Brian Norman/Herald
The Atlantic Beach Board of Zoning Appeals approved of the use of the lots at 1871 and 1891 Park St. by the Shores Beach Club until Sept. 7.
Atlantic Beach zoning board OKs Shores Club’s summer parking
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The Atlantic Beach Board of Zoning Appeals has approved the use of two parking lots, at 1871 and 1891 Park St. in the village, for the Shores Beach Club for the remainder of the summer season.
The club received a notice of violation on March 17, ordering it to stop using the lots without a permit. The club’s owner, Howard Taub, was instructed to apply to the zoning board for for a special exception.
Gregory Kalnitsky, an attorney who represented the Shores at a public hearing on June 25, said the beach club had been using the parking lots since the 1950s, and didn’t apply for an official use permit until 2002,
when the village took over zoning authority from the Town of Hempstead.
Kalnitsky added that when the village assumed that authority, something got “lost in the mix,” and said Taub was unaware that he needed to renew a seasonal permit every five years when he purchased the club property and the parking lots in 2014.
“The short of it is that these properties before the board today were used as commercial parking lots for about 75 years,”
Kalnitsky said. “It is important that the board know that the current owners of the beach club were entirely unaware of any temporary approvals for their parking lots when they purchased the property in 2014, or they would have made the appropriate
New life for transit-oriented 5-Towns plan
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
State Supreme Court Judge Conrad Singer ruled earlier this month that the Town of Hempstead’s repeal of a proposed transit-oriented development plan in Inwood and North Lawrence is invalid.
Singer determined that the town failed to comply with state law when it did not seek approval from the Nassau County Planning Commission before rescinding the plan.
The Town Board had unanimously voted to repeal the plan on Nov. 19, responding to community opposition.
The proposed development, introduced in 2019 by then Town Supervisor Bruce Blakeman, who is now Nassau County executive, would rezone 11.7 acres near the Inwood and Lawrence Long Island Rail Road stations to allow for high-density residential development.
The proposal, “Transit-Oriented Development District for North Lawrence and Inwood,” stated: “Having transit-oriented development within walking distance of the Lawrence and Inwood LIRR train stations, with appropriate design elements, will
achieve multiple goals: encourage walking and bicycling; increase transit ridership; emphasize mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development; reduce potential automobile dependency associated with new land uses by locating multiple destinations within close proximity; and support a larger commercial tax base for North Lawrence and Inwood.”
Less than two years later, Heatherwood Communities LLC, a developer based in Commack, proposed a five-story, mixed-use building with more than 300 residential units, and garage parking for more than 400 vehicles, to be built on Wanser and Bayview avenues in Inwood. Progress was delayed by a town moratorium in 2022, which remained in effect until last June.
Now, following Singer’s June 11 ruling, Heatherwood plans to move forward with the $154 million project. The company filed its application in 2022.
“Although we’re disappointed that the situation required us to take legal action,” Heatherwood attorney Dan Shapiro said, “we’re pleased that our development rights have been restored by the court and we
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.
Altabe ends career where his journey began
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Richard Altabe began his educational career with the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach in 1965 as a kindergarten student and is now retiring after a 37-year career in education and nearly a decade of serving as HALB’s lower school principal.
“My parents were from an unaffiliated Jewish family and chose HALB because it was close in the neighborhood,” said Altabe, who lives in Far Rockaway and grew up in Long Beach said. “They also wanted to accelerate me because I was big for my age after being cut-off by the Long Beach schools due to my birthday.”
Altabe said that he took to HALB like a “fish in water” and “felt right in.” He attributes his religious growth to his time as a student.
“It enabled me into a place where I can grow and into who I eventually became, I always had a tremendous amount of thanks and appreciation for the times I had at HALB and what it meant to me,” Altabe said. “To be able to come back at the end of my career to finish where I started was really a blessing.”
He joined HALB in 2016 when they were looking for a lower school principal and having known the staff and families he felt it was the perfect match.
Head of School Rabbi Adam England-
er worked closely with Altabe for seven years and described him as “an incredibly wise person” who has decades of experience.
“He’s able to piece together so much of his life and learning’s and bring it into his everyday experience to help each and every child,” Englander said.
Englander expressed that Altabe has a “love and passion” for Jewish children and Jewish education.
“He’s known best for his strong belief in the potential in every child especially those that struggle the most,” Englander added. “He is known as a real advocate and believer in the underdog. If there’s anyone who’s going to try their hardest to make the school work for each individual kid and do whatever needs to be done, it would be him.”
Englander will miss how Altabe would lead the students every morning in the Pledge of Allegiance and Hatikvah (Israel’s national anthem) in the gym.
“He’s a real jack-of-all-trades when it comes to things and that’s one of the many reasons we will miss him,” Englander said. “He inspired hundreds of children each day with starting off their day right and it’s a very beautiful and emotional thing I’ll certainly always remember.”
Former HALB President Nathaniel Rogoff said that Altabe was instrumental in creating the school’s ICT (Integrated Co-teaching) program.
The ICT program integrates students who have special needs with the mainstream kids and helps them stay on track with the lessons.
“He is the most caring person you will
Altabe’s educational career:
• Erasmus Hall High School
• Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School
• Touro College
• Yeshiva Darchei Torah
• Coalition of Jewish Day Schools
• Magen David Yeshivah
• Yeshiva Shaare Torah Boys High School
• Hebrew Academy of Long Beach
— Sourced from Richard Altabe
every meet, he cares so deeply about each and every student,” Rogoff said. “He is a pleasure to work with, a true friend and the entire school owes him a debt of gratitude.”
Rogoff said that he is “the heart of the school” and that he will be deeply missed by the HALB community.
“When you give your heart to a place, it is very easy to see,” he said. “His is so out there, it’s hard to not love him.”
When Altabe looked back on his 37-year education career, he said that he will miss the children the most.
“I have formed an incredible relationship with the children, I love them and they love me,” Altabe said. “I will miss them the most.”
Hochul pushes cell phone ban in New York schools
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Solidifying plans to implement the state’s from arrival to dismissal school cell phone ban, Gov. Kathy Hochul met with school leaders from Nassau and Rockland counties and New York City on Long Island last week.
The new distraction-free policy that was part of the latest state budget goes into effect on Aug. 1. The law restricts cell phones on K- 12 schools across New York.
Hochul said she is a firm believer that the policy will help children become more engaged and, ultimately, high-functioning adults.
“I believe that as a result of this cell phone ban, we will have young people who are finally liberated from the addictive qualities of social media and the cell phone they never seem able to put down,” Hochul said at the office of the Hicksville school district on June 24. “Across the country, 74 percent of teachers have said it is impossible to teach and connect with our young people anymore because they’re competing with TikTok dance videos, and that kids aren’t learning the way they used to.”
Hicksville Superintendent Theodore Fulton said the district has had two meetings about the policy and has dis-
tributed surveys to district stakeholders such as parents, staff, administrators and Board of Education members. He added the district would have carve-outs in the policy for students who may need their phones for medical
conditions or if they are caretakers for siblings.
Fulton assured parents there would be ways for them to remain in contact with their children during the school day.
“Anytime you have a new initiative, parents feel a strong need to stay in constant contact with their children, which we understand,” Fulton said. “Part of the legislation is that we will carve out specifically how parents can contact their children during the school day. A child can make a phone call to a parent, or the parent can contact a child through the main office. Students, especially on the secondary level, have district-issued email addresses. We can open that up so children can email their parents.”
Local districts have also begun formulating a plan to implement the new legislation.
Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education President Debbi Sheinin said the district will be making a team of stakeholders in the district to create a plan best for the entire community.
“Under the leadership of our new superintendent, Dr. Anzalone, the district will be forming a team of stakeholders to thoughtfully develop a plan for implementing the new cell phone legislation,” Sheinin wrote in a statement to the Herald. “This group will bring together voices from a range of perspectives to ensure that the approach reflects the needs of our entire school community. The work will begin over the summer as we prepare for the 2025-26 school year.”
Courtesy Richard Altabe
Hebrew Academy of Long Beach’s Lower Principal Richard Altabe retires after 37 years in education.
Brian Norman/Herald
Gov. Kathy Hochul visited the Hicksville school district on June 24 to talk about their plan to implement the distraction-free schools policy.
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Scientific studies show that we have a “set point” that determines our happiness in life. Once we get accustomed to a new situation we inevitably return to our general state of happiness. However, only about 50% of our happiness is determined by “set point.” The other half is determined by our attitudes and actions, over which we have a great deal of control. According to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, and affirmed by the Dalai Lama, “the three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.
“The Archbishop says that “ultimately our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others… we are wired to be caring for the other and generous to one another.” He refers to the African concept of Ubuntu “ A person is a person through other persons.
“The goal is not just to create joy for
ourselves but, as the Archbishop phrased it “To be a reservoir of joy, an oasis of peace, a pool of serenity that can ripple out to all those around you.” Joy, love, compassion and generosity are all contagious.
Concerning forgiveness, while it may be necessary to counter wrong action, you may choose not to develop anger and hatred towards the actor — not losing sight of the humanity of the person.
Forgiveness frees us from the past. Without it, we remain tethered to the person who harmed us. Until we can forgive them, they hold the keys to our happiness and remain our jailor, Tutu explains. When we forgive, we take back control of our own fate and feelings, we become our own liberator. Studies show that remembering grudges stimulates all of our stress responses while empathizing with our offenders and imagining forgiving them returns the stress responses to normal. Forgiveness, then, is essential to our own health and well-being.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
Crime watCh
Hewlett man among 13 arrested in drug ring
Federal law enforcement agencies have charged and arrested 13 people in connection with a New York City-based drug trafficking ring that shipped narcotics from California to communities across New York State.
Broslloyd Campbell, 42 from Hewlett is one of the 13 in connection with the drug trafficking ring.
Law enforcement officers from the New York State Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted searches at 24 locations in New York and New Jersey, on June 12. The operation also included arrests in Georgia and Pennsylvania, demonstrating the farreaching scope of this criminal network that had established distribution points across multiple states.
The coordinated raids began at dawn, with teams of federal agents and state troopers executing search warrants simultaneously to prevent suspects from destroying evidence or fleeing. Local police departments in affected communities provided additional support during the operation.
The searches resulted in the seizure of almost 250 kilos of cocaine, fentanyl pills, other drugs and paraphernalia, a firearm, and more than $1 million in cash. Investigators also discovered sophisticated packaging equipment, encrypted communication devices, and detailed financial records that revealed the extensive nature of the organization’s operations.
The operation followed an 18-month investigation during which law enforcement seized more than 240 kilos of cocaine, 185 pounds of methamphetamine, and almost 700 pounds of marijuana. This lengthy investigation involved undercover operations, surveillance activities, and coordination between mul-
tiple federal and state agencies working together to dismantle the criminal enterprise.
Investigators utilized wiretaps, financial analysis, and controlled purchases to build their case against the organization’s leadership and key distributors.
According to authorities, the trafficking network moved drugs from California to sell in communities within the Capital Region, North Country, Central New York, Western New York, and New York City.
The organization allegedly used a complex supply chain involving multiple courier services, stash houses, and streetlevel dealers to distribute narcotics throughout the targeted regions. Prosecutors say the network generated millions of dollars in illegal profits over several years of operation.
Nearly all defendants face charges carrying a minimum term of 10 years and up to life in prison. Final sentences will be determined by a judge based on specific statutes, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The charges include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering, and firearms violations. Several defendants are also facing additional charges related to operating a continuing criminal enterprise.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone described the operation as targeting “a sophisticated, New York City-based drug trafficking organization that was pumping poison into our Upstate New York communities.”
The announcement was made jointly by U.S. Attorney Sarcone, DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig A. Tremaroli, and NYSP Superintendent Steven G. James.
— Melissa Berman
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Courtesy Marilyn Trussel Lawrence native, Jerry Trussel who will be 100 on July 5 celebrated with a birthday party surrounded by family and friends at Alias Smith & Jones in Oceanside, on June 29.
Lawrence native celebrates 100th birthday with family
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Lawrence native Jerald Trussel celebrated his centennial birthday surrounded by family and friends at a big bash Alias Smith & Jones in Oceanside, on June 29 just six days before his birthday, on July 5.
Trussel is one of five children with two older brothers, Howard and Stanley and an older sister, Dorothy. His younger sister, Helene and him are the only two siblings left.
He was born in a birthing house on Central Avenue just 20 minutes after the Fourth of July. Trussel was part of the first classes that attended the then new Lawrence High School on Broadway built in 1936. He played the saxophone in the school band.
“The school made an announcement that they were having a concert for the parents in the brand new auditorium and I was so excited to play,” Trussel said.
At the concert, composer Irving Berlin was a surprise guest and he conducted the band in “God Bless America” while also singing.
“I also had a solo on my saxophone and he conducted it and sang but he had a pretty weak voice because he was old at that time,” Trussel added.
An avid fisherman, he would put braces on different types of fish and sea creatures in his orthodontist practice in East Rockaway.
“Growing up I would fish where the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club is and catch flounders and my mother would cook it for me,” Trussel said.
He met his second wife, Marilyn when she applied to work for him at the
front desk.
“There were three girls and we were called ‘Jerry’s Angels’ and it was really cute with all his fish and sharks that had braces on them on the wall,” Marilyn Trussel said. “He was a very good orthodontist and he was a kind man.”
She expressed that “everyone loved him” and that he was a “character and a colorful man” throughout his life.
“We did a lot of traveling, when we were in Greece he ran up the steps like he was “Rocky”, he thought it was funny and he is,” she added. “He always makes people laugh and it’s really cute. He did everything himself and never asked for help.”
His youngest sister, Helene Eisenberg, 91, shared that her brother has a “marvelous sense of humor” and that “he could do no wrong” in her eyes.
“We’re very thrilled to be here, I adore my brother I love him and I look up to him, I always did,” Eisenberg said. “Jerry is very sharp, you could talk to him about anything.”
Even though they do not live near each other, Helene and her brother talk on the phone everyday for hours and discuss anything from tennis to current events.
“He’s very up-to-date with everything and we love him for it,” she said. “He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet, he’s always doing something for somebody in a favorable way.”
Eisenberg said that he “loved everybody” and “loved life” to the fullest.
“Everybody loved him, there’s a magnetism to Jerry all the kids love him and he loves them,” Eisenberg said. “I am so proud of him and I’m lucky to have him in my life.”
HERALD SPORTS
A salute to 2024-25 sports champions
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
It was a banner season for many high school athletic programs in the Herald’s coverage area. Listed are the Top 20 team accomplishments, in chronological order.
1. Oceanside girls soccer
With one overtime in the books and penalty kicks looming in the Nov. 4 Nassau Class AAA girls’ soccer championship game, Oceanside’s Kaylin Harrington had one thing in mind when she settled a pass from Chloe Polito about 20 yards from the Massapequa net. “My first instinct was to shoot,” Harrington said. “I knew we were getting close to PKs and I had a little space, so I just shot it.” It turned out to be the shot heard ‘round Oceanside. Harrington’s goal 5:35 into the second 15-minute sudden victory OT period gave the Sailors a 2-1 win over the three-time defending champion Chiefs and their first county title since 1978.
2. Wantagh girls soccer
Wantagh entered the Nassau Class A girls’ soccer playoffs riding a five-game winning streak and bursting with confidence. And on Nov. 7, the Warriors made history by capturing their firstever county championship with a 1-0 victory over top-seeded North Shore, which defeated them twice during the regular season.Kayla Mannix continued a storybook postseason by netting the lone goal of the night in the 65th minute off a feed from Shannon Udell. Goalkeeper Gabriella Astaiza, who missed a large portion of the season with an injury, made five saves to shut out a talented Vikings team that scored six goals against Wantagh in two previous meetings.
3. Mepham girls volleyball
Mepham’s girls’ volleyball made history Nov. 11. It took four sets for the Pirates to secure the Nassau Class AA championship in a revenge-match rematch of last year’s county title game against Long Beach, winning 25-21, 17-25, 25-17, 25-20. “They just came together and played incredibly, supporting each other, never got down, had the momentum most of the game; blocking was outrageous, serve receive was best I’ve seen all year,” Mepham coach Tom Wildeman said. Captains Sam Raikos (18 kills and 10 digs) and Makayla Daube (19 assists and 6 kills) led the way for the Pirates, who captured their first-ever county crown.
4. South Side girls volleyball
Wantagh entered the Nassau Class A girls’ volleyball championship stage rid-
ing a 10-match win streak dating back to an Oct. 7 five-set victory over South Side, which captured its first seven matches and eight more since. So something had to give with the county title on the line Nov. 11 as the top two seeds went to battle before a jam-packed crowd at East Meadow. However, the matchup didn’t live up to the hype and unlike both regular-season meetings failed to go the full five sets. Cate Cammalleri (18 kills) and Abby Magness (13) and Amy Berenbroick (37 assists) led No. 1 South Side to a convincing 25-18, 25-19, 25-10 victory over No. 2 Wantagh. It marked the Cyclones’ first county crown since 2019.
5. Massapequa boys volleyball
Coach Elissa DiSalvo didn’t exactly have a royal flush in-hand with the Massapequa boys’ volleyball roster this year: a good chunk of the 2023 team graduated, multiple positions needed to be changed and the influx of new players meant they had to be brought up to speed. It was only a matter of time before the Chiefs starting jelling together, with practices or games Monday-Saturday, followed by Sunday brunches. It was all by design, because DiSalvo knew that chemistry would be make or break. It all paid off Nov. 12 when Massapequa defeated pesky East Meadow in four sets to capture the Nassau County Division I title.
6. Carey football
There was nothing fake about Carey’s dominant run to the Nassau Conference II football championship. Well, actually, there was. Deadlocked with Mepham early in the second half of the Nov. 22 title game, the Seahawks pulled a fake punt on fourth-and-6 from their own 47 that saw Billy Koutsoumbaris gain 29 yards. Five plays later, Justin DePietro scored his second of three touchdowns and Carey eventually pulled away for a 28-7 victory and its first county championship since 2014. The Seahawks went on to complete a perfect 12-0 season with a victory over Half Hollow Hills East in the LIC.
7. Wantagh football
A 13-yard run from Dylan Martini on the first play from scrimmage was a precursor for Wantagh’s explosive ground game in the Nassau County Conference IV football championship Nov. 22. Led by 232 yards rushing from Martini and 108 by John Gendels, the Warriors rolled to a 48-21 win over Plainedge for the program’s first county crown since the spring of 2021. The convincing victory also avenged the only regular season loss for Wantagh, which dropped a 33-27 overtime thriller to the Red Devils Oct. 10.
8. Massapequa football
Tyler Villalta called it a “just in case” play, one practiced about three times a week for three weeks but never used in a game. And fourth down in overtime of the Nassau Conference I football championship game with the season on the line proved to be the best time to debut that for Massapequa. The call came from Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Mike Ambury, and Villalta, the star running back, put it into motion. Operating out of a Wildcat set, which debuted in the semifinals against Oceanside last week, Villalta rolled left and connected with quarterback-turned-wide receiver Joey Diesso for a 17-yard touchdown. Chris Bascetta kicked the extra point to seal Massapequa’s thrilling 35-34 win over Farmingdale Nov. 23. The Chiefs went on to beat William Floyd for the L.I. crown.
9. Wantagh girls basketball
Trailing Lynbrook by a point in the waning moments of the Nassau Class A girls’ basketball championship game March 10, Wantagh’s designed play off a
timeout resulted in a good look but no basket. But in one fell swoop, Kayla Mannix not only saved the ball from landing out of bounds but found Riley Forthofer open in the paint. Forthofer banked in a layup with 7.7 seconds remaining to give Wantagh a thrilling 44-43 victory over top-seeded Lynbrook. Juliana Cerasi had 12 points and freshmen Isabelle Ferraro (10) and Makayla McNeil combined for 19 as second-seeded Wantagh avenged a pair of regularseason defeats to the Owls and captured its first county title since the 2005-06 campaign.
10. Baldwin boys basketball
On the heels of winning a fifth straight Nassau County boys’ basketball title, as the No. 5 seed in the tournament no loess, Baldwin was determined to end a two-game drought in the Long Island championship stage. The Bruins did just that March 11 against a familiar foe.
Mical Saint Jean scored a career-high 19 points, point guard Ethan Sainsbury
Media Origin Inc./Herald
Christian Todaro, left, and the Carey Seahawks had an undefeated football season.
Local teams enjoy historic title seasons
Continued FRoM PReViouS Page
added a career-high 17 and dished out 10 assists, Chase Timberlake chipped in 12 with 8 steals, Vaughdrea Johnson had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Gabe Phillips ripped down 16 boards as Baldwin never trailed in its 75-56 victory over Amityville in the AA LIC.
11. Baldwin girls basketball
The ultimate goal of Baldwin’s girls’ basketball team was made clear on the opening day of practice Nov. 17 and that was to win the final game of the season. On the morning of March 23 at Hudson Valley Community College in upstate Troy, the Bruins turned a dream into reality with a thrilling 50-48 roller coaster victory over Aquinas Institute for the New York State Class AA title. Monique Echols scored the game’s final five points, including the go-ahead layup off a bounce pass from Payton Dulin with 1:35 remaining. It was Baldwin’s first state championship in seven years and third all-time.
12. Massapequa girls lacrosse
Paige Garguilo scored twice in the fourth quarter and came up with a critical interception to help topseeded Massapequa defeat No. 2 Port Washington, 11-9, and capture a fifth straight girls’ lacrosse county title May 27. Garguilo, who scored five times, wasn’t the only clutch player for the Chiefs. In the waning seconds of the third quarter, Port Washington’s Catherine Karman beat the buzzer with a low shot on frame. But Massapequa goalie Emily Fitzgerald made the massive save, one of seven for the freshman. Isabella Grosso had a hat trick. Also playing a pivotal role was Reilly Cereghino, who held Violet Ortenzi, who scored 35 goals heading into the final, without a goal.
13.
Plainedge flag football
For a second straight season, the Plainedge and East Rockaway girls’ flag football teams met with a Nassau County title on the line. And it was Plainedge
repeating last year’s championship accomplishment in rainy conditions May 28 as quarterback Gianna Ponticello and receiver Amanda Martone hooked up for a touchdown in each half and the defense stood tall to lead the Red Devils over the Rocks, 12-0, in the Conference C final. Kate Franks (nine flag pulls), Sarah Abdul-Rassoul (eight) and Jennifer Larwood were relentless on defense, and Rebecca Reiter sealed the deal with an interception.
14. South Side girls lacrosse
After heartbreaking semifinal playoff defeats in each of the past three seasons including two by one goal, South Side’s girls’ lacrosse team wasn’t satisfied with just reaching the championship stage this spring.
The top-seeded Cyclones made the most of their opportunity and also program history in a driving rainstorm May 28, knocking off defending Nassau Class C champion Wantagh, 14-8, for their first-ever county title. Bobbie Creo exploded for five goals, Charlotte Rathjen had three goals and two assists, Sienna Connolly had three goals and Skye Korten added a pair to back the goaltending of Tara Cody.
15. Massapequa boys lacrosse
The flame was ignited for Michael Jannotte two years ago following a loss to Port Washington in the Nassau Class A boys’ lacrosse semifinals.
It was a slow burn for the Massapequa goalie. And on May 31, on the same field, the senior got his revenge, helping lead the top-seeded Chiefs to a 9-7 win over Port Washington in the Nassau Class A final. The Stevens Tech commit, who made 14 saves in a 9-7 semifinal win over Syosset, remained hot in the county final. He made five of his eight saves in the fourth quarter to help secure the Chiefs’ 12th county championship and first since 2019. Nolan Wieczorek had two goals and one assist, eighth-grader Jake Byrnes had a pair of goals, Braden Tucker and Sean Durnin had a goal and an assist each.
16. Wantagh baseball
Wantagh pitcher Dominick Cusamano entered the June 1 winner-take-all Nassau Class A baseball finals Game 3 against Seaford determined to not have it be the last time he would take the mound in his high school career. Cusamano, following strong performances from teammates Christian Danzilo and Gavin Diegnan, delivered under the brought lights tossing 6 1/3 innings with five strikeouts to propel top-seeded Wantagh to a 6-1 win for its first county title since 2018. The bats gave Cusamano all the run support he needed in the second inning starting with Frank McNally drawing a bases loaded walk that scored Ryan Tullo. The Warriors extended the lead when Cole Spinelli and Michael Avitabile scored on an error from a hard grounder off the bat of Cusumano.
17. Massapequa baseball
After a heartbreaking loss to start its best-of-three Nassau Class AAA championship baseball series with Farmingdale, Massapequa went on to dominate the final two games and re-claim bragging rights between the crosstown rivals. Jack Scannapieco tossed five scoreless innings and Mikey Smar had a clutch five RBIs in three at-bats with the bases loaded as the second-seeded Chiefs knocked the top-seeded Dalers off their throne with a winner-take-all 12-0 triumph June 1. Massapequa went on to defeat Connetquot for the L.I. crown, 7-0, a week later behind the battery of
Derrick Dingle/Herald photos glen Cove’s battery mates, pitcher Brianna Simmons, left, and catcher isabella damiano, embraced after the softball team’s first title in 40 years.
senior southpaw pitcher Thomas Harding and junior catcher Anthony DiNello.
18. Glen Cove softball
With its season hanging in the balance, trailing MacArthur by one run through six innings of the decisive third game of the Nassau Class AA softball championship series June 2, Glen Cove produced a rally for the history books. The Big Red scored twice in the top of the seventh and pitcher Brooke Simmons stranded the potential tying run on third base in the bottom of the frame for a 2-1 victory and the program’s first county title in 40 years. Siena Scagliola doubled home Mia Lupinski with the eventual championship-winning run. Lupinski singled home Sommons with the tying run.
19. Wantagh boys lacrosse
The Wantagh boys’ lacrosse team made the spectacular look routine. For a second consecutive championship game, the Warriors rallied from a significant deficit to earn a dramatic win, coming back from five goals down to defeat Kings Park 16-15 in the Long Island Class C final June 4. Wantagh, which erased a four-goal deficit in an 11-10 overtime win over South Side in the county final May 31 on a Luke Martini goal, saw Devin Paccione, Dylan Martini, Carter Loughman and Joe Nicholson star in the LIC.
20. Massapequa softball
The Long Island Class AAA softball championship between Massapequa and Riverhead June 6 did not disappoint. There was no shortage of excellent pitching, clutch defensive plays, and some timely hitting with the title on the line. In a game that went to extra innings, Massapequa put together a couple of two-out hits in the bottom of the eighth, and with the winning run at third base in the form of Sienna Perino, who tripled, Annalisa Kohn slapped a base hit to walk it off, giving the Chiefs a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Wantagh’s girls’ basketball team won a thrilling nassau Class a title game over Lynbrook with a basket in the closing seconds.
Residents may soon be able to go from their apartments to trains in
Created by ChatGPT
and Lawrence without getting in their cars.
Some residents fear a traffic nightmare with development
very much look forward to working with the town to find a resolution that works for all parties.”
Singer ordered the town to begin its review process of the project. In response, the Town Board has appointed a design review committee to comply with the court’s directive.
“We are reviewing the court’s decision and will act accordingly,” Town Attorney John L. Maccarone said in a statement.
LIRR officials have said they believe this is a smart plan for all involved, and look forward to new customers on the Inwood and Lawrence trains.
“Transit-oriented development is a smart bet for all involved,” LIRR President Rob Free wrote in a statement. “It connects customers to LIRR’s record-breaking reliable service to the east and west sides of Manhattan and all the way to Montauk, while promoting sustainable growth and addressing local housing needs. We look forward to welcoming the future residents of these new apartments aboard.”
Paris Popack, a former president of the Lawrence Civic Association and a former deputy mayor of Lawrence, has been at the forefront of the opposition to the development, and attended every public hearing on the matter.
“After personally investing vast sums of time, effort and resources along with help from many others,” Popack wrote in an email, “I could not fathom how a technical glitch could
allow uncaring purely financially motivated developers to jeopardize the health and safety of us all when the Town Board had wisely agreed not to allow it.”
She questioned how a “mistake could have been made” that caused a reversal of a finalized decision that protected the interests of residents of Inwood, North Lawrence and surrounding communities.
“This decision will affect the community for all the reasons that have been discussed over the years,” Popack wrote, “and which the TOH board ultimately acknowledged when it rescinded the TOD zoning. Imagine 1,000s of additional cars, vans and trucks clogging our area daily even more and putting our lives a risk. The Town Board agrees with all issues except for their one technical misstep.”
Popack is urging the town to “do the right thing,” and said she believed the board has the power to fix this situation. She is hoping for a new vote and a fresh resolution.
“The Town should reintroduce the resolution with proper procedural compliance with a fresh vote to rescind the TOD Zoning changes made 5 years ago,” Popack wrote.
She called on residents to attend Tuesday’s town meeting, which was scheduled to take place as the Herald went to press.
Have an opinion on transit-oriented development? Send a letter to mberman@liherald.com.
Inwood
neighbors
Hewlett-Woodmere seniors celebrate graduation
The Hewlett High School class of 2025 officially graduated, on June 26.
Graduation was held at the Tilles Center where family, friends and faculty celebrated the exiting seniors.
The ceremony included speeches from outgoing Superintendent Ralph Marino, Principal Alexandra Greenberg, Valedictorian Ava Morgan and Salutatorian Rachel Chen.
Along with a performance from the Senior Chorale with “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles and “Thank you for the Music” by ABBA.
The graduation ended with the seniors turning the tassel on their caps and throwing them in the air in celebration.
Some students decorated their caps for the college they will be attending in the fall, or a saying that helped motivate them during their time at HHS.
— Melissa Berman
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
The Senior Chorale performs “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles and “Thank you for the Music” by ABBA at Hewlett High School’s graduation.
Salutatorian Rachel Chen was all smiles as she gives her speech to the class of 2025.
Principal Alexandra Greenberg addressed the graduates for the last time.
Salutatorian Rachel Chen, left and Valedictorian Ava Morgan received awards and scholarships from Principal Alexandra Greenberg, right, on June 26.
Valedictorian Ava Morgan gives a speech to her fellow classmates at the Tilles Center.
HERALD neighbors
Hats off to LHS class of 2025
The Lawrence High School class of 2025 officially graduated, on June 30.
Graduation was held at the Tilles Center where family, friends and faculty gathered for the occasion.
The ceremony included speeches from Honor Speaker Roberto Mendoza, Salutatorian Aaliyah Ojikutu, Valedictorian Danielle Domanas, Principal Jennifer Lagnado-Papp and Superintendent Ann Pedersen.
There was also a musical performance from the choir with “For Good” from Wicked.
11 students received departmental awards from the school during the ceremony.
At the end, the seniors turned the tassel on their cap and threw them in the air in celebration of officially graduating.
Students celebrated with their fellow classmates for moving onto the next chapter in their education.
— Melissa Berman
Tim Baker/Herald photos
The Lawrence High School class of 2025 threw their caps in the air to celebrate graduating.
Seniors from the choir performed “For Good” from Wicked during a musical interlude.
Superintendent Ann Pedersen addressed everyone at graduation.
Valedictorian Danielle Domanas, left, Salutatorian Aaliyah Ojikutu and Honor Speaker Roberto Mendoza sit together before speaking to their fellow graduates, on June 30.
Principal Jennifer Lagnado-Papp speaks to the crowd and graduating class, at the Tilles Center.
Air Force medic, Marine leader bond over service
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Syd Mandelbaum and Marianela Lizana Plaza are both members of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst American Legion Post 339. Plaza is the current commander taking over from Mandelbaum.
The two military veterans may have served in different branches and at different time periods, but their bond is strong and they both give back to their veteran community.
Mandelbaum, a Cedarhurst resident, served in the Air Force as a medic for six years during the Vietnam War.
“I enlisted in November 1969, I had wanted to serve my country, my parents as Holocaust survivors came here and I felt an obligation to serve the United States for taking them in,” Mandelbaum said. “I was very pro the war in Vietnam and I dropped out of college to enlist.”
Once enlisted, he attended basic training in San Antonio, Texas and fought antisemitsim from his drill instructor and a southern soldier.
“I hit the soldier in the face and when I was called into my drill instructor’s office, I thought I was going to get kicked out of the Air Force,” he said. “He had second thoughts about what he said and I was promoted to Assistant Flight Instructor.”
He went from basic training to medic school in Wichita Falls, Texas at Sheppard Air Force Base.
He returned to New York and signed a contract with the 35th medical squadron as a medic working one weekend per month at St. Alban’s Hospital, in Queens for three years. Mandelbaum spent another three years on Governors Island being in charge of immunizations.
“If people from the other branches were going overseas, I had to make sure they were getting the right shots to be
immunized for the country they were going to,” Mandelbaum said. “It was good work, I enjoyed doing it.”
After his six years, Mandelbaum came out as a staff sergeant and had taken advanced medical courses to attain seven level (the highest level) of education.
Plaza, a Valley Stream resident, served in the Marines for four years after the attacks on the World Trade Center on
Sept. 11, 2001.
“I enlisted in April 2002, I had wanted to join the military in high school but my guidance counselor talked me out of it,” Plaza said. “After September 11, that feeling had come back and I decided I wasn’t getting any younger.”
She went to boot camp on June 10, 2002 at Parris Island, South Carolina and graduated on Sept. 20, of the same year. She then went to Marine combat training.
“My best 21 days, you got to learn to shoot every single firearms, throw grenades, missile launchers, AKA47, everything,” she said.
Plaza was a logistics specialist and then moved to the training office and was in charge of training 870 Marines.
“I made sure all my marines had all their qualifications for everything, because that’s how we get promoted,” Plaza said.
She also developed a database for keeping track of her Marines scores for physical fitness tests that remains in use today. Plaza received the Navy Marine Corp Achievement Medal, which is a personal medal for that use of computer software.
Plaza left the Marine Corp in June 2006 and was able to finish college due to the GI Bill.
“I loved being a Marine, mentally it was tough, physically it was tougher,” Plaza said. “I just loved knowing that no matter what you put in front of me, I could do it.”
JCC honors volunteers, installs new board leaders
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
A new board of directors was installed, two volunteers were recognized volunteers for their commitment to the community and future goals were highlighted at the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC’s annual meeting.
Dozens of Five Towns residents gather at Temple Israel in Lawrence to hear updates from the organization and celebrate newly elected officials on June 24..
Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock was in attendance and recognized members of the audience for their hard work throughout the year, before officially installing the new members of the board.
“When you think about it, helping others is more difficult than helping yourself,” Weinstock said. “It takes time, it takes money, sometimes it takes both, but in the end of it all, you have a reward that no one else can have because of the service that you have done for others and for the good you have created.”
JCC President David Kaye, said that his top priority for the organization is to secure the new community center facility.
“I will be working, with the board’s help, with the executive director and
with Howard (Kopel) and the county to try and get the security that we need to get this community center,” Kaye said. “In addition to that I would say there is a bunch of things we are try -
ing to accomplish. We’re bringing the Israel Chesed Center to this facility, so what you see on Peninsula [Boulevard] will be brought here, which we think will be great for our organiza -
tion.”
This year the organization recognized two volunteers with the Mark Dubin Chesed Award for Volunteer Excellence.
Dubin, who died in April of last year, was a dedicated volunteer. He consistently donated food to the organization’s food pantry, as well as other food pantries in the Five Towns.
Joette Blaustein and Cindy Rosen received the Dubin award for their volunteer work at the Mark Ramer Community Chesed Center, which is a community resource fully stocked with clothing, shoes, baby items, household items and toys.
Laurie Brofsky, the volunteer service manager, recognized Blaustein and Rosen for their constant effort to keep the Chesed Center running smoothly.
“As we celebrate here tonight, we remember, sadly, one special volunteer who unfortunately isn’t here with us and the tireless efforts of this man to address food insecurity in our community which is why the JCC created an award on his behalf,” Brofsky said. “These two women organize- and reorganize- the stock that keeps coming. They coordinate and schedule both the clients who come to the shop and volunteers who personally assist those clients.”
Courtesy Syd Mandelbaum and Marianela Lizana Plaza
Air Force veteran Syd Mandelbaum and Marine veteran Mariana Lizana Plaza shares stories about their military service.
Brian Norman/Herald
Joette Blaustein, left, and Cindy Rosen were honored with the Mark Dubin Chesed Award for Community Excellence, and were joined by Dubin’s daughter, Shira Boshnack.
Former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy dies at 81
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. representative from Long Island who transformed personal tragedy into a two-decade-long crusade for gun control in Congress, died on June 26. She was 81.
Born Carolyn Cook on Jan. 5, 1944, in Brooklyn, and raised in Mineola, McCarthy wanted to become a physical education teacher. Instead she became a nurse, inspired to do so after caring for an injured boyfriend. Her life was forever changed on Dec. 7, 1993, when Colin Ferguson opened fire on a Long Island Rail Road car, killing six people, including McCarthy’s husband, Dennis, critically wounding their son, Kevin, and injuring 18 others.
McCarthy became a symbol of resilience nationwide, and entered public service. Her story was dramatized in the 1998 television movie “The Long Island Incident,” with actress Laurie Metcalf portraying her.
“Long Island lost a giant today,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said in a statement last Thursday. “As a woman representing Long Island in elected office today, I walked through doors Carolyn helped open. Her work on behalf of survivors, her courage to speak out when others stayed silent, and her focus on protecting families and communities are just a few parts of a legacy that will live on for generations.”
McCarthy, a former Republican, ran for Congress as a Democrat in 1996, defeating Republican incumbent Dan Frisa in a stunning upset. She represented New York’s 4th Congressional District, which covers a large swath of Nassau County’s South Shore, from 1997 until her retirement in 2015.
During her 18 years in the House, she was widely regarded as one of the nation’s most tenacious and outspoken champions of gun reform.
“I was privileged to serve with Carolyn in Congress for almost two decades,” former U.S. Rep. Peter King
wrote, “and was proud to call her a friend. She was a fighter and staunch advocate for New York and Long Island who used her family tragedy as an opportunity to do so much good for so many others.”
McCarthy often referred to herself as “the gun lady,” though she also worked on education and local constituent issues.
“I recently spoke with her about the 125th anniversary of Nassau County and invited her to attend the county’s gala as an honored guest,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement. “Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling up to it, but she expressed her best wishes and love for Nassau County. Carolyn was a true leader and a very decent person. She will be sorely missed.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen called McCarthy “a tireless advocate for Long Island.”
“Carolyn turned her pain into action, running for Congress and advocating for common sense gun reform, including comprehensive background checks,” Gillen said in a statement. “We must honor her legacy by continuing her life’s work to keep our communities and our children safe from the scourge of gun violence.”
McCarthy announced her decision not to seek reelection in 2014, citing health reasons, and stepped down in January 2015. Fellow Democrat Kathleen Rice succeeded her.
“Carolyn fought for safer communities, and stronger laws to prevent gun violence,” Jay Jacobs, Nassau County’s Democratic committee chairman, said in a statement. “She leaves behind a legacy of action, resilience, and public service. We will continue to honor
Herald file photo
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. representative from Long Island who transformed personal tragedy into a two-decade-long crusade for gun control in Congress, died on June 26.
Hewlett-Woodmere library welcomes two new trustees
Deepali Chavre, Stephen Dachtera join the board
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library officially welcomed its two new trustees, who won election to the board on May 20.
Stephen Dachtera, 79, previously served for 38 years developing financial systems for JPMorgan, along with holding various roles in the engineering field.
Along with his background in engineering, Dachtera also served as an assistant computer science teacher at Hofstra University for 20 years.
Library Director Michelle Young said that having two new faces on a small board will be a big change and that she is excited for the new direction that the library is heading.
“I’m very excited to meet our new trustees,” Young said. “Two new trustees is a big change for a board of five, and I think with new trustees it’s a new direction that we may go in. We’re doing a lot of projects that are coming up, making a lot of changes and I think having some new people and fresh ideas and new angles is really going to benefit us.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
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Brian Norman/Herald, Courtesy Deepali Chavre Stephen Dachtera was sworn as a library trustee on June 26 and Deepali Chavre will be
sworn in as a trustee on July 22, replacing Ellen Vaknine.
Zoning board limits parking use to summer
applications.”
Taub claimed that the using the lots was necessary for his club during the busiest days of the summer, because his current parking lot, located in front of the club on Ocean Boulevard, down the street from the two lots on Ithaca Avenue, doesn’t have enough spaces when the club is at capacity.
Located in front of the club on Ocean Boulevard, down the block from the two lots on Ithaca Avenue.
The motion approved by the ZBA maintains several conditions from the original town variance for the lots. According to BZA Chairman George Cornish, those conditions include maintaining a 6-foot-high stockade fence on both sides adjoining neighboring properties. The blacktop must be kept in good condition, and lighting must be properly maintained. The club may use the lots only from Memorial Day through the Sunday after Labor Day, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and they must be kept free of litter and debris.
Cornish added that the approval must now be renewed every two years instead of every five, required from the original use permit. The case may also be reopened at any time by the zoning board if it believes any conditions are being violated.
Many residents of nearby Ithaca Avenue and neighboring areas had com -
plained for months about the use of the parking lots during the offseason by valet drivers from Gio’s Atlantic Beach restaurant, which is also on Park Street.
According to Taub, former Mayor Steven Mahler asked him — in an effort to reduce street congestion — if he would allow the restaurant, formerly Peter Anthony’s, to use his parking lots. Ithaca Avenue residents became frustrated with Gio’s valet service, and several who attended last week’s meet-
ing said that valet drivers frequently headed the wrong way down the oneway street to return to the restaurant faster, potentially putting residents at risk.
One resident, Steve Watkins, brought a bulletin board full of photos showing examples of what he described as violations. Watkins said he had been raising concerns for months, and believed that continued use of the lots by the clubs and the restaurant poses a threat to
public safety.
“I live next to these two parking lots,” he said, and, referring to and referring to Taub, added, “I have some very serious doubts that this gentleman is going to do what we would like him to do. He has put everyone on our block in jeopardy for a very long time. Then he turns around and lets all these other people use his parking lot, and they go out the wrong way. The only reason we’re all sitting here tonight is because of us saying something and doing our due diligence to find out this stuff.”
Brian Stolar, the BZA attorney, later read aloud a regulation stating that the owner of a parking lot can use it only for his or her own patrons. Other establishments, including Gio’s, now may not use these lots without a special exception from the village.
“In addition to the special-exception use, there is a license requirement, and only the owner can use the property for their services and not for other purposes,” Stolar said. “So there is basically a requirement that no beach club, cabana club, hotel, apartment, house, condo or restaurant shall park or store a vehicle or patron except on property owned by such.”
Have an opinion on parking lot regulations in Atlantic Beach? Send letter to mberman@liherald.com.
CERTIFIED COIN CONSULTANT
Brian Norman/Herald Residents came to Atlantic Beach Village Hall on June 25 to voice their concerns over the use of the parking lots at 1871 and 1891 Park St.
Town reserves decision on Woodmere Club project
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The Town of Hempstead unanimously voted to reserve a decision regarding the Woodmere Club project, during a public hearing at Hempstead Town Hall.
The July 1 decision comes after a new proposal was submitted by the developers — Efrem Gerszberg and Robert Weiss — in June of last year.
The new proposal would feature a 160unit, age-restricted, 55 and over, residential condominium community, A significant downscale from the original 284-single family home development first proposed eight years ago.
The smaller development would use 34 acres near Broadway, with the remaining 115 acres of property preserved as open, non-developable deed restricted land.
The new proposal received support from both Jacob Harmon and Samuel Nahmias, the mayors of Woodsburgh and Lawrence, respectively, at the Tuesday hearing.
“We believe that this proposed age restricted development, if executed thoughtfully, appears to be the most appropriate option for our community,” Harmon said. “It preserves a significant amount of open space, which aligns with the quiet and charming nature of our neighborhoods.”
the hearing, said that this new proposal would aim to limit traffic in that area.
“We understand that maybe a concern and I want to be clear, there is no right turn onto Meadow,” Martins said. “There is only a left turn when leaving the site that was done with purpose, so that access off of this site will go towards Broadway, but to the extent that we can accommodate the community, and the community wishes, that we do not have traffic coming into a local community.”
Some residents remain apprehensive about the project despite the updated proposal.
Woodmere resident Hannah Burdei voiced her concerns over the age restriction and the addition of a surplus of residents to the community.
“The overwhelming majority of input I received supports the proposed development of 160 age restricted condominiums for adults age 55 and older,” Nahmias added. “Many see this as the least disruptive path forward. The proposal preserves existing cul de sacs and street layouts, protecting the character and flow of the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Many community members who spoke
during the public hearing remained divided on the nearly decade-long issue.
Many residents of Meadow Drive, one of the roads adjacent to the Woodmere Club remained concerned about the congestion that would arise from the project on both Meadow Drive and Broadway.
State Sen. Jack Martins, who served as the representative for the developers at
“55 years and over is not that old, 55-year-olds have school aged children, there will be children, there will be teenagers, there will be recent college graduates living with them,” Burdei said. “Over 400 parking spots means there will be over 400 cars on our roads. Our neighborhood is woefully under invested. Our infrastructure is crumbling. It can barely handle the number of homes and residents we already have.”
A decision is expected in near future, town officials said.
Have an opinion on the Woodmere Club situation? Send a letter to mberman@liherald.com.
Brian Norman/Herald
Dozens of residents voiced their opinions on the revised Woodmere Club proposal during a public
STEPPING OUT
July 4th entertaining al fresco-style
By Karen Bloom
Barbecue season is heating up! Whether fireworks are part of your holiday weekend plans, certainly some time at the grill will be very much on the agenda. There’s no better way to celebrate than with good food, great company and a sizzling grill. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or a cozy cookout, make this year’s Fourth of July feast one to remember.
Sure, burgers and hot dogs are always a hit — and a holiday standard — but why not kick things up a notch? Impress your guests with flavorful additions like chorizo sausages, ribs, or maybe some spice-up marinated chicken. If that’s a bit too exciting for you, then you can always spruce up the classics by going for unique flavors. Jalapeño hotdogs, anyone?
Make sure to marinade: Don’t underestimate the power of a good marinade. Prepping your meat a day or two ahead lets those bold flavors soak in — and yes, even hot dogs and burgers can benefit from a tasty soak. Marinating your meat before you grill can seriously enhance its flavors. Don’t forget your vegetarian friends and family: Got vegetarian friends or just want to lighten things up? Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers and asparagus add vibrant color and bold flavor to your spread. Try veggie kebabs or marinated portobello mushrooms as hearty meatless options.
Keep it healthy (but delicious): Unlike the other holidays that we associate with eating (such as Thanksgiving), it’s totally possible to keep your feast healthy. Fourth of July doesn’t have to mean food coma. Use clean ingredients and simple swaps — think avocado-oil mayo in your coleslaw or a touch of honey instead of sugar in cornbread. Add a big salad, fresh fruit and grilled corn for balance.
Put a twist on the standards: Whatever you choose, you can seriously wow your guests by putting a modern take on a traditional recipe. For instance, if you’re making coleslaw this time around, then you can experiment with different flavors, such as jalapeño, apple, or even spicy Thai peanut. You can add the same variation to different dishes, such as baked beans, mac and cheese, and even your condiments.
Turn your grill into a flavor playground — and serve up a celebration your guests won’t forget.
Zesty Steak
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning (or any spicy season of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 pounds boneless beef sirloin or flank steak
turn to coat well.
Refrigerate 1 hour or longer for extra flavor. Remove steak from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.
Grill over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
For added flavor, try a tasty topper on your meat.
Dijon Mustard Aioli: Blend Dijon and whole-grain mustard with creamy Greek yogurt, garlic, tarragon and white pepper for a rich, tangy topping.
Mushrooms and Blue Cheese: Mix hearty mushrooms and full-flavored blue cheese with your favorite savory spices and a splash of sherry wine
Smoky Bacon Jam: Start with the finest cuts of bacon browned to crispy perfection then add caramelized onion and an accent like brown sugar or balsamic vinegar.
Tomato Jam: Experiment with your favorite varieties to find the perfect balance of crushed tomatoes, sweet gherkins and seasonings.
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Lemon-Cucumber Salsa
• 8 skewers
• 1 pineapple
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
Lemon-Cucumber Salsa
• 1 lemon, supremed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon wildflower honey
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Soak wooden skewers for 15 minutes prior to grilling. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Remove rind from pineapple and dice into 1-inch pieces. In small bowl, combine oil, salt and pepper. Add chicken and pineapple; toss to coat.
Alternating chicken and pineapple, pierce onto skewers. Grill skewers 8 minutes each side, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
To make Lemon-Cucumber Salsa: In medium bowl, combine lemon, cucumber, onion, honey and pepper. Serve lemon-cucumber salsa over cooked chicken skewers
Rick Springfield
We’re gonna party like it’s 19801989! Rocker (and ageless heartthrob) Rick Springfield gave us the soundtrack of our glory days: “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “Love Somebody,” “Human Touch,” “On the Dark Side,” and many more of the most iconic songs of that era. The Grammy-winning musician is back on the road this summer with the 2025 edition of his I Want My 80s Tour. This time around he brings along special guests John Waite, Wang Chung and Paul Young. Over the past four decades, he’s worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator of some of the finest ‘80s power-pop, he’s sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits. Also an accomplished actor and an author, both his candid 2010 memoir “Late, Late at Night” (which Rolling Stone named one of the 25 greatest rock memoirs of all time) and his 2014 comedic novel “Magnificent Vibration” earned rave reviews and spots on the New York Times Best Sellers’ list.
Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m. $40, $30. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.Tickets at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444. Welcome the nation’s birthday in good taste
Wednesday, July 9, 7 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at livenation.com.
He said, she said
Share in some lively repartee when four comedians — two men, two women — sling barbs at one another in The Ivy League of Comedy’s “Skirmish of the Sexes.”Laugh the night away with tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams. Check out this take on the age-old dichotomy of who’s right and who’s wrong. The lineup features Tony Deyo, known for his sharp, quick material and near-perfect timing; Calise Hawkins, a single mom who stands out with her hair, but also her smile and onstage likability. Also Shaun Eli, rightfully called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun shows you hilarity in the ordinary. And Ophira Eisenberg, who delivers a unique blend of smart irreverent standup and storytelling.
Mix soy sauce, honey, orange juice, steak seasoning and ginger in small bowl. Place steak in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade;
Tip: Supreme citrus fruit by cutting off top and bottom of fruit then cut away peel and pith, leaving no white on outside of fruit. Slice each segment into wedges by cutting toward center of fruit along membrane.
Zesty Steak
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JULY
3
‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.
• Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220
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. The 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 until Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
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
JULY
15
The Gin Blossoms
• Contact: (516) 239-1157
Family movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “Despicable Me 4,” the fourth main installment and sixth overall entry in the Despicable Me franchise. With the arrival of a new baby, Gru’s life is great — until an old rival comes back for revenge and forces Gru to uproot his family and Minions! Starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell. Bring seat.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY
Courtyard Concert
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Take a trip down memory lane with Gin Blossoms when their highly anticipated 2025 tour visits Long Island. With their timeless hits, infectious melodies, and nostalgic vibes, Gin Blossoms promises to deliver a concert experience that will transport fans back to the heyday of ‘90s alternative rock. The band rose to fame in the ‘90s with hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Til I Hear It from You,” that still resonate today. Their jangly guitars, catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics captured the spirit of the decade and earned them a dedicated following that continues to grow. With their dynamic stage presence and infectious energy, Gin Blossoms knows how to keep the crowd on their feet and singing along to every word. Their latest tour is a nostalgic journey through the band’s greatest hits, as well as new songs that are sure to captivate. Whether you’re reliving the memories of the ‘90s or discovering Gin Blossoms for the first time, their music will leave a lasting impression. And, of course, one of the highlights of any Gin Blossoms concert is the connection they share with their fans. Whether it’s through their heartfelt lyrics or their engaging stage banter, Gin Blossoms creates a sense of camaraderie that makes every concert feel like a reunion with old friends. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25.
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY
Storybook Stroll
5
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 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
JULY
Splish Splash… Animal Baths
6
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
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
JULY
9
10 Discover the Whaling Museum
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library hosts a program for kids ages 3 to 18. Visit the library website to see the different times for each age group.
• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
• Time: 4-8 p.m.
• Contact: hwpl.org
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.
• Time: Wednesdays, 8 a.m.
• Contact: Call or text Andrew Leibowitz at (516) 790-4829
Movie time
Rock Hall welcomes families to its first family movie night in new Education/Visitor Center. Enjoy Disney’s delightful animated adventure “Encanto,” the tale of a magical family with healing powers. Rated PG. Bring a blanket.
• Where: 199 Broadway Lawrence
• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Home Grown String Band visits Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. With a repertoire of traditional and original music inspired by the sounds of rural American folk music, this “family that plays together” has been delighting festival and concert audiences around the country since 1997.
• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: hwpl.org
Little
Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week design jewelry! $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
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.
Middle School eighth graders graduated, on June 24.
Celebrating the WMS class of 2025
Woodmere Middle School celebrated the graduation of its eighth-grade students in a ceremony filled with tradition, pride, and community spirit, on June 24.
The event opened with a processional performed by the seventh grade band under the direction of Jonathan Holford, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vidhya Velayudhan and a moving rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by the eighth grade Select Choir.
Principal John Andruszkiewicz welcomed students, families, and guests, followed by a speech from Student Council President Mariam Chikvanaia and a
message from Parent Teacher Association Co-Presidents Syreeta Jackson and Etereya Savin. The program also included a special recognition of retiring staff members by students Mitchell Krasner and Jordan Yodowitz.
Superintendent Ralph Marino, Jr. shared words of encouragement before the presentation of awards by faculty members and the official distribution of certificates to the graduating class. The ceremony concluded with a recessional to “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke, as students exited.
— Melissa Berman
One lucky member of the audience will WIN 4 TICKETS to watch Long Island Ducks vs Hagerstown Flying Boxcars at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m. Contest ends August 10th midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th
member of the audience
August 3
Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli
Woodmere
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
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
There will be a General Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Inwood Fire District as follows:
Time:7:00 P.M..
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Place:DISTRICT OFFICE
Melissa Rivelli, District Secretary 154422
LEGAL NOTICE
accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing.
LEGAL NOTICE
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INWOOD FIRE DISTRICT, INWOOD, NEW YORK, 11096.
Village of Lawrence Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:45 P.M. followed by a public meeting on July 16, 2025 at the Lawrence Village Hall 196 Central Ave Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:30 P.M. to conduct the following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board: Mandelbaum, 110 Causeway- Section 70-11.B of the Village Code states that it shall be unlawful to alter, change, add to or remove from any site soil or other material which will result in any deviation from the original grade of the property. Section 212-39.C of the Village Code states the maximum exterior wall height from the base plane to the underside of the eave is 23 ft. Eisner, 32 Beechwood Dr- Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum side yard setback is 15 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum aggregate yard setback is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D (2) (a) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the maximum side yard height setback ratio is 1.5. The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting. The applications and
All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard
By Order of the Board of Appeals
Lloyd Keilson
Chairman
Dated: June 24, 2025 154425
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Board of Trustees of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 8:00 pm in Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York for the following purpose:
Amending § 43-5 C: Clerk of Village Justice Court established; term; residency requirement; oath. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT all interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.
Dated: Cedarhurst, New York
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST
LEGAL NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
THAT the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 8:00 pm in Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York regarding the granting of a cable television franchise agreement by and between the Cedarhurst and Verizon New York Inc.
A copy of the cable television franchise agreement is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Village Clerk’s Office, at 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, New York. At such public hearing all persons will be given an opportunity to be heard. Written and oral statements will be taken at that time.
Time limitations may be imposed for each oral statement as necessary.
Dated: Cedarhurst, New York
June 27, 2025
By Order of the Mayor, Benjamin Weinstock and Board of Trustees
Jacob Plaut
Village Administrator 154420
Ogden celebrates the class of 2025
Ogden Elementary School held its graduation ceremony honoring the Class of 2025 with a joyful and heartfelt celebration, on June 23.
The event opened with a processional of graduates and presentation of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the national anthem.
June 27, 2025
By Order of the Mayor, Benjamin Weinstock and Board of Trustees
Jacob Plaut Village Administrator 154421
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding the Village’s regular monthly meeting.
All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.go v for instructions. Residents wishing to speak via Zoom or in person must notify the Village Clerk in advance.
Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York June 24, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR
Lisa James VILLAGE CLERK 154423
READ THEM
Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. served as guest speaker, addressing students and families with words of encouragement for their future educational journey.
Principal Nicola Lynch delivered remarks to the graduates, emphasizing that this milestone represents the beginning of new opportunities and experiences ahead.
The ceremony featured a special musical performance by members of the Music Theatre Workshop, adding to the celebration’s uplifting atmosphere. Additional musical performances throughout the event included the school’s alma mater and a rendition of “We’re All in This Together.”
Students participated actively in the ceremony by sharing personal reflections, poetry, and parting words with their classmates and families.
The celebration concluded with the formal presentation of graduates, marking their completion of elementary education and readiness to advance to the next phase of their academic careers.
— Melissa Berman
HES celebrates the class of 2025 fifth grade graduates
Hewlett Elementary School held its annual graduation ceremony celebrating fifth-grade students as they prepare to advance to Woodmere Middle School, on June 23.
The graduation began with a processional set to “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by a welcome from Principal Heather Sosnovsky. Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. and Reina Hall delivered special greetings. They recognized the dedication of students, staff, and families throughout the academic year.
The program featured two choral presentations, including a medley of songs and a performance of “Until We Meet Again,” accompanied by the HES fifth grade orchestra. The ceremony concluded with a recessional to “The Hewlett Song,” performed by the HES fifth grade band ensemble.
Student Council President Issam Ahmed addressed the graduating class,
while Shari Findling shared heartfelt wishes on behalf of the Parent Teacher Association.
Students Nicole Nosov and Leeya Usenko presented the Class Gift — a collaborative mural that will be permanently displayed at HES as a lasting reminder of the Class of 2025’s creativity and unity.
Sosnovsky delivered the Commencement Address, reflecting on the graduates’ accomplishments and bright futures. Hewlett Elementary’s fifthgrade teachers and staff announced each graduate, presented diplomas, and offered personal congratulations as students crossed the stage.
The celebration marked the students’ completion of elementary education and their preparation to begin the next chapter of their educational journey at Woodmere Middle School.
—
Melissa Berman
Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli Students at Ogden Elementary School graduated, on June 23.
Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli
Students from Hewlett Elementary School graduate and prepare for Woodmere Middle School.
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The architect made our project sound so complicated
Q. I met with an architect whom my contractor recommended, and I’m now very upset and confused. We need to get our job done by the end of the summer, and the building department said I should speak to an architect, get plans and they could process my permit. It sounded a lot simpler than the architect said. What seemed like a simple job — to do plans for a small bump-out back dormer to match the front one — has been made to sound like a major project. Why is there such exaggeration of the things the architect says need to be done? This shouldn’t take so long, and the cost is a lot more than we planned. What should I expect, minimally, to get plans and a permit?
A. I’m not sure if your building department still has the posted signs showing a person bent over, laughing, with the caption, “You want it when?” Or the one that says, “Your failure to plan ahead does not constitute an emergency on our part.”
As if that wasn’t enough of an explanation, I usually have to spend an hour or so — with a consultation fee, since I’m not a public service (and they are) — to explain, as fully as I can, what you didn’t get from your building department. Smaller building departments, I find, have a better track record at going over things with you, but bigger ones don’t have the time, so they refer you to an architect to lay the groundwork, often creating friction about what you’ll need.
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The architect’s outline of what you can encounter is rarely an exaggeration, but most people are dazed and in disbelief, often saying that the building department made it sound a lot simpler, and the full explanation sounds like a con job.
Unfortunately, most people — including the first people you speak to at a building department, your contractor or a friend — are not producing or responding to the myriad code requirements, so they may not be fully aware of the big picture. For example, when you read a book, it can take several days to get through it, but that doesn’t mean it only took several days to write.
Someone showed me photos they rushed to take of a home they want to buy. I immediately spotted five violations in the pictures. Two of the violations were ceiling height (too low) and an electric panel next to a bathroom sink. Just the ceiling height could cause a six- to nine-month delay in filing documents and applying to the State Code Board for a hearing or review.
Then there was the fact that the dormer had a nearly flat roof and the wrong kind of roofing. Add in the under-minimum distance in front of the toilet and the lack of ceiling height in the shower with the wrong kind of sink trap, and you realize that just that one bathroom creates great time and expense. More to come next week.
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How do we make sense of the rise in antisemitism?
on a somber April day, thousands gathered in my hometown of Plainview for a ceremony that should never have taken place. We renamed Manetto Hill Road Captain Omer Neutra Way, a permanent tribute to a brave young man who lost his life defending his homeland, and whose body is still being held hostage by terrorists.
I had the solemn honor of sponsoring the legislation that made this tribute possible. And while it passed unanimously, this wasn’t just a moment of legislative action; it was a moral obligation. As antisemitism continues to rise across America and around the world, we cannot allow the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, to be whitewashed, minimized or forgotten.
Omer Neutra was a son of Plainview, a proud American and a commander in the Israel Defense Forces. He was murdered in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas near Nir Oz, one of the Israeli communities most devastated by the assault. His senseless death shook our
Reading to repair our hearts and minds opinions
How does what we read every day affect our lives?
Daily newspapers and TV news drown us with torrents of repetitive and sometimes conflicting accounts of events across America and the world. The best of them are stanchions of democracy, and we need these dailies to offer a wide-angle lens, to see what we cannot see from our own front yards.
We need our weeklies to bring us stories about people we know in our communities, a narrower lens that focuses on local events and individuals. Weeklies are the lifeblood of community life — the pages where our neighbors are hailed as heroes, and school athletes have their moment in the sun.
Newspapers in this country struck their roots in liberty, and until the Trump era, citizens could rely on the accounts of events they read in the paper. Today, with overt threats against freedom of the press and news outlets co-opted by political power players, we
community, but the pain deepens with every day his body remains in captivity.
This act of violence, this war crime, should have rallied universal condemnation. But instead, we are seeing something deeply disturbing: a surge of antisemitism so virulent that even those marching peacefully to honor Neutra and to advocate for the return of hostages have themselves become targets.
Just weeks ago, in Boulder, Colorado, peaceful demonstrators with the Run For Their Lives campaign were attacked with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. Their supposed crime?
Wcessfully to secure $950,000 in American Rescue Plan Act grant funding for the Mid Island Y JCC. That’s why I speak out — and that’s why I urge every elected official, regardless of party or position, to do the same.
e can’t allow the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, to be minimized or forgotten.
Calling for the return of hostages. This was not an isolated act of hate; it was the latest in an escalating pattern of antisemitic violence.
As a Jewish American, as a father and as a public official, I cannot and will not remain silent.
Jewish communities today are navigating a landscape of fear that is unlike anything I have experienced in my lifetime. We must respond not with fear or silence, but with resolve, unity and a firm commitment to truth and justice. That’s why I sponsored the legislation to honor Neutra. That’s why I fought suc-
We must call out antisemitism wherever it festers, whether it wears the mask of political activism or the cloak of conspiracy. This is not a matter of left or right. It is a matter of right and wrong.
But the work of governing isn’t just about remembrance; it’s also about results. That’s why I fought to unlock long-stalled funding for first responders in our community, securing nearly $91,000 for a new Muttontown police vehicle and supporting drainage, streetscape and public-safety projects throughout Syosset, Woodbury and Plainview.
It’s why I co-sponsored legislation to cut excessive small business fees that are choking entrepreneurs in Nassau County — fees that run three to five times higher than in neighboring Suffolk.
I’ve backed efforts that meet our neighbors where they are, supporting local food pantries, organizing “Shed the Meds” events to safely dispose of
expired medications, and honoring the heroism of Plainview firefighters who risked their lives during a devastating apartment fire.
I also stood alongside my Democratic colleagues in taking legal action against County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s reckless attempt to create a taxpayerfunded armed civilian militia, a program that lacks oversight, violates state law and endangers public trust.
At its core, public service isn’t about grandstanding or grabbing headlines. It’s about people. It’s about principle. It’s about doing the hard, necessary work to protect the vulnerable, uphold the law and deliver results for the communities we represent.
So I am renewing my pledge to honor Omer Neutra not just with words, but with action — to preserve the memory of those we’ve lost, protect the freedoms we cherish, and fight against hate in all its forms.
To those who feel alone in this moment, know that you are not. To those calling for justice, know that I am with you. And to those who think this moment will pass, I promise you: We will not forget, we will not back down and we will not be silent.
Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.
need to double down on the demand for honest and unbiased reporting. (It’s useful to note here that my column is by definition an opinion piece, my own views, not the policies of the Herald).
So we push, push for our free press against an incoming tide of political pressure. We need journalists to challenge the leaders in whom we put our faith and trust. We need the pragmatists and the idealists and the investigators to keep our newspapers relevant and alive.
How did these values become dirty words?
p u t down the phone.
Pick up a book. Stand in someone else’s shoes.
From my perch, an even greater need is for more people to read books, any books, all books, nothing banned. The impulse to ban a book comes from a place of intolerance and ignorance. No one ever became gay or trans or hypersexual because they read a book on the subject. Book banning comes from a small place, fear of someone different or a way of life that doesn’t conform to the majority.
Why are school libraries being thinned and censored? Why was a reference to Jackie Robinson’s military service temporarily removed from the U.S. Department of State website? Apparently, part of a sweep to remove any references to diversity, equity and inclusion.
These days, various media compete for our attention. Teenagers, especially, are vulnerable to the sound and light shows coming from their phones. It’s hard to curl up with a book when the phone gives you games and shocking fake news and social media to keep you jacked up. Parents who used to read to their young children are often distracted themselves by their phones and other devices.
As our political world spirals into confusion and mistrust, and as our president and his minions draw the country in and out of real and threatened violence here and overseas, where can a thinking person turn for comfort? What can help keep us grounded and hopeful as we celebrate our democracy on the Fourth of July?
Put down the phone. Pick up a book. Stand in someone else’s shoes, in another time and place. Escape the political convulsions of this moment and feel buoyed by a character’s life and loves; feel grounded by the universal values humans share.
I’m not sure how you become a reader of books if you never have been, but I
do know it’s possible. I know folks in their adulthood who finally found the peace and the time to start reading. It’s comforting, it’s edifying, and the connection between reader and character can be profound.
The books I’m reading this summer fall under the banner of “repairing the world,” which comes from the concept in Judaism to work toward making the world better. John Steinbeck wove the theme of repairing the world into his great novel “East of Eden,” exploring the tension between free will and destiny in human experience. Gorgeous stuff.
The books on my list are “Twist,” by Colum McCann, a story about a team of seamen who fix underwater internet cables around the globe; “Prophet Song,” by Paul Lynch, a novel about a fight against a totalitarian takeover in Ireland; “The Return,” by Hisham Matar, a man’s search for his father, who was “disappeared” by the Qaddafi regime; and “Western Lane” by Chetna Maroo, a debut story of summoning strength while moving through grief. These books explore the boundary places in our lives, the broken places, and offer visions for doing good in a fractured world.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
ARnoLD W. DRUCKER
RAnDi KREiss
July 3,
HERALD
In Congress, July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was first published on July 6, 1776, in a newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post. We are proud to commemorate that high point in American journalism by reprinting that historic document.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at
places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Government:
For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.
The Declaration was signed first by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, and then by 55 others representing the 13 original states.
opinions Congress should pass Gio’s Law to save lives
more than 32 million Americans live with life-threatening food allergies and other severe allergic conditions. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by food, insect stings or medications — things we come into contact with every day. In the event of life-threatening allergic reactions, families should not have to worry about access to life-saving epinephrine.
Last month, I proudly introduced the bipartisan legislation Gio’s Law alongside my Republican Long Island colleague Rep. Andrew Garbarino. Congress should come together and pass Gio’s Law, which would equip America’s brave law enforcement officers with lifesaving EpiPens and provide the training to administer care when responding to allergy-related emergencies.
Epinephrine is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis, the only medication that can fully reverse the severe, life-threatening symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Benadryl or other allergy medications will not reverse those symptoms; only epinephrine can do that. Putting EpiPens in the hands of
our first responders could be the difference of life or death for members of our community.
I introduced Gio’s Law in honor of Giovanni Cipriano, a Lynbrook native who died from a severe allergic reaction at age 14. Giovanni, who was known as Gio to his friends and loved ones, was a beloved son, brother, teammate and honor student who had just begun his freshman year at Holy Trinity High School when he suffered a fatal response to a food allergen. His life was tragically cut short because of this reaction. We must do everything we can to prevent other families from suffering such a heartbreaking loss.
vent future tragedies and keep other families from enduring this pain is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Over the past decade, Georgina has succeeded in passing New York state’s version of Gio’s Law and worked to boost access here on Long Island.
m y bipartisan legislation would equip law enforcement with EpiPens.
Gio’s Law would establish the firstever federal grant program at the U.S. Department of Justice to equip law enforcement across the country with EpiPens and train officers on how to recognize the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and administer epinephrine.
I was honored to develop this legislation with Gio’s mother, Georgina Cornago, a Long Island native and the founder of the Love for Giovanni Foundation. Georgina has been a tireless advocate for this policy at the local and state level. Her commitment to honoring Gio’s memory by working to pre-
Letters
Mamdani’s lessons for Long Island
To the Editor:
Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected and resounding victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary holds some important lessons for Long Island.
But for them to be learned, it is first necessary to discard stereotypes and appraise Mamdani’s views with an open mind. Automatic negative reactions are unhelpful and unthinking. Such is the case with South Shore Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s contention that Mamdani “is too extreme to lead New York City. His entire campaign has been built on unachievable promises and higher taxes…” Gillen also detects “a disturbing pattern of unacceptable antisemitic comments” on Mamdani’s part.
If they look past the scary label of “democratic socialist,” Long Islanders may find that Mamdani bears some resemblance to … Donald Trump! The Queens assemblyman began his long-shot campaign by soliciting the views of New York
City voters who had supported Trump in 2024. The top reason many expressed was Trump’s emphasis on affordability. And so Mamdani made that the centerpiece of his effort to forge the broadest possible electoral coalition.
“Both Donald Trump and our campaign can see the disillusionment in politics, the inability for so many to celebrate crumbs that cannot feed themselves and their families,” Mamdani told The New York Times in a post-primary interview.
The presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee offered solutions for unaffordability — a rent freeze, accelerated housing construction, reduced-price public transport, free day care — that would likely appeal to many Long Islanders. As Herald readers know, Nassau and Suffolk are becoming wildly unaffordable for middle-income families, with the result that many are moving away. Maybe suburban politicians should consider adopting versions of what Mamdani proposes. They might find future election results to be surprisingly favorable.
On the issue of antisemitism, it’s essential to acknowledge that criticism of the Israeli government’s pol-
With this bill, we are expanding this effort nationwide and working to make epinephrine available and accessible to police departments on Long Island and across the country.
State and local law enforcement officers are our nation’s first responders, and they are often the first on the scene for calls for medical emergencies. It is vital that officers are given the resources and training to ensure they can effectively respond to these emergencies.
During a severe anaphylactic reaction, every second counts. We’ve seen firsthand here in Nassau County that equipping first responders with EpiPens can make the difference in these emergency situations.
As we introduced Gio’s Law, I was proud to be joined by Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach and members of the Lynbrook Police Department. The village was a trailblazer in deploying EpiPens with first responders. Beach and Lynbrook police officers shared how their
officers have saved multiple lives in our community by stocking and administering EpiPens.
This is a nonpartisan public safety issue: Gio’s Law is about making sure first responders have what they need to save lives. By expanding access and awareness, we are making our communities safer for all those who are at risk of experiencing severe allergic reactions. This could be anyone, since many allergies do not manifest themselves until adulthood.
I am honored that the National Association of Police Organizations and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America have endorsed the bipartisan bill, and I’m proud to support our brave law enforcement officers who work each day to keep us safe.
Since taking office in January, I have worked every day to find compromise and to deliver on the priorities that matter most to my constituents in Nassau County, such as keeping our communities safe. I am proud to honor Gio’s memory alongside Representative Garbarino, and we will continue to push to advance this bipartisan legislation. Congress should come together to carry on Gio’s legacy and pass this common-sense bill to prevent tragedies and equip our law enforcement with the tools to save lives in life-threatening medical emergencies.
Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
icies does not, a priori, equate with disrespect for Jews. Mamdani has in fact called Hamas’s Oct 7, 2023, murders of Jews “a horrific war crime.” And he has indeed condemned the Netanyahu government’s conduct of its war on Gaza.
It is to be hoped that Long Islanders of
good will can take advantage of the opportunity Mamdani presents for an overdue and respectful discussion of Israel’s military actions.
Framework by Tim Baker
A sandcastle contest entrant at the Town of Hempstead’s Salute to Veterans — Point Lookout
Laura a. giLLen
KEvIN J KELLEY Atlantic Beach
