’t ask students who their favorite teams are, but I’m confident that many I’ll interact with this year are Knicks fans, and that they’re hyped as well. And that will make this year unlike any other. Sarbjit Singh is an associate professor of sports management at Farmingdale State College.

MERRICK HERALD — September 10, 2026

For N.Y. sports fans, this school year has a different feel

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