Kathryn Gadek-Joannou made it through several rounds of the “Colossal’s Face of Halloween Competition,” a national contest that pairs a person’s passion for the spooky holiday with fundraising for the Starlight Children’s Foundation
Health journey inspires contest entry
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Kathryn Gadek-Joannou has always loved Halloween. Each year she transforms her Merrick home into a festive display and carefully selects costumes for herself and her daughter.
But this October, her passion for the holiday moved beyond her own front yard. Gadek-Joannou, a registered nurse, competed in the “Colossal’s Face of Halloween Competition,” a national contest that pairs a person’s passion for the spooky holiday with fundraising for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which supports seriously ill children.
Her first foray into the contest was a successful one. She was a part of the competition for several weeks surviving multiple rounds of cuts, including one that ended on Oct. 2, when she received enough votes to
finish second in her group.
The contest has stretched across three or four weeks, with the field being narrowed in stages — from 20 to 15, to 10 contestants in her group — and she has made each cut along the way. Unfortunately, Gadek-Johnson fell short in the most recent vote on Oct. 6, but her experience was extremely positive nonetheless.
The winner of the contest receives $13,000, a feature article in “Rue Morgue” magazine, and the opportunity to go on a ghost hunt with actor Kane Hodder, who played Jason Vorhees in the “Halloween” movie series and meet Emmy-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
“I go out of my way for Halloween,” she said. “My daughter always has the best costumes, and my house is full of decorations. That’s really why I joined.”
But the contest was about more than cos-
Local pub to host cancer fundraiser
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Merrick residents can help support local cancer patients while enjoying a night of Beatles classics at the Paddy Power Pub later this month.
The pub, located at 70 Merrick Ave., will host a special fundraiser on Oct. 17 starting at 6 p.m. to benefit the Hewlett House, the community resource center for cancer patients and their families founded by five-time cancer survivor Geri Barish. The evening will feature a performance by The Second Street Band, a Beatles tribute act known for its lively sets across Long Island.
vices to Hewlett House, and after visiting the pub and meeting its staff, she loved the idea of hosting a Beatles night there. She immediately felt welcomed by the Paddy Power team and said the event combines fun with fundraising — a mix she loves.
“Who doesn’t like to go down, enjoy themselves, relax, and do something for charity?” Barish said. “And when I’ve seen these guys do their Beatles night, it’s fabulous. Who doesn’t remember the Beatles? Singing along just makes it happy.”
CIARA SloAN Paddy Power Pub manager
Barish herself will serve as guest bartender for the night, with proceeds from drink sales and donations going directly to the Hewlett House. Co-worker Ellen Mowery’s husband, Jerry, is a member of The Second Street Band, and the plans for the fundraiser came together seamlessly.
Barish said Mowery’s husband regularly donates his ser-
When the pub’s staff suggested she take a turn behind the bar, Barish said she couldn’t resist.
“They said, ‘Well, you’ll be the bartender,’ and I thought, ‘Oh God, I’m in trouble,’” she joked. “Anything other than a beer, forget it. But I’ll try anything.”
For Paddy Power manager Ciara Sloan, the combination of live music, community spirit, and Barish’s warmth will make for a memorable evening.
Continued on paGe 14
Courtesy Kathryn Gadek-Joannou
Women honored for their leadership, dedication
By BRIAN KACHARABA & JORDAN VALLONE of Herald Community Newspapers
Four women with Bellmore-Merrick ties were among 17 honored for their leadership, dedication and service on Sept. 18 at the third annual Women of Distinction ceremony, hosted by State Sen. Steve Rhoads at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library.
North Bellmore Superintendent of Schools Marie Testa, Bellmore School District Board of Education Vice President Janet Goller, North Bellmore Board of Education Trustee Nina Lanci, and Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Vice President and Merrick School District Trustee Dr. Nancy Kaplan were recognized for contributions that have shaped communities across Rhoads’ Senate district.
Testa, now in her 13th year as North Bellmore’s superintendent, was recently named president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents. She said she was grateful for the recognition and emphasized the community’s collective commitment to nurturing both academic and personal growth in students.
“I am truly humbled to be named a Woman of Distinction by Senator Rhoads,” she said. “As superintendent of North Bellmore, I am fortunate to work alongside a dedicated school community in supporting our students’ growth — not only as learners, but as kind and compassionate people. Standing among such extraordinary women, whose stories were deeply inspiring, was both grounding and uplifting.”
Goller, a past president of the board and a lifelong Bellmore resident, has dedicated 31 years to the Bellmore School District as a trustee. She has previously been honored with the New York State PTA Honorary Life Distinguished Service Award, the National PTA
Four women with Bellmore-Merrick ties were among the 17
Women of Distinction ceremony. They include Marie Testa, second
left in the front row, Nina Lanci, fourth from left in the front row, and
Life Achievement Award and the Nassau County Women Trailblazers of the New Millennium Award.
“Janet’s passion for the Bellmore community is unwavering,” said Bellmore Union Free School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Famularo. “Her tireless dedication to the students of Bellmore schools has shaped countless Stars into lifelong leaders.”
Lanci, now in her 21st year on the North Bellmore Board of Education, is the longest-tenured member of the board and also serves as a trustee on the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District Board of Education. She is a past president of the Martin Avenue PTA.
“To be recognized alongside so many other remarkable women for doing the work I love most — helping
my community in whatever way I can — is a tremendous honor,” she said.
Kaplan serves as a trustee on both the Merrick Union Free School District and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District boards of education. She is also a member of the Merrick Kiwanis Club and has coached basketball and baseball in her community.
Each honoree’s biography was read aloud, highlighting their contributions in volunteerism, advocacy, education, business and the arts. Rhoads personally presented the awards, expressing gratitude for their efforts to improve life on Long Island.
“These extraordinary women show us every day that one person’s courage, vision and dedication can transform a community,” Rhoads said.
Long Island Heroes Celebration
Point: Garvies Point Brewery & Restaurant
Courtesy State Sen. Steve Rhoads Office
honored by State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ on Sept. 18 at his
from right in the top row, Janet Goller, third from
Dr. Nancy Kaplan, middle in the front row.
Classic Coney magic charms audience
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
A touch of Coney Island magic came to Merrick on Oct. 5, when Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore hosted “Magic at Coney,” a revival of the celebrated variety show that once entertained crowds at the Coney Island Museum.
The show featured veteran performers Thomas Solomon, Richard Cohn and Lee Alan Barrett, with magician and producer Gary Dreifus serving as host. Dreifus, who founded “Magic at Coney,” has spent more than 50 years performing magic, mentalism and hypnosis, and is one of few to receive the title of Doctor of Magic from the International Magicians Society.
Dreifus stunned the audience with his version of a shell game involving three cups of water.
The accordion-toting Cohn, a noted performer and historian of magic, presented “A Selection of Strange,” a blend of Coney Island lore, music and illusion. Known for his consulting work with Criss Angel, Disney and DreamWorks, he added a local flourish by tearing up a copy of the Merrick Herald and restoring it to its original form before the audience’s eyes.
Solomon, billed as the World’s Greatest Escape Artist, demonstrated the skills that earned him recognition at the 2000 World Magic Awards and appearances at venues such as the Magic Castle and the White House. His work has also been featured on Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us.” He dazzled the audience by escaping from a set of 1880s-style handcuffs with the assistance of East Meadow audience member Michael Croland.
Barrett, an award-winning comedy magician with credits that include CBS Morning Show and performances for the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp,” mixed humor and illusion to keep the audience engaged. The highlight of his act was getting a coin into a glass bottle with the help of seven-year-old volunteer assistant Addison Klager of Merrick.
The “Magic at Coney” program, celebrating more than 15 years of performances, brings together illusionists, escape artists and mentalists from around the world. Its stop in Merrick introduced the show’s mix of history, humor and sleight-of-hand to a new audience on Long Island.
Tim Baker/Herald Photos
Thomas Solomon, from left, Richard Cohn, Lee Alan Barrett, and Gary Dreifus entertained the audience at the Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore during the “Magic at Coney” show on Oct. 5.
Richard Cohn holds a copy of the Merrick Herald to set up his ‘torn and restored’ trick.
Magician Gary Dreifus uses sleight-of-hand while performing his water-in-the-cup trick.
Seven-year-old Addison Klager of Merrick volunteered to help Lee Alan Barrett during one of his magic tricks.
Audience members at Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore enjoyed a day of laughter and amazement during the “Magic at Coney” performance.
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Commuters from the BellmoreMerrick area and beyond expressed concern over the upcoming Long Island Rail Road fare hike, saying higher ticket prices will make their daily trips to the city more costly and could push some riders to seek alternative transportation.
Locals voice concern over MTA-approved fare hikes
By ISABELLA PLANTE Intern
Local Long Island Rail Road riders are voicing frustration over the upcoming fare increases that was recently approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, saying the higher costs are forcing them to reconsider whether taking the train remains worth it.
An Inheritance is a Gift, Not a Right
Ann Landers, who published her weekly advice column from 1955 to 2002 listed this as one of her top ten most requested columns – republishing it seven times in her long career.
Dear Ann: Let this letter be a wake-up call to all sons, daughters, and grandchildren. The message I want to convey is this: YOUR INHERITANCE IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IT’S A GIFT.
I am an estate planner. Over the last several years, I have seen many clients change their wills, bypassing children and grandchildren, and leave their money to friends, charities, and people they once worked with who were kind and helpful.
There are many reasons for changing a will, but the two most common are disrespect and isolation. In some families, the only time the old folks see the grandchildren is when their parents need a favor–usually, it’s money. So, the message the old folks wish to convey is as follows: “You didn’t make time for me when I was lonely and would have enjoyed your company, so why should I leave you the
money I worked for all my life?”
Wake up out there. An inheritance isn’t something that is owed to you. It is a gift of love. When there is no love, there should be no gift. — Manasota, Fla.
We like to say that your “family” are those you love and who love you. The rest are your relatives. Or, put another way, it’s not who you’re related to, it’s who you relate to.
For those who have children, the inheritance is usually left to the children in equal shares. However, there is no legal requirement to do so. One of the first concepts we learned in estate planning is that “there is nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Are some considerably better off than others? Has one been more attentive, more caring, gone out of their way for you? Where distributions will be unequal, we often suggest leaving a letter, to be opened after your death, explaining the reasons for your decision. A discussion with an experienced estate planning attorney often will provide ideas and options that you may not have thought of.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
The MTA board on Sept. 30 approved the fare and toll increases, marking the first price hike since 2023. The hikes apply to both LIRR riders and motorists using MTA bridges and tunnels. Officials said the increases are necessary to sustain service and support the system’s post-pandemic recovery.
LIRR fares will rise by an average of 4.4 percent, with monthly passes remaining below $500, on least Jan. 1. New programs will expand discounts for seniors, people with disabilities, and children, while the MTA will introduce a new day pass and discontinue the 10-trip ticket.
Michael Taylor, who commutes from Merrick into the city, said he’s now questioning the value of his monthly ticket.
“It is bad enough,” Taylor said. “[The] MTA as a whole is raising their prices a lot. The subway is going up another 10 cents. It’s affecting my commute negatively. I enjoy taking the train and the bus sometimes, but it’s pushed me to get a car again.”
Like many riders, Taylor is weighing whether continued fare hikes make owning a car a smarter investment, especially when new discount programs appear geared toward families who already rely on personal transportation.
A Freeport resident, who only identified himself as Bill, said that while he recognizes the benefits the MTA provides, he worries about the broader impact of the increases.
“Most of the people are feeling the burden of it, instead of the benefit of it,” he said. “I think that it would benefit a minority, I think it would impact the majority of our communities.”
M.D. Sharifuzzaman, who recently moved to Long Island and commutes from Bellmore to the city, said this is the first price hike he’s seen since moving four months ago.
“[The] now $287 for a monthly [ticket] is definitely affecting me,” he said.
Queens resident Cynthia Bowe, who frequently rides the LIRR, echoed concerns about how the MTA uses its funds.
“Both systems need some work, and it seems like they need more transparency of what they’re actually spending the money on,” she said.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber defended the move as essential for maintaining affordability and reliability, while acknowledging concerns from riders and board members about the financial burden.
Isabella Plante/Herald
CHRISTIAN ANAYA CAREY Senior FOOTBALL
A TWO-WAY LINEMAN for the reigning Nassau and Long Island champions, Anaya completed a rare daily double on the defensive side of the ball for the Seahawks in a 35-14 victory at South Side Sept. 27. His sack in the end zone for a safety put Carey ahead for good in the second quarter. Then, late in the fourth, he scooped up a fumble forced by Justin DePietro and raced 69 yards for the game-sealing touchdown as the team won its 15th straight.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Oct. 9
Girls Soccer: Elmont at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Long Beach at Kennedy 4:45 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Mepham at Garden City 5
Boys Soccer: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Garden City at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: North Shore at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at Baldwin 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Long Beach at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Boys Soccer: South Side at Malverne/ERock 7 p.m.
Girls Soccer: West Hempstead at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10
Football: Malverne at Seaford 6 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Syosset 6 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at Plainedge 6 p.m.
Football: Clarke at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Football: Calhoun at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Football: V.S. Central at Glen Cove 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Football: Mepham at Garden City 1 p.m.
Football: South Side at Wantagh 2 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Baldwin 2 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at Lynbrook 2 p.m.
Football: Herricks at Freeport 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Senior-sparked Kennedy on a roll
By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com
There are few guarantees in life, but one is that the Bellmore-JFK girls’ soccer team is going to make the playoffs.
That’s not a bold prediction; it’s the truth. Every team that competes in Class AA will compete in the postseason.
Another truth is the Cougars, who’ve exceeded coach Christine DeFilippo’s expectations this year, aren’t content with just making the playoffs.
“They work hard at practice every day. I have a lot of veterans on the team. We have nine seniors, most of them have either been on varsity since they were in ninth or 10th grade,” DeFilippo said.
Kennedy is 5-2-2 and second in Conference AAA/ AA-3, four points behind undefeated Farmingdale. In a clash for the top spot in the conference, the Cougars were on the wrong end of a 6-1 defeat.
But that result has been an outlier. There were losses to Mepham and Calhoun, where the Cougars had a lead. And DeFilippo makes a point to utilize her entire roster in those non-league games.
What Kennedy has shown is a resilience to rebound from a loss or a tie, an important quality to have down the stretch drive of the season.
“I definitely think they’re very talented, so they bounced back well from a loss or a tie, which is good because sometimes that could be a battle in itself, but, I think they’re starting to
Grace Hughes/Herald
Senior midfielder Jordana Wohlleben had 5 goals for the Cougars and also plays a strong leadership role as one of their captains.
believe they are actually a team that can compete,”
DeFilippo said. “If they just keep that in their heads every game, I think we can continue having a positive
second half of the season.”
Leading the way up front for the Cougars is Hailie Siegler, who committed to Division I Mercyhurst University and has elevated her
game as a senior. The captain leads the Cougars with five goals.
“She didn’t really score that much for us last year,” DeFilippo said. “She’s got one year left of high school before she goes to college, so I think she’s trying to make something out of every moment.”
Jordana Wohlleben is another captain who has 5 goals and provides leadership from the midfield, both vocally and with her aggression, footwork, and fitness. Both players are four-year varsity players.
Senior forward Samantha Frank has made the biggest strides, from coming off the bench as a junior to being a regular in DeFilippo’s starting XI.
“Her fitness improved, her footwork, she’s made a statement from the get-go,” DeFilippo said. “It’s been incredible to watch her growth from junior year to senior year.”
Defensively, seniors Kayla Indich and Emily Quezada have been solid as outside backs who maraud forward in the attack.
Daniella Schneider has been a force defensively, and eighth-grader Ava Rosen in central midfield has not only proven to be one for the future, but also hugely influential and impactful in the present.
“She’s got great footwork, she’s got great speed, she’s got a great read of the game. It’s almost like she could read three plays ahead of time,” DeFilippo said. “She’s definitely a playmaker, someone I would say, people should watch out for.”
Wrestling fundraiser boosts local baseball
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
The worlds of Little League baseball and professional wrestling collided once again in Merrick earlier this month for a night of athleticism and entertainment.
On Oct. 4, the Brookside Center in North Merrick hosted the second annual “BASEBRAWL,” an independent wrestling show organized by Create-APro Wrestling to raise funds for the Mer-
rick Bellmore Little League. The event drew dozens of fans and raised more than $4,000 to support the organization, according to executive director Jay Rogoff.
The evening featured an exciting mix of hometown pride and professional wrestling star power. Among the performers were WWE Hall of Fame legends the Dudley Boys, along with Long Island natives Matt Cardona and Brian Myers — both veterans of the independent wrestling circuit and co-founders
of Create-A-Pro. For Cardona, a Merrick native and Calhoun High School graduate, the event was a special homecoming.
The event brought families, wrestlers and local residents together under one roof, blending the theatrics of the ring with the camaraderie of community sports. The show not only celebrated wrestling but also highlighted the shared values of teamwork and perseverance that define youth athletics.
This marked the second major fund-
raiser for the Merrick Bellmore Little League this year. On July 19, the league partnered with Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling for a charity softball game at Calhoun High School that raised roughly $6,500. Those funds, combined with proceeds from “BASEBRAWL,” will go toward field renovations and facility upgrades that benefit hundreds of local players each season.
Rogoff hinted that a “really cool plan for next year” is already in the works for another league fundraiser.
Jason Thomas/Herald Photos
Wrestling legend Bubba Ray, right, pumps up the crowd after slamming Leo Sparrow during their tables match at the Brookside Educational Center on Oct. 4.
Davienne and Create-a-Pro women’s champion Nat Castle look up in horror as Liviyah descends upon them from the ropes.
Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expo brings wellness, laughter and life-saving insights
By Anna Graci
Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE successfully hosted the fifth Senior Health & Beyond Expo of the 2025 series at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center. Presented by Hyl Conte Law, the free community event drew hundreds of attendees, including seniors, families, and caregivers.
The bustling expo, on Sept. 26, featured a variety of educational vendors and interactive activities that kept spirits high throughout the day. From lively dance sessions led by Mae Caime, CEO of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, to on-site jewelry shopping, there was something for everyone. Guests also accessed essential health services, including free flu shots, eye exams and hearing tests.
Presenting sponsor and keynote speaker Arthur J. Conte, Esq., Partner at Hyl Conte Law, addressed a large audience with his presentation, “Building a Plan for Life’s Uncertainties: How to Achieve Peace of Mind Through Successful Estate Planning.” Conte offered practical advice on planning for the future and emphasized the importance of asking questions when navigating legal and financial matters.
“Thank you to the Rockville Centre and surrounding communities for coming to this event and giving me an opportunity to speak with you all,” Conte said. “I hope you found what we discussed helpful and educational, and if you have any issues you need help with, please feel free to reach out. Don’t be afraid to ask the question you have.”
“It was an incredible turnout — one of our best-attended events yet, with lines around the block to get in,” said Amy Amato, RichnerLIVE ‘s executive director of corporate relations and events. “We’re thrilled to bring this beloved community event to Rockville Centre and look forward to continuing to provide valuable knowledge, resources and fun to senior communities across Long Island.”
One of the day’s highlights was Laughs with Larry. The comedy show featuring Larry Izzo had the crowd in stitches, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Raffle drawings every half hour kept anticipation high, with winners taking home prizes, including Starbucks gift cards donated by Groth Pain & Spine. Attendees also engaged with experts during panel discussions and Q&A sessions on essential topics.
The expo’s impact went beyond education and entertainment. One attendee, Linda Uzenski, shared that a blood pressure check she received at a previous expo led to a life-saving diagnosis — after follow-up tests, she was successfully treated and is now cancerfree. Her story highlights the tangible,
Audience participates in dancing session.
sometimes life-saving, benefits these events provide to the community.
Guests received complimentary swag bags, and the first 150 attendees enjoyed a delicious to-go lunch provided by Bagel Boss.
A special thank you goes to present-
ing sponsor Hyl Conte Law, as well as program sponsors Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, NYS Department of Public Service Long Island, Grandel Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Beach Terrace Care Center, Oceanside Care Center, AARP Long Island, SightMD, and Groth Pain & Spine. The Herald also extends its gratitude to the Rockville Centre Recreation Center.
Two expos remain in the 2025 series: Oct. 26, at the Suffolk Y JCC, and Nov. 7, in Oceanside at O’Connell Gardens.
Melissa Baptiste
Hyl Conte Law PLLC, Arthur Conte Esq.
Hyl Conte Law PLLC’s Arthur Conte Esq., right, and Amanda Hacker.
Virginia Caporusso, left, Philip Caporusso and Leeann Pitman at the Expo.
The attendees at the fifth Expo in the seven-part series.
Jill Wasser from New York Department of Public Service Long Island.
Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Janette LeBron, left, and Jeannie Doherty Benckwit, RN.
Dawn Granville, left, and Elaine Moorer with gift bags, sponsored by Grandel Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Oceanside Care Center and Beach Terrace Care Center.
Groth Pain and Spine was represented by Bill Hito, left, Eugene Wang and Alexandra R.
Expo host Mae Caime from aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond.
AARP Long Island volunteers Antoinette Wilson, left, Allan Breitman, Barbara Batagely, and Karen Murphy.
Sight MD’s Dr. Deborah LaBel, MS.
Unity Summit promotes sportsmanship values
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District hosted its annual Unity Summit on Sept. 26, drawing student-athletes and coaches from across Section VIII Athletics in Nassau County to emphasize sportsmanship, civility and unity.
Eric Caballero, the district’s director of physical education, athletics, driver education and health, cochaired the committee that organized the program. He said the goal was to help student-athletes embrace challenges while maintaining integrity in competition.
“Our aim is for students to win with humility, accept defeat with dignity, and represent their schools and communities with pride,” Caballero said.
Student volunteers from John F. Kennedy, Sanford H. Calhoun and Wellington C. Mepham high schools greeted guests at the Brookside Educational Center, guided them through the event and helped lead icebreaker activities.
The summit featured a range of guest speakers, including Keith Davis of the New York Giants organization, Steve Webb of the New York Islanders and Team Up 4 Community, Ironman triathlete and endurance runner Leah Janzten, and former NCAA hockey player Danielle Vallas.
Janzten addressed the growing problem of burnout among teen athletes, noting factors such as overuse, injuries and pressure from social media. She encouraged coaches to recognize opportunities to make a positive impact.
Davis, who is also a former University of Southern California football player, shared his message of perseverance, reminding students that setbacks can be overcome by creating a culture of positivity within teams.
Keynote speaker Mark Leinweaver, an MLB agent and founder of Why Character Matters, closed the event with remarks on the importance of values beyond athletics.
“It’s so much more important to be a person first and a player second,” he said. “Challenge yourself to be a hall of fame person—that’s what this is all about.”
— Brian Kacharaba
Inspirational speaker and former University of Southern California and New York Giants football player Keith Davis took time to speak with the district’s student-athletes during Unity Summit.
Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Calhoun A.C.E.S. club members
Scott Presti, Timmy Lynch, Jack Ciccimarro, Luca Facciponti, Ryan Karis and Stefanie Alonso volunteered at the Unity Summit.
Kevin Witt, director of physical education, health and athletics at Seaford; Stacy Brief, Nassau Youth Summit Organizer/Nassau Youth Wellness Council advisor and Lead U; Eric Caballero, director of physical education, athletics, driver education, and health at Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District; Ann Karpat, assistant supervisor of transportation; Doug Robinson, Carey High School varsity baseball coach and physical education teacher; and Michael Harrington, Bellmore-Merrick Superintendent of Schools were all on hand for the festivities.
Olivia Thomlinson and Caitlin Capobianco of Locust Valley High School, former New York Islanders forward Steve Webb and Adam Hilburger and Patrick Feeney of Baldwin High School all participated in the Unity Summit on Sept. 26.
Local mom turns struggle into strength
tumes and votes. The Starlight Children’s Foundation, brings joy to hospitalized children through toys, games, and special visits, and Gadek-Joannou, 49, said this mission resonates deeply with her because of her own health journey.
“That means a lot to me because I was very sick as a child,” she said. “I was a preemie, born three months early, and I spent a long time in the hospital.
Throughout my childhood I was constantly sick, constantly admitted. I know exactly what these kids are feeling. I’ve lived it.”
Her start in life was a precarious one. She weighed just two pounds and half an ounce at birth and required heart surgery within days. Doctors discovered that one of her heart valves hadn’t connected correctly, and they were able to repair it when she was just three days old — a surgery she still calls ‘miraculous.’
Her birth came suddenly and without warning.
“It was completely unexpected,” she said. “My mother was home, and my father was away in New Jersey helping family. My aunt rushed over to get her to the hospital around two in the morning. Not long after, I was born. Shortly after that I had surgery, and I stayed in an incubator for at least six months, maybe longer.”
Her early years were marked by frequent hospital stays, chronic illnesses, and repeated surgeries. Pneumonia returned periodically, likely a result of underdeveloped lungs, and she often had trouble breathing. Through her childhood and teenage years, GadekJoannou underwent multiple operations, including spinal surgery for scoliosis and jaw reconstruction.
She recalls feeling as if “every few years there was something” new to endure.
Those experiences helped shape her career path. She remembers watching nurses during her many hospital stays and realizing she wanted to follow in their footsteps.
“Being in the hospital so much, I watched what the nurses did,” she said. “I thought, I want to do that too. I want
Courtesy Kathryn Gadek-Joannou despite living with Cushing’s syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder caused by a tumor, Kathryn gadek-Joannou works as an electronic intensive care unit nurse for northwell Health.
to help someone else like me.”
She became a nurse specializing in critical care. Today, she works in a virtual program for Northwell Health as an electronic intensive care unit nurse, who works from a centralized location to remotely monitor and support patients in intensive care units using telemedicine technology.
“I left the bedside right before the pandemic because of my spine. It was getting worse, so I needed to step back physically,” she said. “I thought, ‘What do I have to lose? Let me try virtual nursing.’ I’ve been doing it since. We work with ICU and ER units across Northwell, helping 24/7. We see monitors, use cameras to check on patients, and talk to families. It’s very innovative and interesting.”
Her health struggles, however, are not behind her. Gadek-Joannou lives with Cushing’s syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder caused by a tumor.
“I’m not completely healthy,” she said. “I have Cushing’s syndrome, which many people don’t know about. Mine is caused by a small brain tumor. It’s an autoimmune disorder, so my body fights against itself. I have bone degeneration, high blood pressure, high blood sugar — everything seems to hap-
•Specializing
Mention
pen because of it.”
Despite this, her family provides daily support. Her husband, Robert, works as an electrician, and her 12-yearold daughter, Izabella, has grown up understanding her mother’s challenges.
“She’s aware of everything,” GadekJoannou said of her daughter. “She takes it day by day. She knows I’m fighting to get healthy and trying to get better. She sees that every day.”
The Starlight Foundation, she added, reminds her of moments from her own childhood in hospitals.
“Because of what I went through as a child, I know how important their work is,” she said. “I remember foundations that gave out toys around Christmas, and I still have my teddy bear from then. Those memories stick with you. Things like games, toys, even people dressing up and visiting children in the hospital — that brightens the day. It’s wonderful.”
Through all of her struggles, Halloween has remained a joyful escape.
“You get to dress up and be someone else,” she said. “That’s the greatest thing. If I could do it every day, I would. One year I made my own zombie nurse costume from scratch. I ordered an old nurse’s apron from the early 1900s and turned it into a costume. That was pretty nifty.”
Gadek-Joannou hasn’t yet decided what she will be for Halloween this year,
About the ‘Face of Halloween’ Contest
the “Colossal’s face of Halloween Competition” is a national, online contest where Halloween enthusiasts, costumers and makeup artists compete for the title of “ face of Halloween.” Contestants advance through rounds by earning daily votes from supporters, with both free and paid “donation votes” available, the latter benefitting a partnered nonprofit. each stage narrows the field, leading up to semifinals and finals where the winner is crowned. alongside the competition, participants often rally strong community backing, turning the contest into a mix of local pride, creativity, and charitable giving.
but she has already made plans for Izabella’s outfit, a character from an “Kakigori” Asian book series that wears a private schoolgirl outfit, complete with a jacket, tie, and skirt.
Turn Old Valuables into Big Gains: 5 Tips To Profit From Unwanted Gold and Watches
Gold prices are at historic highs, and many Long Islanders are finding surprising value in jewelry boxes and dresser drawers.
With gold surpassing $3,300 an ounce, even a broken bracelet or an outdated watch could bring an unexpected payday. Collectors Coins Jewelry & Watches, a family-run business with more than 75 years of experience, has seen more people cashing in on everything from snapped chains to vintage timepieces.
Mary from Nassau County is a prime example. She brought in a bag of broken gold chains and old watches expecting a modest payout. One piece, a rare 1953 Rolex Turn-O-Graph 6202, turned out to be a collector’s dream. Even though it wasn’t running, it sold for $8,500.
“These kinds of surprises happen more often than people realize,” says Jason J. of Collectors. “There’s real value hiding in homes, people just don’t realize it.”
Here are five tips from Jason on how to make the most of today’s record-high market: Broken doesn’t mean worthless.
There’s real value hiding in homes, people just don’t realize it.
JASON J., Collectors Coins Jewelry & Watches
Gold is priced by weight and purity, not condition. Even single earrings, outdated styles, or snapped chains can fetch top dollar.
Know your karats. Look for stamps like 10k, 14k, 18k, or 22k. If you don’t see one, reputable buyers have the tools to determine purity and make an accurate offer.
Don’t overlook silver or coins. Sterling silver flatware, serving pieces, and coin collections have also gone up in value, sometimes netting hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Local sales have advantages. Selling in person means instant payment and a transparent process, no shipping, no waiting weeks to get paid.
Old watches could be treasures. Non-working luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Cartier still have strong collector demand. Jason recommends doing your homework before selling: read reviews, compare offers, and work with an established, trusted buyer. “We always tell people to shop around,” he says. “That
way they know they’re getting a fair deal.”
Broken gold, silver, or a vintage timepiece, what’s hiding in your home could be worth more than you think.
News briefs
Brian Kacharaba/Herald Photo
Cards Unlimited on Merrick Avenue sold a winning $18,705 Take Five ticket in the Oct. 1 midday drawing, the third big lottery prize sold in town in the past three months.
Another lucky lottery ticket sold in town
Merrick is proving to be a lucky place for lottery players.
Cards Unlimited, located at 2170 Merrick Ave., sold a prize-winning New York Lottery Take Five ticket worth $18,705 for the Oct. 1 midday drawing. The game draws numbers from a field of 1 to 39 twice daily at 2:30 and 10:30 p.m.
The latest win continues a string of good fortune for local ticket buyers. In the past three months alone, three separate winning tickets have been sold in Merrick.
On July 26, a $50,000 Powerball ticket was purchased at the Fast Break Food Store on 1066 Merrick Ave. in North Merrick, after the player matched four white balls plus the red Powerball. Less than two weeks later, another Take Five winner struck at the Stop & Shop in the South Merrick Mall, where a ticket worth $6,159 was sold for the Aug. 7 drawing.
Winners have up to one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.
Lottery officials advise players to sign the back of their tickets and store them securely until redeeming. Prizes at the third-place Powerball level and above can be claimed at customer service centers statewide.
Beyond the individual payouts, lottery sales benefit the wider community. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the New York Lottery contributed nearly $3.8 billion in aid to education across the state. School districts in Nassau County received a significant share of that funding, helping support teacher salaries, classroom materials, and student services.
While a few fortunate Merrick players are celebrating unexpected windfalls, local schools are also seeing a longterm boost from the lottery’s success.
—Brian Kacharaba
Kids demonstrate tennis skills at tourney
Twenty-four local students had the experience of a lifetime when they took to the courts of the U.S. Open to demonstrate their red ball tennis rallying skills in front of hundreds of spectators. The red ball, which bounces lower and moves slower than a standard ball, is designed to help younger players develop timing, control and consistency. The students impressed with smooth rallies, which coaches credited to their persistence, teamwork and growing confidence.
“This event was more than just a chance to play — it was a chance to be inspired,” said coach Fabiana Rezak. “These kids showed what’s possible with dedication and support.”
HERALD
Rezak, who also serves as director of the Family Tennis League and Merrickbased Tennixise, said the opportunity was especially meaningful given the proximity of the U.S. Open.
“We’re so fortunate here in New York to be within an hour of one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world,” she said. “Many young athletes across the globe may never get to see professional tennis up close, let alone participate in it.”
The demonstration also highlighted a growing effort to build a strong community around youth tennis — one that relies on the support of parents, coaches and families.
— Brian Kacharaba
CONTEST RULES:
ATTENTION STUDENTS:
THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER
THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12
One entry per student
Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.
Friday, October 31, 2025
Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.
Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.
Mail or hand-deliver to:
Wrapping Paper Contest
Herald Community Newspapers 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com
(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).
Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14
HELPFUL HINTS
• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.
• Be creative & original.
• Use bright colors.
• Fill the entire page.
• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.
• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.
Barish, local pub, team up for
Sloan said she knows Barish through the band members who play at the pub and felt the event would be a meaningful way to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Several regulars have been personally affected by cancer, she added, making the cause especially resonant for the Merrick community.
Sloan said she and her staff are expecting a strong turnout for the October event, noting that the Merrick community has always rallied around charitable causes. Hosting fundraisers like this one, she explained, gives both staff and patrons an opportunity to connect over something meaningful beyond a typical night out.
“It’s always good to give back,” she said. “I always get such a sense of pride when you fill a bar for a cause that’s pretty near to a lot of people in the area.”
The Second Street Band — the duo of Roger Leonardis and Jerry Mowery — primarily play acoustic sets, according to its website. Mowery, a Juilliardtrained musician, has played professionally for 40 years and has been part of several well-known bands.
The fundraiser coincides with Hewlett House’s 25th anniversary. Located on East Rockaway Road in Hewlett, the historic farmhouse — built 387 years ago — has become a lifeline for patients and families seeking free support, counseling, and resources.
Barish founded the nonprofit after surviving breast cancer herself and losing both her mother to the disease in 1974 and her son, Michael, to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1986. She said her diagnosis came just a week before her son’s passing — a moment that inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others through education, research, and compassion.
Since opening, Hewlett House has grown into a county-recognized resource center offering wigs, pros-
geri Barish, executive director of Hewlett House and five-time cancer survivor, provides free resources for cancer patients and their families in Hewlett.
Brian Kacharaba/Herald the paddy power pub in merrick will be hosting a cancer fundraiser for Hewlett House on oct. 17.
thetics, educational materials, and emotional support at no cost. Barish said the organization has helped connect patients with treatment and doctors, offering hope and guidance for families navigating cancer.
The house now has more than 5,200 wigs donated by salons and individuals — with more than 300 distributed this past July, the most in a single month since opening.
“There isn’t a thing in that house that hasn’t been donated,” Barish said. “Every day is a holiday — decorations for every season, laughter, tears, and hugs. We’re a family.”
Barish said she’s grateful to the pub for opening its doors to such a meaningful cause.
“It’s just wonderful to see how people come together when it’s for something that matters,” she said.
Herald File Photo
Gillen offers bipartisan solution to shutdown
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
With the federal government currently in shutdown, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, who representes New York’s Congressional District 4, offered a bipartisan solution.
Gillen shared her perspective on the federal government’s shutdown at the Family and Health Center office in Uniondale on Oct. 2, calling for her Republican colleagues in the house to hear Democrats’ concerns about the budget.
Health care spending is at the center of the disagreement in the House. The budget Congress had attempted to pass, up until Oct. 1 at midnight, includes cuts to a selection of programs that Gillen called “the largest cut to health care in America’s history.”
Gillen called for both parties to seek a bipartisan solution before rising health costs contribute to the financial burden of families across her district.
“If House Republicans governed responsibly, they would have met with us,” she said. “Instead, they’ve chosen to throw our health care system into further crisis, just months after they voted to gut Medicaid for millions of children, seniors and people with disabilities.”
The “Big Bad Bill,” according to Gillen, includes cuts that would significantly raise premiums for people who have plans under the Affordable Healthcare Act.
“A middle class family of four could see their health care bills rise by an additional $3,200 next year,” she explained. “This is really going to hurt people. We are already struggling with the cost of living crisis, and Long Islanders cannot afford another increased bill.”
A shutdown occurs when congress does not pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is Oct. 1 for the federal government. During a shutdown, nonessential departments are halted, while vital institutions must continue working without pay.
The last government shutdown was in 2019.
Gabriel Pedeira is the legislative and political organizer for the American Federation of Government Employees — the largest federal labor union in the country with 800,000 members. In the previous shutdown, Pedeira saw federal workers struggle with delayed pay.
“We had people going to food banks,” he said. “We had people who could not pay their utility bills at the time. We had families who couldn’t pay for childcare at the time. We had people who were forced to go to work and literally couldn’t afford the gasoline.
“This is not something that should be happening in a developed nation like the United States of America,” he continued. “I know we can do better.”
Jeffery Reynolds, president and chief executive of Family & Children’s Association, explained that suicides, divorces and other civil disruptions have been on downward treand post-coronavirus pandemic, but that progress could be at risk.
“I worry that the threats to Medicaid, the threats to the ACA to the grants that we hold here at FCA put all of that in jeopardy,” he said.
Vanessa Barid-Streeter, president and chief executive of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, urged for healthcare spending to remain a priority in the federal budget.
“They are lifelines for people, for communities and for individuals,” she said. “If we let these credits expire, we will all feel it deeply, personally and collectively.”
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald CEO Jeffrey Reynolds, left, House Representative Laura Gillen and CEO Vanessa Baird-Streeter spoke on the importance of healthcare to Long Islanders on Oct. 2.
HWLC
STEPPING OUT
Autumnal adventures
Reel in some hauntingly good fun
By Karen Bloom
Spooky season is casting its spell — and whether you’re ready for a scare or just some seasonal flair, there’s much to check out.
The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns
Pumpkin patches have their moment, but a pumpkin trail is even better. The wooded site of Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights is the evocative setting for a spooky 4,200 foot loop of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and illuminated objects (10,000 in all) that light up the grounds all month long.
The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is now in its 12th season on Long Island, delighting visitors with all sorts of seasonal delights, from those carved pumpkins — of all sizes — to inflatables and even a space to show off some dance moves, complete with disco lights and music.
You may recall Rise from its first eight seasons at Old Westbury Gardens. Its current home at Usdan accommodates a longer trail that enhances the immersive experience.
“We found this trail to be perfect,” says Mike Pollack, Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns’ executive producer, who proclaims this to be “the spookiest walk on Long Island.”
Spooky, most definitely, but not haunted. You won’t find any frightful creatures popping out along the path. As Pollack puts it: “No scares.”
This family-friendly event is designed to get everyone in the spirit of the season, appealing to all ages.
A team of 100 handpicked artists carve their individual pumpkins with facial expressions ranging from scary to silly.
“The artistry of these pumpkins is spectacular and you will not see anywhere else,” Pollack says enthusiastically.
The 40,000 visitors annually would seem to agree. Rise is open on weekends and select weeknight through Nov. 1. All tickets must be purchased online at jackolanterns. com; no tickets are available on site. Rise is located at 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights.
Spooky Fest
Creatures of all kinds inhabit the woods, and ghosts and ghouls come out to play at Tanglewood Preserve, home to the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), in Rockville Centre. A seasonal tradition for area families, the spectacle takes over CSTL’s grounds every weekend through Nov. 2.
Each year the festival offers a spirited fun-filled slate of activities on the preserve’s 16 acres — both scary and not so scary — to appeal to all ages and fright levels. The wooded paths are transformed for the season, with eerie lighting, special effects and characters along the way.
Whether you and the kids are looking to be spooked or not, the choice is yours. This time of year the preserve’s woods are definitely haunted, as those who venture along the scary walk will find out. This quarter mile hike through
the woods is not for the faint of heart, it may leave some younger kids clinging to their parents legs. Step into the darkness of the Haunted Woods where you’ll stumble upon a deserted graveyard and more — you never know what is lurking around the next turn. Be scared if you dare!
“Adults will come out crying and the kids will be laughing,” CSTL Educator Michele Anselmo,says, somewhat bemused. “You need to know your fear factor before you enter.”
As always, the not-so-spooky Enchanted Walk is welcoming haunt for the younger set. Friendly Halloween characters — including witches, fairies, aliens, ghosts, butterflies, and scarecrows — greet visitors. This year a pirate ship with a band of pirates has made its way here to get in on the action. Other activities include holiday-themed arts and crafts, and the return of the Mystic Den, with a fortuneteller and face painting. And, of course, the glow tent, is another popular spot where everyone heads to make “slime.” Just be sure to take the goopy stuff home; “sliming” those nearby is frowned upon.
Costumes are always encouraged. And in the spirit of Hallowen season, kids may find some treats to pick up as they wander about.
“There’s always something for everyone here,” Anselmo says.
Find out what’s lurking in the woods at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, 1 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit cstl.org for information and tickets.
Gone Fishing
Anglers — novice and skilled — will be on the scene once again when the Fall Fishing & Children’s Festival returns to Hempstead Lake State Park. Presented by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s “I Fish NY” program, on Oct. 18, the annual event offers an ideal way to make the most of the season with a mix of fishing, fun and family activities.
The day kicks off at 10 a.m., with a fresh stock of trout in the park’s South and MacDonald Ponds to help introduce families to the sport of freshwater fishing. Everyone can take part in fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, fish-cleaning demonstrations, and even borrow rods and bait free of charge.
“All ages are encouraged to attend to enjoy this wonderful fishing experience,” says George Gorman, State Parks’ Long Island regional director. “We hope festival attendees also take the opportunity to explore the beautiful Hempstead Lake State Park and all it has to offer.”
But the fun doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Young visitors can enjoy pumpkin decorating, a magic show, reptile exhibit, and a playful casting contest where the “catch” could be a pumpkin or a prize. Whether you’re an avid angler or just looking for a day outdoors with the kids, the Fall Fishing & Children’s Festival reels in plenty of reasons to drop by.
The fishing license requirement for all anglers over the age of 15 is suspended for this festival, and admission and parking are free. Check out the activities at the park’s MacDonald and South Ponds, also in Rockville Centre. Visit parks.ny.gov for more.
Jessie’s Girl
Break out the neon, dust off those leg warmers and tease up your hair — the ultimate ‘80s party returns to the Paramount stage. Jessie’s Girl, a band of New York City’s top rock and pop musicians, returns with their high-energy Back to the Eighties show, guaranteed to turn back the clock. Fronted by powerhouse vocalists who transform into the decade’s biggest icons, Jessie’s Girl delivers the hits that defined an era. Add in bold costumes, playful choreography, audience participation, and plenty of extras — bubbles, confetti, and props galore — and the result is part concert, part theater and all ‘80s spectacle. These talents each have dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with. With over-the-top renditions of memorable songs, Jessie’s Girl captures the glitz and sheer energy of the decade like no one else.
Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. $64.75
$52.25, $49.25, $48.50, $37.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Kate Kortum: The Music of ‘Wild Woman’
Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the jazz world’s most exciting breakout artists. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, story-driven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album, features reimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions.
Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Courtesy Mike Pollack
Thousands of Jack O’Lanterns illuminate the season, hand carved to perfection.
Courtesy CSTL
Some fascinating spooks have taken up residence at Center for Science Teaching and Learning’s Spooky Fest.
Courtesy NYS Parks
Let’s fish: Cast those lines at annual Fall Family Fishing Festival held at Hempstead Lake State Park.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
On Exhibit
OCT
9
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Senior connections
St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore holds its “Age Well Connection” day on the second Thursday of each month. Attendees can share stories and enjoy healthy snacks and tea while fostering friendships and promoting ‘wellbeing’ in a supportive and joyful environment. Gatherings are free and visitors are encouraged to bring friends and/or family members and a non-perishable food donation to support the initiative to help others in need. The events are sponsored by the St. Francis Food Donation Program.
• Where: 1682 Bellmore Ave., North Bellmore
• Time: 2:30 p.m.
• Contact: Laura P. at (516) 521-1135 or Pam F. at (516) 606-9335
Car show
OCT
10
The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and the Town of Hempstead welcome all to the Friday Night Car Show
Weather permitting, attendees are sure to find a wide selection of automotives, whether it be vintage vehicles, vans and buses, or newer models, like sports cars. Spectators can enter free of charge. The admission fee for cars is $5.
• Where: Bellmore LIRR, across from King Kullen parking lot
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 679-1875
Anthony Rodia
Anthony Rodia is back “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour, an all-new stand-up showcase that’s refreshingly genuine and quick witted. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. A first-generation Italian-American born and raised in Westchester, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. With a background steeped in family traditions, Italian-American culture and the ups and downs of modern life, Anthony’s comedy feels like a conversation with your funniest friend. His blend of observational humor, self-deprecation and witty impressions has led him on his path as one of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy scene. Anthony’s comedic career skyrocketed thanks to his viral social media videos, where he brought his hilarious, larger-than-life characters and relatable commentary to millions of fans. His most iconic characters, including his over-the-top Uncle Vinny persona, quickly became fan favorites, making him a social media sensation and establishing a loyal following. His ability to turn everyday situations — family gatherings, parenting, and even the quirks of his own Italian heritage —into laugh-out-loud moments has earned him widespread recognition and a rapidly growing fanbase. Tickets are $144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $6475.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 and 9:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Sculpture Stroll
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 5-6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Flea market
OCT 11
Bellmore Lions Club hosts a flea market at the Bellmore LIRR train station parking lot (B-2). Weather permitting.
• Where: Bellmore LIRR, across the street from the King Kullen supermarket.
• Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 783-1471
Whimsical Wizard School
Families are invited to Old Westbury Gardens for a wizarding adventure. It all begins the moment you’re sorted into one of the enchanted Nature Houses. Create your own wand, adding
colors and decorations that reflect your style. Step into a magical herbology class, where you’ll discover the plants that inspire fantasy and design your own terrarium herb garden. Join wizard professors on a Wizard Quest through the gardens, solving riddles and uncovering hidden icons along the way. Celebrate the spooky season with games, crafts, and enchanting surprises in the most magical way possible. For ages 5-10. Registration required. $18, $12 children
• Where: The Barn at Orchard Hill, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Saltwater Stories’ Festival
Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum’s special opening weekend festival to celebrate the launch of Saltwater Stories, the new permanent exhibition celebrating Long Island’s coastal heritage. Meet local fisherfolk, explore hands-on activities for all ages, and dive into the rich traditions of our bays and beaches. Enjoy storytelling, crafts, and demonstrations that bring Long Island’s maritime history to life! All activities included with museum admission.
Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
OCT
Fire Prevention Day
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
OCT
16
‘Taylors Take The Library’
Author Jen Calonita hosts “The Taylors Take the Library: A Swiftie Event” at North Merrick Library. Kids in fourth grade and up can celebrate all things Taylor just as the new album drops — bookish fun, Swiftie trivia and more await!
• Where: 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: nmerricklibrary.org or call (516) 378-7474
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week create one-of-a-kind wave paintings with a sensory twist. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row,
North Bellmore Fire Department hosts its Fire Prevention Day at the department’s main headquarters. It promises to be a fun and family-friendly community event designed to educate, inspire and bring neighbors together. With demonstrations of fire fighting and rescue techniques, interactive preventions exhibits, a bouncy house, fire truck rides and hands-on activities for kids, raffles, and community partners and special guests.
• Where: 829 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Contact: NorthBellmoreFD.org
Outdoor movie night
Wear your costumes, bring your chairs and get ready for a night of scares. Merrick Library is running ‘AMOK, AMOK, AMOK’ with its Frights & Bites Outdoor Movie Night! in the Narwood Avenue parking lot. Enjoy an outdoor screening of “Hocus Pocus 2” and savor the fall flavor on Long Island with cider donuts, crisp apple cider, and empanadas; all available for purchase. Space is limited and will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration required.
• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave. (Narwood Avenue parking lot is closest one to the building)
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: merricklibrary.org or call (516) 377-6112
17 Fall Harvest Fest
OCT
18
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church seeks vendors for their upcoming Fall Harvest Fest.
• Where: 1294 Bellmore Ave., North Bellmore
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: Terry at (516) 785-5029 or email gelcnb@aol.com
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.
10.29.25
6:00-9:00PM
THE HERITAGE CLUB AT BETHPAGE
99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale NY
Today, green businesses play a vital role in mitigating environmental challenges and driving economic growth by fostering innovation, reducing carbon emissions, and creating sustainable jobs.
The HERALD GreenBIZ Awards serves as a powerful catalyst for environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. This inaugural event not only recognizes and honors innovative businesses committed to eco-friendly operations but it exemplifies the idea that responsible business can coexist with profitability.
MEET THE 2025 HONOREES*
CONSTRUCTION & SOLAR
Gina Farese CEO
Marcor Construction & Marcor Solar
EDUCATION
Neal Lewis Executive Director
Molloy University Sustainability Institute
Richard Murdocco
Adjunct Professor/CMO SUNation Stony Brook University
ENERGY
Sammy Chu CEO Edgewise Energy
ENGINEERING
Emtec Consulting Engineers
Billy Haugland CEO Haugland Group
R&M Engineering
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
Chuck Merrit
President/LEED AP
Merrit Environmental Consulting
Environmental Innovation
Marshall Brown Co-Founder and Principal Long Island Conservancy / Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions
LAW
Todd Kaminsky
Shareholder Greenberg Traurig, LLP
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Adrienne Esposito Executive Director Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Build Green Long Island (USGBC-LI)
ORGANIC ENERGY
Long Island Compost
RECYCLING
Christine Kiourtsis
President Renewable Recycling, Inc.
Erik Helgesen
President PayMore Stores
RENEWABLE ENERGY
ACE NY / NYOWA
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Brian Herrington Vice President External Affairs & Foundation President Scotts Miracle-Gro
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The Reworld Team
9, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
At an I.A.S. Part 5 of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, held in and for the County of Nassau, at the Courthouse located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, on the 18th day of September, 2025
P R E S E N T: HON.
JEROME C. MURPHY, J.S.C.
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU ________________X
In the matter of the Application of LISA HAZLEWOOD, Index No.: 619668/2025 Petitioner, ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE
For the Judicial Dissolution of MEDACCOUNTS, INC., Pursuant to § 1104 of the Business Corporation Law, -againstHEATHER FOY and MEDACCOUNTS, INC. for the Judicial Dissolution of MEDACCOUNTS, INC., a domestic corporation. Respondents. ________________X
Upon the annexed Petition of LISA HAZLEWOOD, the holder of one-half of all outstanding voting shares of MEDACCOUNTS, INC., a corporation incorporated and existing under the Business Corporation Law of the State of New York, executed on August 28, 2025, LET Heather Foy of MEDACCOUNTS, INC., and all other interested persons, or their attorneys, show cause at I.A.S. Part __5__, Room _____ of this Court, to be held in and for the Couonty of Nassau, at the Courthouse located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, on the 7th day of November , 2025, or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, why an Order should not be made and entered: a) dissolving MEDACCOUNTS, INC., pursuant to BCL § 1104(a)(1); b) adjusting the rights and interests of the shareholders of MEDACCOUNTS, INC., pursuant to BCL § 1104-a; c) enjoining and restraining MEDACCOUNTS, INC. and HEATHER FOY i) from transacting any unauthorized business and from exeercising any corporate powers, except by permission of the Court; and ii) from
collecting or receiving any debt or other property of the corporation, and from paying out or otherwise transferring any debt or other property of the corporation, and from paying out or otherwise transferring or delivering any property of the corporation, except by permission of the Court; c) awarding Petitioner her costs and disbursements in this special proceeding; and d) granting Petitioner such other, further or different relief as the Court may deem to be just and proper; and it is further ORDERED, pursuant to BCL § 1106(a), that HEATHER FOY and all parties shall, on or before the return date of this Order to Show Cause, furnish the Court, and serve on Petitioner’s attorney, a schedule of corporate assets and liabilities of MEDACCOUNTS, INC., and the name and address of each creditor and claimant, including any with unliquified or contingent claims and any against whom the corporation has unfulfilled contracts; and it is further ORDERED, pursuant to BCL § 1104-a(c), that in addition to all other disclosure requirements, HEATHER FOY and all parties shall, no later than thirty days after the date of this Order to Show Cause, make available for inspection and copying to Petitioner or her attorneys, under reasonable working conditions, such corporate financial books and records as HEATHER FOY may have maintained for MEDACCOUNTS, INC., since its inception; and it is further ORDERED, the pending the hearing of the Petition on the return date of this Order to Show Cause, HEATHER FOY and all parties shall not sell, transfer, encumber or secrete any of the property or assets of MEDACCOUNTS, INC., or remove any of said property or assets from the State of New York; and it is further ORDERED, THAT A COPY OF THIS Order to Show Cause shall be published in: the Merrick Addition of the Long Island Herald , a newspaper in general circulation in the County of Nassau, once in each of the three weeks before the
appointed for hearing thereon; and it is further ORDERED, that a copy of this Order to Show Cause and the papers on which it is based shall be served on MEDACCOUNTS, INC. And Heather Foy, the manner, and within the time prescribed in BCL §1106(c), which shall be deemed good and sufficient service. Respondent has accepted service on the Record.
E N T E R :
Jerome C Murphy J.S.C. 156072
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 November 5, 2025 at 2:30 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 155993
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
LOCAL LAW NO. 63-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal
Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 30th day of September, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 63-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 63-2025, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: September 30, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 156130
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 10/15/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
539/25. MERRICKJody Ann Pariante DiDio, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, construct portico & roof over deck, both attached to dwelling., E/s Alexander Ave., 100’ S/o Camp Ave., a/k/a 1673 Alexander Ave.
ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional
Mepham’s Murale earns scholar honor
Lina Murale, a Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District student studying dance at Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts, has been named a scholar-artist by the Long Island Arts Alliance. She is one of only 40 students from across Long Island to be honored in the 2026 Scholar-Artist competition.
Murale called the recognition “an incredible honor” and said it reflects both the effort she puts into her craft and “the passion and love I have for dance.”
“My experience here has been nothing short of amazing,” Murale said of her time at LIHSA. “I have learned and grown so much as a dancer and person.”
get where I am today by pushing me to always do my best,” she said.
Looking ahead, Murale plans to study dance in college and hopes to pursue a professional career in New York City, either on Broadway or as a Radio City Rockette.
Among her standout opportunities was performing in Broadway Supports LIHSA, a showcase that gave her the chance to dance alongside industry professionals. But Murale said the most meaningful part of the program was spending time with classmates and teachers she has come to think of as family.
She credits her dance instructors with giving her the tools to succeed.
“My dance teachers have helped me to
“My experience at LIHSA has made me a better dancer and has prepared me to work in the industry,” she said. “I feel confident stepping into new environments, and I am equally confident that I will land a career that I love and will look forward to doing each day.”
To earn a scholar-artist award, students must maintain a grade point average of 90 or above while demonstrating exceptional artistic achievement. Candidates are evaluated through performances, a portfolio of work and an essay on how the arts have enriched their lives.
A committee of arts educators and professionals reviews the submissions, with final selections made by a steering committee.
— Brian Kacharaba
Public Notices
cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
156114
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC REMIC TRUST, SERIES 2009-9, Plaintiff, vs. CLAUDIO JOVELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment
of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2016 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on January 6, 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 November 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1720 Montague Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 24 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,799.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003996/2014. Cash will not be accepted.
Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro,
LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 156137
Irene Villacci, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a a, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: September 8, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 155916
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 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Alys Balbes; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 5, 2018, 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 October 28, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 2599 Orr Street, Merrick, NY 11566-4745. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 63 Block 135 Lot 861. Approximate amount of judgment $588,637.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 014715/2013. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Courtesy Nassau BOCES Mepham High School student Lina Murale was named a scholarartist by the LIAA.
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An architect for a sunroom?
Q. I’m buying a sunroom for my breakfast room on the back of my split-level house, about 8 feet off the ground. I’m being told by the contractor that I need an architect and sealed plans. Since it’s basically a kit of parts that will go on my existing deck, why do I need this? It seems like a lot of extra expense the sunroom people didn’t tell me about. If I already have a permit for the deck, it should be allowed, right? I haven’t bought the sunroom yet. I’m just trying to be sure I know the whole story before I do this, probably by spring, when the weather is better for construction. Any advice would be helpful.
A. Do things once, the best way. A deck isn’t habitable, but a sunroom is, and a permit is required. Plans have to show structural support, energy and building code compliance. Rain, moisture and ice are your primary concerns. You need the whole story without the sales part. Just like any purchase, issues you might not expect are still important, like finding out what kind of oil to add to your snow blower before the engine seizes or that windows without factory tinting can allow ultra-violet sunlight rays to fade your carpet. As an architect for a largely popular sunroom manufacturer in the 1980s and ’90s, I experienced many issues with their construction.
Pre-engineered panel systems are designed by the company, hopefully by engineers, and should come with plans, from the manufacturer, that can be sealed and signed by their in-house engineer. If not, plans may need to be drawn from scratch by an architect or engineer that you hire so those plans can be integrated with your house. Integrated means that the company generally just sells you a product and doesn’t necessarily give any indication of how to support the unit or how to attach the unit system to your house so that it won’t leak or move.
This is the general failing of the system, since, as I experienced with most of the installations, the part I could detail was free of leaking or movement, but the units themselves leaked nearly every time. We could detail how the edges of the unit could be sealed and redundantly weather-stripped and flashed, but the frames around the glass and wall edges would unseal and leak. I even met with the corporate president/ owner and identified the specific problems. Promises to correct leak issues were made but not kept, and eventually I gave up.
I looked at a two-year-old system while discussing other work for a home recently. The owner described the back-and-forth misery he and his family were experiencing with their sunroom and the company. Even 25 years after I gave up, the same company is still doing things the same way. You need a detail-oriented architect and installer, even if you think you don’t. The cost of doing things twice is much greater. Good luck.
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We’ve all known the feeling: a once-quiet street is disrupted when a bad neighbor moves in. The music’s louder, the yard’s a mess and the sense of safety starts to slip away. But what happens when the disturbance isn’t noise or trash — but hatred? And what if that hatred is coming from someone in a seat of power?
That’s what’s happening now in our political backyard.
Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has become a loud, proud opponent of the New York City Police Department and a defender of the rights of criminals at the expense of public safety. But his radicalism doesn’t end there. On the second anniversary of the brutal Oct. 7 attacks, Mamdani has dragged antisemitism from the political fringe and given it a platform in state government. He aligns himself with those who call for the destruction of Israel, echo slogans that endanger Jewish lives here at home, and justify or excuse violence when it fits their narrative.
This isn’t just about disagreement. It’s about the normalization of hate.
Balanced energy policies will keep our lights on opinions When the bad neighbor moves in
For too many families and small businesses in New York, high energy bills have become a serious threat to their stability and success. But that burden is not shared equally. A recent study by Binghamton University found that Black and brown households spend a disproportionate share of their income on average utility expenses. That same pressure is felt by the restaurants, retailers and other small businesses that anchor our communities, for whom higher bills mean tighter margins and fewer dollars to reinvest in jobs and growth. Rising costs hit our communities twice — once at the kitchen table, and again on Main Street.
Our elected leaders, however, have the opportunity to reorient the state’s energy policies to lower bills and protect our communities. To keep families
Not long ago, antisemitism was universally condemned. Today it has a microphone in Albany and, more disturbingly, growing political clout in New York City. Mamdani and his allies may dress up their rhetoric in the language of justice, but their actions send a very different message: that Jewish New Yorkers don’t matter and are not welcome. That their safety, their history and their place in our society are up for debate.
That’s unacceptable.
CThe rise in antisemitic attacks across New York hasn’t happened in a vacuum. When elected officials demonize Israel, harass Jewish students on campus and ignore violence targeting Jewish communities, they send a chilling message: that hate is tolerated — or worse, encouraged.
a record of supporting pro-criminal, anti-Israel, high-tax, job-killing legislation — sends a stark message: to our governor, political convenience outweighs principle. The party is not merely tolerating extremism; it is putting it center stage.
riticizing policies is fair. Debating foreign affairs is fair. But red lines can’t be crossed.
This isn’t a fringe voice shouting from the sidelines. Mamdani is a leading candidate for New York City mayor. And he’s not alone. A growing number of prominent Democrats, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, have rushed to support his campaign — signaling that what was once fringe is now moving into the mainstream. With this endorsement, Hochul’s moderate facade falls away, revealing a willingness to embrace policies far to the left. Backing Mamdani — a candidate with
It’s time to say enough. We must stand firmly with our Jewish neighbors. We must support law enforcement — which often is the last line of defense when hate turns to violence. And we must demand more from those in power, regardless of party.
Criticizing policies is fair. Debating foreign affairs is fair. But when those criticisms descend into chants for genocide or deny the right of Jewish people — or any people — to live safely, a red line has been crossed. Antisemitism isn’t a political position. It is hate. New York has long prided itself on being a home to people of every background and belief. But that only works when we agree to protect one another’s safety. When that principle is threatened — whether by extremists on the street or politicians in the Capitol — there is a moral obligation to speak out. Because when the bad neighbor moves in, silence isn’t neutral — it’s surrender. You defend your street. You defend your values. You defend your
neighbors.
There are ways to push back. Republicans in Albany have introduced legislation to give judges the authority to require or deny bail for those arrested for hate crimes. Other proposals would deny state-funded tuition to students who engage in antisemitic behavior. Colleges would be required to report antisemitic incidents, implement prevention training, and face the loss of state funding if they allow terroristaffiliated groups to operate on campus. Yet despite the urgency, Senate Democrats blocked these common-sense measures during the most recent legislative session.
Efforts are also underway by Senate Republicans to expand hate crime laws to protect houses of worship and hold accountable those who block access to buildings or disrupt community gatherings. Additional funding for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program — expanded to include small businesses — would help vulnerable communities defend themselves.
And we support those in local government who support the men and women of law enforcement.
New York City’s unrest isn’t staying in the city. It’s at our doorstep. The choice is clear: hold the line — or watch the chaos move in.
Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate District.
financially stable and local businesses thriving, policymakers must support a multi-pronged energy strategy to reduce overall costs, lessen disparities and foster a more reliable grid.
If energy affordability and equity are left unaddressed, high costs will continue to threaten household budgets and the survival of the very enterprises that drive opportunity in our neighborhoods. The ripple effects are enormous. When families are forced to spend more on basic energy needs, they have less to spend in local shops, less to save for education and less to invest in their future. When small businesses face higher utility bills, they are forced to cut back on hiring, scale down expansion — or in some cases, shut their doors altogether.
existing inequities. For Long Island, that could mean more families in financial distress and more businesses shutting down.
R enewable sources are vital to our future, but they can’t meet the demand alone.
As someone who has dedicated his career to bolstering our local economy, I have great concern about the longterm impact of sky-high utility bills. If households are squeezed and small businesses cannot survive, job creation stalls, local wealth declines and entire communities lose ground. Lawmakers must take this seriously.
impose the steepest costs on those least able to afford them.
For Long Island’s business community, the stakes could not be higher. Rising energy bills risk driving entrepreneurs away and weakening our competitiveness. For families, the burden threatens financial stability and quality of life. For both, the wrong policies could deepen historical disparities.
There is no question that New York must do its part to advance sustainability, but the avenues we take to pursue that mission matter. We need a path forward that considers all factors before making decisions that could limit energy resources and further drive up costs.
This is why energy policy cannot be treated as one-size-fits-all. Communities differ in infrastructure, housing stock and business needs. Policies that ignore those differences risk driving up costs, reducing reliability and exacerbating
That means pursuing a balanced energy strategy — one that lowers costs and ensures reliability while advancing toward a greener future. Renewable energy is vital to our future, and requires sustained investments. But renewables alone cannot meet demand without driving costs higher. Natural gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar and emerging technologies all play important roles in powering New York. Phasing out reliable sources prematurely would destabilize the system and
The Empire State has always risen to meet big challenges. By adopting a balanced energy strategy that values every resource, invests in innovation and never loses sight of affordability, we can do so again — and set a national example in the process.
Phil Andrews is president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, New York state’s largest African American chamber. He is also a member of the Long Island Power Authority’s Community Advisory Board.
Incorporating
Long Island’s creative spark deserves investment
long Island is known for its beaches, its vineyards and its suburban sprawl. But a new report reminds us of something too often overlooked: The arts are one of the region’s most powerful economic engines.
HERALD
According to the Center for an Urban Future, jobs in arts and culture on Long Island grew by a stunning 21.6 percent between 2014 and 2024. That’s five times faster than the region’s overall economy. The number of independent artists nearly doubled during the same period, fueling downtown revitalization, driving tourism and supporting small businesses. From muralists in Patchogue to theater productions in Huntington, creativity is reshaping the Island’s identity, and its bottom line.
And yet, just as this growth is transforming local communities, warning signs are flashing. The same report shows that the average arts worker on Long Island earns just $46,500 annually — barely half the regional average income. The number of performing-arts jobs remains more than 13 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, the costs of housing and living have skyrocketed, with housing prices alone climbing more than 60 percent in the past decade.
The math doesn’t add up. We are asking artists to do the impossible: generate enormous economic and cultural value for the region while surviving on wages that barely cover rent.
The problem isn’t talent or ambition. It’s support — or rather, the lack of it. Despite being home to 14.7 percent of New York state’s population, Long Island receives just 2.8 percent of grants
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awarded by the state’s Council on the Arts. Less than 1 percent of federal National Endowment for the Arts funding in New York finds its way here.
And while state economic development councils are investing more than ever in arts projects statewide, only 3.1 percent of Long Island’s recent allocation went to the creative sector.
This chronic underinvestment has created what researchers call a “negative feedback loop.” Because the region has historically been overlooked, its institutions lack the resources to compete effectively for competitive funding, which in turn reinforces low funding rates. It’s a cycle that limits growth and puts Long Island’s creative vitality at risk.
The solutions are clear, and the payoff could be enormous. The Center for an Urban Future’s recommendations should be a wake-up call to policymakers.
Among them: dedicating 1 percent of county budgets to arts programming and operations, expanding the state arts budget, and creating a Long Island Grant Academy to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to win state and federal support.
The report also suggests converting underused commercial properties into cultural spaces, integrating the arts into tourism planning, and even embedding artists directly into government initiatives, as upstate Erie County has done successfully.
These aren’t fringe ideas. They’re pragmatic strategies to sustain a sector that has already proven itself indispensable. Arts and culture are not luxuries to be funded only in good times. They are infra-
But Mamdani is giving people hope, Jerry
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column in last week’s issue, “There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani”: Nassau residents’ concern over Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, is curious, as we have no vote on the matter. Perhaps we sense the specter in our basement.
There are, I think, two reasons people embrace Mamdani — desperation and hope. Consider the central issues: housing, homelessness and “affordability,” increasingly enmeshed and worsening to the point of crisis. That’s desperation.
Housing, specifically urban housing, has been in decline since Ronald Reagan was president. Successive New York state and New York City administrations have failed to address the problem, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s and Mayor Eric Adams’s. Curtis Sliwa has no plan. They all focus on the flip side of housing, speaking of “involuntary commitments” to “treatment” in facilities that don’t exist.
That totally ignores the tens of thousands of shelter-living students who need no treatment beyond a stable home
structure — just as essential to the region’s economic vitality and community well-being as roads, schools and hospitals.
Consider the ripple effects: thriving downtowns anchored by galleries and theaters. Restaurants and shops boosted by performance-goers and festival crowds. Tourists are drawn to more than just beaches and wineries, while young families choose to stay because their communities feel vibrant and alive. At a time when many Long Island towns struggle with empty storefronts and affordability crises, creativity has been a rare and steady growth engine.
To jeopardize this progress through neglect would be shortsighted. As Jonathan Bowles, the center’s executive director, put it: “Unless county leaders and the state step up, Long Island risks losing the very creativity that is powering its success.”
Leaders in Nassau and Suffolk counties must recognize that a modest investment today could safeguard the region’s cultural and economic future. Allocating just 1 percent of county budgets to the arts —around $80 million annually — would not only stabilize existing organizations but also unlock additional state and federal dollars. That kind of leverage is how Long Island can finally get its fair share.
The arts have already proven what they can do for Long Island. The question now is whether Long Island will do right by the arts. If we want downtowns that hum with life, economies that diversify and communities that feel worth staying in, then investing in creativity is not optional. It’s essential.
Libraries are precious, and must be treated with care
some of my most enduring memories involve libraries. Attending “Story Hour” at the local library with my mother as a child. Working my way through college staffing the Circulation desk and re-shelving books. Viewing the special exhibits at Oxford University’s Bodleian library while serving as a visiting scholar after retiring from Adelphi. Writing my book on university governance while serving as an Allen room Scholar at the new york Public library. Showing the Gutenberg Bible to a grandson while visiting the Morgan library.
libraries are precious homes for books and other materials that preserve and interpret the past, stir curiosity and the imagination, and nurture future generations. They are celebrated worldwide on International literacy Day, Sept. 8.
Andrew Carnegie recognized the importance of libraries over a century ago, when he began supporting free public libraries as places of congregation and education. Carnegie believed that access to information and knowledge
would help those from limited household circumstances advance in careers and civic engagement. That certainly was the case for me.
The heart of a library is the librarian. librarians are licensed professionals with graduate degrees. They are experts in collecting sources of information and ensuring that valid and valuable knowledge is available. They monitor access to age-appropriate materials and make decisions based on evidence, not emotion.
Jtargeted books focus on sexual identity and racism, including slavery.
The lone Supreme Court ruling against book bans, from long Island, no less, was Board of education, Island Trees Union Free School District no. 26 v. Pico, in 1982. Some think it could be overturned by a new case from Texas focusing on the removal of 17 books deemed “obscene” and “pornographic,” including Maurice Sendak’s childhood classic, “Where the Wild Things Are.”
ust like doctors and scientists, the expertise of librarians is now questioned.
librarians build collections according to mission and library type. They not only promote literacy, foster education and encourage critical thinking, but also offer free access to technology. They support teachers and effective teaching. Businesspeople and professionals as well as students use libraries, and seek the help of librarians, for research assignments of all kinds.
But these temples to truth are being threatened by initiatives to ban books and dismantle the federal Institute of Museum and library Services. Pen America, a nonprofit literary and freeexpression advocacy group, found 10,046 instances of book bans in the 2023-24 school year. It noted book bans in 29 states and 220 public school districts, including on long Island. Most of the
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address. The candidates speak of police and clearing the streets, but not of where this refuse would go. Cuomo’s plan is, again, only poetry in future tense while the desperation is now. A “rent freeze” is not “moderate,” but “moderate” has failed. The point is to keep people in their homes, now.
“Socialism” has worked well for the wealthy — maybe it should work a little for the poor as well. For all the obvious obstacles of Mamdani’s proposals, he alone names the problem, addresses its immediacy, acknowledges its multiple entwined factors and sees the human families entangled in those larger forces. That’s where the hope comes from, reflected in votes. It is a hope readily transferable to any other willing leader, but if hope comes only in Muslim garb …
BrIAn Kelly Rockville Centre
It’s Democrats who are threatening our democracy
To the editor:
re r andi Kreiss’s column in the Sept. 25-Oct. 1 issue, “Is our democracy suffering growing pains”: The United States is approaching the 250th anniversary of this political experiment. Kreiss’s op-ed attempted to place the blame on MAGA for the decline in our country, and I respectfully dis-
agree.
Banning books denies freedom of speech. In the past, such efforts were isolated and local. now these campaigns are national, and simply compile lists of books to be banned whose subjects or authors — especially Black authors — are deemed questionable without any evidence. In years past, books such as Walt Whitman’s “leaves of Grass” and Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” were banned, until successful lawsuits returned them to library shelves.
On long Island, there are 120 public libraries and 125 public school districts with 656 schools. Public libraries are governed by boards of trustees and funded by fundraising, tax revenue and government grants. They are essential to high-quality schooling and are vital community resources, especially in
■ Standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance has always been a mainstay of our country, until people on the left attempted to turn any display of national pride into a signal of racism.
■ Many on the left applauded the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was simply engaging young college students in active, respectful debate.
■ not knowing who was running our country as Joe Biden was in mental decline was a huge threat to our democracy. Who used the autopen? Who issued the pardons? Who ran our country?
■ The Democrats wrote the book on using the Department of Justice to go after political opponents, and now have the nerve to complain when it is used against them. They weaponized the FBI to arrest political opponents like Gen. Michael Flynn, Peter n avarro, r oger Stone, Steve Bannon and Paul Manafort, to name a few. now the republicans have indicted Jim Comey as the tip of the spear, with many more to follow. Thank you, Democrats, for paving the way.
■ Arresting a former president for the first time in our nation’s history and attempting to incarcerate and bankrupt him is more proof that Democrats are more of a threat to our democracy.
■ If they gain control of both chambers of
rural and low-income regions.
According to one national report, “the American library . . . is a barometer of where we currently stand as a society when it comes to access to knowledge and information.” libraries host listings of employment opportunities, provide health care bulletins, are sources of election information, make textbooks available for free, lend audio books for the hearing-impaired, offer citizenship classes, and open their rooms for community gatherings.
It seems that increasing numbers of people question the expertise of librarians, just as they question the expertise of doctors and scientists. none of these professions is infallible, of course. What sets them apart is that they are honorbound by professional codes of ethics, and change their conclusions when new evidence is uncovered. For the librarian, this means curating as well as collecting and storing sources of information, whether on discs, in the cloud or in books.
The Swedish designer Josef Frank said, “The world is a book, and the person who stays at home reads only one page.” The librarian is our travel guide to new vistas through books, and libraries are our vehicles. We should treat them with care.
Robert Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author, with Drew Bogner, of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”
Framework by Tim Baker
Congress, we can look forward to making Puerto rico and Washington, D.C., states, packing the Supreme Court, and reopening our borders. Another B.S. impeachment will follow. Sounds undemocratic to me.
■ I could go on, but I will only add one more thing. I challenge you to put on a red “Make America Great Again” hat and walk the streets of Manhattan — especially the Upper
West Side — and report back on your First Amendment right of freedom of speech and expression. To all the people on the hard left, if you want to see the real threat to democracy, simply look in the mirror. I enjoy the fact that President Trump lives rent free in the heads of the liberal left. God bless America.
Yup, these pages are magical: at the Magic at Coney Show at Temple Beth Am — Merrick
TOM O’COnnOr North Bellmore
roBert a . sCott
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