Pantry finds new home in Lawrence
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Cedarhurst-based Veterans Farmers Market has a new, permanent home at the former Inwood Buccaneer Athletic Club building, in Lawrence. In May 2020, Syd Mandelbaum, founder and chief executive officer of Rock and Wrap It Up!, created the market as a place for veterans to shop and help reduce their exposure to Covid-19.
Rock and Wrap It Up! is an award-winning anti-poverty think tank based in Cedarhurst that researches and nurtures
CoNTINUEd
Hewlett Neck welcomes Verizon Fios
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
After nearly two decades without high-speed Internet, the Village of Hewlett Neck is moving forward on making it available to residents.
In 2005, Verizon began expanding its Fios Network — a fiber-optic service that bundles internet, television and phone service — across the country, including on Long Island. Although surrounding communities signed up for the expansion, Hewlett Neck could not reach an agreement with Verizon, and received no ser -
vice upgrades.
Village Trustee Russel Weinrib said that while he knew of no specific reason for the earlier disconnect, in the years since he has prioritized helping bring high-speed internet to the municipality.
As a resident himself, Weinrib recalled, he frequently asked members of previous administrations if they could bring the service in, but was told that an agreement with Verizon was “impossible and would never happen.” Nonetheless, he and Mayor Moshe Blinder negotiated a deal with the company in 2024, their first
year on the village board.
“This is a major step forward for our village,” Weinrib wrote in a statement to the Herald. “By bringing highspeed fiber-optic service to our residents, we’re laying the foundation for a more connected, vibrant and future-ready community — one that can grow and thrive for decades to come.”
After finalizing a deal with Blinder, Verizon began preparing for the project late last year. Luciano Martone, one of the chief engineers, said that workers could install 7,000 to 8,000 feet of fiber-optic cables
on utility poles in addition to the cables that were installed underground.
Martone said on June 16 that the project was “just about ready to go,” and that the company was aiming for a late-July completion date before residents could start signing up.
“This village is probably one of the last few villages that
don’t have Fios in the area or fiber in the area,” Martone said. “We were looking to promote the best product for Verizon, and we worked with the village to bring Fios here, bring fiber here, and we’re excited about it, we know the village is excited about it, and now, hopefully by the end of
Melissa Berman/Herald
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, fourth from left; Town Councilwoman Melissa “Missy” Miller; Syd Mandelbaum, founder of Rock and Wrap It Up!, and veterans at the ribbon-cutting for the Veterans Farmers Market on June 19. The permanant facility, on Lawrence Avenue, will serve community members in need as well as residents.
Local Families Discover Big Savings on Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps
From installation to incentive submission, DLP Budget Appliances helps homeowners save without the hassle
Many Long Island residents are now significantly reducing their energy bills thanks to a new incentive program promoting high-efficiency heat pumps. Local company DLP Budget Appliances has been helping homeowners install multi-zone systems and secure available rebates, making the switch to clean energy more affordable than ever. For a limited time, they are offering special pricing on installations:
• 9,000 BTU Heat Pump – $999 Installed
• 12,000 BTU Heat Pump – $1,099 Installed (15ft of piping & wiring included)
Major Brands, Low Prices
One outdoor unit, multiple indoor options — wall-mounted, floor-mounted, slim duct, or ceiling cassette.
Local deals beat big-box stores by up to 60%
A new discount appliance outlet DLP Budget Appliances has recently opened near JFK Airport, drawing attention from budget-savvy shoppers across Long Island and Queens. The store features a wide selection of major brands, including refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and ranges, all offered at 50–60% off regular retail prices. Many local residents say the timing couldn’t be better. “We’ve been waiting to replace our old appliances, and this store made it finally affordable,”one shopper
Inventory changes daily, and customers are encouraged to shop early for the best selection.
Kim Taylor stitches history together
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Families gathered at the HewlettWoodmere Public Library to hear a unique version of the first Juneteenth and learn about the importance of freedom.
Kim Taylor, 62, of Brooklyn, is the author of “A Flag for Juneteenth,” a children’s book that focuses on the perspective of a young girl during the first ever Juneteenth.
Taylor, a speech pathologist, said that former President Barack Obama’s 2008 election inspired her to take up art — specifically quilting.
“When President Obama was elected, I decided I wanted to do something artistically to express my joy,” she said at the June 16 event. “So I decided to try quilting. I did some research and I was very intrigued by the whole idea of quilting and how quilting was used by enslaved people to help them find their way to the Underground Railroad, but also, on the same token, used just to keep their families warm, or to tell stories.”
She then created a Juneteenth quilt and with it a matching story that she would read to teachers, parents and children across Long Island.
After years of encouragement from
her peers, she decided to seriously sit down and tried to get her story published in 2020.
Three years later Taylor’s book was
published, and ever since then, schools on Long Island and in Brooklyn have invited her to read her story.
She said that teaching young chil -
dren about Juneteenth and the importance of freedom inspired her to write this book.
“I feel like I was inspired mostly because I didn’t want children to that same feeling of disappointment that I had never learned about such a significant part of history,” Taylor said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that I’m trying to demonstrate for the students, for the children, is the concept of the importance of freedom.”
Her reading appeared to have made an impact on the audience.
Claudia Mercer, 10, said that she “loved how when they found out about freedom, they were all happy and singing.”
Tula Elivert, 13, said that she “thought it was very brave when the girl captured the sun beam.”
After the reading, Taylor brought out markers and blank flags, and had both the children and parents decorate their own flags for Juneteenth.
Dawn Sealy said that she had to bring her son to this event and would love to see more events like these take place in the communities.
“I think this is really good. I was telling her that being in this district, we don’t have a lot of these cultural things,” Sealy said. “So when I saw it, I was like, okay, we have to go.”
Woodmere residents battle rat infestations
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Residents in Woodmere have experienced rat infestations in their homes and urge their neighbors to be on the lookout.
Forty-year Moss Creek resident, Vicki A. kept birdseed in her garage and was outside feeding the birds when she saw that the feedbags were torn.
“I called the exterminator, he told me he saw that it wasn’t mice, it was rats, from the droppings” Vicki said. “They went into my crawl space, he saw them in there. There was two and we saw them climb up the bird feeder.”
She took to the Yellow Pages and ended up hiring Orkin Pest Control Service to take care of her situation.
“We heard scratching in the walls and I couldn’t sleep,” she added. “We never saw them physically remove the rats, we just know they couldn’t get back into the house.”
Orkin put rat pads and sprayed around the perimeter of her house to prevent any future entry.
“I had another exterminator come and out rat traps,” Vicki said. “I needed to replace my garage door and I’m still waiting for it. I blocked any gaps that were in there and the birdseed is now in a thick garbage can outside.”
She called the Nassau County Department of Health and was told an inspector would be coming to inspect her prop-
erty.
“I never heard or saw from them, I called again and they were not helpful, they told me rats were wildlife, and that there’s nothing they can do about it,” she said.
The county health department declined to comment.
“I’m so sick of this, but I do realize I live on water and people have had worse things than this,” Vicki expressed. “I
want to get it while we can and make people aware that there is a problem.”
“Wherever a rat walks, it’s basically urinating, the do what’s called ‘microdroplets’ so wherever they are walking they are constantly urinating,” said Rudy Hosler, manager at Arrow Exterminating. “They are also defecating over 100 times a day, per rat, you have food contamination, and surface contamination and they get into our food
sources.”
Bridge Street resident Liana K. has also had a rat problem and learned from Vicki that they were roaming around the area. Both women did not disclose their last names for privacy.
“I think after she got her problem fixed, they’ve been migrating towards my way,” Liana said. “I saw nothing in my garage, no signs of them or destroyed items until recently like about four weeks ago.”
One night, Liana went into her garage and saw something run by and immediately knew it wasn’t a mouse.
“I had seen mice before and I knew it wasn’t one, this was the first time I’ve seen a rat,” she said.
The exterminators confirmed through the droppings that it was rats, and once they evaluated, Liani found out there were nine holes in her home’s perimeter.
“They said besides my garage, they were in my crawl space and there was definitely more than one,” Liani said. “I guess it was a good thing because they told us we had termites at that time too.”
Once she spotted the rats, she kept seeing them all over including her backyard and under the docks.
“They haven’t touched anyone else’s home, I’ve spoken to three other neighbors about it,” she said. “I am scared to go into my garage and I’m surprised I’m still living in this house.”
Brian Norman/Herald
Kim Taylor, author of “A Flag for Juneteenth,” read her story to Hewlett-Woodmere children and taught them the importance of freedom.
Courtesy Vicki A.
A Moss Creek resident spotted rats on her bird feeder and later found out they were in her crawl space.
On Aug. 16, 2022, 400 residents attended a meeting at the Lawrence Country Club that focused on the Town of Hempstead’s transit-oriented development plan.
The transit development plan repeal is overturned
State Court Judge Conrad Singer ruled last week that the Town of Hemsptead’s repeal of the transit-oriented development plan in Inwood and North Lawrence is null and void because it failed to comply with state law by not seeking approval from the Nassau County Planning Commission.
Previously, the town unanimously repealed the transit-oriented development plan after community opposition, on Nov. 19.
The town board voted to rescind zoning changes initially proposed in 2019 that would have allowed the construction of apartments near the Inwood and Lawrence Long Island Rail Road stations.
The original plan, supported by then Councilman Bruce Blakeman, now the
county executive, would have rezoned 11.7 acres for high-density residential developments. The plan was delayed by a moratorium in 2022, which was in place until, June 18 2024.
Heatherwood Communities LLC, of Commack, developers for the transit-oriented development project plan to move forward with the $154 million development.
Singer ordered the town to begin its review process of the project for which Heatherwood filed an application for in 2022.
The town board appointed the design review committee to comply with the court order.
— Melissa Berman
HERALD
NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
569-4643
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
In April of 2015, these two Nobel Peace Prize laureates celebrated His Holiness’s 80th birthday by meeting for a week at the Tibetan leader’s exiled home in Dharamshala, India. Their purpose? To answer the question: How do we find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering?
“From the moment of birth, every human being wants to discover happiness and avoid suffering. Sadly, many of the things that undermine our joy and happiness we create ourselves. Often it comes from the negative tendencies of the mind, emotional reactivity, or from our inability to appreciate and utilize the resources that exist within us. We create most of our suffering. So it should be logical that we also have the ability to create more joy. It simply depends on the attitudes, the perspectives, and the reactions we bring to situations and to relationships with other people. When it comes to personal happiness there is a lot that we as
individuals can do”, says the Dalai Lama
“The problem is that our world and our education focuses on external, materialistic values. We are not concerned enough with inner values. I believe everyone has the responsibility to develop a happier world. We need, ultimately, to have a greater concern for others’ well-being. In other words, kindness or compassion, which is lacking now. We must pay more attention to our inner values. We must look inside,” he further states.
Lasting joy – joy as a way of being – arises from the serenity of deep well-being and benevolence, say the authors.
A strong sense of concern for the well-being of others will make you happy in the morning, says the Dalai Lama, even before coffee. Even ten minutes of meditating on compassion, on kindness to others, and you will see its effects all day. That’s the way to maintain a calm and joyous mind.
Book Synopsis: “The Book of Joy” — Part 1 of
Courtesy Paris Popack
Long Island tops NYC in All-Star Classic
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Donning the uniforms of the past two collegiate national champions, Ohio State and Michigan, respectively, added a special touch to last Saturday’s inaugural National Football Foundation All-Star Classic featuring the top high school seniors from Long Island and New York City at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium.
After the Boomer Esiason Foundation enjoyed a tremendous 24-year run presenting the Empire Challenge game culminating in 2019, its replacement
made a striking debut despite real-feel temperatures in the upper 80s.
Long Island, behind Islip quarterback Brady Nash, Garden City running back Michael Berkery, Westhampton kicker/safety Brody Schaffer and a run defense as stifling as the weather, led after every quarter of a 33-15 victory before a crowd of 1,500. Nash completed 10 of 14 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score to earn the Boomer Esiason Player of the Game award.
“The last time this game was played, we were all in sixth grade,” said Nash, who completed scoring strikes to Berk-
ery and Half Hollow Hills West’s Jesse Brooks. “As the week went on, it got more and more serious. You could tell how much it meant to everyone,” he added.
Schaffer went 4-for-4 on extra points, booted a 24-yard field goal and had a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter, and Massapequa’s Tyler Villalta added a touchdown run for Long Island, which compiled a topnotch coaching staff led by Garden City’s Dave Ettinger.
Carey head coach Mike Stanley, who led the Seahawks to last season’s LI Class II title and a perfect 12-0 campaign, served as the offensive coordinator. Reade Sands, who coached Sayville to the Suffolk Division III title last fall, ran the defense. Additional highly successful coaches on the L.I. staff were Manhasset’s Jay Iaquinta, who enjoyed lengthy stints in Lynbrook and Hewlett, Wantagh’s Keith Sachs, who led the Warriors to the Conference IV title last fall, Oceanside’s Rob Blount, Longwood’s Sean Kluber, Half Hollow Hills East’s Alex Marcelin, BayportBlue Point’s Mike Zafonte and St. Anthony’s Joe Minucci.
Angelo Portillo (Sachem North) formed a wall all afternoon.
Long Island’s lead swelled to 23-9 by halftime. An early turning point came on the first play of the second quarter when a bad snap over the head of New York City punter Andrew Stosko (Xaverian) resulted in a safety to make it 9-3.
“This is such an awesome experience for the kids,” Stanley said. “Their attention to detail in practice was outstanding and they did a really nice job of executing on both sides of the ball.”
Lincoln’s quarterback-receiver tandem of Kory Reese and Solomon DeCoteau hooked up for both New York City touchdowns.
New York City/Erasmus Hall head coach Danny Landberg said logistics were a challenge and several obstacles prevented the team from having a full roster at any practice. “It was fun to be a part of this but it was really difficult to come to Long Island two hours each way for practices,” he said. “We made four of the eight sessions and attendance varied.”
Long Island trailed 3-0 before Nash directed an 11-play, 68-yard scoring drive capped by his 2-yard touchdown run. The starting O-line with center Clint Chichester (Longwood), tackles Dylan Kakareko (Oceanside) and Howie Silverstein (Carey), and guards Brennan Kurtz (Ward Melville) and
Carey’s Chrisian Todaro returned the ensuing free kick 26 yards to the NYC 35 and Long Island’s offense needed only four plays to take a 16-3 lead on Villalta’s 2-yard touchdown run. Both offenses reached paydirt on their next possessions. A 40-yard pass from Reese to another Lincoln teammate, Gicah Paul, set up DeCoteau’s 12-yard touchdown grab to cut the margin to 16-9 after a failed two-point conversion try. Long Island answered with Berkery’s 37-yard touchdown catch.
Long Island’s defense, led by run stuffers Bellport’s Trevon Holland and Wantagh’s Shareef McMillian, pitched a shutout in the third quarter and Schaffer’s field goal extended the lead to 26-9 entering the fourth.
Freeport’s Curtis Ealy III and Bayport-Blue Point’s Dylan Spano had sacks for Long Island, which outgained NYC by a 339-232 margin.
“We got the win and it was so much fun,” Nash said. “I’m a Notre Dame fan but it’s cool we get to keep these jerseys.”
Michael Berkery (Garden City) had one of Long Island’s touchdowns, a 37-yard reception in the second quarter.
photos by Derrick Dingle/Herald
Long Island’s Dillon Tveter (Oceanside) avoided New York City’s Saquonne Lawton (Curtis) during last Saturday’s National Football Foundation’s All-Star Classic.
Melissa Berman/Herald
Veterans volunteered to unload boxes from trucks and bring donated food into the new pantry to be sorted.
A great place for food, friends and conversation
potential sources of food for people in need.
“We conducted the Veterans Farmers Market, until this place was available, in my driveway when the weather was good, and when it was inclement we were at the Five Towns Community Center,” Mandelbaum said.
The celebration of the new facility included a ribbon-cutting on June 19, with citations presented by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Hempstead Town Councilwoman Melissa “Missy” Miller.
“Missy Miller, who‘s an old friend, mentioned that the Buccaneers Clubhouse was available,” Mandelbaum said. “Missy went to work, and because of her, we became the recipient of this building.”
Volunteer Pat Alesia was a general in the New York Army National Guard, where he served for 27 years. He became a member of Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339 when Mandelbaum was the commander, which was how he found out about the market.
“We’ve been doing it for almost six years, and I love it — for me it’s a great way to start the day,” Alesia said. “I’m helping veterans in need and then community members. We’re in good shape here.”
Construction on the building began last November, and it was finished and officially opened for business in May.
“It’s become such a blessing for the community, but more importantly, a place for my veterans to have a social moment,” Mandelbaum added. “Many of them are over 80 and don’t have family. They can sit and have a cup of coffee, a little scotch and just sit and talk and have a place to go.”
Veterans are welcome at the new market, at 275 Lawrence Ave., on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m., and community members in need are invited to shop from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“We absolutely felt they would enjoy this, and we know it’s going to grow,” Mandelbaum said. “We’re next to a lowincome project, and people have already
started coming. We’re very welcoming and we have great items here, and God bless Missy Miller.”
Local businesses the Bagelry, Costco, Crawfords, Long Island Cares, Trader Joe’s and Wall’s Bakery donate the food.
Alesia said that the new building is “100 percent better” than the old, impermanent arrangement, and that coming to the building “takes a lot of weight off your shoulders.”
“You know you’re going to get here, park the car, get inside the air-conditioning and good lighting, a roof on our heads and the support of the community,” he added. “We especially appreciate all of the efforts of Missy for making this happen.”
Alesia said he believed that being a part of the new market is a “win-win situation,” because he helps veterans and others in need while having a good time doing it.
“My favorite part is once we get everything set up and offloaded, we have a little area where we sit, have coffee and commiserate,” he said. “It’s like a club, almost, and I enjoy that.”
He said he was looking forward to maintaining what the volunteers are doing, and helping to serve as many people as possible while helping the community of veterans.
Commander of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339 Marianela Lazana Plaza, came to the United States at age 8, from San Antonio, Chile. She enlisted in the Marines in 2002, after the Sept. 11 attacks.
“This country gave me dreams,” Lazana Plaza said. “It gave me the opportunity to own a car, graduate high school, apply for colleges, something I never would have in Chile, and it even gave me the opportunity to serve in the military.”
She said that having the pantry available for the community in need is amazing, and that helping people is one of her passions.
“If I could do this every day, then I would do it every single day,” Lazana Plaza said. “I would love to see this expand, and to get more veterans in here.”
Driving the future: Southern State upgrades and the role of responsible driving
By MADISON GUSLER & CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD of the Heralds
Final part in a series on the Southern State Parkway.
State.
In April, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $7 million plan to reconfigure ramps at Exit 15 of the parkway. The state will eliminate the southbound exit ramp, and all traffic will exit via a redesigned northbound ramp. Exit 15N will consolidate both north- and southbound traffic entering the intersection at Corona Avenue. The changes aim to improve traffic flow for the more than 8,000 vehicles that use those ramps each day.
The Southern State Parkway is one of the busiest highways in New York state. It opened in 1927, and its original design has not been able to meet the demands of Long Island’s increased population and consistent roadway congestion, which has resulted in many deadly crashes.
Nearly 100 years later, work on the 25.3-mile parkway has ramped up, in an effort to ensure the roadway’s safety, and longevity.
Stephen Canzoneri, a public information officer for the state Department of Transportation Region 10, noted that New York has one of the most aggressive road and bridge renewal programs in the United States, and that it is investing more in the modernization of its transportation infrastructure now than at any point in the state’s history.
Upgrading Infrastructure to improve safety
Canzoneri explained that a $34.1 billion, five-year capital plan adopted in 2022 to invest in major infrastructure projects is the largest of its kind in state history. This plan, which is entering its fourth year, includes substantial investments in modernizing roads and bridges on Long Island, including the Southern
At the end of the ramp, a new traffic signal will be installed, as well as crosswalks, a pedestrian refuge island, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps. The westbound connection to the parkway from Corona Avenue will be enlarged for easier left turns, accompanied by improved signage to better direct drivers.
There will also be a reconfiguring of Exit 13, with a new single exit ramp providing access to both Central Avenue and Linden Boulevard. The entrance ramp from Central Avenue to the eastbound Southern State will be rebuilt, the traffic signal will be updated with pedestrian countdown timers, and the sidewalks along Central Avenue, between Stuart Avenue and Linden Boulevard, will be improved. This project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin construction in 2027 Enhancements at Exit 41A, from the eastbound Southern State to the northbound Sagtikos State Parkway, include increased safety measures. In 2024, new
U.S.
reflective signs were installed and pavement markings were added. This year the ramp will undergo concrete pavement work, and a new concrete barrier will be installed.
Between 2021 and 2024, a significant portion of the parkway and several ramps were resurfaced with new asphalt, and highly reflective pavement markings were installed in an effort to increase driver safety. In an email to the Herald, Assemblyman Michael Durso, whose District 9 encompasses towns in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, wrote that in 2023, Wrong Way and Do Not Enter signs were refreshed or installed at all parkway ramps.
“Safety is always the top priority of the New York State Department of Transportation,” Canzoneri said. “We
continuously review safety measures in place on all our highways on Long Island and across the state, implementing enhancements wherever it is necessary.”
Safety improvements rely on responsible driving Canzoneri noted that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“Working with our partners in law enforcement, local government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways. But motorists must do their part,” he said. “We urge everyone to obey the rules of the road, drive responsibly and remain alert, especially in work zones.”
Durso echoed Cazoneri’s sentiment
Traffic building on a typical day on the westbound Southern State Parkway.
Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen
Rep. Laura Gillen speaking on driver safety.
Planners hope to create a safer Southern State
that safety is a shared responsibility, writing that “all of the wrong way crashes that occur along the Southern State Parkway have involved impaired drivers.”
However, Durso noted an ongoing effort to address roads that have become unsafe. “As Assemblyman, I continue to work with the New York State Department of Transportation to pass along concerns from constituents and identify areas that can be improved,” he said. “Safety is my top priority.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes Exits 13 to 28 on the parkway, serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Gillen recently sent an open letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about a spike in traffic fatalities.
Working with our partners in law enforcement, government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways, but motorists must do their part.
STEPHEN CANzONERI State Dept. of Transportation
“Traffic crashes are the single leading cause of accidental death among young people on Long Island, and the second-leading cause for all residents under the age of eighty,” she wrote. “Every seven minutes on average, a serious traffic accident happens on Long Island. The failure to secure our roads has led to thousands of lives being cut short, families being ripped apart, and a terrible void left in too many communities.”
Gillen urged Duffy and the DOT to open an investigation into these accidents, and advocated for larger investments to improve roadways and increase driver safety. She is also pushing for the state to lower the legal blood alcohol limit.
“Many road safety groups have endorsed lowering our drunk-driving limit to a blood alcohol content of .05,” Gillen wrote in an email to the Herald, noting evidence that lowering the limit reduces the number of accidents and saves lives. She noted that the state of Utah, which lowered its drunk-driving threshold to .05 in 2018, saw a nearly 20 percent drop in fatal car crashes over the next calendar year.
“There is already a push to bring this limit to New York at the state level, and I’m exploring federal options to make this the law of the land across America,” she wrote.
Gillen also mentioned distracted
SOUTHERN STATE PARKWAY - EXIT 15
New York State Department of Transportation
a draft of plans for the Southern State parkway’s exit 15, where two exits are being replaced by one.
the parkway near exit 13. “We need to increase high-visibility traffic enforcement,”
driving and speeding motorists. “My plan to make our roads safer includes stepping up enforcement on reckless and dangerous driving,” she wrote.
“That means giving our law enforcement agencies the tools and resources to police unsafe driving.”
Gillen stated that it’s crucial that
drivers reduce their speeds. “No matter what day or time you drive on the Southern State Parkway, there are people recklessly speeding and street racing,” she wrote. “We need to increase highvisibility traffic enforcement, and I’ll continue to push for New York State to increase the number of troopers on the
Southern State Parkway and other Long Island roads to keep people safe.”
“It’s important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Durso wrote. “We remind residents to abide by the posted speed limit, put down your cellphone, and never drink and drive.”
Tim Baker/Herald
u.S. rep. Laura gillen says.
Chabad Five Towns preschool graduation
Chabad Five Towns Gan Chamesh early childhood education center ended the academic year with a grand Graduation Mitzvah (commandments) Parade celebrating Jewish traditions and values.
The parade was held on June 13th, with the date serving as inspiration for the theme. The event highlighted the 613 mitzvot and emphasized the concept “Mitzvah Goreres Mitzvah” from Ethics of our Fathers, meaning one mitzvah brings another.
According to the school’s approach, the 613 Mitzvot serve as channels given by God to achieve an ultimate close relationship with the divine.
Faculty described watching young students engage in Mitzvot as “incredibly special” as they develop their Jewish identity and observance.
In connection with the graduation theme, Gan Chamesh launched a “Mitzvah Goreres Mitzvah” campaign aimed at lighting up the world with 613 Mitzvot.
The school invites community members to join the Mitzvah campaign by visiting onemitzvah.org/ganchamesh.
The school extended Mazal Tov – congratulations – to all graduates as they complete their early childhood education and prepare for their next educational journey.
— Melissa Berman
Alice Moreno/Herald photos Children, staff and faculty of Chabad Five Towns Gan Chamesh early childhood education center at graduation.
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik of the Chabad of the Five Towns addressed the parents and families of the graduates, on June 13.
Eliana, left and Rafi Klein, 3, from the blue class, place a donation in the tzedakah box.
The “green class” marched in the grand Graduation Mitzvah (commandments) Parade that celebrated Jewish traditions and values.
Co-director of the Chabad Five Towns Gan Chamesh early childhood education center Suzanne Wallin speaks to the crowd.
New internet service coming by late July
July, we can wrap up this project and get a lot of customers going on the fiber network.”
Hewlett Neck has also installed stateof-the-art security cameras, with license plate readers and facial-recognition technology, in an attempt to monitor activity in the village and prevent potential threats.
Rockaway Nassau Safety Patrol was contracted to monitor the village starting at 10 p.m. nightly, and will be available for around-the-clock service when requested by residents. The patrol unit is also seeking community volunteers for when employees might not be available.
“As part of our plan to modernize village security, we will also be installing state-of-the-art security cameras throughout the village,” Blinder wrote on the village’s website. “These cameras will be equipped with advanced technologies, including facial recognition and license plate readers, to better monitor activity and deter potential threats. This investment underscores our commitment to leverage technology to enhance safety for all residents.”
Blinder said that the addition of Verizon Fios was necessary for the village, and stressed the importance of highspeed internet. “Most importantly, we’re able to bring new infrastructure
Field Technician
to our village and allow residents to have a choice,” he said. “Today, highspeed internet is extremely important to everybody, and bringing in Verizon just gives our residents another choice
for availability of high-speed internet. So we thank Verizon, and we really appreciate them coming on down and in getting us finally upgraded to their service.”
Brian Norman/Herald
Mathew Russo, far left, Verizon Engineer Luciano Martone, Village Trustee Russel Weinrib, Mayor Moshe Blinder and Associate Director of Operations Eugene Cimaglia inspected power lines in Hewlett Neck and provided an update on the village’s Verizon Fios Installment Project.
Courtesy Russel Weinrib Weinrib was on the Verizon truck, and spoke with workers and executives about the progress of the project.
Hewlett-Woodmere honors retiring,
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Dozens of faculty members from the Hewlett-Woodmere school district were honored for their years of service to the district, as well as a congratulated on their retirement, at the annual Employee Recognition Ceremony.
Board of Education members took time before their bimonthly meeting to congratulate staff members on their retirement, as well as honor teachers and administrators for reaching milestone years with the district— from 10 to 45 years.
Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. thanked the honorees for their service.
“For those from 35 to 40 years, your career has been nothing short of inspiring,” Marino said during the June 4 ceremony. “You give deep meaning to the word dedication. To our one 45-year honoree, you are a legend who has given almost half a century to education, that’s more than a job, it’s a life’s calling. Tonight, we honor the past and the present, but we also shine a light for the future. On behalf of the Board of Education, your colleagues, students and families across the district. Thank you.”
Barbara Callahan, a teacher’s assistant at Ogden Elementary School, was the second longest-tenured faculty member honored at the event on June 4. She is also a 1972 graduate of the school district, and attended Ogden Elementary as a student.
Callahan was recognized for her 40 years of service, and said that the building has become more than just her place of work.
E verybody is friendly, everybody’s warm and nobody wants to leave here and ‘this school is just the best.
HEwlEttwOOdMERE honors retiring, longtime school staff
David Greco, the head custodian at Woodmere Middle School, was the longest-tenured faculty member recognized, celebrating 45 years of service in the district.
“This is my second family,” Callahan said. “I spend more time here, probably than I do my own family. I love this school. Everybody is friendly, everybody’s warm and nobody wants to leave here and this school is just the best. It’s a happy family, it’s my second family.”
Sharon Morelli, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Woodmere Middle School, was one of the five staff members honored for their 30 years of service to the district.
Morelli said that she and her family have developed a deep connection to the Hewlett-Woodmere community.
“I have been there for 30 years, I met my husband in the district, I live in the neighboring district so my children have friends in Hewlett, I have a connection to the community,” Morelli said. “My husband’s family has been in the community for their entire lives. It’s a real connection to Hewlett. I did not grow up here, but I kind of made my home here.”
Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli
Sharon Morelli, left, Mindy Fenton, Kristina Lacy, Vincent Lospinuso and Brenna Leighton were recognized for their 30 years of service in the Hewlett-Woodmere school district.
It’s Your Flag… Display
The American Flag on the other side of patriotic sponsors listed below great tradition of independence. display this flag in their window
Lawrence student receives Nassau BOCES award
Jeffrey Contreras of Lawrence, a student at Nassau BOCES Center for Community Adjustment, has earned the George Farber Outstanding Student Award for his exceptional character and academic achievement.
The award celebrates Contreras’s passion, perseverance, enthusiasm, outstanding character, scholarship, and willingness to help others.
Administrators and Nassau BOCES Board members honored him during a special awards ceremony this spring.
Contreras’s academic path has been marked by growth, determination, strength, and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, he has used these experiences as motivation to overcome adversity and succeed academically.
His approach to daily life reflects his commitment to building a better future for himself, his family, and his community. Colleagues and peers note his outgoing, friendly demeanor that creates a positive atmosphere in any setting.
School officials highlighted an instance where Contreras stepped into a precarious situation to help a peer without hesitation or concern for his own interests. His willingness to advocate for others demonstrates integrity, courage, and selfless compassion.
Through the Nassau BOCES Employee Training Program, Contreras holds several jobs that provide valuable work experience. He currently works at Small Batch restaurant and
for Community Adjustment, earned the George
Outstanding Student Award.
Smile Farms, where he has proven himself a skilled and reliable employee.
“Working with Jeffrey has been a pleasure from the very beginning,” his award nominator wrote in a news release. “He has never let the problems of his past define him, but rather uses those experiences as inspiration to meet his challenges head on. Jeffrey is not only an exceptional student; he is a remarkable young man.”
— Melissa Berman
Brandies Hebrew Academy’s class of 2025 graduation
Brandeis Hebrew Academy held its 8th grade graduation ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2025 as students completed their elementary education and prepared for the next phase of their academic journey.
The graduation event was attended by family, friends, and faculty. The ceremony marked the conclusion of a meaningful chapter in the students’ educational experience while acknowledging the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
The graduation reflected the core values and spirit of Brandeis Hebrew Academy, emphasizing each student’s development in both academics and
character throughout their time at the school.
Student speeches during the ceremony focused on themes of perseverance, friendship, and commitment to Torah and community, demonstrating the educational foundation they received at the academy.
The graduation ceremony showcased the academy’s commitment to developing students who are prepared both academically and spiritually for their continued education, emphasizing the school’s dual focus on secular learning and Torah values.
— Melissa Berman
Courtesy Nassau BOCES
Jeffrey Contreras of Lawrence, who attends Nassau BOCES Center
Farber
Courtesy Brandeis Hebrew Academy
Brandeis Hebrew Academy celebrated the Class of 2025 at graduation.
One lucky member of the audience will WIN 2 TICKETS to watch New York Mets vs San Fransisco Giants at Citi Field.
Sunday, August 3 at 1:40 p.m.
Contest ends July 27 at midnight with the winner chosen on July 28
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
https://www.liherald.com/mets-tickets-contest.html?#//
The Long Island Rail Road will perform essential infrastructure work at the
Turnpike railroad crossing in Lawrence, requiring extended road closures over
LIRR road closure on Rockaway Turnpike for infrastructure work
The Long Island Rail Road will perform essential infrastructure work at the Rockaway Turnpike railroad crossing in Lawrence, requiring extended road closures over four days.
Rockaway Turnpike between Pearsall Avenue and Mulry Lane will be closed from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on June 26, June 27, July 1 and July 2.
No through traffic will be allowed during work hours. The closure affects the section of Rockaway Turnpike from Pearsall Avenue to Mulry Lane.
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and use the following alternate routes on
Lawrence Avenue and Washington Avenue.
MTA Police will be on site during the closure to support traffic management and ensure public safety throughout the construction period.
Updates will be provided if any changes occur to the scheduled work dates or hours.
For questions, comments, or complaints regarding the closure, contact Ana Garcia with the LIRR at ana.garcia@ mtahq.org.
— Melissa Berman
Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m.
Contest ends August 10th midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted. Scan this QR code
https://www.liherald.com/mets-tickets-contest.html?#//
Courtesy Village of Cedarhurst
Rockaway
four days.
STEPPING OUT
From fire to water
Embracing Indigenous tradtion at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
The proud culture and legacy of Shinnecock Nation will be full display soon, representing the region’s cherished heritage. Everyone is invited to celebrate the arrival of a newly crafted dugout canoe at the museum, on June 30.
The Arrival Ceremony — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — is an opportunity for connection with our Indigenous community. Traditional songs, music and remarks from community leaders and culture bearers provide gratitude, context and a spiritual welcome as the canoe is greeted at its new home. Families can also participate in hands-on activities and sample traditional Native foods.
• June 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
The 10-foot 500-pound white pine mishoon, commissioned by Long Island Children’s Museum, was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation.
Named “Pewea Koowa,” or “Little Pine,” the vessel reflects the enduring relationship between Long Island’s waterways and the Indigenous communities who have lived in balance with the region’s waterways for generations.
“One of the most important things is for us to understand that the indigenous population is still here, as an active, living part of our community. We’re often taught ‘that’s the old times’ or ‘that was hundreds of years ago,’ when actually, no, they’re here. They’re part of us,” Museum President Erika Floreska says.
Carving the mishoon involves deep care — rooted in ancestral knowledge. It was crafted by hollowing out a 1,700-pound white pine tree using fire, controlled burning and hand tools — a method passed down through the generations.
“The best way to learn is to be an apprentice, because you have to know how to identify the right tree for the vessel,” says Bullock, who guided the project (her seventh mishoon) as lead artisan.
“You strip the bark off. You get the log right where you want it to be. Then, you roll it over and begin to start the fire on top of the log,” Bullock explains. “Once you light that fire, your eyes do not leave that mishoon at all. You are on that mishoon until it is complete.
“Paddling a mishoon in Shinnecock waters was a profoundly special experience for me. Throughout my life, I have crafted numerous mishoons, participated in a handful of maiden voyages, and paddled in many of them. However, this particular journey was unparalleled, as it took place in my home waters. Water holds memory, and I believe that in this moment, we unlocked memories for our community, as well as for the land and water that we cherish.”
Symbols carved into the vessel offer further cultural meaning. Bullock added a whale tail to honor the importance of whales in Indigenous life here.
“It begins to teach the kids what these mishoons were used for. It’s kind of hard for people to think about how our ancestors took these mishoons and actually hunted whales. Whales are a big part of our culture,” Bullock adds.
The mishoon will be placed in the museum’s upcoming permanent exhibit, “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me”, opening In October.
“It’s important to celebrate what makes Long Island unique and this connection to the ocean, but also our responsibility for taking care of it. The mishoon is a really good representation of the history, the ecology and the climate,” Floreska says.
In the spirit of reciprocity, resources for a second mishoon will be gifted to the Shinnecock community in September.
“The tradition of gifting and showing reciprocity in relationships is very important to represent the balance between each other. The idea of them gifting [the mishoon] to us, us gifting to them, is very symbolic,” she adds.
Everyone can also contribute to the making of a wampum belt from quahog clam shells, led by artist and educator Tecumseh Caesar during the event.
This ongoing collaboration between Indigenous communities and the museum offers meaningful ways for families to explore deep connections — not only to the land and water, but to histories that continue to shape the present.
“There’s a whole culture that we’ve inherited and that we have a responsibility to include and think about as we all work together to shape the future,” Floreska reminds us all.
Get The Led Out
Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! Get The Led Out returns with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” for two electrifying nights of classic rock, The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these bluessoaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and highoctane recreation of Zeppelin’s iconic sound. From thunderous anthems to mystical acoustic ballads, GTLO captures the full range of Led Zeppelin’s brilliance — complete with the layered instrumentation and soaring dynamics that the band rarely performed live. . With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion, GTLO focuses on the legendary band’s early years and dives deep into beloved hits and rare cuts alike. Their approach is reverent and precise, more like a classical concert than a cover band — a true celebration of timeless rock.
Friday and Saturday, June 27-28, 8 p.m. $75, $45, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Paula Poundstone
Get ready for an evening of razor-sharp humor and brilliantly unpredictable comedy with the one and only Paula Poundstone. When she’s not dishing out laughs as a beloved panelist on NPR, she’s hosting her wildly popular podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. It’s a quirky “comedy field guide to life,” filled with offbeat segments like taste tests, “cat of the week” tributes, and interviews. Her stand-up résumé is as robust as it is hilarious, with HBO specials like “Cats, Cops and Stuff, Goes to Harvard” and “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” In 2017, she added “bestselling author” to her list of accomplishments with “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness “— a laugh-out-loud account of her quirky quest for joy. Oh, and if her voice sounds familiar to your kids? That’s because she played Forgetter Paula in “Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out.”
Friday, June 27, 8 p.m. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
26,
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JUNE
26
Jazz on Broadway
The Paul Joseph Trio visits HewlettWoodmere Public Library with an evening of the music of Cole Porter. Enjoy inspiring instrumental jazz renditions of “Night and Day,” “I Get a Kick out of You,” “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” and many others.
• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Contact: hwpl.org or call (516) 374-1967
JUNE 28
Independence Day Salute to Veterans Concert/ Fireworks
Town of Hempstead’s annual extravaganza features a concert with The Commodores. Contest sign-ups are open for the volleyball tournament, sandcastle building competition, and the ever-popular hot dog eating contest. These contests are followed by a heartfelt tribute to local veterans, concert and a spectacular fireworks and drone display. Rain date is June 29.
• Where: Town Park Point Lookout, Lido Beach
• Time: Starting at 3 p.m.
• Contact: townofhempsteadevents.com
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of
Art’s unveils its new exhibition, “At Play,” a survey of artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms.
Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. Works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive
Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view June 28 to Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
He said, she said
JULY
• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
Garden” With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Splish Splash…
JULY
6
Animal Baths
Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to observe animal bath time and learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animals.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City.
• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JULY
7
JUNE
29
Art of Poetry: Readings by Nassau County Poet Laureates
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for this inaugural poetry event. Join current Nassau County Poet Laureate, writer-musician-educator
Alan Semerdjian who hosts readings by former Laureates Paula Curci, Evelyn Kandel, Linda Opyr, and Gayl Teller. Readings will respond to the artwork on view in NCMA’s new exhibition “At Play – Artists & Entertainment.” Pre-registration recommended. $15, $10 seniors, $5 children, members free.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 4-6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
JULY
2
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: townofhempsteadevents.com or (516) 239-1157
Breakfast Connect
Want to network your business? Attend the Breakfast Connect group’s get-together. The breakfast meeting is free and open to everyone.
• Where: Hewlett Firehouse, 25 Franklin Ave., Hewlett
• Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 8-9 a.m.
• Contact: Call or text Andrew Leibowitz at (516) 790-4829
JULY
3
Summer concert series
Town of Hempstead’s Neighborhood Concert Series welcomes the Nafshenu Orchestra to Rock Hall Museum. Food trucks will be onsite serving a variety of delicious options, perfect for a casual night out with family and friends.
• Where: 199 Broadway Lawrence
Little Learners
Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to handson 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 create a vibrant firework painting. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: (516) 767-6444 or landmarkonmainstreet.org
Share in some lively repartee when four stand-up comedians — two men, two women, two are married, two are single — sling comedy barbs at one another in The Ivy League of Comedy’s “Skirmish of the Sexes.” The troupe — known for their elite brand of clever comedy as seen on late-night TV and Comedy Central appearances — is armed and ready with high-brow, clean fun. Laugh the night away wty tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams. Check out this lively comic take on the age-old dichotomy of who’s right and who’s wrong — done with panache and good humor. The lineup features Tony Deyo, known for his sharp, quick material and near-perfect comedic timing almost certainly gained from his years as a professional symphony musician; Calise Hawkins, a single mom who stands out with her hair, but also her smile and her onstage likability. Also Shaun Eli, rightfully called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or successfully fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun Eli shows you that there’s hilarity in the ordinary. And Ophira Eisenberg (pictured), host of the comedy podcast Parenting Is A Joke with iHeart and Pretty Good Friends, who delivers a unique blend of smart irreverent standup and storytelling. $40, $30.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Stargazers
Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island for a nighttime skywatching session at Old Westbury Gardens. Free with admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
TD Bank ‘Celebrate America’
Eisenhower Park welcomes the annual TD Bank Celebrate America Fireworks and Show. Enjoy tunes with Chicken Head and Glenn Strange Band, followed by fireworks. As always, bring seating. Rain date is July 5.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY
5
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Arnold Lobel’s “The Rose in My
Teen craft and chat
Got a craft you’re working on? Bring it to Peninsula Public Library and hang out with friends! Whether you’re into knitting, drawing, or something totally unique, this is your chance to vibe, get creative, and share ideas. No rules, just good company and chill crafting time.
• Where: 280 Central Ave, Lawrence
• Time: 7-8 p.m.
• Contact: peninsulapublic.org or (516) 239-3262
Trivia Night
JULY
8
Rock Hall Museum hosts an evening of trivia. Test your knowledge on a wide variety of topics including literature, science, math, and history. Ages 12 and up are invited to participate. Teams are limited to 5 people.
• Where: 199 Broadway Lawrence
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 239-1157
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.
Hewlett High School State champion eyes U 20 world team Matthew DeCiCCo
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Q: Can you talk about your preparation for the state event? Was it different from past years?
DeCicco: Yeah, so this was my fifth time making the state championship, so I knew what to do. I just had to prepare like normal, give every event a little practice, and just give the body a little rest as well.
Q: What events were you able to compete in and how many others also participated?
DeCicco: So I could only compete in the pentathlon. They only let you do the pen, it was so sad, but there were 44 boys who competed in the Pen.
Q: Did you feel differently going into the event this time compared to your previous experiences at the event?
DeCicco: Yeah, I felt great. I was a little confident, because I know I’ve been there before and coming in as one of the higher seeds. I felt good. My body felt good. But then, I didn’t start out too hot. So the hurdle race wasn’t too good, and then we went right to high jump, and I was on my third attempt at like 5’1, I almost received no height again. Then, on my third attempt, I cleared three heights in a row to give myself a chance and back in the game.
Q: How did you feel after you had found out that you won the state championship?
DeCicco: So I was 30 points away from this one kid who was in first going into the second to last event, and I jumped good and he recorded a personal best by over a foot to keep it at 30-point lead. So going into the 1500-meter race I had to beat him by five seconds. When I crossed the line and turned around, and I see he’s like, 50 meters away and I just started, like, yelling that, I did it. I ended up winning by like 10 seconds.
Q: How did it feel to represent Hewlett High School at this event?
DeCicco: It just felt great. Because I don’t even know if we’ve ever had a state champion honestly, so, yeah, it felt great to, like, put our school on the podium at the highest level.
Q: What are your plans now before college? Are there any goals you’re looking to achieve at the next level?
DeCicco: So basically, I’ll take a little time off before the college workout and see what my new coach tells me. My goal is to make the U 20 United States championships for people that are under the age of 20 and have
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a chance to compete for the U 20 World Championship team. They compete in June and the
top two places in each event go to the U 20 World Championships to represent the country.
Brian Norman/Herald
Matthew DeCicco achieved first place in the pentathlon at the New York New York State Public High School Athletic Association State Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
June 26,
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ALBERT D. SUROWIECKI A/K/A ALBERT SUROWIECKI, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 966 Singleton Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodmere in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 028 and Lots 105 and 823. The approximate amount of judgment is $530,294.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609151/2021. Cash will not be accepted.
Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154160
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter:
Agency: Board of Appeals
Village of Hewlett Neck
Date: July 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York
Subject: Application of Ariel Rosenberg, 270 Dolphin Drive, Hewlett Neck, New York, to construct additions and alterations to the existing single-family dwelling, which construction requires variances of the following Village Code sections: (a) 195-12 (C), (i) to permit a side
yard setback of 12.9 feet to the dwelling, (ii) to permit a side yard setback of 8.4 feet to the stoop, (iii) to permit a side yard setback of 13.1 feet to the rear patio, outdoor kitchen & trellis, where the required setback is 20 feet; (b) 195-20 (A)(3), to permit a lot coverage of 5,710 square feet, where the maximum permitted lot coverage is 4,500 square foot in a residence C district.
Premises are also known as Section 41, Block 106, Lot 4 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.
At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters.
This application is a Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.
All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.
Dated: June 11, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk 154288
LEGAL NOTICE
Village of Lawrence Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Building Design of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:30 P.M. followed by a public meeting on July 7th, 2025 at the Lawrence Village Hall 196 Central Ave Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:00 P.M. to conduct the following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board:
• Zavulunov-345 Central AvenueProposed New Business Sign & Exterior
• Ohel Family Center-359 Central Avenue Proposed Business Sign
• Kamenetskv-8 Dogwood LaneProposed Curb Cut & Driveway
• Congregation Khal Mevakshei-137
Lawrence AveProposed New Security Fence
• Ghoori-84
Lawrence AvenueProposed New Fence
The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting. The applications and accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing.
All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard By Order of the Board of Building Design Barry Pomerantz Chainnan
Dated: June 18th, 2025 154294
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 07/02/2025 at 9:30
A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
353/25. WOODMERETeresa Antony, Renewal of grant to maintain 2-family dwelling., W/s Lynn Pl., 100’ N/o Conklin Ave., a/k/a 1074 Lynn Pl. 358/25. EAST ATLANTIC BEACHLeonid Lev & Olga
(demolish existing dwelling)., W/s Malone Ave., 180’ S/o Beech St., a/k/a 43 Malone Ave.
ALL PAPERS
PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Woodmere & East Atlantic Beach within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
154287
LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF ATLANTIC BEACH
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Chabad of Hewlett’s Russian Shabbat
Chabad of Hewlett hosted its annual Russian Shabbat celebration on a June 13, transforming the Hewlett Firehouse into a vibrant community gathering space for nearly 300 guests.
The celebration was led by Rabbi Nochem and Rivkie Tenenboim, of the Chabad of Hewlett, bringing together Russian-speaking Jews from the greater Hewlett area. The event served as both a festive meal and a tribute to Jewish resilience and cultural pride.
According tot he Chabad, an emotional moment occurred when all attendees participated in lighting Shabbat candles together. Hundreds of flames reflected in the eyes of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and young girls, with each flame symbolizing hope, faith, and the sacred rhythm of Jewish life.
Rabbi Tenenboim led the Kiddush ceremony, creating a powerful moment of silence as his voice drew everyone into what organizers described as “not just a prayer over wine, but a declaration of identity, sanctity, and purpose.”
The event featured strong participation from young families and children, many connected to Chabad of Hewlett’s Jewish Kids Club.
The celebration highlighted RussianJewish identity within the broader context of Jewish life, creating an atmosphere where attendees could feel at home whether they were rediscovering their roots or representing the next generation growing up in a community rich with meaning.
Chabad of Hewlett emphasized that the event represents more than a single celebration, describing it as “a movement” and “a reminder that no matter where we come from, Shabbat has the power to unite us, uplift us, and bring us home.”
The organization serves the entire Jewish community regardless of background or affiliation.
More information about their activities is available at JewishHewlett.com.
— Melissa Berman
PAL cheerleaders honored
The Inwood/Lawrence Police Activity League (PAL) recognized their cheerleading squad for their participation and dedication throughout the year.
Zilbershteyn a/k/a Olga Zilberstein, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, side yards aggregate, rear yard, construct dwelling with roof deck
Sealed bids for the 2025 Bermuda Street Road Improvement Program - Bermuda Street between Atlantic Boulevard and Pacific Boulevard will be received at the Village Hall of the Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York until 10:30 AM (prevailing time) on Friday, August 1, 2025 at which time all bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud and awarded as soon thereafter as practical. Complete specifications may be obtained at the Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York during normal business house 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM upon payment of $50 nonrefundable deposit, check payable to the Inc. Village of Atlantic Beach. The Inc. Village of Atlantic Beach reserves the right to waive any informalities
The cheerleading squad includes participants ranging in age from three to 17-years old, representing a broad spectrum of youth involvement in the community program.
Coach Mariarosa Morelli Guzzardi leads the program, with Ray Lajara serving as PAL coordinator.
The extensive performance schedule demonstrates the cheerleaders’ commit-
in, or to accept or reject any or all bids or to award the contract to other than the lowest bidder, if it is deemed in the interest of said village.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
EMILY SINISCALCHI, VILLAGE CLERK
JUNE 9, 2025 154265
email: legalnotices@liherald.com Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 38-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a
ment to community service and civic participation. Their involvement spans educational institutions, healthcare facilities, senior centers, and patriotic observances, showcasing the Police Activity League’s role in fostering youth engagement across multiple community sectors.
The recognition ceremony acknowledges both the young participants’ dedication and their contribution to community events throughout the region.
— Melissa Berman
public hearing was duly called and held June 17, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 38-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 38-2025, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of
Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: June 17, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 154273
Courtesy Chabad of Hewlett
people attended the Chabad of Hewlett’s Russian Shabbat, on June 13.
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Q. Our house was damaged by a fire over 10 years ago, renovated and finished. We are now refinancing, and discovered we have no “closed” permits for the work. Our bank says that they can’t continue processing until plumbing, electrical and building permits are finalized and we give the bank a copy of our certificate of occupancy. We aren’t sure why this happened, and we can’t reach the contractor or the plumber. We got a certificate that our electric was inspected. Can you explain what to do, how this happened and how long this could take? The bank is pushing us to get this done.
A. Speed and control of the project are the reason this happened. People doing construction need to get in, get out and get paid, and often there is little attention to documentation. Construction, with permits, has many steps that can be ignored. It’s rewarding to work with people in construction who respect the process.
Even with your emergency repair, the whole job, from planning to final paperwork, had to be done completely. The concern about time, and how quickly plans can be made and a permit received, sets the tone for the rest of the work. In his “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” Benjamin Franklin phrased it well: “Haste makes waste.” Rushing through planning can lead to delays if the plans are incomplete.
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At each step, it seems, speed is of utmost importance. Banks, lawyers, insurance companies, contractors, real estate salespeople and building officials all have an interest, at some point, in moving you through the process of pushing for plans to be finished, a permit to be obtained and the construction work commenced. But plans and permits aren’t done by pushing a button on a computer. By diminishing this part of the process and only concentrating on getting the work done, other important parts are also ignored.
The back end of the job is making sure that each step of the work was inspected, and passes inspections. Covering up work before it is inspected is very common and done with purpose, often to avoid losing time, covering up inferior work or because the customer isn’t as important as their wallet.
You needed a full outline, a checklist, to follow through. The checklist would have shown you needed a final electrical inspection, for which you received a written certificate; a final plumbing inspection, which your plumber was required to arrange; and a final building inspection, which your contractor should have arranged. After the final inspection, you would have then received the final document you needed.
You’ll need to call your building department and confirm what inspections are needed. If you can’t find the plumber, you’ll need to either request the final plumbing inspection or spend the money to have another plumber follow through with starting the paperwork over again. Once these have been done, you’ll request the final building inspection walk-through, and hopefully thereafter receive the final certificate of completion. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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opinions Saying goodbye to Bernie Kerik
Former New York City Police
Commissioner Bernie Kerik died recently. In many ways, Bernie’s death marked the beginning of the passing of an era. He was the commissioner when New York was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, and he became a symbol of New York’s resistance and courage with his leadership in the days, weeks and months afterward.
Before becoming commissioner, he was a heroic police officer and detective, receiving numerous departmental awards, including the Medal of Valor.
Rosemary and I were proud to call Bernie our friend, in good times and bad. And there were some bad times, primarily when he was imprisoned for ethical crimes for which he was later pardoned. A number of us believed that he had been targeted for prosecution, and that his sentence was excessive. But Kerik would be the first to admit he was no saint. He did his time and went on with his life. Besides occasionally getting together with him for dinner, I looked forward to the massive barbecues he hosted for police officers and veterans
at his home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. I believe in judging people on the entirety of their lives. For those who knew him or even just observed him, Kerik passed that test. The respect and admiration for him were amply demonstrated by the crowd of mourners at his funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, who shared memories of Bernie — especially his loyalty to friends, his patriotism and his unwavering leadership after 9/11.
In addition to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the attendees included law enforcement officials, government leaders and well-known New Yorkers.
HCairo and I went after President Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally. On the day of the funeral, Kash described Kerik as a “titan among men” and “our warrior in the Colosseum when the world needed saving.”
e came to symbolize New York’s courage in the aftermath of Sept. 11.
The day of the funeral, Rosemary and I arrived early. Among the first people we met outside the cathedral was famed journalist and media personality Geraldo Rivera, a longtime friend of Kerik’s. Rivera and I spoke about the times we spent with Bernie during his tough days, and how tough he was during those days.
Also outside the cathedral was FBI Director Kash Patel. The last time I had seen Kerik was with Patel last October at Il Milano Restaurant in Manhattan, where County Executive Bruce Blakeman, county Republican Chairman Joe
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and FDNY Commissioner Tom Von Essen, the city officials who were closest to Kerik in leading New York back after 9/11, appeared heartbroken and devastated. Current Mayor Eric Adams also attended, and I commended him for authorizing this ceremonial tribute to Kerik.
I also spoke with the NYPD’s longest-serving commissioner, Ray Kelly, and current Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Kelly succeeded Kerik, and served for 12 years as commissioner. I met Tisch when she served as Kelly’s deputy commissioner for information and technology.
The NYPD Pipes & Drums performed, and many hundreds of NYPD officers lined up to pay their respects. Before the Mass began, Rosemary and I had the chance to meet in the cathedral with Dolan, a true man of God and a man for all seasons who always supports the efforts of the men and women in blue.
The hearse carrying Kerik’s remains arrived outside the cathedral as the bag-
pipes blared. Then the flag-draped coffin was carried up the steps of the cathedral to be blessed by Dolan, who led the funeral procession of family members and friends up the center aisle to the altar. Rosemary and I sat with Joe Lhota, formerly Giuliani’s deputy mayor, who is now chief of staff at NYU Langone Medical Center.
The funeral was definitely a celebration of Kerik’s life, best summarized by an opening sentence of NYPD Chaplain Msgr. David Cassato’s eulogy, which elicited laughter and knowing smiles as he patted the coffin: “Each of us has a Bernie Kerik story.” Kerik’s brother and his son Joe, a hero Newark SWAT team cop, also delivered moving eulogies.
At the conclusion of the funeral, Kerik’s coffin was carried from the cathedral. Taps was played. The American flag was taken from the coffin and presented to Bernie’s widow, Halla, by Patel and Giuliani. Accompanied by the pipe band playing “America the Beautiful,” the hearse headed slowly south on Fifth Avenue. A man who had done so much to lead New York through its darkest hour was leaving the arena. But the memories would remain. Bernie Kerik, R.I.P.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
We need to stop the attacks on America’s elected leaders
Alot of people are upset about the recent reports of the murder of the former speaker of the Minnesota legislature. If there is a list of concerned citizens, please put me at the top. Having served in elected office for 23 years, I have good reason to be worried about the fate of thousands of public officials who dedicate their lives to serving us. We are living in very sick times, and it’s time for the American people to become a part of the solution and not the problem. Less than two weeks ago, a deranged man took it upon himself to launch a carefully orchestrated campaign to kill elected officials in Minnesota. He created an enemies list and armed himself with AK-47s and other deadly weapons. You will note that I do not describe his victims and intended targets as Democratic lawmakers because party affiliation does not give potential murderers a free pass to kill only certain people. The Minnesota horror show coincid-
Ded with the eighth anniversary of the mass shooting during a practice session for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia. U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, a Republican, suffered serious injuries that have left him with permanent disabilities. His attacker also shot three other people. It is coincidental that Scalise’s attacker was angry with Republicans, and the Minnesota killer had grievances with Democrats.
These events are part of a long history of people acting out of hatred for elected officials. In January 2011, U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot during a constituent meeting in Casas Adobes, Arizona. Six innocent people were killed that day. The assassin was Jared Lee Loughner, who had a longstanding grievance with Giffords. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
today, whether you’re a Democratic or Republican official, there’s a target on your back and there are an abundance of people out there who want to harm you.
emocrat or Republican, there are lots of people out there who want to harm you.
Some people think the solution to this madness is providing more security guards for certain officials. That easy fix would cost taxpayers billions of dollars, and is not the solution. Instead, the first step is to voice loud criticism of anyone who supports violence against any elected official. Shortly after the Minnesota slaughter of two innocents, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee baselessly suggested that their assassination was connected to the political left.
The second solution to this constant wave of horror is very much in the hands of the political establishment, starting with President Trump, who has escaped two attempts on his life. It is incumbent on him to set a new tone against violence by either side. While the nation might be split politically, a president who speaks out on this issue is doing all Americans a favor.
Aside from my worry for the people who currently serve the people, I am deeply concerned about the impact these attacks will have on potential candidates for public office. I think if I were interested in running for the first time, my family would be begging me to reconsider. If qualified people decide that being an elected official is too dangerous, the country, and our system of government, will be the losers.
Since that time there have been countless cases of violence against public officials. President Trump has been the target of two assassination attempts, and just two months ago, another deranged person attempted to kill Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro by setting fire to the governor’s mansion. Sadly,
“This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way,” Lee wrote on his personal X account with an image of suspected murderer Vance Boelter. In a follow-up tweet, he wrote “Nightmare on Waltz Street” in a misspelled reference to Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Waltz. Lee’s comments were met with a firestorm of complaints, but to date he has not retreated from his inflammatory remarks. If they go uncensored by the Senate leadership, America is the loser.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that this cycle of violence will end, but it won’t be without all Americans being a part of a new crusade.
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.
Jerry Kremer
Web: www.liherald.com
Summer is too deadly for teen drivers
Summer should be a time of freedom, fun and new experiences for young people. But for teenage and young-adult drivers, the warmest months of the year come with a chilling nickname: the 100 Deadliest Days.
HERALD
During this span, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike significantly. The reasons are numerous and well documented — but the solutions are equally clear and achievable, if families and communities act with urgency.
Between 2019 and 2023, 13,135 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving teen drivers. One more person per day died in those crashes during the summer than at any other time of the year, according to an American Automobile Association analysis of accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why is this time of year so deadly for young drivers?
The first and most obvious reason is increased time on the road. School is out, teens have more freedom, and that translates to more hours behind the wheel — many of them without adult supervision. This newfound autonomy can lead to increased exposure to risky situations, especially for drivers still learning the nuances of safe vehicle operation, who often create those situation.
Then there are the social factors. Summer is filled with gatherings, beach trips and late nights with friends. Often, teen drivers are not alone in the car, so
letterS
Suozzi gets it
To the Editor:
It was refreshing to see a Democrat, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, offering ideas about the concerns of everyday people in his op-ed last week, “Centrist Democrats need to listen, learn and lead.”
Suozzi wrote a column not once bashing President Trump.
He went one step further. He sent a letter to the president about working together to address border security, immigration reform and a path to legalization, and the release of a bagel manager from Port Washington who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Working with the president may not make Suozzi popular with his fellow Democrats, but the majority of the people approve of both parties cooperating. It’s what the people want, not about the power of the parties.
Recent developments involving Iran are more reasons why we should heal our divi -
each fatal crash involving a teen has the increased chance of claiming a number of lives. The distractions of conversation, music, phones and peer pressure can divert a driver’s attention at exactly the wrong moment. Reading and sending text messages, as well as watching and recording TikTok and Instagram videos, while driving are accidents waiting to happen, too.
Inexperience compounds the problem. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted, teen drivers are still developing the judgment and skills they need to respond to rapidly changing road conditions. They may fail to recognize hazards, misjudge distances or respond too late to hazardous situations. Add common behaviors such as speeding and driving under the influence, and it becomes clear why summer teen crash statistics rise so predictably.
Other risks are more situational, but just as serious: unfamiliar routes, fatigue from erratic summer sleep schedules, heat-related vehicle problems and heavy seasonal traffic. Each of those factors can test a teen’s ability to maintain control behind the wheel. What can, and should, parents do without unnecessarily limiting their children’s freedom? First, set clear rules about when, where and with whom they can drive. That includes enforcing curfews and limiting the number of passengers that can accompany them. Research has consistently shown that the presence of more than one teenager in a car increases the risk of a crash.
Second, lead by example. Teens
model the behavior they see. Parents should avoid using phones while driving, follow traffic laws and show that safe driving is a lifelong habit — not just the subject of a lecture.
Open, honest communication is also vital. Conversations about the dangers of drinking, drugs and distracted driving should be ongoing, not one-time talks. When teens understand the reallife consequences of risky driving, they’re more likely to make responsible choices.
Technology can help, too. Apps that provide driving feedback and location tracking — like those recommended by Family1st GPS — offer an added layer of safety and accountability. These tools aren’t about spying; they’re about creating a support system.
Emphasize safety basics: always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and keeping eyes on the road and off the phone.
The 100 Deadliest Days will continue to claim many more lives than they should until families, schools and communities step up. Public service campaigns, driver education refreshers and localized policies — like New York state’s Zero Tolerance law, which dramatically reduced the allowable blood alcohol content for drivers under age 21 — can make an impact.
This summer, let’s treat teen driving safety like the urgent public health issue it is — and make sure that the road to adulthood isn’t cut short by tragedy.
Israel’s strike on Iran wasn’t just self-defense
in a world clouded by confusion, moral relativism and media distortion, Israel just reminded us all what moral clarity looks like. When Israel launched a bold, decisive strike on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, it wasn’t just protecting itself — it was protecting the free world. For weeks, the media narrative tried to create a rift where there was none. Headlines spoke of division between Israel and the United States, between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump. But many of us saw through the noise. This wasn’t a fracture — it was four-dimensional chess when the rest of the world was playing checkers.
Israel’s message was clear: It will not sit idly by while the world’s largest state sponsor of terror builds weapons of mass destruction. And although America eventually got involved, too, Israel’s confidence to act came from the knowledge that, with the right leadership, the United States stands with her — not above her, not behind her, but beside her.
Under Trump, that bond was restored
tto historic strength. After years of Obama-era snubs and Biden-era appeasement, Trump re-centered U.S. foreign policy around moral clarity. He recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moved our embassy, defunded those who sponsor terror, and walked away from the disastrous Iran deal that emboldened radicals and endangered peace.
Contrast that with the Biden administration, which too often treated Israel as a problem to be managed rather than an ally to be honored. From equivocation on Hamas to mixed messages in the wake of the attacks of Oct. 7, Biden’s team seemed more interested in global optics than in the survival of the Jewish state. Israel noticed. So did Iran.
bollah, Hamas and the Houthis. And it reminded both friends and foes that Israel is not a passive target — it is a moral force backed by strength, intelligence and resolve.
he world is a safer place today because Israel — and the United States — took action.
When Israel struck Iran’s air bases, enrichment facilities and command posts two weeks ago, it didn’t ask for permission — and it didn’t need to. It acted as a sovereign democracy under siege, doing what every nation has the right — and the obligation — to do: defend its people and pre-empt a greater catastrophe.
Let’s be clear about what this strike accomplished. It weakened Iran’s nuclear program. It disrupted the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ infrastructure. It sent shockwaves through Hez-
Letters
sions. There are many external actors who would like to see our country torn apart. We shouldn’t make it so easy for them.
TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside
Enough of subminimum wages
To the Editor:
Organizations in New York can pay a person with a disability as little as 5 cents hour, and it is legal. This must end.
It’s time for the state to eliminate the subminimum wage and treat people with disabilities with the fairness they deserve. The State Senate has passed Bill S.28 to do just that, and now it’s time for the Assembly to act before their session ends.
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome, I’ve seen firsthand what people with differing abilities can accomplish
when given the chance. My son, John Cronin, co-founded a business with me, John’s Crazy Socks, and we have learned that hiring people with differing abilities isn’t charity; it’s good business. More than half of our employees have a disability. They work hard, produce extraordinary results, and earn the same wage as their colleagues.
The subminimum wage law, a relic of 1938, allows people with disabilities to be paid as little as 5 cents an hour. That’s not just outdated, it’s wrong. It tells people that their labor, and their lives, are worth less.
New York should lead the nation by ending this discriminatory practice. No more second-class workers. No exceptions. I urge the Assembly to pass S.28 and help build a more inclusive and just future for all.
MARk X. CRONIN
Cofounder and president, John’s Crazy Socks Farmingdale
Now, step back. Look at the world.
In our own cities — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago — we see mobs marching not for peace, but for Hamas. We see antisemitism masquerading as activism, with chants of “Intifada!” echoing across college campuses. Our police officers are attacked in the name of “justice.” Biological reality is erased in the name of “equity.” Parental rights are trampled. Free speech is punished. Truth is exchanged for ideology.
What’s happening in Israel is a microcosm of what’s happening across the globe: a war between order and chaos, good and evil, light and darkness. And Israel just struck a powerful blow for good.
Those celebrating the regime in Tehran ought to remember that the Iranian people themselves have been its greatest victims. For nearly half a century they’ve suffered under clerics who rule through fear, censorship, torture and war. Perhaps this moment will accelerate the day when the people of Iran reclaim their history, dignity and freedom.
In the Middle East, nations like Saudi Arabia are watching closely — and many are quietly relieved. The Sunni Arab world has no interest in a nucleararmed Shiite theocracy destabilizing the region. Israel’s actions have made peace more plausible, not less. The Abraham Accords were only the beginning. There is more to come if courage prevails over cowardice.
I believe we are living in biblical times. We are watching prophecy and politics collide. And we must decide what side we are on.
I stand with Israel. I stand with America’s traditional values — faith, family, freedom. I stand with the parents fighting for their children, the citizens demanding security and the nations defending their existence.
To those who think this was just another strike, another regional flareup: wake up. This was a turning point. It was the moment the free world, through Israel’s hand, reminded evil that it does not get the final say.
To those marching in our streets, waving the flags of terror, threatening Jews and spitting on American ideals, I say this: your moral compass is broken. You are on the wrong side of history, and you will lose.
The world is safer today because Israel and the United States acted.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
Ari Brown
FrAmework by Tim Baker
Dancing at Juneteenth Freedom Day — Uniondale High School
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
