Lawrence couple are honored by FIDF
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Barry and Suzanne Gurvitch, of Lawrence, were honored by the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces last week, for strengthening the organization’s mission through service and generosity, as well as their values.
“We know that Suzanne and Barry belong to this amazing community,” Steve Weil, FIDF’s chief executive officer, said at the FIDF’s Five Towns and Greater South Shore Evening of Solidarity at the Sands in Atlantic Beach, on May 8, “and I always think about it, and it tings in my head that this communi-
CoNTINuED oN paGE 7
lighting repairs set for completion this month
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
village announced a plan to fix the broken lights on the highway, also known as the Nassau Expressway, in early April, a project that Five Towns residents have requested for years.
Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias, who has been working to solve the longstanding problem since he chaired the Nassau County Bridge Authority, said that of the 54 lights
along the Lawrence side of the Expressway, 11 are in need of repair. The lights that stretch from the Atlantic Beach Bridge to Rock Hall Road remain out of service, having sustained structural damage and wiring erosion caused by saltwater flooding during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Nahmias added that the other 43 lights only required
new bulbs, and are now operational.
To fix the remaining lights, he said on May 6, “We just selected a company called Hinck Electric, and the goal is still the end of May. We were in the process of selecting a company through a bid. They submitted a work and safety plan in April that we reviewed, and then we selected them based off
of that.”
Nahmias, who was elected mayor last year, said the issue has grown more urgent due to an increase in traffic on the Atlantic Beach Bridge since the implementation of E-ZPass in December 2023, when he served as chairman of the bridge authority.
Lawrence’s Department of
Melissa Berman/Herald
Lawrence Deputy Mayor Tammy Roz, far left, honoree Suzanne Gurvitch, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Mayor Samuel Nahmias and honoree Barry Gurvitch at the annual FIDF dinner on May 8.
Unopposed trustees focus on community and schools
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Though running unopposed, incumbent Trustees Debbi Sheinin and Chani Jeter are putting their best foot forward to gain another three-year term to serve on the Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education.
Sheinin, 50, is one of the longest tenured board members, being elected in 2018, with five of her seven years of service as board president.
Before being elected a trustee, she held several roles in the school district, including two years as co-president of the Parent Teacher Association’s Central Council, two years as co-president of the Franklin Early Childhood Center PTA and leadership positions with the Ogden Elementary School PTA and the Special Education PTA.
She said she takes pride in what the board accomplished during the Covid19 pandemic, as Hewlett-Woodmere was the first district on Long Island to offer three learning options: virtual, hybrid and in-person.
Sheinin said that she is a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, but more importantly, she is proud to support the outcomes and well being of every student.
“The Hewlett-Woodmere school district is incredibly important to me, not only because my family are students
here, but because I care deeply about this community,” Sheinin said. “Being an engaged resident means staying involved and, for me, that has always been a non-negotiable.”
Jeter, 40, is running for her second term. previously she was a member of the PTA committees in the HewlettWoodmere district and for the Hebrew
Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, where she was named Volunteer of the Year in 2021.
She has maintained that work ethic serving on several board committees during her first term, including the Communications, Health and Safety and the Legislative Matters committees.
Jeter said she values the opportunity to advocate for both public and private schools as a board member and wants to ensure that every community voice is heard.
“I look forward to continuing the work I’ve begun and serving this amazing community alongside my dedicated Board of Education colleagues,” Jeter said. “I feel truly blessed to be in a position where I can help make a difference and collaborate to create the best possible future for our district.”
Board of Education Vice President Cheryl May — the current longest serving trustee — highlighted the candidates’ qualifications and emphasized that, despite running unopposed; the board should still recognize their importance.
“Debbi has devoted countless hours to our students, consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to academic excellence, fiscal responsibility and the overall well-being of our students,” said May, a trustee since 2011. “Chani has brought an invaluable perspective to the board as both a pubic and a private school parent. This unique dual lens allows her to understand and advocate for all families across the district.”
Voting for the school district budget, trustees and three propositions, takes place at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Ave., Woodmere from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 20.
Kindertransport story inspires teens to take action
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
What started out as a social studies school project has evolved into a passion for learning and sharing information about the Holocaust, most specifically the Kindertransport.
Harley Moritz and Romy Fruman, Woodmere Middle School eighth graders, created a documentary for their National History Day project at school. They interviewed Manfred Korman, 93, about his experience during the Kindertransport — a rescue effort, transporting nearly 10,000 mostly Jewish refugee children to Great Britain from Nazi Germany between December 1938 and May 1940 — according to the Holocaust encyclopedia.
The girls had the opportunity to speak at the unveiling of the first Kindertransport dedication bench at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, in Glen Cove on May 4..
“I felt very honored to be there and it was such a great opportunity that we got invited and that we got to talk,” Fruman said. “It was so great to see where we started has grown so much and now we have all these opportunities and it’s really amazing.”
Fruman and Moritz spoke about their History Day project, interviewing Korman and how from that they developed a clothespin project that anyone can make and donate to.
Moritz said she felt “ecstatic” to be there and that “it was the most amazing opportunity they’ve had so far on this journey.”
“We feel so connected to it and coming into it I felt that this could be apart of me because I knew how important the Kindertransport is to me,” Moritz said.
The bench will be displayed in the children’s garden at the HMTC and was
donated by the Kindertransport Association.
“We were the first recipient of one of the Kindertransport benches, it’s now in our children’s garden,” said Donna Rosenblum, director of education at HMTC. “Our children’s garden is about remembering the children, so the Kindertransport perfectly segues because it’s about saving children.”
In the fall when the girls selected the Kindertransport as their topic for the project, they had no idea it was going to open doors for different opportunities.
“I did not think that we would even come up with this idea or take it this far, I’m really proud that happened,” Fruman said.
The girls’ original mindset was getting the project done for school and now it has turned into a passion to share information on the Kindertransport.
“We had no idea that we would have such a passion for this after meeting Manfred Korman and we’re most looking forward to teaching young Jewish kids that they are also important,” Moritz said.
Throughout the summer, the girls will be working hand-in-hand with Rosenblum on an educational packet for fifth and sixth graders.
“We plan to give these out next school year and I want to be able to give it to teachers that are interested in implementing the Kindertransport in their curriculum,” Rosenblum said.
The girls are most looking forward to continue working with the HMTC and spreading the word about their clothespin project.
“I’m really looking forward to making the new curriculum flourish,” Fruman said.
Moritz added that “We are going to take our passion and make sure that we spread it, we want everyone to be apart of it.”
Courtesy Tara Waltman
Woodmere Middle School eighth graders Harley Moritz, left, and Romy Fruman were invited to speak at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, in Glen Cove for the unveiling of the first Kindertrasnport bench, on May 4.
Herald file photos
Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education incumbent Trustees Debbi Sheinin, left, and Chani Jeter, are running unopposed for another three-year term on May 20.
Angie Rizzo
Angie Rizzo (née Molinari), 95, a cherished resident of East Rockaway, New York, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at her home. Born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, to Cosimo and Marie Molinari, Angie spent her early years in Brooklyn before settling in East Rockaway, where she became a beloved member of the community. In 1950, she married Fortunato Rizzo in New York City, and they shared a loving marriage until his passing in 1989. Angie was a devoted parishioner of St. Raymond’s Church, finding joy in her faith and community service. She cherished spending time with her family, leaving a legacy of warmth and kindness.Angie is survived by her son, Fred Rizzo Jr., of East Rockaway, her sister Lucy and brother Bobby Molinari, of New York and her loving grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Fortunato; her daughter, Carolyn Rizzo; her sisters, Josephine Molinari and Emily Molinari; and her parents. Services will be private for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mother Daughter Day Care Inc. in Lynbrook, a cause dear to Angie for its support of families. Angie’s gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
John’s Episcopal Hospital is
Delivery, Recovery, and
EHS LDRP unit to open this summer
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, part of Episcopal Health Services, has announced the upcoming completion of its new Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) unit, expected to open this summer.
The state-of-the-art facility will expand access to maternal care for families in the Rockaway Peninsula, Five Towns, and surrounding communities.
“For over a decade, we’ve been focused on enhancing and expanding access to women’s health services across the Rockaways,” Donald T. Morrish, chief executive officer of EHS wrote in a news release. “This new LDRP unit is a result of a communitydriven vision and has been made possible thanks to the unwavering support of every level of government and generous private donors.”
The new unit will allow mothers to
remain in the same room throughout their stay, enhancing comfort and promoting bonding. It will feature six private suites with sleeper couches for family members, advanced cesarean operating rooms, and dedicated recovery and triage rooms.
“This is more than just a new unit, it’s a reflection of how deeply we value the women and families who entrust us with their care,” Jacqueline Marecheau, EHS chairperson, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology wrote in a news release.
While construction continues on the new unit, St. John’s has already renovated its existing Labor and Delivery unit on Tower 7 to enhance privacy and comfort for expectant mothers, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to patient-centered care.
— Melissa Berman
NASSAU
Courtesy Episcopal Health Services
St.
VALENTINA KESABIAN
Clarke Senior Lacrosse
IT’S BEEN AN IMPRESSIVE rise for Clarke’s girls’ lacrosse program since it endured a winless 2022 campaign, and Kesabian has been a major part of the turnaround. Last spring she helped lead the Rams to 10 wins, scoring 26 goals and earning All-Conference honors in the process. This season, both the third-year attack and the team continued to flourish. Kesabian finished with 39 goals and 13 assists, and Clarke won 12 of 15 games.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, May 15
Softball playoffs: First round at higher seed ...................TBA
Boys Lacrosse: Freeport at Kennedy
Boys Lacrosse: Elmont at Lawrence
Baseball: Elmont at West Hempstead
Baseball: Roosevelt at Uniondale .............................5 p.m.
Baseball: G.N. South at V.S. Central ..........................5 p.m.
Friday, May 16
Boys Lacrosse: Garden City at Carey....................4:30 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Oceanside at Farmingdale................5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at South Side ...................5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Massapequa at Syosset ...................5 p.m.
Saturday, May 17
Softball: Nassau quarterfinals at higher seed ................TBA
Monday, May 19
Softball: Nassau semifinals GM1 at higher seed ...........TBA
Tuesday, May 20
Softball: Nassau semifinals GM2 at lower seed.............TBA
Baseball: Nassau Class A quarterfinals GM 3................TBA
Baseball: Nassau Class B semifinals GM 2 ...................TBA
Baseball: Nassau Class AAA play-in games ...................TBA
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring 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.
SPORTS
Hewlett tennis enjoying rebound
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
The Hewlett boys’ tennis team has shown marked improvement under new coach Gail Weintraub and were in contention for a conference title for most of the season before a slight skid against the top two teams all but eliminated that chance. The playoffs are still a possibility with one match left, which would be icing on the cake following a five-win showing last spring.
After dropping the season opener to Kennedy on April 1, the Bulldogs rattled off eight straight wins before consecutive 4-3 losses to the division coleaders in Baldwin on May 2 and the Cougars five days later to fall out of the conference race. But the team rebounded nicely with 6-1 romp of Oceanside on May 8 and a 5-2 victory over Valley Stream Central last Saturday to improve to 10-3.
Hewlett made up last Friday’s home rainout against Massapequa on Monday to close the season.
The Bulldogs’ singles trio of senior Dylan Weinman and sophomore twins Lucca and Ethan Avdoo are a combined 31-5 while the top doubles team of seniors David Abelev and Shane Chadick have yet to be beaten in nine tries. The fourth doubles duo of freshman Hunter Link and sophomore Ethan Harush are a solid 6-2 after Weintraub paired them up in late April.
Weinman won most of his matches in straight sets and had arguably his toughest battles against Baldwin’s Luke Lastique. He outlasted Lastique 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in their first meeting on April 9 before a grueling 7-5, 7-6 (5) victory in the rematch on May 2.
“Dylan has a lot of finesse and can strike the ball,” Weintraub said. “He’s fast, he has a great serve, and he’s very focused.”
The Avdoos earned the other two singles spots during a preseason team tournament and the brothers have earned their keep with Lucca going 11-2 as the second singles and Ethan right behind him at 9-3 from the third hole.
Senior David Abelev, along with classmate Shane
doubles through nine matches.
Lucca was the top singles player in the opener against Kennedy and was one of the few bright spots with a spotless 6-0, 6-0 victory.
“I’m so proud of them because I had them when they were in middle school and they were not that good, but they started playing every day,” Weintraub said. “I had a playoff at the beginning of the season and we were going to have a round robin to see who the other two positions are and they won hands down.”
Weinman will be competing in the upcoming county tournament along
with the Avdoos, who will form a doubles pair, and Abelev and Chadick.
Eighth grader Andrew Levin has show lots of potential as a doubles competitor and has been a part of four victories, including one with Abelev and in his last two starts with junior Justin Kim. The latter duo won in straight sets against Oceanside before posting a 2-6, 7-6 (6), 7-5 comeback win over Central. The team boasts another set of twins in sophomores Alex and Mark Nosov, who Weintraub has high hopes for if they hone their craft during the offseason.
Ron Manfredi/Herald
Chadick, were unbeaten at first
FIDF highlights emergency response for Israeli soldiers
ty, percentage-wise has the biggest percent of lone soldiers going out to serve in the IDF.”
The Gurvitch’s son, Elijah, an IDF Sergeant, is one of those lone soldiers, a member of the IDF who has no family in Israel. In an emotional surprise, he was flown in by the FIDF to see his parents honored.
Weil presented the Gurvitches with a plaque that read, “Suzanne and Barry, with profound gratitude for unwavering devotion to Israel and the courageous soldiers of the IDF. We all salute you.”
The couple were recognized for their dedication to the organization, and for sending clothes, first aid kits, personal hygiene kits and other supplies to Elijah’s entire battalion.
The Evening of Solidarity highlighted the group’s mission to assist active IDF soldiers, veterans and family members. It was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors, and is the only organization authorized by the Israeli army to collect charitable donations for the IDF in the United States.
The motto of non-political, non-military organization is, “Their job is to look after Israel. Ours is to look after them.”
According to fidf.org, “Our purpose is to champion the soldiers of the IDF and care for their needs as they protect the State of Israel, democratic values and Western Civilization.”
Attorney Benjamin Brafman, of Lawrence, the night’s emcee and a 2024 honoree, said that “the stakes could not be higher” and those attending are “guardians of a promise.”
“While we stand here in safety, brave young men and women tonight are standing on the front lines in Israel,” Brafman said, “risking everything to protect our homeland and, by extension,
each and every one of us tonight.”
He added, “Israel is not just a place on the map, it is the beating heart of the Jewish people, and the IDF is the shield that keeps the heart beating.
“We need to stand with Israel now more than ever, and we need to be here now more than ever,” Brafman said. “When you are here, FIDF helps support and provide assistance not only to lone soldiers, but to all of our troops. When you come to a dinner like this, your participation helps secure that fight.”
Lone soldier Jacob Verschleiser was also honored, presented with a citation by Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias on behalf of the village.
Orna Sheena, the FIDF’s Long Island chapter director, said that the organization makes a life-and-death difference on the battlefield within 24 hours of a call for help.
“When we build and stock field hospitals, send fleets of bulletproof ambulances filled with cutting-edge military supplies, FIDF is not just saving a soldier’s life,” Sheena said. “They are stopping a child from being orphaned, a wife from being a widow and a parent from burying a child.”
As the only official partner of the IDF, the FIDF receives lists of necessities from the Ministry of Defense in Israel.
According to Sheena, 853 IDF soldiers have died since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, in the ongoing war in Gaza.
“I want to express our heartfelt and sincere thanks to our lone soldiers, and the families who are here tonight, for choosing to serve even in the toughest times,” she said. “Even as we honor and remember those who are part of the 1,200 innocent and brutally stolen from us on Oct. 7.”
Melissa Berman/Herald
FIDF honorees Suzanne and Barry Gurvitch were surprised when their son, Elijah, an IDF lone soldier, joined them.
Chalk S. State crashes up to bad judgment
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Second story in a series on the Southern State Parkway.
Ana Marte, 67, said that a fatal car accident on the Southern State Parkway in January changed her life.
Her grandson Anthonie Marte, 23, was severely injured in a one-car crash shortly after 11 p.m. on Jan. 12, in the eastbound lanes not far from Exit 30, near Farmingdale and Massapequa, according to the New York State Police.
Investigators said that the car in which Marte was a passenger, a black 2016 Dodge Dart, was traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving between lanes before the driver lost control and crashed into a tree.
Two rear-seat passengers, ages 23 and 21, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Jaden Dsouza, 19, of College Point, Queens, and Marte, of East Elmhurst, Queens, who was in the front passenger seat, were both extricated from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition.
Marte’s grandmother said he suffered major head injuries, and she still takes care of him daily, feeding him and giving him pain medicine. He is slowly recovering, with doctors’ appointments and physical therapy. “He’s like a baby again,” she said. “He doesn’t want to go outside because he’s scared, and all he does is sleep.”
Marte does not remember the accident, his grandmother said.
Dsouza was later charged with one count of driving while ability impaired by drugs, second-degree manslaughter, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree assault and aggravated vehicular homicide, police said.
Crash data from the New York State Police shows a fluctuating, but persistent, pattern of accidents on the Southern State Parkway over the past six years, with the number of fatal crashes in a year reaching as high as six.
Crashes resulting in serious personal injury in Nassau have remained relatively low throughout the period, with no more than two reported in any given year.
While most incidents are non-fatal, serious crashes often involve an added risk: intoxication. Speed and distraction remain consistent contributing factors, but impairment by drugs or alcohol increases the potential for deadly outcomes.
“It’s on the driver for the most part,” State Police Capt. Mike Rhodes said. “If they’re inattentive, if they’re speeding, if they’re not following the vehicle and traffic law, they do not understand the severity of what could happen.”
Rhodes oversees 56 state troopers and eight sergeants, many of whom patrol the 25.3-mile long Southern State. Most accidents, he said, occur during peak congestion, at around 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Crash data from the state police show a fluctuating but persistent pattern of accidents on the parkway over the past six years, with fatal crashes increasing in 2024.
In 2019, there were 3,127 crashes on the Nassau County stretch of the parkway, including six fatalities. That number dropped to 2,331 in 2020, but rose again in subsequent years, reaching 2,716 in 2022 and 2,725 in 2023. In 2024, state police recorded 2,549 crashes and five fatalities. Thus far this year, there have been 328 crashes and one fatality.
“A lot of these things, they hit every single age category,” Rhodes said.
To combat the persistent problem, state police focus on enforcement and outreach. Not every traffic stop results in a citation; many serve as opportunities for education.
Personal injury attorney Stephen Cohen said that in his more than five decades of handling lawsuits, most of those that involve accidents on the Southern State involve intoxicated drivers.
Cohen, a partner at the law firm Cohen and Jaffe, in New Hyde Park, said that speed, intoxication and reckless driving continue to be the common factors in the region’s most serious accidents.
“I don’t believe road design is an issue at all,” Cohen said. “Posting more signs to slow down isn’t an answer, because when somebody is either speeding or just intoxicated, they don’t really care what the sign says.”
Many collisions during rush hour, he explained, stem from traffic congestion and insufficient braking distance. “People are gliding along, and they hit a certain spot, and all of a sudden they weren’t prepared, because they’re going 70 miles an hour,” Cohen said. “So you
see a lot of rear-end collisions, not necessarily death-related.”
Fatal crashes, he noted, often involve younger drivers, high speeds and intoxication or impairment.
“You don’t see fatalities at 11 o’clock in the morning,” Cohen said. “You just don’t. You may see them at 4 in the morning. When your ability to observe is not sharp because of either impairment or intoxication, the car is going to go airborne. And if there happens to be a tree there, that’s the next thing you’re going to hit.”
In his practice, Cohen said, the firm represents victims or passengers, but not intoxicated drivers.
Under state law, he noted, lawsuits require plaintiffs to meet the “serious injury” threshold defined in insurance law. In cases involving fatalities, death, families must petition a Surrogate’s Court to appoint a representative for the estate before filing a lawsuit. That process can take over a year, he said.
Insurance coverage limits often dictate how quickly a case can be resolved. “If somebody has — let’s say, the responsible party — has a $100,000 policy, that case is going to be over in two seconds,” Cohen said.
Efforts to reform wrongful death laws in New York have repeatedly stalled, despite advocacy from legal organizations.
Despite changes in laws and vehicle technology over the years, Cohen said, the root problems remain unchanged.
“It only seems to get worse because cars are faster than they were 20, 30 years ago,” he said. “There’s more people drinking or doing some sort of drugs. And that’s what you see in all horrific accidents.”
Additional reporting by Mohammad Rafiq.
Accident data from the New York State Police
2019 – Total: 3,987
(3,127 Nassau, 860 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 2 (Nassau)
Fatal: 8 (6 Nassau, 2 Suffolk)
2020 – Total: 2,977
(2,331 Nassau, 646 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 3 (2 Nassau, 1 Suffolk)
Fatal: 9 (6 Nassau, 3 Suffolk)
2021 – Total: 3,566
(2,782 Nassau, 784 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 1 (Nassau)
Fatal: 9 (6 Nassau, 3 Suffolk)
2022 – Total: 3,552
(2,716 Nassau, 836 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury:
5 (1 Nassau, 4 Suffolk)
Fatal: 13 (5 Nassau, 8 Suffolk)
2023 – Total: 3,500 (2,725-Nassau, 775-Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 1 (Nassau)
Fatal: 6 (3 Nassau, 3 Suffolk)
2024 – Total: 3,405 (2,549 Nassau, 856 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury:
2 (1 Nassau, 1 Suffolk)
Fatal: 15 (5 Nassau, 10 Suffolk)
2025* – Total: 426 (328 Nassau, 98 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 0
Fatal: 3 (1 Nassau, 2 Suffolk)
* To date
Tim Baker/Herald
Fifth term: Building Lawrence’s future
By Tova Plaut
ASpecial to the Herald
s I run unopposed for my fifth term as a trustee in the Lawrence Union Free School District, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the journey so far. It’s been a true privilege to serve the children and families of this community, and I take this role seriously. From the moment I became involved, long before I was elected, my goal has always been to ensure that every child in our district receives the education and services they deserve, no matter what school they attend, public or private.
The Lawrence School Board has accomplished a great deal over the years. We’ve refurbished our school buildings and athletic fields. We’ve protected arts and extracurricular programs. We’ve kept pace with our community’s evolving needs through collaborations with local private schools to provide shared educational resources and support services. These include professional development opportunities, security coordination, and expanded access to special education programming. We launched one of the largest free kosher food distribution programs during COVID and expanded services for the community’s growing school age population, all without raising taxes. These accomplishments reflect not just the work of a board, but the will of a community committed to all its children.
cial education and transportation for private school students, services that, for too long, were unfairly withheld from students who had every right to receive them. His steady leadership and institutional knowledge have helped shape the strong foundation we continue to build upon.
In addition to supporting David Sussman, I’m also proud to endorse Tova Rosenfeld, a new candidate running for School Board Trustee. Some residents have asked why my name appeared in advertisements connected to multiple candidates. The truth is, some of those materials were shared before I had the opportunity to fully connect with everyone running.
After meeting with Tova, I was genuinely moved by her generosity of spirit, her commitment to the families of our district, and our shared vision for how to better serve the next generation of young children and parents. Her willingness to step forward, listen deeply, and lead with humility is exactly the kind of thoughtful, communityfocused leadership we need. I believe her voice and expertise as a CPA will be a tremendous asset to the board.
Serving on the school board is a serious responsibility and a commitment I’m honored to uphold. It requires listening, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our community.
Lawrence School Board Trustee Tova Plaut, fourth from left, was honored by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, third from left, for her work in fighting antisemistism and fighting for Jewish rights. They were joined by Nassau County Legislator Presiding Officer Howard Kopel, left, Cedarhurst Trustee Myrna Zisman, Cedarhurst Trustee Daniel Plaut, fourth from right, Republican candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti and Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips.
Tova Plaut honored for fighting antisemitism
Lawrence School Board Trustee and Cedarhurst resident Tova Plaut was honored by Bruce Blakeman for her work in fighting antisemitism and fighting for Jewish rights.
Plaut was honored in conjunction of May being Jewish American Heritage Month and for her unwavering dedication to the Jewish people and contributions to the Jewish community.
The ceremony took place on May 6 at
I’m proud to support my colleague David Sussman in his bid for re-election. David’s service to our district is nothing short of extraordinary. For over thirty years, he has been a tireless advocate for all students and families in our district. Thanks to his efforts, Lawrence now maintains the lowest school tax rate in Nassau County while securing essential services like spe-
This year, I’m inspired by the leadership of both David Sussman and Tova Rosenfeld, each bringing unique strengths, dedication, and a shared desire to serve our families. I would be proud to continue working alongside David and to partner with Tova in service to our district.
On Tuesday, May 20th, I urge voters to support David Sussman and Tova Rosenfeld. Our children and our future deserve nothing less.
the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building, in Mineola. Her husband and Cedarhurst Trustee Daniel Plaut attended along with Republican candidate for Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Nassau County Legislator Presiding Officer Howard Kopel, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and Cedarhurst Trustee Myrna Zisman. — Melissa Berman
Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac appeared from 1732 to 1758. Amongst other information, it provided pithy sayings and proverbs, many of which have withstood the test of time.
“An empty bag cannot stand upright.”
“Anger is never without a reason, but seldom a good one.”
“Anoint a villain and he’ll stab you: stab him and he’ll anoint you.”
“An old young man will be a young old man.”
“Don’t think to hunt two hares with one dog.”
“Eat few suppers and you’ll need few medicines.”
“Great almsgiving, lessens no man’s living.”
“Happy’s the wooing that’s not long a doing.”
“He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.”
“If your riches are yours, why don’t you take them with you to the other world.”
“Lost time is never found again.”
“The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?”
“They who have nothing to trouble them, will be troubled at nothing.”
“The sleeping fox catches no poultry.”
“The tongue is ever turning to the aching tooth.”
Courtesy Daniel Plaut
Tova PlauT
HERALD neighbors
May the Fourth: Arts Below Sunrise goes galactic
The 12th annual Arts Below Sunrise traveled to a “galaxy far, far away” with their “Star Wars” theme, this year.
About 4,000 residents attended the fair with 13 food vendors and 65 vendors selling or promoting their companies or organizations, on May 4.
Along with the vendors, there were dozens of free activities including — art projects, the Cradle of Aviation planetarium, egg drop challenge, inflatables, music and dance performances, science demonstrations and more.
“Knowing the weather might be less than ideal, we voted on Friday to go ahead with the festival as scheduled,”
John Roblin, Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Endowment Fund chairman.
“There were a few sprinkles during the day, but the crowds and participants seemed to take it in stride. I’d like to thank the community, volunteers, and sponsors for their support of the HWPSEF and especially the facilities crew from the school district. They are exceptional, and the event couldn’t have been done without them.”
— Melissa Berman
Holden Leeds/Herald
Dayna Hiller, left, Haya Tenenboim with her father Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim, Noa, 4, with his sister Levi Hiller were all smiles at the Chabad of Hewlett table.
Holden Leeds/Herald
James Hartmann with his son Luke Hartmann, a Stormtrooper and Rey Skywalker from Star Wars, Michelle Arias and Ethan Wahrsager at Arts Below Sunrise, on May 4.
Courtesy David Friedman
Hundreds of Hewlett-Woodmere residents attended and participated in activities at this year’s fair.
Holden Leeds/Herald
Hewlett High School’s Modern Band Ensemble performed at the 12th annual Arts Below Sunrise.
Courtesy David Friedman
Bionica, the all-female robotics team at HHS was one of the most popular booths at Arts Below Sunrise this year.
End of month remains goal for lighting repairs
CoNTiNuEd fRom pagE 1
Public Works requested outside assessment by Welsbach Electric, which determined that the project would cost roughly $200,000, excluding the 43 bulb replacements.
In February, the village announced that it had received a state grant for $150,000, with the help of State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, to help with the lighting repair. The village will cover the remaining $50,000.
In a statement to the Herald on April 7, CanzoneriFitzpatrick wrote that she was proud to help secure funding for the project, along with Assemblyman Ari Brown and Nahmias, to help maintain the safety of thousands of Five Towns residents.
Westimate is more fiscally reasonable for the village, which is why it can now move forward with the project.
“The scope of work initially was just much broader than, I guess, really what needed to be corrected,” Castro said.
“But after a review and diagnostics of the area, now that we had also cleared out a little bit of vegetation around to make it more accessible, I think we were able to achieve a better diagnostic, which resulted in a much smaller scope of work.”
e just selected a company called Hinck Electric, and the goal is still the end of May.
Samuel NahmiaS
Lawrence mayor
“It’s important that we make real investments in Route 878, because this isn’t just a local road — it’s a critical access point for thousands of commuters, residents and first responders,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick wrote. “The stretch near the Atlantic Beach Bridge, in particular, has been plagued by longstanding infrastructure challenges, especially inadequate lighting.”
According to Lawrence Village Administrator Gerry Castro, the village originally overestimated the cost of addressing the problem under the previous administration. Castro said the new
For years, area residents have called on village officials to address the lighting issues on Route 878. Barry Ringelheim, of Atlantic Beach, said he is one of those who have repeated called for action, in the interest of residents’ safety and well-being.
“The main reason it should be done, it’s saving people’s lives, and to avoid accidents,” Ringelheim said. “That’s why Meadowbrook Parkway has the most beautiful lights going to Jones Beach, and that was all redone recently. Our lights haven’t been done since 2013. Do you have to have an accident where someone dies to get something done?”
Have an opinion about the conditions of the Nassau Expressway? Send a letter to mberman@liherald.com.
Herald file photo
The lighting on the Nassau Expressway suffered structural damages during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Residents have voiced concerns and called for the lights to be repaired for several years.
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 • 7:00 AM –
WOODMERE EDUCATION CENTER•ONE JOHNSON PLACE, WOODMERE, NY
The proposed 2025–2026 school budget maintains all of the programs and services valued most by our community while keeping the projected tax levy increase below the District’s allowable limit.
WHAT’S NEW?
Transition to a nine-period day at Woodmere Middle School to better prepare students for high school and offer a broader range of subjects, electives, and exploratory courses.
INVESTING IN OUR FACILITIES
The District is investing in our facilities in three ways: the annual transfer to capital and the utilization of existing funds from two of our established capital reserve accounts.
TRANSFER TO CAPITAL
• HES Boiler Replacement
• HHS/WMS Storage Buildings
• FECC/HES/OES Playground Additions • HHS Tennis Court Lighting
• FECC Kitchen Equipment
PROPOSITION TWO
• WMS Baseball/Softball Field • FECC Bathroom Renovation
• WMS Security, Floor, and Interior Door Replacement
PROPOSITION THREE
• District-wide Security Upgrades (one-button lockdown, door replacements, communication upgrades)
• WMS Baseball/Softball Field Lighting
• WMS Tennis Court Lighting • District-wide Technology
WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?
PROPOSITION ONE 2025–2026 School Budget $143,082,665
PROPOSITION TWO*
Authorization for use of $3,879,968 from Long-Range Building Improvement Fund
PROPOSITION THREE*
Authorization for use of $6,500,000 from Long-Range Building Improvement Fund #2
Applications for absentee/early mail ballots are available in the Office of the District Clerk, Woodmere Education Center. The forms may also be downloaded from the District Website at www.hewlett-woodmere.net
PROPOSITION FOUR 2025-2026 Library Budget
$6,955,218
*No
Water providers are tested in taste contest
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
What’s the best-tasting tap water on Long Island?
That was the question posed to students at Farmingdale State College during the Long Island Water Conference’s 37th annual drinking water tasting contest, held during National Drinking Water Week.
The conference, also known as LIWC, is made up of members of public and private water suppliers across Long Island. According to LIWC Commissioner Robert McEvoy, the event has taken place at the Farmingdale campus for the past four years, sparking student interest in water quality.
“It draws in a lot of the students,” McEvoy said. “They’re interested in where the water comes from, and if there’s any variance in taste. We also try to promote tap water as being the most regulated and tested, even more so than bottled water.”
The finals, held on May 7, featured 16 Long Island water providers competing for the title of best-tasting drinking water in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Students, faculty and staff on campus participated in a blind taste test, sampling water from each provider and casting their votes.
The Oyster Bay Water District won the Nassau County competition, while
Charles Shaw/Herald
Oyster Bay Water District Secretary Michael Rich, second from right, and Treasurer Nick Niznik offered samples to students during the Long Island Water Conference’s annual water tasting event at Farmingdale State College.
the Greenlawn Water District took the top spot in Suffolk. Both districts will advance to the New York State Regional Metro Tap Water Taste Contest in New York City in August, where they will compete for a spot in the statewide competition held later that month at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse.
LIWC representatives at the event also took the opportunity to educate attendees about the water supplied to their homes, and assured them that Long Island’s drinking water remains of high quality.
McEvoy, who is also a commissioner
and the chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District, said that frequent testing is conducted by the state Department of Health to ensure the water’s quality.
“It’s safe, it’s highly regulated and it’s extremely affordable,” McEvoy said. “It’s something that should be utilized by the public, and it’s a far greater value than bottled water.”
Michael Rich, a commissioner and the secretary of the Oyster Bay district, has taken part in the competition for the past 10 years, educating the community about local water supplies.
“It’s great to come out to the commu-
nity and have everyone get involved with local water,” Rich said.
He noted that most people aren’t aware of where their water comes from. On Long Island, drinking water comes from an aquifer system, a naturally formed underground storage area.
In an aquifer system, unwanted chemicals are capable of seeping into the water supply. The LIWC urges residents to dispose of hazardous household waste properly at designated town drop-off sites and never pour it down drains, into storm sewers or on the ground.
“Anything that we put on the ground will ultimately find its way into the aquifer,” Rich stated.
Lawn irrigation, he said, accounts for much of Long Island’s water use. He urged residents to follow odd/even watering schedules, watering on days that match their house numbers. He also highlighted the importance of leak detection, noting that undetected leaks can waste hundreds of thousands of gallons each month, making it vital for both residents and water providers to monitor and address them.
Rich added that it doesn’t take much water to maintain a healthy lawn.
“You don’t have to water your lawn for a half-hour a day,” Rich said. “You’ll get the same results 15 minutes a day, so we try to stress that.”
For more information on the local water supply, visit liwc.org.
A bipartisan effort to protect IVF access
Gillen leads push for bill safeguarding fertility treatments, hoping for congressional momentum
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat representing New York’s 4th Congressional District, and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, of the 17th District, have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting access to in vitro fertilization across the country.
The Access to Family Building Act, which Gillen is shepherding with support from Lawler and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, seeks to federally codify the right to access IVF services. The legislation is in response to growing concerns that reproductive technologies like IVF are being threatened by recent state-level legal developments and court rulings.
During a virtual press conference on May 7, Gillen emphasized the importance of ensuring legal certainty for families relying on reproductive technology. Infertility, she said, is a widespread issue affecting Americans of all backgrounds, and she called for Congress to act swiftly to protect the procedure.
“We believe, like most Americans do, that the right to start and grow family through IVF should be protected,” Gil-
len said. “The Access to Family Building Act will simply ensure that IVF remains accessible to families in every state.”
Lawler echoed Gillen’s sentiments, sharing his own family’s experience with fertility challenges. He reaffirmed his support for protecting IVF access, calling it a nonpartisan issue with widespread public backing. Lawler also referenced other related legislative efforts he supports, including tax credits and insurance mandates to reduce the financial burden of IVF treatments.
“Access to IVF should not be a partisan issue,” he said. “We want to help people through this journey and certainly make sure that their right to IVF is protected.”
The press event also featured Barbara Collura, president and CEO of Resolve: The National Infertility Association, who stressed the emotional and financial toll of infertility and the need for guaranteed nationwide access to IVF.
“There are so many challenges that our communities face in building their families,” Collura said. “Our goal is to reduce and eliminate those barriers. We know firsthand that our communities want to know that IVF is protected in all 50 states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IVF accounted for nearly 3 percent for U.S. births in 2022, with over 91,000 babies born through assisted reproductive technology.
Democrats that year introduced the Right to Build Families Act, to protect access to IVF and other fertility treatments amid concerns after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The bill was blocked by Senate Republicans.
The lawmakers emphasized the bipartisan nature of the new legislation, with Gillen noting that Republican support like Lawler’s is vital to passing it in the current Congress.
When the Herald asked about the path forward, both lawmakers said they planned to advocate within their parties and with the congressional leadership to advance the bill through committee and onto the House floor.
The legislation comes amid renewed national attention to IVF following recent court rulings in states like Alabama, where embryos created through IVF were legally recognized as children, prompting clinics to suspend services due to the legal risks.
“I think it’s really important to dem-
U.S. Representatives Laura Gillen and Mike Lawler announced bipartisan legislation to protect nationwide access to in vitro fertilization at a virtual press conference on May 7.
onstrate that this is not a partisan issue,” Gillen said. “This is an easy one for us to agree on. We want to support couples and individuals who want to bring a child into the world. IVF may be the only way that they can do that.”
Attend Hofstra’s Virtual
GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, June 7, 2025 10 a.m.
At Hofstra University, graduate students grow the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.
For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit
Herald file photo
Focusing on
Yourconnectionmind-body
A balanced life starts with your emotional fitness
Some people think that only people with mental illnesses have to pay attention to their mental health.
But the truth is that your emotions, thoughts and attitudes affect your energy, productivity and overall health. Good mental health strengthens your ability to cope with everyday hassles and more serious crises and challenges. Good mental health is essential to creating the life you want.
It’s always important to take stock of your mental well-being and its connection to overall health. Just as you brush your teeth or get a flu shot or other immunization, you can take steps to promote your mental health. A great way to start is by learning to deal with stress.
How stress hurts
Stress can eat away at your well-being, like acid eating away at your stomach. Actually, stress can contribute to stomach pains and lots of other problems, like headaches, insomnia, overeating, back pain, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, irritability, vulnerability to infection, and poorer brain functioning.
Stress also can lead to serious mental health problems, like depression and anxiety disorders. If you think you have such a problem, get help. Of course you can’t magically zap all sources of stress. But you can learn to deal with them in a way that promotes the well-being you want — and deserve. You can figure out ways to cope better with whatever comes your way. And decades of research suggest which steps are most likely to work.
The evidence
The concrete steps mental health professionals suggest are not based on guesses, fads or advice from grandma (though she probably got a lot right). They represent hundreds of research studies with thousands of participants, often conducted over decades and backed by major universities or government agencies.
This research shows that how good you feel is to a fairly large extent up to you. No matter how stressful your situation, you can take steps to promote your well-being.
Focus on self-care
In order to maintain and strengthen your mental and emotional health, it’s important to pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Don’t let stress and negative emotions build up. Try to maintain a balance between your daily responsibilities and the things you enjoy. If you take care of yourself, you’ll be better prepared to deal with challenges if and when they arise.
Taking care of yourself includes pursuing activities that naturally release endorphins and contribute to feeling good. In addition to physical exercise, endorphins are also naturally released when we:
Do things that positively impact others. Being useful to others and being valued for what you do can help build self-esteem.
Practice self-discipline. Self-control naturally leads to a sense of hopefulness and can help you overcome despair, helplessness, and other negative thoughts.
Appeal to your senses. Stay calm and energized by appealing to the five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Listen to music that lifts your mood, place flowers where you will see and smell them, massage your hands and feet, or sip a warm drink.
Engage in meaningful, creative work. Do things that challenge your creativity and make you feel productive, whether or not you get paid for it — things like gardening, drawing, writing, playing an instrument, or building something.
Make time for contemplation and appreciation. Think about the things you’re grateful for. Meditate, pray, enjoy the sunset, or simply take a moment to pay attention to what is good, positive, and beautiful as you go about your day.
Limit unhealthy habits like worrying. Try to avoid becoming absorbed by repetitive mental habits — negative thoughts about yourself and the world that suck up time, drain your energy, and trigger feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression.
Sometimes it all seems too much to handle
Keep your ‘thought life’ healthy and your stress level low
Life gives people plenty of reasons to be stressed.
Relationship problems, child-rearing issues, job woes and a lack of money are just some of life’s complications that can weigh people down — and cause health problems.
In today’s society, stress and change often are thought of as the same thing. Stress is a physiological and psychological response to a change in a situation the body and mind find to be overwhelming.
With the fast pace of work and home, being constantly inundated with technology and still wanting to have time to connect with those around you, life can feel overwhelming and stressful at times.
“It’s difficult to stay healthy and energized when stress is a daily reality,” says Dr. Greg Wells. “Chronic stress can damage your body, threaten your mental health, put a strain on relationships, and take the joy out of life.”
But there’s no reason to surrender to stress, Wells, author of “The Ripple Effect: Eat, Sleep, Move and Think Better,“ says. He suggests some techniques that can help you have a healthier “thought life” and recover from chronic stress.
Move your body. Rhythmic, repeated motion is particularly soothing to the mind and body. A long walk, cycling, swimming, or running will all work, but any kind of movement relieves tension, improves circulation and clears your mind.
Get into nature. Head to the garden or the park to lower your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, reduce tension and depression, and boost your mood. “It’s stunning how good it is for your health to be in nature,” Wells says. “And I recommend you leave the cell phone and earbuds at home.”
Practice yoga or Tai Chi. Therapy, yoga and Tai Chi are good ways to decrease stress and anxiety, increase energy and boost the immune system. They also give you more staminaand improve the quality of your sleep. Have perspective. Don’t be so quick to conclude that you “can’t handle” a stressful situation. “This is truly a mind-over-matter opportunity,” Wells says. “Believing that you are strong and resourceful actually makes you stronger and more resourceful.”
Change the nature of your response. Research indicates that taking an active, problem-solving approach to life’s challenges relieves stress and can transform it into something positive. If you withdraw, deny the problem, or spend all your time venting, you’ll feel helpless. Instead, be determined to make a change, put effort into it, and plan for better results.
Practice slow, deep breathing. Start applying the power of deep breathing each day. It will make a huge difference. Wells recommends you start small by taking three deep breaths each time you sit down at your desk — in the morning, after breaks, after lunch and so on. It will help you become more patient,
Block time for single-tasking. Each day, schedule time in your calendar for focusing exclusively on one task. This task should be something that is important to you. “People love to talk about multi-tasking, but while doing several things at once might make it seem as if you are working hard, it’s an illusion,” Wells says. Your body and mind are not designed to work that way and it causes extra stress.
“Ultimately, it’s important to remember that your thoughts have a strong influence over stress levels,” Wells says. “What you choose to think about, or not think about, dictates how your body and mind react to everyday life.”
Photo: Stressful experiences are a normal part of life, and the stress response is a survival mechanism that primes us to respond to threats. Some stress can be considered positive; but when a stressor is negative and can’t be fought off or avoided — such as layoffs at work or a loved one’s medical crisis — or when the experience of stress becomes chronic, our biological responses to stress can impair our physical and mental health.
Photo: Everything starts with the mind. Thoughts, beliefs, emotions and models of reality all influence and affect your biological chemistry. The words that you say to yourself have more of an impact on your health and well-being than you realize.
Parker Jewish Institute hosts Medal Day for NYPD’s 105th Precinct
Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation proudly hosted the 2025 Medal Day for the New York Police Departments 105th Precinct.
At the ceremony, which was held in Parker’s spacious auditorium, NYPD officials recognized officers who exemplified extraordinary merit and excellence in their police duties. In attendance were community leaders and supporters, as well as family members who had gathered to show their appreciation.
Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s president and CEO, accepted an NYPD award on behalf of Parker. The award recognized Parker’s dedication to the 105th Precinct and Parker’s continued commitment to community partnership with local first responders.
“We were honored to host NYPD’s 105th Precinct Award Ceremony and show our support to New York’s Finest,” Mr. Rosenblut said. “These highly skilled, empathetic officers help ensure the safety
of the Parker Jewish Institute community each and every day.”
About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in
New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research.
Parker Jewish Institute features its own
Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI) — providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting — as well as PRINE Health — a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.
Alcohol and cancer — what will you do?
In a recent Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” public health poll, 51 percent of metro area residents said they would consider drinking less as a result of the advisory by former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, linking alcohol use to certain types of cancer.
According to the Surgeon General’s advisory, alcohol consumption contributes to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year in the United States. Studies show alcohol use increases the risk for breast, colorectal, liver, and esophageal cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box.
The poll, sponsored by Four Leaf Federal Credit Union, has sparked a debate over the benefits of reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, highlighting the tough road ahead for public health experts trying to shift behaviors. Although 58 percent of respondents agree that alcohol can lead to overeating and smoking, fewer than half—46 percent—said they believe it increases the risks of cancer. Meanwhile, 58 percent believe there is a safe level of alcohol that can be consumed without raising one’s risk of cancer.
“Alcohol is a carcinogen, so the more alcohol a person drinks — particularly over time — the greater their risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer,” said Adhi Sharma, MD, President of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “It would be prudent to add the cancer risk to the warning label, which could have a dual effect of reducing alcohol-related accidents as well as a range of serious health complications, such as liver and heart disease, stroke, depression, and brain damage.”
Studies show that alcohol may increase cancer risk by disrupting cell cycles, triggering chronic inflammation, damaging DNA (which controls cell growth and function), and elevating hormone levels, including estrogen, which plays a role in breast cancer development.
“As a hepatologist and gastroenterologist, I remind my patients
that while complete abstinence is the safest path, reducing consumption (no more than 1 standard drink for women and no more than 2 for a man), staying hydrated, avoiding binge drinking, and supporting liver health with a balanced diet might help mitigate some of alcohol’s toxic effects,” said Pruthvi Patel, MD, Associate Program Director of Outpatient Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai South Nassau, and Associate Professor of Medicine (Liver Diseases), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “But there’s no completely safe level when it comes to cancer risk.”
According to the American Association of Cancer Research’s 2024 Cancer Progress Report, 40 percent of all cancer cases in the United States are associated with modifiable risk factors like alcohol consumption. The Surgeon General affirmed in the advisory that, “The largest burden of alcohol-related cancer in the United States is for breast cancer in women, with an estimated 44,180 cases in 2019, representing 16.4 percent of the approximately 270,000 total breast cancer cases for women.”
Adding the cancer risk warning to alcohol labels may be the inspiration some need to quit drinking alcoholic beverages, as 54 percent of poll respondents say they generally trust warning labels on food and beverages. Seeing the warning in print could provide the motivation for the 20 percent (of those who said they drink alcoholic beverages) to act on their desire to cut back on alcohol.
“I strongly encourage everyone to make it a priority to consider whether they should reduce the amount of alcohol they drink,” said Aaron Glatt, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau. “Additional benefits of drinking less include lowered blood pressure, weight loss, a healthier complexion, sharper mental clarity, balanced mood, reduced anxiety, and better liver function.”
Mount Sinai South Nassau has provided behavioral health and substance use disorder services to Nassau County residents for more than 50 years. The hospital is committed to providing the highest-quality treatment and support to children, adults, and
A recent Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” public health poll revealed that 51 percent of metro area residents said they would consider drinking less as a result of the advisory by former U.S. Surgeon General, linking alcohol use to certain types of cancer.
families with a wide variety of symptoms and diagnoses, from substance abuse to anxiety and depression to attention deficithyperactivity disorder and more.
The hospital counseling centers offer outpatient, in-person, and telehealth services in Baldwin and Hempstead; they accept a variety of payment options and use a sliding scale for uninsured patients. Treatment is provided in English and Spanish, as well as in more than 100 other languages via interpreter services. Call (516) 3775400 to schedule an appointment.
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff. One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
T:10.25"
Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis/ Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.
With QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, patients can transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. With this training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to the convenience of home hemodialysis.
If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.
Call (718) 289-2600 with questions.
To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.
For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.
Long Island
Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Queens
Renal
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.
At the 2022 Lawrence-Cedarhurst annual Memorial Day parade, the Inwood-Lawrence PAL showed their respect for fallen soldiers.
Cedarhurst and Lawrence’s
annual Memorial Day parade
The Villages of Cedarhurst and Lawrence will hold their annual Memorial Day parade, on May 25 at 10 am.
The parade will proceed along Central Avenue from Frost Lane to Cedarhurst Avenue, concluding at Andrew J. Parise Park, in Cedarhurst with a commemorative service honoring fallen heroes and paying tribute to veterans.
Participants will include — veteran
groups, police and fire departments, community organizations, and local schools.
Residents are encouraged to line the parade route and attend the memorial service, bringing friends, neighbors, and family members to show appreciation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
— Melissa Berman
Searching for Krommidas across the South Shore
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
A week and half after 100 volunteers gathered outside Atlantic Beach Village Hall to search for Petros Krommidas, a Democratic candidate for the Nassau County Legislature from Baldwin, remains missing.
Krommidas has been missing since April 23 when he went for a triathlontraining swim, in Long Beach.
The May 3 search was organized by County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
“Petros’ dad reached out to Nassau County and said that he’d like to make another big push, so we did it on parallel tracks, one being if God willing he’s alive and the other was unfortunately if it tuned out to be tragic,” Blakeman said.
Leaflets were handed out to community members that asked for anyone who has information abut where he could be.
“We also did a search of the beach and the inlets, to make sure that the public knew we were still looking for Petros and also to make sure that we didn’t miss anything on the shoreline,” Blakeman added.
The search was comprised of first responders from Atlantic Beach Search and Rescue Squad, local fire departments, Fire Marshall’s office, Nassau County Police Department, Community Emergency Response Team, Office of
Courtesy Nat Etrog
know what the situation is or where he is.”
Hamelburg said he knew the search was going to be big and reached out to other as well as asking other fire departments for assistance.
“There was an overwhelming response, a lot of people came pout and helped,” he said. “I’m glad we could help, I wish we were able to find someone or something or some clue. At the end of the day it’s a disappointment but it was nice to see everyone come out and help.”
Nat Etrog, an Atlantic Beach Fire Commissioner and a village trustee, said that the mission spanned the whole weekend and that people are still going out and searching everyday.
“The circumstances are very strange, for a tri-athlete to be training at 10:30 at night in cold water is unusual but anything is possible,” Etrog said.
The search has continued throughout the past week and weekend and will continue until authorized to stop.
Emergency Management, Long Beach Police Department.
Drones were also launched in an aerial search for Krommidas. They set up base at the Catalina Beach Club, in Atlantic Beach and traveled along the coast and nearby areas.
Dan Hamelburg, the Atlantic Beach Search and Rescue Squad chief, led the
group and noted that the county’s OEM reached out for a drone and beach gator led the search.
“We’ve been doing that everyday since they requested us, for about a week now,” he said. “They go out for at least an hour everyday and search the beaches. We’re really just trying to bring closure to the family, we don’t
“When you’re apart of the search it’s almost like a military operation, with PD present, ATV’s, all of the volunteers, it was just a very large operation,” he said. “It takes on additional urgency, but I don’t think anyone is more vigilant than if it was a regular loss. When people go out on a search and rescue they’re doing everything in their power and talent to find people.”
John Powers, drone team, left, Rescue Squad Chief Dan Hamelburg, Steve Patterson, drone team, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Atlantic Beach Trustee Nat Etrog on May 3.
Annual Orchestra Concert at St. Agnes Cathedral
THE SOUTH SHORE SYMPHONY
BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONY NO. 4
ELGAR: IN THE SOUTH
PUCCINI: SINFONICA PRELUDIO
HARBERG: PRAYER
SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025 • 7:00 PM
ADAM GLASER MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR
at St. Agnes Cathedral
29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre, NY
Admission is free to the public
(Suggested donation $20 per person at the door)
STEPPING OUT
Young imaginations shine
Little Learners Art Lab at Long Island Children’s Museum is filled with year-round creativity
By Danielle Schwab
Long Island Children’s Museum transforms into a colorful hub of creativity for some of its smallet visitors, every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Its Little Learners Art Lab welcomes young artists — and the grownups with them — for a handson art adventure designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
Whether it’s painting, planting or playing with textures, sessions offer an inviting space where toddlers and preschoolers can explore the world through art. This is more than about creating something beautiful — it’s about growing minds and nurturing self-expression.
“We try to infuse in all of the themes different mediums, exposure to different artists and different approaches to art,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.
Each week, children are introduced to artists, techniques, and styles through engaging projects and materials, led by museum educators. Parents and grandparents are welcome to join in the fun, making it a bonding experience that’s as enriching for adults as it is for kids. Through these immersive projects, the tots explore their creativity and even make new friends.
“Around a third of our visitors are under the age of five. It’s important for early childhood development to have activities that are process-focused to give them that expressive freedom [to create],” Niver explains.
In each class, young learners are encouraged to ask questions, try new things and take the lead in their creative journey. The program mixes play with gentle guidance, helping children explore big concepts in age-appropriate ways.
The activities act as a gateway to talk about new concepts for young learners as they discover the world around them, combining inquisitive thinking with instructional supervision. On the schedule, May 22, families can explore the lifecycle of a plant while decorating terracotta pots during Art In Bloom. Kids will plant seeds in those pots and take their tiny gardens home to watch, water and nurture as litle sprouts grow into blooming plants.
That’s followed by Crystallized Creations on May 29. The salt-based art project allows kids experiment with textures and observe how salt and paint interact — adding a rocky twist to their creativity.
“Science isn’t just happening behind the scenes. It can
‘Murr’ goes solo
Get ready to laugh — and laugh you will. Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with comedy, chaos and wild antics as Impractical Jokers’ James “Murr” Murray hits the stage on The Errors Tour. Known for his outrageous pranks, laugh-out-loud moments and unpredictable humor, Murr brings the party to you with a show packed full of hilarious stories, ridiculous mishaps and plenty of jaw-dropping moments. With his signature style of comedy and a few unexpected surprises, Murr will have you in stitches from start to finish. It’s surely a non-stop ride of comedy, antics and pure fun you won’t want to miss. For more than a decade, Murr and his lifelong Friends — Sal, Joe and Q — have been making audiences laugh across the country, and now he’s bringing the laughs to you. Murr Live is hysterical — of course, interactive — stand-up comedy, in true Impractical Jokers style. Hangout with Murr as he tells funny stories, shows off his own personal never-before-seen videos from Impractical Jokers and plays Jokers “live” on stage with the audience.
• Weekly Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Admission: $18 adults and children over 1 year old, $16 for seniors, free to members and under one year; additional fees for theater and special programs may apply
• For more information, visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
happen when you’re mixing paint and looking at changes in color or how, for instance, the salt disperses the paint pigment,” Niver says.
Other sessions examine techniques like pointillism or even introduce self-portraits in a thoroughly kid-friendly approach.
“When the parents see these ‘sticky moments’ for younger kids where they’re ingrained in these memories and these experiences, they are right there for the ride,” Niver adds.“They’re going through it with their children, and seeing their children light up and experience joy and learning of these new concepts connects the parents to the activities.”
Of course, art doesn’t have to happen in a classroom or museum space, it can also be done right at home! Niver encourages families to use these classes as an accessible way to bring the creativity back to their households.
“We want to give the opportunity for parents to incorporate making art in easy forms at home that may be less daunting for them,” Niver says.
And often, the youngsters can try materials and methods they may not have access to elsewhere. The sessions offer an introduction to new media as well.
“We also try to balance with materials that maybe they wouldn’t be exposed to normally at home. We could bring in easels one day and have the kids do canvas painting,” she adds.
The fun doesn’t stop when class ends. The museum’s exhibits and upcoming events are often tied into the weekly themes. So, when the class concludes, there’s plenty more to explore!
For example, in celebration of National Zoo and Aquarium Month, in June, kids can make majestic underwater creatures using recycled materials and bubble wrap. This is a creative “sneak peek” teaser what’s to come as the museum prepares to open its newest permanent exhibit, “Saltwater Stories,” in October.
Accessibility is another important component of the museum’s approach to arts programming. Little Learners Art Lab provides families with high-quality early childhood education at a fraction of the cost of private art classes or specialized preschool programs, according to the leadership team. The program’s affordability ensures that all children in the community have access to enriching artistic experiences that contribute to cognitive, social, and emotional development.
“Our whole point is to bring people in, and celebrate and cater to the audience that is coming to us daily, and that is the early childhood audience,” Niver says.
“We hope that for years to come families will bring back other children in their family, as their family grows, and continue to value the museum.”
Photos courtesy LICM
Kids and their adult partners play and create together at the Art Lab. Artistic inspiration involves developing young motor skills as everyone fully engages in the moment.
Friday, May 16, 7 p.m. $65, $55, $45, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
and Chad Hoopes
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors David Finckel (piano) and Wu Han (cello) have assembled a scintillating collection of works that reveal the joy and depth of the chamber music literature. Starting as frequent collaborators, Finckel and Han have been married since 1985. As a duo, they began to tour regularly while retaining residencies in New York. In this program, volin sonatas from the Baroque and Classical eras are performed by the young virtuoso Chad Hoopes, followed by Mendelssohn’s invigorating Second Sonata for cello and piano, a gem of the Romantic era. The art of romantic music hits a high point in the concluding work, in which all combine for a trio by the founder of Czech music, Bed�ich Smetana.
Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
David Finckel, Wu Han
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY
15
Garden Days Garden lovers, green thumbs and spring seekers: Old Westbury Gardens’ beloved Garden Days return. Four vibrant days are filled with plants, programs, and purpose, highlighted by the much-anticipated Plant Sale Preview Party on Friday evening. On May 16 (6-8 p.m.), guests are invited to sip, shop and stroll through the gardens during this exclusive first-look event, featuring live music, sweet and savory treats, and early access to a lush array of rare perennials and signature plants grown right here on Long Island. The two-day plant sale runs May 17-18, (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), where shoppers can select from a curated selection of garden favorites with expert guidance from the Gardens’ horticulture staff. Addition highlights include a panel discussion, Guided walks and garden tours and spring celebration chamber concert.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury
• Time: Ongoing, May 15-18
• Contact: Visit oldwestburygardens.org/2025garden-days for full schedule and ticket details
Hug a happy tree
K&A Tree Service offers free tree inspections throughout Long Island. Tree professionals will visit in person to inspect tree and provide free advice to help treat your tree right and make it happy.
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: (516) 208-3131
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.
• Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
Jon Lovitz
Comedy legend Jon Lovitz brings his signature wit and unforgettable characters to the Paramount stage for a night of nonstop laughs. Best known for his Emmy-nominated run on SNL and roles in hit films like “A League of Their Own” and “The Wedding Singer,” Lovitz has been a staple of comedy for over 30 years. He got his start acting in high school productions, developing his skills at the University of California, Irvine where he earned a B.A. in Drama. He also studied acting with Tony Barr at the Film Actors Workshop. At the advice of Tony Barr, Jon decided to concentrate solely on comedy. From there his trajectory took off. He began taking classes with the famed improv comedy group The Groundlings in 1982. One year later, Jon got his first acting job on the television show “The Paper Chase: the Second Year.” Two years followed and then he was accepted into The Groundlings main company. In March 1985 The Groundlings appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” where Jon premiered his character “Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous. SNL and numerous other offers followed and Jon was on his, working non-stop since. Along with his comedy, Jon is well known for his distinctive voice. It has served him will in his varied TV and film career. He is one of the few performers to start as an actor and then become a stand-up comedian who successfully headlines venues nationwide. Jon’s humor is unique, which is attributable to his quirky personality, and he is sure to entertain. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. MAY
‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!’
The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Also May 17 and May 20-22, times vary
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
MAY 17
Concert of Contrasts
Join the Long Island
Choral Society and Music Director Michael C. Haigler for their final concert of the season. “From the Sublime to the Ridiculous”, offers the beautiful melodies of Johannes Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes as well as the ridiculous antics of P.D.Q. Bach’s Liebeslieder Polkas. Liebeslieder translates as Love Song and this concert will give two very different visions of musical expressions of love. Act I
features Brahms lush waltzes, scored for 4-hand piano and sure to elicit emotions and romantic memories through its lush melodies and sublime poetry. Act II presents P.D.Q. Bach’s interpretation of love songs through energy driven polkas scored for 5-hand piano in such a manner as to create chaos, musical mayhem, visual hijinks and some seriously bad puns. $20, $10 youth. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at door.
• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: ics.org or call (516) 652-6878
Art Explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Nassau County Museum of Art. Kids and their adult partners can talk about and make art together. Enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required.
• Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor
• Time: noon-3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
and their parents on how to use the upcoming summer to strengthen their college applications.
• Where: Zoom, to register visit peninsula-ny.whofi.com/ calendar/
• Time: 7-8 p.m.
MAY
22
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, families This week, students will paint a terracotta pot, plant a seed, and watch their creations bloom over the next few weeks!. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
MAY
20
Budget
vote
Hewlett-Woodmere District vote is scheduled all day. Support your community and vote.
• Where: Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Place Woodmere
• Time: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 374-8100
Budget vote
Lawrence District vote is scheduled all day. Support your Support your community and vote.
• Where: Lawrence High School Gym, 2 Reilly Road, and Cedarhurst
• Time: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 295-7000
MAY 21
College Application workshop
Peninsula Public Library hosts a zoom presentation, led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper of Stand Out For College will guide high school juniors
Creatures of the night
Join Ranger Eric Powers for a presentation and nighttime walk through Sands Point Preserve in search of Long Island’s only flying mammal: the bat. Bats, while villainized in vampire movies and such, are important members of our ecosystem. Learn about the fascinating lives of our bats, as well as some of the other nocturnal animals that call the preserve home. This program begins with an indoor talk, followed by a brief walk at dusk. For adults and teenagers 13+. Admission is $24, $18 members. Registration required.
• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point
• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901
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.
Daphna Steinmetz, senior at Stella K Abraham School for Girls, left, and Kevin Levy, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway graduate were honored at the annual Jewish Sports Heritage Association induction, on April 6.
Students honored at Jewish Sports Heritage Association
The Jewish Sports Heritage Association held its annual induction ceremony on April 6th at Temple Israel in Lawrence.
Two local athletes received Outstanding Athlete of the Year awards for the South Shore region.
Daphna Steinmetz, a senior at Stella K Abraham School for Girls, earned the female award for her excellence in basketball, while Kevin Levy, a Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway graduate currently on a gap year in Israel, received the male award, also for basketball achievements.
The Jewish Sports Heritage Associa-
tion documents and celebrates Jewish involvement across all sports, including — boxing, football, tennis, basketball, baseball, swimming, broadcasting, sports writing, and management. The organization’s mission extends beyond recognition, serving as a platform to challenge stereotypes and prejudice.
According to the association, “by highlighting Jewish athletic accomplishments—an area often overlooked—the association confronts the misconception that ‘Jews in Sports’ is an oxymoron, encouraging broader questioning of stereotypes about diverse groups.”
—
Melissa Berman
RichnerLIVE and Herald Gives Back
On April 8th the Herald and RichnerLIVE hosted the Top Lawyers of Long Island Awards Gala at the Heritage Club of Bethpage. The WE CARE Fund, the charitable arm of the Nassau County Bar Association, which supports a range of local nonprofits was the evening’s charity beneficiary and the recipient of $2000.
From left to right: Herald publisher and CEO Stuart Richner; RichnerLIVE executive director Amy Amato, Elizabeth Post, Jeffrey Catterson and Sandy Strenger of the Nassau County Bar Association.
Photos courtesy David Levy
May 15, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWMBS, Inc., CHL Mortgage PassThrough Trust 2005-21, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2005-21, Plaintiff AGAINST Howard Miller, Mindy Miller, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 3, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 27, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 8 Ventana Court, Lawrence, NY 11559. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 41, Block: 100, Lot: 310. Approximate amount of judgment $1,340,148.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold sub ject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608092/2019. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Heather D. Crosley, Esq, Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-090994-F01 85268 153072
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE OF THE INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE TRUST
2006-AR4, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2006-AR4 UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING
AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 01, 2006, Plaintiff, Against DIANA SMARTENKO, ET AL, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/25/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 6/3/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1016 Channel Drive, Hewlett, New York 11557, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Section 42 Block 213 Lot 196
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $1,767,347.53 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine; Index # 010453/2012
Brian Davis, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573
Dated: 4/28/2025
File Number: 272-5518 MB 153272
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 7:00PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding a special meeting. Such meeting will allow residents to ask questions of the Board of Trustees on topics of their choosing. All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.go v for instructions.
Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York May 7, 2025
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR
LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK 153562
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a Public Hearing to consider the addition of Section 138 to the Hewlett Harbor Village Code which will create a Village Justice Court; and under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on May 22, 2025 at the Village Hall, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK
HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK
DATED: May 7, 2025 153560
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR
NOTICE OF COLLECTION OF TAXES
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT I the undersigned Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor, has received the Tax Roll and Warrant for the collection of taxes for the forthcoming fiscal year, June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025 and that I will attend at my office from 10:00 o’clock in the morning until 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon, from June 1, 2025 to July 1, 2025 except Saturday, Sundays, and holidays for the purpose of receiving such taxes, during which period taxes may be paid to me without additional charge. Checks for the payment of taxes will be received at the Village Office, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that all such taxes remaining unpaid after July 1, 2025, five percent (5%) will be added for the first month. Thereafter, the rate will be that percentage determined by the Commissioner of
Taxation and Finance of the State of New York, and will be added for each month or fraction thereof thereafter until paid.
Lisa James Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor Dated: May 7, 2025 153558
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, ANNUAL BUDGET VOTE AND DISTRICT ELECTION OF LAWRENCE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 15, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15 shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting thereof for the 20252026 school year on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 commencing at 8:00 p.m., followed by the Board of Education Special Meeting at which the Board of Education shall conduct such other and additional business as may come before it. Public comments may be submitted to BOE@ lawrence.k12.ny.us.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that there will be a vote and election by the qualified voters of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. at the four (4) school election districts indicated below, for the purpose of voting upon the appropriation of necessary expenditures of the 2025-2026 school year to elect three (3) members of the Board of Education and one (1) member of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula Public Library at which business will be transacted as required by law, including a vote on the following propositions, as well as any other propositions which may properly come before the electorate: PROPOSITION NO. 1SCHOOL BUDGET
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15, Town of Hempstead, Nassau
County, New York, be and hereby authorized to expend the sum of One Hundred Four Million Five Hundred Seventeen Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty Five ($104,517,955.00) Dollars for the 20252026 fiscal year, and is further authorized to levy the necessary tax for the above purpose upon the taxable property of the School District, after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.
PROPOSITION NO. 2LIBRARY BUDGET
RESOLVED, that the sum of Three Million Four Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty Six ($3,488,966.00) Dollars be appropriated for the Peninsula Public Library for the 20252026 fiscal year and that said amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, pursuant to § 259 of the Education Law, and be levied and collected in the same manner as are other general taxes, after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.
PROPOSITION NO. 3 - 2025 BUILDING CAPITAL RESERVE FUND CREATION AND EXPENDITURE
AUTHORIZATION
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District No.15 is hereby authorized to establish a Building Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to §3651 of the Education Law (to be known as the “2025 Building Capital Reserve Fund”) and expend funds from such Reserve for the purpose of financing reconstruction, renovation, equipping or purchasing of the following: 1) Districtwide: site improvements, flooring, ceiling and lighting replacements, purchase new trucks, cars and lifts, new backhoe and equipment trailer, landscaping equipment, snow removal and related equipment, curb and sidewalk maintenance; 2) Lawrence Primary School at Number Two School, 1 Donahue Avenue, Inwood, NY 11096: rebuild storage buildings, replace garage doors; 3) Lawrence Middle School, 195 Broadway, Lawrence, NY 11559: classroom
renovation Phase VI, VII and VIII, masonry and facade restoration, window replacement, courtyard foundation walls (waterproof and install drainage), renovate library, tennis courts, track and field reconstruction, parking lot reconstruction; 4) Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, NY 11516: roof replacement, athletic wing renovation (HVAC, locker rooms, weight room, and bathrooms, floor and ceiling, new gymnasium roof), music wing renovation, administrative wing renovation, waterproof foundation. The ultimate amount of such Reserve is not to exceed Ten Million ($10,000,000.00) Dollars, plus interest and earnings thereon. The probable term of such Reserve is to be ten (10) years, but such Reserve shall continue in existence until liquidated in accordance with the Education Law or until the funds are exhausted. The sources from which the funds shall be obtained for such Reserve are unappropriated fund balances made available by the Board of Education from unappropriated funds and the 2024-2025 budget.
PROPOSITION NO. 4 - 2026 BUILDING CAPITAL RESERVE FUND CREATION AND EXPENDITURE AUTHORIZATION RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Lawrence Union Free School District No.15 is hereby authorized to establish a Building Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to §3651 of the Education Law (to be known as the “2026 Building Capital Reserve Fund”) and expend funds from such Reserve for the purpose of financing reconstruction, renovation, equipping or purchasing of the following: 1) Districtwide: site improvements, flooring, ceiling and lighting replacements, purchase new trucks, cars and lifts, new backhoe and equipment trailer, landscaping equipment, snow removal and related equipment, curb and sidewalk maintenance; 2) Lawrence Primary School at Number Two School, 1 Donahue Avenue, Inwood, NY 11096: rebuild storage buildings, replace garage doors; 3) Lawrence Middle School, 195
Broadway, Lawrence, NY 11559: classroom renovation Phase VI, VII and VIII, masonry and facade restoration, window replacement, courtyard foundation walls (waterproof and install drainage), renovate library, tennis courts, track and field reconstruction, parking lot reconstruction; 4) Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, NY 11516: roof replacement, athletic wing renovation (HVAC, locker rooms, weight room and bathrooms, floor and ceiling, new gymnasium roof), music wing renovation, administrative wing renovation, waterproof foundation. The ultimate amount of such Reserve is not to exceed Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollars, plus interest and earnings thereon. The probable term of such Reserve is to be ten (10) years, but such Reserve shall continue in existence until liquidated in accordance with the Education Law or until the funds are exhausted. The sources from which the funds shall be obtained for such Reserve are unappropriated fund balances made available by the Board of Education from unappropriated funds and the 2025-2026 budget.
SCHOOL BOARD
TRUSTEES - To elect three (3) trustees of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2028. Incumbents: Michael Hatten, Tova Plaut, David Sussman
LIBRARY BOARD
TRUSTEE - To elect one (1) trustee of the Peninsula Public Library for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2030. Incumbent: Audrian Gray
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election shall be held in accordance with the Annual Meeting and Election Policy and Candidate and Campaigning Policy adopted by the Board of Education.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that nominations for the office of trustee of the Board of Education and office of trustee of the Library Board, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 33 qualified voters of the district, and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District located
in Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. not later than the 30th day preceding the election, at which the trustees shall be voted upon. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the specific vacancy on the Board for which the candidate is nominated, which description shall include at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. Each vacancy shall be considered a separate office, and a separate petition shall be required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. No person shall be nominated for more than one separate office on the Board of Education. However, a nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 250 qualified voters of the district and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. not later than the 30th day preceding the election at which such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any annual or special meeting of the District.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement of the proposed budget, in writing, of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2025-2026 for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each, will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available upon request, to any resident in the district
Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States
By JORDAN VALLONE
jvallone@liherald.com
Cardinals in the Vatican have selected Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Prevost, 69, who has adopted the papal name Pope Leo XIV, is the first pope from the United States.
The conclave, comprising of 133 cardinal electors, reached the required two-thirds majority in just over a day, signaling their decision with the traditional white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney on May 8.
Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, and received a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University. A member of the Order of St. Augustine, he took his first vows in 1978 and his solemn vows in 1981. He earned a master’s degree in divinity in 1982 from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
He has spent much of his career as a missionary in Peru, eventually becoming a naturalized Peruvian citizen and serving as Archbishop of Chiclayo. In 2023, he was appointed by Pope Francis to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, an important role in overseeing the selection of bishops around the globe.
Upon his first appearance as pope on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the thousands assembled with the words, “Peace be with you” in Italian and Spanish.
AP News reported that Pope Leo XIV was formerly the leader of the Order of St. Augustine, formed in the 13th century as a community dedicated to poverty, service and evangelization.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue efforts toward modernization and inclusivity within the Catholic Church.
Public Notices
at each schoolhouse in the district, during the period of fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Annual Budget Vote and District Election of May 20, 2025 (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., on the district website Lawrence.org and at polling locations on the day of the election.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the accurate description of the boundaries of the election districts is available for inspection by any qualified voter together with a map of the district in the Office of the District Clerk at Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, New York, during regular school days by appointment only. The four (4) polling sites designated for voting in each election district are as follows: Primary School at Number Two School, 1 Donahue Avenue, Inwood; Lawrence Middle School, 195 Broadway, Lawrence; Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst and Atlantic Beach Village Hall.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that registration of voters shall take place at the office of the District Clerk located at, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, New York, on school days between September 5, 2025, and May 13, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., during which times any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register provided that he/she
is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the District Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the election for which such register is prepared.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the registration of voters, not previously registered and eligible to vote, will take place between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at the Office of the District Clerk. Such persons must present himself or herself personally for registration during the time and place set forth, in order to be entitled to vote.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the final date to register for the 2025-2026 election is May 13, 2025.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the district who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special district meeting or election held or conducted at any time within the four (4) calendar years prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk where it shall be open for inspection by appointment only,
by any qualified voter between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk and on the district website Lawrence.org. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk in the District Clerk’s office not before April 20, 2025. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter the application must be received before May 13, 2025. If the ballot is to be hand delivered, it must be received by the District Clerk in the District Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election. If the ballot is to be hand delivered, the application must be received by the District Clerk in the District Clerk’s office the day before the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk via email at MBharaj@Lawrence.
k12.ny.us. For a military voter to be issued a military ballot, the District Clerk must have received a valid ballot application no
later than 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2025. In a request for a military ballot application or ballot, the military voter may indicate his/her preference for receiving the application or ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. A list of all persons to whom military ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the School District in the Office of the District Clerk during regular business hours during the seven (7) days prior to the election, except for Saturday and Sunday, and on May 20, 2025 at the polling locations, subject to any applicable laws and regulations.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this Board shall convene a special meeting in the Lawrence High School within twenty-four (24) hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law, §2019a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, LAWRENCE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 15, MS. MOHINDER BHARAJ DISTRICT CLERK 153324
“We in the Jewish community want to congratulate Pope Leo the 14th on becoming elected to the sacred position of Pope of the Catholic Church,” said Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Israel of Lawrence. “We look forward to continuing to build bridges of understanding, respect and cooperation and maintaining our special and long-standing relations between the Jewish and Catholic communities of the world.
Although we are people of different faiths we share the same faith as God’s children. We are proud as Americans to be witnesses to this historic moment.”
As well-wishes poured in from global and local leaders, The Most Reverend John Barres, Bishop of Rockville Centre, said: “With my brother bishops, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, I give thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of our new Holy Father, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
“As the 267th Successor of Saint
Peter, we pray Pope Leo XIV will receive every grace to strengthen the Church in unity and peace, preach Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and confirm the Faith.
“With years of global missionary experience in Peru and leadership in his Augustinian community here in the United States, we pray, too, that his evangelizing pastoral charity and wisdom will guide the mission of the Church he now serves as Supreme Pontiff.”
County Executive Bruce Blakeman said: “Congratulations Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and proud son of Chicago. His election marks a new chapter of hope, unity and spiritual leadership for Catholics around the world.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we pray for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his sacred mission to guide the Church with wisdom, compassion and strength.”
Additional reporting by Melissa Berman
Courtesy Press Office of the Holy See
After a conclave that lasted just over a day, Robert Francis Prevost, 69, from Chicago, was selected as the next pope. He selected the papal name Pope Leo XIV.
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Redoing a basement, Part 3
Q. We bought our home three years ago, and are finally ready to finish our basement to make a family room, guest bedroom and a bathroom while enclosing our laundry. Right now it’s just a big open space with a lot of columns. The ceiling is low, and we’ve had estimates to cut down the basement floor. It seems like a lot of money to do all these things at once, but we understand that we need to do it before the prices for materials, as we’ve been warned, go a lot higher. We want to know what needs to be done if we want to lower the floor, take out two columns so our recreation room is bigger, and put in a bathroom. Is there any way to save money?
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A. This third column ties together the previous two to state that, basically, you get what you pay for, and sometimes less. I explained that basement bathrooms may not be allowed to have a bathing fixture, tub or shower, depending on the municipal requirements, and that many communities also won’t allow a bedroom in a basement, for safety reasons. I also outlined the process for figuring out beams so that columns can be removed, and that while “guessers” may save you some money up front, repairs can erase the savings.
Now we’re up to lowering the basement floor. “Saving money” and “lowering a basement floor” should rarely be in the same sentence, except for when writing an answer as to why. In general, you want more living space, structurally sound and waterproof. Both of those needs are hard to achieve if any part of the process is left out.
It’s always best to gain the most amount of interior space, and I can often tell when either saving money was the focus or amateur work was done when I see a foundation wall projecting into the basement like a concrete bench. To avoid this look and to get the most use out of the space, you have to start with knowing where the underground water table is. Unless you dig a hole or order a soil-boring test from a professional company, you may soon find out why the floor wasn’t lower to begin with. This test could save you great expense.
The process of correctly supporting the exterior concrete foundation walls is called “underpinning.” The excavation can be done from the interior side of the foundation wall if the exterior isn’t accessible. Either way, the underpinning process must be done in sections, not all at once. There would be complete collapses of walls and floors above if entire foundations were removed at one time. When this is done, it usually causes tremendous damage, possible death and news coverage.
Engineered sections, with waterproofing to the exterior, have to be planned. The old sections are carefully cut out, and then replaced several feet apart before the next sections are removed. Good luck!
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Local voices matter, and the RAPID Act listens
Last month, a handful of Nassau County town supervisors stood in front of a firehouse on Barnum Island and took the low road, whipping up fear, distorting facts and conflating fallacy and fantasy with reality to try to block progress. Their target was the Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, Act, a new state law designed to streamline the approval process for large-scale renewable energy and electric transmission projects.
The RAPID Act creates a more efficient and transparent process for reviewing the major infrastructure projects we desperately need. If we’re serious about clean energy, grid reliability and energy security, this is our path toward resiliency and sustainability. It’s good for consumers and developers because the streamlined process reduces costs, making investments in the grid more affordable. Unfortunately these days, facts don’t seem to matter much to some. But here are the facts.
Before the RAPID Act became law in April 2024, New York state had a patchwork of laws that made siting energy
projects difficult, confusing and expensive. Today there is a clear, easy-to-follow, streamlined system under the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission. The new system saves time and money, increases consistency, and gives communities a meaningful voice from the very beginning.
Here’s how it works.
Before even submitting an application, developers are required to consult with local officials. Throughout the process, the public is invited to comment. Each project must have meaningful community outreach in which residents are invited to participate, along with ORES.
Tfor clean, reliable energy.
The reality is that most projects comply with local laws almost entirely, and the few disputes thus far have largely been resolved through mutual agreement. Waivers aren’t done casually. They must be fully justified. And towns can challenge them. As of last month, only five towns in the entire state had appealed such rulings, and all five rulings were upheld.
here have been over 50 energy project siting hearings across the state.
To date, there have been over 50 hearings across the state. That’s not secrecy. That’s real public engagement. Your comments have been heard, as have developers — who often modify projects in response to public feedback.
Another fallacy is how the RAPID Act treats local laws. It did not create new authority for the state to waive local laws — that ability has been part of the siting process in New York for decades. The act was designed to make those waivers less likely by addressing points of conflict early. And the law allows ORES to waive those laws only when they are unreasonably burdensome and conflict with the state’s goals
If that sounds like a heavy-handed state bulldozing towns, you might want to check the script the town supervisors are reading from, because it’s fiction. What we saw last month was not thoughtful concern for our future infrastructure needs. It was a political strategy that assumes that every environmental policy from Albany is a threat, every clean-energy initiative a conspiracy and every step forward something to block. Lumping everything together and crying foul to whip up outrage doesn’t benefit the New Yorkers that we public servants are here to serve. Meanwhile, our infrastructure is aging, and doing nothing is no longer an option. The RAPID Act moves us forward. It helps make sure our homes have power during extreme storms. It helps reduce pollution. It helps create good-paying jobs in clean energy. That
should be something we can all get behind.
If the supervisors want to sit down and talk seriously about how to improve the process, our door is always open. But yelling about non-existent dangers doesn’t help anyone. It misleads the public. It slows progress. And it makes it harder to build the kind of energy future Long Island deserves and desperately needs.
We believe in transparency, community input and in building a future in which Long Island is stronger, safer and cleaner. The RAPID Act is a big step in that direction.
It’s time to stop the political games. Time to stop pretending that doing nothing is somehow safer. I know firsthand that Long Islanders care about their communities, and the environment. They’re smart enough to see through rhetoric designed to instill fear, and they deserve better: They deserve leadership that tells the truth about the very real needs and demands of our infrastructure and its impacts on growing our economy. As I’ve said in countless hearings and committee meetings, the RAPID Act isn’t about taking power away from towns. It’s about keeping the lights on, making sure everyone has a seat at the table, and making sure we’re ready for the future.
Let’s move forward together.
Rory Christian is chairman of the New York State Public Service Commission.
Companies that produce packing waste must recycle it
Consumers have changed our shopping habits across New York state. The transition to online shopping has significantly increased plastic, paper and cardboard packaging waste. Those materials go to Reworld, which takes our trash, and are turned into ash. The ash needs to go somewhere, but where?
On Long Island, most of the ash goes to Brookhaven Landfill, but that clock is ticking. The Brookhaven facility will soon reach its capacity for ash, and that means it will close in the next few years, leaving towns such as Hempstead and North Hempstead with no ash-disposal options on Long Island. As packaging waste increases, recycling rates remain lackluster, which adds to our solid-waste burden. The good news is that we can reduce packaging waste and increase recycling rates to help address this challenge. Citizens Campaign for the Environment
chairs a statewide coalition of environmental leaders, local governments, stakeholders and elected officials who have joined to back state legislation called the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. This important bill is urgently needed.
p ass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act!
New York is experiencing a solid-waste crisis, with skyrocketing costs to municipalities, abysmal recycling rates, and plastic pollution littering our communities and waterways. Our state generates more than 17 million tons of municipal solid waste annually. Long Island is responsible for 1.6 million tons per year, 205,000 tons of which go to landfills off Long Island, and 1.4 million tons are sent to waste-toenergy facilities, resulting in 400,000 tons of ash that must be landfilled. There is currently no plan to manage this ash once the Brookhaven landfill is closed. The one wise choice everyone agrees on is to reduce our waste stream, and this legislation would do just that.
The financial burden of managing recyclable waste falls on local taxpayers. Municipalities are struggling with
recycling costs and outdated infrastructure that significantly limits the volume of materials that are recycled. It is estimated that local governments statewide spend more than $200 million each year to keep local recycling programs going. That is not sustainable.
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act would revolutionize New York’s approach to solid waste by shifting the responsibility of managing plastic, paper and packaging waste to corporations, not taxpayers and local governments. Those that put packaging into the waste stream are best positioned to reduce the amount of packaging that’s created in the first place.
The measure would require large corporations to reduce consumer packaging by 30 percent in 12 years, increase post-consumer recycled content in packaging and invest in new reuse/ refill infrastructure. The bill includes strong oversight and enforcement provisions to ensure that corporations comply.
Other states, including California,
Colorado, Maine and Oregon, have passed such laws, and similar policies have been in effect in parts of Europe and Canada for over 30 years. Where fully implemented, recycling rates exceed 70 percent, and the cost of consumer goods has not increased one penny.
It is time for corporations take out their own trash! Each year, companies ship billions of products with excess packaging, exacerbating the solid-waste crisis, yet they bear no responsibility for managing the waste they create. This sensible legislation promises to save money for municipalities and taxpayers, remove toxic substances from packaging, increase recycling and require producers to reduce waste.
We need to modernize New York’s recycling system and make producers take responsibility for managing their packaging waste. We need the governor, the State Senate and the Assembly to support this critical bill and get it signed into law this year. Every year we do nothing is another year we waste money, and allow our solid-waste management problem to grow.
We can do this!
RoRY CHRisTiAn
Adrienne Esposito is executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
We must restore Musk’s cuts of the 9/11 health fund
it is essential that Congress do all it can to fully restore the World Trade Center Health Program. I commend Long Island Congressmen Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota for leading a bipartisan effort to undo the damage, intentional or not, to this program by Elon Musk’s chainsaw cuts of government health programs.
During my years in Congress, no issue was more vital or intensely personal to me than ensuring that all of the surviving victims of the attacks of Sept. 11 — police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, construction workers and civilians — receive the care they require and deserve for the illnesses caused by the toxins they breathed in at ground zero in the days, weeks and months afterward.
It wasn’t until several years after 9/11 that evidence emerged of a growing number of blood cancers and lung and breathing disorders suffered by 9/11 first responders and nearby residents and students. The concern was bipartisan. Democratic Representatives Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney and
ARepublicans Vito Fossella and I were the original prime advocates. We introduced legislation in 2005 and again in 2007 to establish and fund a 9/11 illness detection and treatment program.
ed a rare and fatal blood cancer after working together at ground zero. The chances of this being a coincidence were infinitesimal. And there were countless similar situations.
session, our efforts paid off: Zadroga passed both the House and Senate.
TToday we know that more people have died from 9/11 illnesses than from the attacks, but in those early years, the numbers of victims weren’t yet especially high, and there was no proof of direct linkage to 9/11, which made it difficult to generate strong interest or support outside the New York and New Jersey congressional delegations.
hey’re causing many of the 9/11 doctors and experts to be terminated.
Soon enough, however, there was too much evidence to ignore. Anecdotally, I would see FDNY and NYPD neighbors who had worked at ground zero wearing oxygen masks as they watched their kids’ Little League games or stopped by 7-Eleven for coffee. Those scenes were repeated across Long Island and the entire downstate region, and there would eventually be victims among rescue workers who had come to New York from almost all 50 states. To make our case, we asked 9/11 heroes to visit Congress to make direct appeals to individual members. I particularly recall NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly sitting in my Washington office telling me about two cops who contract-
The enormity of what was becoming a 9/11 health crisis could no longer be denied. In 2008, we thought our legislation — named the Zadroga Bill, after James Zadroga, who was believed to be the first NYPD officer to die from a 9/11 illness — would be included in a large year-end package of legislation agreed on by Congress and the White House. Unfortunately the combined tumult of a Presidential election and a stock market collapse prevented it from coming to a vote, and there was no opportunity to salvage it.
After close but disappointing nearmisses over the next two years, primarily because of opposition from Republicans in Southern and Western states, I and others fought furiously to get Zadroga passed. I had no tolerance for opposition from the crowd who primarily represented states and districts that received disproportionate levels of federal assistance at the expense of donor states like New York, which effectively subsidized them. Finally, on Dec. 22, 2010, the last day of the congressional
Unfortunately the bill had a five-year limit, so we had to wage the fight again in 2015. This time the struggle wasn’t as difficult, and Zadroga was extended. But then, in 2019, we learned there were many more victims than expected, and the fund was running short. With the bipartisan support of Democrats like then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Republicans like then Whip Steve Scalise and Representatives Doug Collins and Mike Johnson, Zadroga was extended to the end of the century. I was proud to be with President Trump when he signed this legislation at a ceremony on the White House lawn.
Now the fund is seriously threatened by Musk’s misplaced cuts, which, probably made unknowingly, are causing many of the 9/11 doctors and experts to be terminated, including program Director Dr. John Howard.
Though the White House has promised to fully reinstate the program, so far it has not been done. Victims are being denied necessary testing. This insanity must end. Our nation’s commitment to the victims of 9/11 must be honored!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
The new state budget is a victory for Hochul
merica is fixated on picking winners and losers. We use that term every day, applying it to sports, the stock market and every other field of endeavor. I heard it during the trial of O.J. Simpson, and I remember hearing it as far back as the 1960s, when, following a massive snowstorm, some parts of Queens were the last neighborhoods in New York City to see snowplows. Winners and losers are proclaimed extensively in politics, because politicians are tested on an almost daily basis.
Which leads to a discussion of the long-delayed New York state budget. Over the years, when there was an agreement between the three leaders — the governor, the leader of the State Senate and the Assembly speaker — they would all show up at a much-heralded news conference, at which each would take credit for some portion of the budget bill. For the past few years, that practice has changed, because the only person who has been taking the
media spotlight is Gov. Kathy Hochul. Before talking about winners and losers, it’s worth looking at this year’s budget process. The new spending plan budget is the latest to be finalized since 2010. Since the April 1 deadline, there have been 11 legislative extensions, which assures state employees that they can collect their paychecks.
LCould the governor have refused to delay the passage of an agreed-on budget and submitted her own spending plan on a take-itor-leave-it basis? The answer is yes. During the administration of Gov. David Paterson, the courts decided that if the Legislature can’t agree on a budget by March 31, the governor can force a vote on his or her own plan with no further delays.
cation, housing, mental hygiene and tax reform. When the dust settled, the two leaders got their asks, but the governor got the lion’s share of what she proposed back in January.
ooking to next year’s election, she set aside money for every region of the state.
But in the spirit of harmony, succeeding governors have chosen to go through the arduous process of countless meetings and formal extensions until all of the parties sign on to a final accord. This year, Hochul made it clear that she had a long list of priorities, and had no plans to give in on them. She presented the Assembly and Senate with a long list of programs covering criminal law, edu-
With an eye on next year’s election, Hochul set aside money for every region of the state. She addressed subway crime, and sided with the state’s district attorneys on their demand for reforms that will allow them to prevent the dismissal of pending cases. Taxpayers can anticipate expansion of childcare tax credits and many other goodies, including $400 checks for families on limited incomes. School districts will get a hefty increase in education aid, and students won’t be unable use their cellphones from the first school bell to the last.
During a typical give-and-take that is part of the negotiating process, each of the parties shows some willingness to bend on their key issues. But this time, the governor stuck to her guns and yielded on very few issues. Facing what could be a very tough re-election campaign next year, Hochul dug in on almost every proposal she made and
gave little ground, which added to the delays. Albany insiders were surprised at her insistence on winning on so many issues, but she has powers, and used them.
An outsider might wonder why budgets take so long these days, compared with the process 20 and 30 years ago, when spending plans were adopted days and weeks before the deadline. Once upon a time, the state budget was strictly a numbers game. The leaders would promote their pet programs, and possibly sneak in a new program or two. But in the late 1980s, the leaders began to introduce items that were controversial and had little to do with the budget. Wrapped up in one big bill, these nonfiscal items would pass, because the members would have no choice but to swallow the whole document.
Is there a chance that state budgets will once again become just a numbers package? That’s highly unlikely, because all of the leaders have developed an appetite for inserting proposals in the budget that would have no chance of passing as stand-alone bills.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
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Welcoming home your freshman
as college dorm rooms empty across the nation, millions of parents are preparing for a significant homecoming. Your freshman is returning — perhaps changed, certainly tired, and undoubtedly with more laundry than you thought humanly possible. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in your family story, one that requires delicate navigation, open communication, and occasional deep breaths as you adjust to your evolving relationship.
The transformation that occurs during college’s freshman year is nothing short of remarkable. The timid student who needed reminders about deadlines may return with strong opinions about political systems you’ve never discussed. The picky eater might come home raving about kimchi or curry. The once-shy teenager might stride through your door with newfound confidence and independence. Your child has spent months making independent decisions, forming new social circles, and discovering aspects of themselves that may surprise you — and them.
What parents sometimes fail to acknowledge is that we’ve changed, too. We’ve adjusted to quieter evenings, reclaimed bathroom counter space, and perhaps discovered new routines or even aspects of our identities that had been subsumed by active parenting. Your student’s return disrupts not just their new normal, but yours as well.
The first summer home represents uncharted territory for both generations. Your student has grown accustomed to complete autonomy — deciding when to eat, sleep, study and socialize without consultation or explanation. Meanwhile, you’ve maintained a household with certain rhythms and expectations. Within the first few days of your college student’s homecoming, have a detailed conversation with them about expectations to prevent misunderstandings.
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We have to be cautious while supporting sustainability
To the Editor:
What routines did they develop at college? What do they need to feel comfortable at home? How will household responsibilities be shared? This opens the door to compromise rather than confrontation.
For many freshmen, college is their first opportunity to define themselves beyond their family context or high school reputation. They’ve experimented with new identities, beliefs and social circles. Coming home can feel like stepping backward, especially if you still see them as the person they were before they left.
This identity navigation works both ways. Your student may struggle to integrate their college self with their home self. They might seem different with college friends than with family. They might challenge family traditions or political views that once went unquestioned. These explorations, while sometimes uncomfortable, represent healthy development and should be met with curiosity rather than defensiveness.
Don’t be surprised if your student spends the first week home sleeping extraordinary hours, eating everything in sight, or displaying emotional volatility. Freshman year is physically and emotionally exhausting — particularly its conclusion, with final exams, packing and goodbyes to new friends. The transition home often reveals the school year’s toll. Students maintain a frantic pace during the semester, running on adrenaline and caffeine. When they finally reach the safety of home, their bodies and minds demand recovery time. Parents should view excessive sleeping or emotional sensitivity as necessary healing, not regression or laziness.
The social landscape for your adult child has likely shifted dramatically as well. High school friendships that once seemed permanent may have drifted. New romantic relationships may have formed. Your student might spend little
As communities across New York and the nation explore ways to transition to cleaner energy, there is growing momentum behind battery energy storage systems, particularly those using lithium-ion technology. However, we must not let the promise of sustainability blind us to the inconvenient truths of our present reality. The concept of a circular battery economy — in which batteries are reused, repurposed, and ultimately recycled to recover key materials — is a commendable goal. Yet we are far from achieving it. Our current
time at home as they reconnect with local friends or process the changes in these relationships. Alternatively, they might seem isolated if their primary social connections now exist at school. Both scenarios require your patience and understanding.
And while your instinct might be to recreate family traditions exactly as they were before, this summer presents an opportunity to develop new ways of connecting that honor your student’s developing adulthood. Ask them to teach you about their newfound passions. Take them to places that were once offlimits — a sophisticated restaurant, an art exhibit — that signal your recognition of their maturation. When they share stories about college experiences, practice active listening without immediately offering advice. Questions like, “How did you handle that?” communicate respect for their problem-solving abilities and invite deeper conversation. There’s a poignant truth most parents discover during this first post-college summer: Each homecoming from now on will be temporary. Your child’s primary residence increasingly exists elsewhere — in dorms, apartments and, eventually, their own home. The full nest you’ll experience this summer will empty again, with each cycle of departure becoming more permanent. This realization, while sometimes painful, also brings opportunity. The time-limited nature of these summers encourages making the most of the moments you share. Rather than focusing on the inevitable goodbye at summer’s end, embrace the gift of time together, even if it seems fleeting. What awaits in these summer months is a delicate dance of holding close and letting go — a choreography that, when performed with grace, becomes the foundation for a relationship that will sustain you both long after the last box is packed for sophomore year.
awill significantly of life strong the hard
to announce streetlights new, modern upgrades energy-efficient ing both trians than just investment security
opinions Lawrence is investing in safety, beauty and community
as Mayor of the Village of Lawrence, I am thrilled to share some of the transformative initiatives now underway that will significantly enhance the quality of life in our beloved village. With the strong support of the village board and the hard work of our administration, we are embarking on several exciting projects designed to make Lawrence safer, more beautiful and better connected.
For nearly three decades, our village streetlights have remained unchanged. This year, that changes. We are proud to announce the replacement of all 800 streetlights throughout Lawrence with new, modern lighting fixtures. These upgrades will provide brighter, more energy-efficient illumination, improving both visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. This is more than just a lighting upgrade — it’s an investment in our residents’ sense of security and well-being after dark.
In addition to better lighting, we are also making significant improvements to our roads. Approximately $1 million will be dedicated to the much-needed repaving of various streets across the village. These upgrades will ensure smoother, safer travel for all who live in and visit Lawrence.
Road quality is one of the most visible and frequently experienced aspects of municipal life, and we are proud to be taking action on this front for our community.
FOur infrastructure improvements also extend to the vital Route 878 corridor. The remaining 11 light poles on this stretch of the Nassau Expressway, which were not previously functioning, will now be replaced with new lines and fixtures. These repairs will improve visibility and safety.
As we grow as a community, it is essential that we continue to prioritize the safety and peace of mind of our residents.
or nearly 30 years, our streetlights haven’t changed. This year, that changes.
A key part of a welcoming and livable community is walkability. That’s why we are pleased to announce a major upgrade to Rock Hall Road, which will include the addition of a new sidewalk lined with attractive trees. This will not only provide a safe route for pedestrians, but will also add beauty and charm to the area, making it a more enjoyable place to walk, jog, bike or simply take in the scenery.
Together, these projects reflect our administration’s firm commitment to delivering meaningful, tangible improvements to the Village of Lawrence. Whether it’s a safer road, a brighter streetlight, a new sidewalk or relief from insects, each initiative is rooted in one goal: improving the quality of life for our residents.
We are not undertaking these efforts alone. Our administration is actively working in close coordination with our county and state government partners to secure the resources and support necessary to get things done. It is through these collaborative relationships that we are able to maximize the value of every dollar we spend and bring large-scale projects to fruition.
Beyond infrastructure, we’re also taking strides to enhance safety through the installation of additional security cameras and license plate readers. These tools are proven to be effective in deterring and solving crime, and will serve as valuable assets for our local law enforcement partners.
Letters
infrastructure for battery recycling is still in its infancy, and the environmental and economic costs of lithium extraction remain extraordinarily high.
Lithium mining is not benign — it consumes vast amounts of water, devastates ecosystems, and often occurs in regions with poor labor and environmental protections. Meanwhile, the lack of cost-effective and widely available recycling facilities means that today’s lithium-based storage systems could become tomorrow’s toxic waste problem.
Until we have robust recycling infrastructure, updated fire and safety codes, and enforceable end-of-life regulations for BESS, policymakers must exercise caution. Approving large-scale lithiumbased projects now, without these safeguards, risks trading one environmental crisis for another.
Sustainability must be more than a buzzword. It requires full-cycle accountability — from cradle to grave and, ideally, cradle to cradle. Let’s not build the clean-energy future on the unstable foundation of unresolved waste and extraction.
These are my beliefs as a private citizen, and do not reflect the official stance or opinion of the Village of Sea Cliff.
We must urge Israel to cease its military campaign
To the Editor:
I am not a Jew, but I am a Zionist, in that I support Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign state.
I regard Hamas as a terrorist organization guilty of a barbaric attack on Israeli civilians in October 2023 as well as vicious repression of the people it purports to represent. Hamas must free all hostages immediately and unconditionally.
But the time has come for American Jews and gentiles alike who share these views to publicly urge the Israeli government to cease its military campaign in Gaza. Our voices can be powerful — if we exercise our moral duty to speak out.
In addition to these infrastructure upgrades, we are also taking on an issue that has long frustrated residents: the greenhead fly. These biting insects have plagued our village during the warmer months, affecting outdoor enjoyment and quality of life. We are launching a targeted Greenhead Fly Initiative aimed at significantly reducing their presence. This science-based approach will help make our parks, backyards, pools and public spaces far more pleasant during the spring and summer seasons.
Lawrence is a village with deep history, strong values and a bright future. These enhancements — both big and small — will make a lasting impact on the day-to-day lives of our residents. We look forward to continuing this important work, together with our community, as we build a safer, more beautiful and more vibrant Lawrence for generations to come. This is just the beginning, with many more positive improvements to come.
Samuel Nahmias is mayor of the Village of Lawrence.
Framework by Tim Baker
ing to the Israeli forum of families of the hostages.
BRUCE KENNEdy Glen Cove Sea Cliff
village
administrator
Even if Hamas has inflated the death count, it is incontestable that many thousands of non-combatant Palestinians, including children and aid workers, have been killed in Israeli strikes. It is likewise certain that civilian suffering, already acute, is intensifying as a result of Israel’s two-month-long blockade of food and medicine deliveries to Gaza. And any escalation of the war is sure to further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages, accord-
There’s nothing antisemitic about opposing Israel’s disproportionate response to Hamas’s atrocities. Indeed, this stance should rest firmly upon the
core Jewish values of rachamim (mercy and compassion) and chesed (loving kindness).
Alex Candon and her briefly airborne daughter, Lilli, at the L.I. Marathon — East Meadow
KEVIN J. KELLEy Atlantic Beach
