Courtesy Ramiel Jeacoma Eagle Scout Ramiel Jeacoma with the beneficiary of his project, the Rev. John Christopher Ballard of Trinity-St. John’s Church, in Hewlett.
Repurposing a vintage mailbox for a unique Eagle Scout project
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Hewlett High School senior Ramiel Jeacoma earned his Eagle Scout award by repurposing an old postal mailbox from 1966 into a flag drop and installing it outside Trinity-St. John’s Church, in Hewlett.
Jeacoma has been a member of Troop 20 in the Five Towns, led by Scoutmaster Eugene Corless, for 11 years.
“I was invited into it by a friend to attend a meeting, and at first I wasn’t hooked, but then I kept going and I had a great time,” Jeacoma recalled. “Basically, for 11 years I’ve been loving scouting.”
His favorite aspects of scouting are the
people he’s met and the skills that he’s learned, he said.
For his Eagle Scout project, Jeacoma knew he wanted to do something with an old mailbox he received from a former United States Postal Service employee. The box was donated to him in hopes he would use it for his Eagle Scout project.
“I was donated an old mailbox from 1966, and I wanted to repurpose it into a flag drop where people can retire their flags — so that people could collect them and retire them respectfully by either burying, dedicating it to someone or burning it,” Jeacoma explained.
He planned the project for a year and a half,
ConTinuEd on pagE 12
Atlantic Beach settles Chabad suit for $950,000
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
After more than three years of legal wrangling over property at 2025 Park St., the Village of Atlantic Beach has agreed to settle with the Long Beachbased Chabad of the Beaches with payments totaling the $950,000 over two years.
According to the agreement, approved at a special meeting on July 1, the village will pay the Chabad $700,000 this year and $250,000 next year. The settlement is $550,000 larger than an agreement the parties reached in November 2023 that was rejected by the Chabad 13 months later.
Many residents questioned whether Atlantic Beach could afford to make the payments without another tax hike on top of this year’s 87 percent increase.
Village Trustee Barry Frohlinger said that the village would use money originally budgeted for legal fees and road repaving, and that no further increase or use of reserves would be needed.
Ed RAdBURN Atlantic Beach resident
As part of the new agreement, the Chabad will be officially welcomed into the community, and the village’s Board of Zoning Appeals will be required to grant the organization the variances it requested in August 2024 to renovate a former bank building on Park Street that it purchased four years ago.
The dispute began in November 2021, when the Chabad purchased the former Capital One bank branch at 2025 Park, at the base of the Atlantic Beach Bridge, for $950,000. The Chabad intended to build a community center for Jewish programming, education and worship as well as a drive-through café.
Weeks later, the village attempted to seize the property through eminent domain, the acquisition of private property for public use.
In a letter to residents that was posted on the village webConTinuEd on pagE 8
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Double resignation rocks Atlantic Beach government
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
George Pappas, whose administration was rocked by two huge controversies in the past few years, resigned as Atlantic Beach mayor on July 2, and Trustee Charles Hammerman, appointed deputy mayor by Pappas, stepped down as well.
Pappas was the village’s fifth mayor, first elected in 2014, defeating 18-year Mayor Stephen Mahler.
As of press time, Pappas has yet to respond for comment.
The announcement came just hours after the Board of Trustees voted to enter a settlement between the village and the Chabad of the Beaches that will cost Atlantic Beach $950,000 in addition to the legal fees totaling nearly $400,000. The resignations also came a few weeks after it was revealed that Atlantic Beach residents would endure an 87 percent tax increase.
“It became abundantly clear at Tuesday’s meeting that the residents connected my appointment with Mayor Pappas ahead of the election,” Hammerman said.
Hammerman replaced Trustee Anthony Livreri after he resigned on May 28, just short of completing one year of his two-year term. Hammerman was expected to finish out Livreri’s term through July 2026.
“Now that Mayor Pappas has resigned, I am providing an opportunity for the three remaining trustees who will take office on Monday to name not only a new mayor but a fellow trustee to work alongside them,” Hammerman added. “If I happen to be in consideration for either one of those positions, I would be honored to continue serving this great community.”
New Trustees Laura Heller and Joseph Pierantoni were sworn in at the July 7 meeting.
Atlantic Beach Mayors
• George Pappas 2014-2025
• Stephen Mahler 1996-2014
• Earliene Shipper 1992-1996
• Fred Lager 1990-1992
• John Faulhaber 1988-1990
• Fred Lager 1962-1988
— Source: Atlantic Beach village
was “gracious of Hammerman to resign” rather than to think he would be stepping in for Pappas as mayor.
“Pappas has resigned in disgrace, and he appointed Hammerman to be his likely successor and I guess that could still happen,” Kelley said. “It shows a certain generosity on his part not to force the issue but to let the bends unfold.”
In a statement from Trustees Barry Frohlinger, Heller and Pierantoni, “We wish Mayor George Pappas and Deputy Mayor Charles Hammerman all the best. As Trustees, we are united by our dedication to the Village of Atlantic Beach and committed to providing thoughtful, effective, and transparent governance.”
The statement continues, “There is a lot of important and exciting work ahead, and we are confident in our ability to meet these challenges and make a meaningful difference. Atlantic Beach is a vibrant, diverse, and unique community, and it is our goal to make sure that it continues to thrive and remains a place we are all proud to call home.”
The trustees will need to appoint a new trustee and mayor for a special election. A date is yet to be set.
Atlantic Beach resident Kevin Kelley, thought it
Kelley added that this situation is an “extraordinary upheaval” and is “unprecedented” but positive in his point of view.
“For Pappas, the 87 percent tax increase coupled with the $950,000 payout to Chabad of the Beaches along with the eminent domain is a pretty appalling record,” Kelley said. “I don’t think the people of Atlantic Beach will mourn his resignation.”
Mahler expressed that he is “happy about the situation” and that this is a win for the village.
“I’m think the new trustees are going to do very well for the village and we’ll go from there,” Mahler said. “It’ll be very interesting, but the threesome on the board will do great things. After being mayor for 18 years I was very unhappy with the events leading up to this and I’m hoping brighter days lie ahead.”
Have an opinion on the upheaval in Atlantic Beach? Send letter to mberman@liherald.com.
Five Towns ceremony honors local Holocaust survivor
By BRIAN NORMAN
bnorman@liherald.com
A local Holocaust survivor was honored at a special ceremony, where he was invited to help restore a historic Torah scroll nearly lost before World War II.
Fred Zeilberger, 94, endured five different concentration camps, beginning just before his 12th birthday.
After losing his entire family in the Holocaust, he moved to the United States in 1947 and served in the Korean War, start his own business and raise a family in New York.
He was invited to contribute to the pre-Holocaust Torah, a scroll originally hidden by a non-Jewish neighbor in Poland to hide it from the Nazis. The Torah was damaged and is now being rebuilt letter by letter by Holocaust survivors across the world.
Zeilberger wrote the Hebrew letter Lamed—which represents the letter L— in memory of Leah, a relative who died in the Holocaust, and his daughter Linda.
A resident of The Bristal at North Woodmere, Zeilberger said that he sharing his story is important so that it is never forgotten.
“I used to speak about it all the time, I spoke all over the world,” Zeilberger said. “Thirty years ago I never spoke about it, but now, there are less Holocaust survivors alive, all my friends, I
am the only one left, and there is nobody talking about it.”
Jonny Daniel, 39, is the founder of the From the Depths Foundation, an organization that aims to educate younger generations about the horrors of the Holocaust.
Daniel established the group in 2013 and has been traveling the world visiting Holocaust survivors with the Survivor
Torah, having them contribute to restoring the scroll.
He spoke to around 100 residents at the Israel Chesed Center on July 1, about the importance of learning about the Holocaust as well as the events of Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.
He said that it is important that the younger generation learn about the past in order to better understand the pres-
ent.
“Even in the context of Oct. 7, and this rise of antisemitism that we’re seeing around the world, when the experiences are able to be shared from a Holocaust survivor, somebody who has lived through the most difficult days of the Jewish people in recent history, it enables us, the younger generation and every participant to have an understanding and balance of how they view the situation today,” Daniel said.
“Yes, it is hard, yes, it is difficult, but the situation for Jews today is the best it has been in 3000 years, throughout all of the difficulties context is remarkably important and historical context is remarkably important as well, and when we learn from our past, we are definitely better suited and able to be in a better position in terms of how we are dealing with the present,” he added.
Moshe Bodner, a co-founder of the Israel Chesed Center, added to this and said the organization like hosting these events to educate the younger generation and the community on ways to contribute.
“Because we’re approaching this sort of last generation, you know, of survivors in 10 years there might not be any survivors left,” Bodner said. “Working with survivors, at the same time, can help raise awareness about what is going on in Israel, and possibly what can we do as a community to strengthen the Jewish people.”
Herald file photo and Courtesy Charles Hammerman
George Pappas, left, resigned as mayor of Atlantic Beach along with Charles Hammerman, on July 2, a trustee who was appointed deputy mayor by Pappas.
Courtesy Jackie Santiago
Five Towns residents gathered at the Israel Chesed Center in Hewlett to hear the stories of Jonny Daniel and watch the signing of the Survivor Torah by local Holocaust survivor Fred Zeilberger.
Hear Better…
Nancy Leghart receives the Community Visionary Award for St. John’s ICARE
Nancy Leghart, executive director of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation was awarded the Community Visionary Award from Four Leaf Federal Credit Union at the ReImagine Conference at the North Hills Country Club, on June 10.
The award recognizes individuals who bring incredible change and tend to the needs of their communities. Leghart was selected out of 350 applicants for her care and dedication to the Far Rockaway community.
Leghart has “passionately cultivated a culture of innovation and compassion” to address community needs. She created Comfort Carts, which treats patients with snacks and personal care items.
She also organized monthly Healing2Music performances that bring live music to patients, hospital visitors and team members, and she led a crowd funding campaign to launch Doula services aimed at improving maternal health outcomes for women.
Leghart even established a pharmacy fund to ensure every patient always has access to the medication they need.
“Nancy truly reflects the ICARE values of Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy,” said Donald T. Morrish, chief executive officer of Episcopal Health Services. “Her tireless dedication to the mission and vision of EHS – through investments in capital projects and equipment, community initiatives, and special programs has made a profound impact on countless lives.”
According to EHS, she has played an instrumental role in securing philanthropic support for hospital equipment and contributions to the construction of EHS’ new Labor and Delivery Suite.
In recognition of her award, Four Leaf Federal Credit Union gifted Leghart with coaching services valued at $10,000.
— Natalie Bellehsen
Photo courtesy of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation Nancy Leghart, executive director of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation received the Community Visionary Award from Four Leaf Federal Credit Union.
HERALD SPORTS
Islanders display influx of young talent
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Fresh off making three first-round selections in the NHL draft for only the second time in franchise history, including blue-chip defenseman Matthew Schaefer, taken No. 1 overall, the New York Islanders hosted their rookie development camp June 30-July 3 at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.
Highlighting the four-day camp was the return of the Blue & White Scrimmage, played for the first time since 2018 before a packed house July 2. Schaefer and fellow 2025 first-rounders winger Victor Eklund (16th) and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson (17th), secondround winger Daniil Prokhorov (42nd), as well as 2024 first-round pick winger Cole Eiserman (20th), second-round picks defenseman Jesse Pulkkinen (54th) and center Kamil Bednarik (61st), 2023 second-round pick center Danny Nelson (49th), and Colorado’s 2023 firstround pick center Calum Ritchie (27th) all had their talents on display and the fans buzzing.
“It’s been an unbelievable camp and the facilities here are incredible,” Aicheson said after the Blue & White Scrimmage. “I just wanted to come here and make an impression on the coaches and be a sponge. It’s been really cool to meet all the guys and see how much the fans support this team.”
The Islanders finished 35-35-12 last season and missed the playoffs. They
entered the NHL Draft Lottery May 5 with the 10th pick and a minuscule 3.5 percent chance of jumping to the top before they hit the jackpot.
Enter the 17-year-old Schaefer, widely regarded as the best player available with elite skating and playmaking skills. Ranked at the top on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s North American skaters list, he recorded 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) in 73 games across two seasons with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and on the international stage won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championships, recording five points in seven games. He becomes the Islanders’ fifth first-overall pick after center John Tavares (2009), goaltender Rick DiPietro (2000), defenseman Denis Potvin (1973) and winger Billy Harris (1972.)
“You dream of this your whole life and it’s a dream come true,” Schaefer said. “Now you’ve got to put your work boots on. Getting drafted is amazing and first overall is amazing and it’s an honor. But I’ve got to put my head down, have fun and work as hard as I can. I want to be on that opening-night roster.”
Hours before selecting Schaefer June 27, new General Manager Mathieu Darche traded a former first-round pick, Noah Dobson, after an impasse in contract negotiations with the restricted free agent defenseman to Montreal for the two additional first rounders used on Eklund and Aitcheson.
The only other year the Isles made at
least three first-round picks was in 1999 when they had four.
Eklund’s older brother, William, plays for San Jose. Victor, 18, recorded 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 42 games with Djurgårdens of HockeyAllsvenskan in Sweden last season and was ranked second on the Central Scouting Bureau’s International skaters list.
Aitcheson, 18, is a bruising defender with an impressive offensive skill set that led him to a 59-point regular season (26 goals, 33 assists) with the Barrie Colts of the OHL in 2024-25. He was Schaefer’s gold-medal winning teammate at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championships and played against him in the OHL.
“I’ve gotten to know Matthew pretty well and I’m excited to see what the future holds for him,” Aitcheson said.
It was also the first Islanders camp
for Eiserman, 18, who enjoyed a huge season at Boston University and led all NCAA freshmen in goals with 20 while helping lead the Terriers to the national title game.
“The fans are super passionate here and I’m excited to wear this logo,” Eiserman said. “It’s my first time on Long Island and I’m soaking it up and loving it. Obviously the organization does its homework on brining in not only talented players but guys with tremendous character.”
Preseason schedule released
The Islanders will play six preseason games, including three at UBS Arena: Sept. 21 versus Philadelphia, Sept. 26 against New Jersey and Sept. 29 against the Rangers. The NHL plans to announce the 2025-26 regular-season schedule July 16.
Calum Ritchie is part of an infusion of young talent in the Islanders’ organization.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos The Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first-overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Islanders 2024 first-round pick Cole Eiserman led all NCAA freshmen in goals last season with 20.
earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by rebuilding the garden beds at the HewlettWoodmere Community Garden.
Stella Fratti receives the highest honor in Girl Scouts
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Rebuilding nine beds that are part of the Hewlett-Woodmere Community Garden Learning Center earned Hewlett High School 2024 graduate Stella Fratti the Gold Award, the highest Girl Scout honor.
Fratti, a member of Troop 737, the Five Towns/Valley Stream troop, has been involved in Girl Scouts since second grade.
The beds at the community garden that sit behind Hewlett House on East Rockaway Road in Hewlett, across from the high school, were falling apart. It was a long process as it took two years from approval of the project to completion.
“My project surrounded the community and was community guiding because I wanted to make a better space for people to experience the garden and have the supplies necessary for the foundation to thrive,” Fratti said.
Fratti prizes herself on being “community oriented” and wanted to give back to the community for her project.
“We had to get approval through Girl Scouts, buy the materials, organize the meet-up days and once we had everything it took one non-continuous week to build the beds,” she said.
As a former National Science Honor Society member, she enlisted volunteers from the group for students who needed community service hours.
“We did half of the beds over spring break of my junior year and I paid for that portion from my cookie sales in my troop’s account,” Fratti said. “We received a grant from the Hewlett-Woodmere Public School Endowment Fund for the other half of the project. When the grant came in we were able to complete the remaining five beds.”
She educated the local community on her project at Arts Below Sunrise and Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence, and why it was important for her to do this.
“It’s important for next generations to have this foundation, I grew up in that garden from fifth grade and it’s been very important for me,” she added. “It was very important that we had a space that was put together but also well built and strong.”
Fratti was also President of the Garden Club at HHS and wanted to ensure that future generations have access to the garden.
She officially earned her Gold Award last summer with approval from Girl Scouts and was awarded her Gold at a June 18 ceremony.
Her mother and troop Leader, Laura Fratti, ensured that her daughter knew she was there to help if needed. Laura became the troop’s leader in 2014 and wanted to make sure the projects were “girl driven” and that it’s personal for each girl.
“I really felt it was important for them to do fun things especially when they were younger but it also to instill in the girls to give back to the community,” Laura said. “It’s not about my project, it’s about the girls project.”
In 2016, Stella and her troop mates first visited the community garden and they used their cookie money to build butterfly gardens.
“Our goal was to take the knowledge we learned through building these beds and knowing the proper plants to inform the community about them,” Laura added.
Seeing how “dilapidated” the beds looked, Stella was in agreement with her mother that they needed to be redone and that’s how her Gold Award project was born.
“Scouting has been such an amazing experience for out family and a lot of kids lose their passion for it when other opportunities arise,” Laura said. “These troops in the Five Towns and Valley Steam have really stuck with it and that it a testament to the foundation that was laid.”
Courtesy Stella Fratti Stella Fratti has
Residents question cost of Chabad settlement
site at the time, then Mayor George Pappas wrote that if the village reacquired the property, it would create a year-round community center with outdoor recreational space.
In July 2022, the Chabad sued the village for attempting to seize the Park Street property.
After more than a year of legal battles, the Chabad and the village reached an initial settlement agreement in November 2023, with the village agreeing to pay the Chabad $400,000 over four years and drop the eminent domain litigation.
The Chabad submitted its plans for the Park Street property to the Board of Zoning Appeals last August. In October, the BZA denied all but one of the Chabad’s variance requests. Two months later, the Chabad rejected the village’s settlement agreement, and added the BZA to its lawsuit.
Shortly after the October meeting, Jeremy Dys, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, a law firm that is representing the Chabad, said that village officials “engaged in open anti-Chabad and anti-Orthodox sentiment and trafficked in vile anti-Semitic tropes” through text messages and emails.
BZA Chairman George Cornish read a statement after the meeting on July 1, was adjourned, in an effort to clarify the situation.
“There was no antisemitism
expressed by any BZA commissioner — no collusion with mayor and trustees,”
Cornish said. “I personally never spoke to the mayor in the 35 years I lived in the village until the mayor refused to provide the BZA with their own lawyer to defend this lawsuit. Once added to the lawsuit, the ugly antisemitism statement by trustees and Mayor Pappas response that he would never let the Chabad into the Village of Atlantic Beach was
revealed.”
Pappas and Trustee Charlie Hammerman, whom Pappas had appointed deputy mayor, both resigned on July 2. Residents voiced their displeasure with the village administration’s lack of communication with the community during the litigation. One, Ed Radburn, said that the lack of transparency between the previous board and the residents was a big issue, and added that he
was looking for more open communication from new trustees.
“With the $950,000, the board should not be congratulating themselves over this — they lost,” Radburn said. “They could have settled this lawsuit for $400,000.”
Have an opinion on the Atlantic Beach settlement? Send a letter to mberman@ liherald.com.
Brian Norman/Herald
Residents crowded Atlantic Beach Village Hall on July 1 to ask questions and voice their concerns about the village’s new settlement agreement with the Chabad of the Beaches.
Veteran’s Farmers Market secures holiday donations
The Veterans Farmers Market team collected over 1,200 pounds of food donations, ensuring their Saturday market would be fully stocked for the community, on July 3.
Despite Costco’s closure for the Fourth of July, dedicated volunteers worked through the evening before to secure the substantial food donation. The team expressed gratitude to Costco Manager Delsi Hibbert for coordinating the collection and to all volunteers who participated in the holiday pickup operation.
Veterans are welcome at the new market, at 275 Lawrence Ave., on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m., and community members in need are invited to shop from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The market was created as a resource for veterans and has expanded to serve the broader community in need.
The market’s mission extends beyond food distribution, serving as a social hub for veterans, many who are over 80 and may lack family connections. The facility provides a space for community members to gather, socialize, and support one another while addressing food insecurity in the Lawrence area.
Saturday’s market featured the full selection of fresh produce and groceries collected through the holiday weekend effort, continuing the organization’s commitment to serving local veterans and
Courtesy Syd Mandelbaum
Volunteers from the Veteran’s Farmers Market secured over 1,200 pounds of food donations from Costco to ensure Saturday’s market would be fully stocked fro the community after the Fourth of July.
community members throughout the year.
— Melissa Berman
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Everyone knows physical pain is bad and tries to avoid it, says the Dalai Lama. Mental pain is also bad and the way to avoid it is through “mental immunity” – learning to avoid the destructive emotions and to develop the positive ones. Like physical immunity, mental immunity is a healthy disposition of mind that is less susceptible to negative thoughts and feelings.
If you have immunity, then viruses will not harm you, but if you don’t they can be devastating. Mentally, a small disturbance will not harm you if you have mental immunity –otherwise small disturbances can create great pain and suffering. We human beings have the ability to make a distinction between the rational and the emotional level. Rationally, we may have a serious problem to deal with, yet emotionally we can keep calm.
So much stress, anxiety and suffering arise from an attempt to control what cannot be controlled – wanting things to be different than
they are. “All pain comes from resistance.” The mind decides what’s good or bad and reacts accordingly – whether the ride is bumpy or smooth depends on our perception. It is very hard to be joyful with stress and anxiety – a continual feeling of being overwhelmed and not being able to handle our work and family commitments. Courage, said Nelson Mandela, is “not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” Archbishop Tutu says, similarly, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it.”
Happiness and joy are infectious. When you are happy, those around you become happy. Brother Steindl-Ross adds “when you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not out of a sense of scarcity, and you are willing to share… grateful people are joyful people.” When we recognize all that we have been given, it is our natural response to want to care for and give to others.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
Book Synopsis: “The Book of Joy” — Part 3 of 4
HERALD neighbors
A Spring Songfest for the whole community
The United Choral Society presented their Spring Songfest at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, on June 22. They performed opera choruses, arias, duets, Broadway hits, The American songbook and seasonal songs in their repertoire.
With almost 100 people in attendance, the 81-year old choir filled the room with music for all ages.
Sharon Pesenti, conductor and Hewlett resident, leads a group of 19 singers with two concerts a year. This is her 14th year with the group.
The group rehearses at Temple Beth-El of Cedarhurst. Choral society members range in age from 16 to 80.
For over 80 years, the United Choral Society has brought together members of the community who love music. David Randolph, Elie Siegmeister and Isadore Freed conducted the group in the past.
Pesenti stresses the sense of community within the chorus.
—
Melissa Berman
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
The United Choral Society at their Spring Songfest, on June 22.
Luke J. Sullivan is the choir’s accompanist. He studied piano at Adelphi University and music composition with Pulitzer Prize winner, Paul Moravec.
Soloists Alexis Pesenti, left, and Christopher Lau perform “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera.
Christopher Lau was a featured soloist at the spring concert, hosted at the HewlettWoodmere Public Library.
Conductor Sharon Pesenti, Hewlett resident, has been leading the choir for 14 years.
Troop 20 scout completes 11-year journey
and in recent months he received permission from the Rev. John Christopher Ballard, of Trinity-St. John’s. It sits outside Trinity-St. John’s because the troop meets there and it is central within the community.
In addition to buying the necessary supplies, Jeacoma prepped the box and installed it. He sanded, primed and painted it, and added a plaque dedicating it to George Joseph Canamare, a former Troop 20 member who died in the Vietnam War. The whole process took four months.
Jeacoma received help from fellow troop mates during the repurposing portion.
The box was installed in April, and Jeacoma has already collected four baskets full of flags to retire.
“Me and my father will personally be retiring some of the flags by bringing them, but also the beneficiary at the church will be burying some of the flags in dedication to veterans,” he said. Jeacoma was awarded the Eagle Scout rank by a Board of Review on June 26.
Ramiel’s father, Mark, noted that he provided additional guidance as the project progressed — and rides to the Home Depot for supplies.
“I was there just to make sure there was an adult there,” Mark said, “but Ramiel really took all of the actions
and did the incredible job of organizing it and getting people to participate and help.”
“I’m very impressed that it came out so nice, but I’m also really impressed that the mailbox has found a home,” Mark said. “People are actually using it, which is one of the coolest aspects.”
Ramiel expressed his gratitude for his fellow troop members, who have supported him throughout the process.
“I definitely wouldn’t have been able
to get Eagle without my troop being so kind, helpful and courteous about everything that they do,” he said. “People like Samuel Sole, Joe Pampalone — one of the people who leads our troop — Eugene Corless, my scoutmaster, they’ve all helped me throughout my career, and I can’t thank them enough for helping me and making me the person that I am.”
Corless described Jeacoma as a good example of “learning and then teach-
ing others” in his scouting career.
“Mastering oneself is what happens over time, and the most important thing is the leadership skills Ramiel embodies (are) exemplified by the scouting program,” Corless said. “I think that is reflected in his choice of project, which is a combination of a civic duty of retiring flags, part of the community being outside the church, and the dedication of the box to George Canamare.”
Jeacoma “doesn’t take what we all have for granted,” Corless added, and has the ideal scouting skill of leading by example and living every day as a good person.
“As his scoutmaster, my role was to empower him by showing framework and logistics, phases and steps that would be his responsibility to carry out,” he said. “That is the purpose of the scout service project, is that they learn for the first time how to propose, organize and carry out something like this.”
Corless acted as a sounding board for Jeacoma during the project.
“Ramiel is a very significant scout to make Eagle, because he’s the first individual that’s been with me the entire 11 years of his scouting career,” Corless said. “He’s our first homegrown Eagle Scout from the bottom to the top. It’s an important one for us, and a source of pride.”
Courtesy Ramiel Jeacoma
ramiel Jeacoma earned his eagle Scout award after converting an old postal mailbox into a flag drop and installing it outside trinity-St. John’s Church, in Hewlett.
Let the sun shine in Best ways to work it outdoors
Abundant sunshine, warm temps and long days make this the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Taking your workout outside is a great way to enjoy summer to the fullest and stay fit at the same time. In addition to exercise routines done at the gym, explore energizing outdoor activities to burn calories and soak up some sun at the same time.
Hiking
A nearby park or preserve that features walking trails is a good place to begin an outdoor workout. Some parks build exercise stations into their hiking paths, enabling visitors to vary their workouts along the way. Signs may also point out particular exercises that can be done during the hike, such as lunges or squats.
Hiking is a good cardiovascular workout that is particularly beneficial when done on varied terrain. Mixing uphill and downhill portions of the trail with level ones will work the various muscles in the legs and also provide greater resistance to get the heart pumping.
Hiking yoga is a new fitness trend that melds the classic poses of yoga with the cardiovascular workout of hiking. Hikers can break up their workouts at various points by getting into yoga poses. By doing so, it’s possible to burn twice the amount of calories one would in a standard yoga session. There’s also the added benefit of being outdoors, which can boost your mood.
Outdoor sports
Rev up the heart and cardiovascular system with sports you can play in the great outdoors. Eschew indoor racquetball for a game on an outdoor court. Or take up pickleball, which is all the rage these days.
It’s easy to break a sweat and enjoy a good workout when a game of hoops is taken outdoors. Many parks include basketball courts where a few players can square off against one another.
Pickup football or baseball is another way to enjoy physical activity outdoors, especially for those who may not be gym hounds. Both sports provide a cardiovascular workout while building muscle. When players are engrossed in the game, they may not realize they’re having fun and getting fit at the same time.
Jungle gym and parks workout
Use items in the park to tailor a complete workout. Park benches can serve as a workout bench where athletes can do push-ups, triceps dips and step-up exercises. Stretch on a jungle gym or use monkey bars to fit in some pull-ups.
You’ll find that some parks have their own fitness zones with exercise equipment built into the design.
Beach bounty
The beach is not just for relaxing and catching some sun. Beaches can be a great place to get a good workout as well. Swimming in the ocean against the tug of the tide and waves is quite a task. The buoyancy of the water will prevent strain on your joints, but the resistance of the water will work your muscles harder than if you were swimming in a pool.
Running or walking in sand is tougher than doing the same activities on a packed surface. The sand offers more resistance, which will tire out your legs and provide a greater cardiovascular benefit. Carting a few children, a cooler, beach chairs, and refreshments also may qualify as a workout!
This is the time of year when many people renew their love affair with the great outdoors and take advantage of all the outdoor events and activities at their disposal. Exercising outdoors is one way to soak up some sun (safely, of course) while enjoying some fresh air and getting healthier.
Enjoy the season — without overindulging
Summertime cuisine can be some of the best food we eat all year. Backyard barbecues, picnics at the park and, of course, ice cream, are the mainstay of many of our menus.
As enjoyable as warm-weather fare can be, you don’t want to lose track of your nutrition goals while you are enjoying all the season has to offer. It is possible to enjoy the tastes of summer without derailing your healthy eating goals.
Enjoy summer produce
One of the best things about summer is the shift from heavier fall and winter foods to the lighter fare that is associated with summer. For many, this means wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables.
Whether you can’t wait to dive into that first ear of corn on the cob or juicy red strawberries or watermelon from the farm stand are your personal fave – summer is a time for produce. By filling up on these healthy options you can stay on top of your diet.
Eat this, not that
When it comes to summer picnics and barbeques, one of the best things is how many options you have. While you might be tempted to grab a double helping of grandma’s delicious potato salad, opting for a side of kale salad is probably a better (and equally tasty) choice. The simple step of making a conscious decision can take a potential pitfall meal and turn it into a healthy feast.
Keep drinks on the lighter side
It can sometimes surprise you the amount of calories and sugar in some of our favorite summer drinks — those cocktails, alcohol-infused beverages, beers and even the non-alcoholic kind . Even when you watch what you eat, you might be sidelining your health goals by what you choose to drink.
Opt for lighter beverages and you can stay hydrated and healthy.
Stay hydrated
Speaking of hydration – this is a very important part of summer eating. While hydration is technically a matter of drinking not eating it’s too important to leave out. The National Institute of Medicine tells us that men need around 13 cups of fluids a day and women need about nine. Keep in mind that fluids can be in the form of either water and other beverages, as well as fluid-rich foods, like fruit and veggies.
Staying hydrated, particularly with water, is also essential for your skin and hair. During summer, it can be easy to completely forget that you haven’t drank enough water that day, especially if you’re downing margaritas by the pool for hours. Enjoy yourself with a cocktail every now and then if you must, but also try sticking to water or unsweetened ice teal and avoiding the sugary drinks.
Eat the rainbow
This is probably the most commonly used statement from any nutrition expert. It is often encouraged that in order to get all the nutrients possible from our food that we eat a wide variety of produce ranging in all different colors.
During summer especially, you have access to more of a selection of in-season produce than you would during other times of the year. Take advantage of what summer produce has to offer and try incorporating a different color fruit/vegetable in each meal.
Photo: Do summer right. Just because you don’t want good nutrition to take a vacation, it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on taste.
Photo: Summer is the perfect time to freshen up your workout by taking it outside.
Parker Jewish Institute showcases healing power of music with Sur Sagar ensemble
Amusical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike.
The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, healthcare and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.
At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping
them to feel at ease so that they can heal.
The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.
Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and
care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.
About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation<
The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the
Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting, as well as PRINE Health, a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis/ Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.
With QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, patients can transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. With this training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to the convenience of home hemodialysis.
If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.
Call (718) 289-2600 with questions.
To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.
For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.
Long Island
• 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Queens
Renal Institute
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.
Good eats Keep nutrition in check all summer long
Summer is rolling along and ‘the livin’ is easy at the beach, backyard barbecues and on vacation at an enticing dining spot These gatherings tempt us with high-calorie pasta salads, chips, ice cream, cocktails, beers and sugary beverages. Enjoy your warm weather favorites while keeping your nutrition in check.
Drink green tea instead of sweet tea. Green tea has a natural component that helps speed up your metabolism. Skip the box tea and opt for the brew-it-yourself with boiling water and a tea-bag-type tea
Serve seafood. Summer is the ideal time to get the freshest catch from your local fishmonger. Grill salmon, tuna, lobster, steamer clams, and calamari for a low-calorie, proteinpacked lunch or dinner.
Don’t skip breakfast. When you wake up in the morning, your body is running on fumes. Eating a breakfast with protein, carbs, and healthy fat kicks your metabolism into high gear and provides energy for the day
Enjoy summer fruits and veggies. It’s easy to sink into a vegetable rut, eating the same boring veggies week after week, but with summer comes fresh choices. Including a mix of in-season colorful veggies in your meals gives your body a nutrient kick.
Snack at work. Bring healthy snacks to work and graze throughout the day. When you eat more often five to six times per day you’re far less likely to overeat and more likely to stay energized, nutritionists advise.
Cook meals together. Involve your friends and family in your healthy lifestyle this summer. A simple way to start: Plan meals, shop, and cook with your spouse and kids.
Downsize your dinnerware. You don’t need to buy new
plates, just use the smaller ones in your set for meals like lunch and dinner. Cornell University researchers found that by switching from 12- to 10-inch plates anyone can reduce calorie consumption by 20 to 22 percent and lose nearly two pounds per month. And that’s without changing any other aspect of your diet.
Recover with a post-workout shake. After exercising, blend your favorite summer fruits and a scoop of whey protein into a shake to kickstart the muscle-building process, help your body recover from training, and boost your energy levels.
Eat healthy at the beach. Ice cream stands and highcalorie barbecues are bound to put a damper on your diet, so stay clear of these temptations by being prepared. Pack a cooler with ice, bottled water, sandwiches on whole grain breads, pita chips, hummus, yogurt and lots of fruit. You’ll feel healthier and happier after your day at the beach.
Give your house a summer cleaning. You need an environment that reflects your healthy way of living and your summer fitness goals. To start, remove unhealthy foods from your home (so you’re not tempted). While you’re at it, stock your office with fruit, nuts, and other healthy snacks.
Build a better burger. Create a healthier burger with whole wheat buns, lean meats, and delicious toppings like pineapple, wasabi, guacamole, and feta cheese.
Photo: Once those barbecue invites start rolling in, it’s easy to forgo your healthy eating plan. Try to avoid temptation as much possible and focus the better-foryou options.
Summer brings fun, but also hazards.
According to a Kaiser Permanente study conducted in 2023, hospital emergency department visits increase by 15 to 27 percent between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
To stay healthy and well this summer and avoid sunburn, dehydration, sickness from spoiled or improperly prepared food, orthopedic injuries, water and pool accidents, insect bites, and bee stings, here is summer safety advice from the team of board certified emergency medicine physicians at Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Fennessy Family Emergency Department:
Sunburn—Exposure to sunlight helps your skin synthesize vitamin D, which is vital to bone health, immune function, and improved cognition. When skin is repeatedly exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, the risk can far outweigh the reward. Follow these sun safety steps recommended by the American Academy of Dermatologists:
• Minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm.
• Apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, to all areas of the body exposed to the sun.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days.
• Wear clothing that covers the body and shades the face.
• Have an annual skin cancer screening.
Dehydration—Symptoms of dehydration may include some or all the following: lethargy; dizziness; deep, rapid breathing; muscle cramps; dry mouth and nose; and a drop in blood pressure. Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight cups of water per day. Avoid consumption of tea, coffee, soda, or alcohol on hot days or during recreational activities. Move to a cool, shaded area if symptoms occur.
Picnic Food Preparation and Storage—Food that is not prepared and stored properly can lead to food-
borne illness. Before packing for a picnic at the park or the beach:
• Wrap uncooked chicken and meats in separate, tightly sealed bags or containers and place them at the bottom of the cooler.
• Store foods with mayonnaise in the cooler or be sure to serve them on platters that are chilled by salad bowls filled with ice.
• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
• Freeze foods that have been prepared more than one day in advance of the picnic.
• Thoroughly cook meat and poultry to destroy bacteria.
• Discard all leftovers.
Orthopedic Injuries—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than half of all sports- and recreation-related injuries are preventable. To reduce the risk of injury: Follow a schedule that sticks to the “10 percent rule” of increasing the intensity and duration of workouts. Warm up first, followed by stretching before playing, practicing, or training. Diversify training by combining or alternating activities like walking, jogging, biking, or weightlifting.
If you feel pain, soreness, or tightness, stop. Early intervention is key to avoiding further injury.
Eat healthy: include fruits and vegetables and adequate portions of protein in your daily diet.
Water and Pool Safety—Whether your family is spending time in the pool, at the beach, or on a boat, be aware of the following safety precautions:
Never leave a child unsupervised near any body of water, including bathtubs, pools, and even buckets.
Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and fishing activities.
Keep a safe distance from boat propellers.
Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if you and your family regularly participate in water activities.
Bee Stings and Insect Bites
While it is impossible to avoid mosquitoes, bees, and other insects, keep them away by applying insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET or picaridin. Studies show DEET is safe and effective at preventing insect-borne illness. Other steps to take include:
Avoid wearing scented products, as fragrances attract biting insects like mosquitoes and bees.
Be sure to empty out birdbaths, flowerpots, and kiddie pools of standing water.
Wear light-colored, long-sleeve shirts, and pants, especially during yard work or in wooded areas.
“And remember,” advises Jay Itzkowitz, MD, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau, “in an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 for help. By acting without delay, you may prevent a lifethreatening or serious medical emergency.”
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department and Mount Sinai South Nassau’s free-standing Long Beach Emergency Department serve the South Shore residents of Nassau County with patient-centered, expert emergency medical care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Jay Itzkowitz, MD, fourth from left, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau and the team of providers urge patients to practice summer safety to enjoy a safe and healthy summer.
Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
5:00-9:00PM
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale
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Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli
Franklin Early Childhood Center students are moving up to elementary school.
FECC students move on up
The Franklin Early Childhood Center held its annual Moving Up Ceremony celebrating its first-grade students as they marked the completion of an early chapter in their educational journey, on June 24.
The program began with a processional, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of “America.” Principal Lorraine Smyth welcomed families and guests, and Superintendent Ralph Marino, Jr. offered remarks, congratulating students on their growth and accomplishments.
Students entered the ceremony wearing their graduation caps backwards displaying the letters FECC across the front. Later, during the Turning of the Caps, students flipped their caps forward
to reveal the name of their next school — Hewlett or Ogden Elementary. The ceremony featured musical performances, and each first grader was introduced and greeted with applause from the audience.
Parent Teacher Association Co-Presidents Kristy Kung and Niomi Singh offered congratulations on behalf of the parent community, expressing appreciation for the partnership between families and the Franklin.
The celebration concluded with a recessional to “We Go Together” — a fun, upbeat performance that sent Franklin’s first graders off dancing with smiles, laughter, and excitement for second grade.
—
Melissa Berman
Hewlett-Woodmere back in Little League tournament
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Hewlett-Woodmere Little League Williamsport Tournament team is taking the youth baseball world by storm.
For the first time since 1992 the league took part in the coveted tournament. In the past the team, due to Shabbat restrictions, had to forfeit because they wouldn’t have enough players available. This year, the coaches fought to get back into the tournament.
The Williamsport tournament is an elimination-based summer competition that ends on July 10. The Hewlett-Woodmere squad made it to the second to last game but lost to Long Beach, on July 1.
“I kept bringing it up and so many of the people I coach with were into it,” said coach Annie Petraro, a Hewlett resident.
She coaches the spring team with Aryeh Balter and Shifra Raskin and they all agreed to push for the tournament.
“I wanted to get Hewlett back on the map and as one of the few non-Jews I was advocating for games to be scheduled not on Friday’s or Saturday’s,” Petraro said. “Hewlett-Woodmere’s Little League board is amazing, they have been so supportive.”
The kids play in District 30, which includes Baldwin, East Rockaway, Freeport, Hewlett, Island Park, Lyn-
brook, Oceanside, Rockville Centre and Woodmere.
“The people in District 30 welcomed us with open arms and said they were glad to have us back,” she added. “It worked out all our advocating and although it was last minute for us, we held try-outs and it’s a bunch of kids who just play ball for fun.”
The team is comprised of 14 players from the intermediate and 12U division ranging from nine to 12 years old.
“This is so much bigger than base-
ball, we’re back on the map, we’re a community that’s so tight,” Petraro said. “Jewish and non-Jewish alike we support our community even though it’s such a heavy time in the world. These boys when they’re on the baseball field, it’s not even about winning.”
She stresses the importance of the kids including everyone, being good sports and having fun but also meeting new people and knowing they deserve to be there.
Petraro’s son, Joe, designed the
team’s uniforms by himself and included the yellow ribbon for the hostages still in captivity from the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel.
Joe, 12, said he wanted to make the uniforms “special for the community” and compiled photos from online in his head to make the design.
“I sponsored and I paid for the uniforms, I thought about sports for all, the earth and that it should like nice in blue and white,” Joe said. “I thought about Israel because of the hostages and antisemitism.”
He used Rush Order Tees to create the all aspects of the uniform.
“I just love living here in Hewlett, and wanted to help my community,” he said. “They include everyone here.”
Shani Weiss, a parent and Woodmere resident, said that her son Alex has been involved with baseball for many years.
“He’s met kids from all different schools, makes a bunch of friends and it’s just a really fun, healthy activity,” Weiss said. “He learns good sportsmanship and it’s a wonderful experience for him and the whole family.”
She noted that his baseball skills have improved as a catcher, he gained strength in his throws and in his batting skills.
“I really think this has been a great boost for his self-esteem,” she said. “We don’t miss a game, it’s one of my most favorite things to do.”
Courtesy Annie Petraro
Hewlett-Woodmere Little League players participated in the Williamsport Tournament for the first time since 1992.
STEPPING OUT Step right up
A bustling scene at the Empire State Fair
By Karen Bloom
It’s that time again — the sweet smell of cotton candy, the sizzle of zeppole and the midway beckons. The fair is back in town, now lighting up the Nassau Coliseum grounds, through July 13.
This summertime staple brings together all the classic fun of a traditional fair, with modern-day excitement everyone will enjoy. From thrilling rides and circus performances to an old-school “oddity” sideshow and friendly farm animals, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a summer evening. It all combine for an extravaganza that entices all ages.
Keep your eyes on the Big Top: Circus Murcia carries forth with time-honored circus traditions refreshed for the 21st century. Featuring major thrill acts such as the High Wire and Globe of Death, along with assorted aerialists, jugglers and clowns and much more, fair-goers are sure to enjoy a new take on circus arts.
• Now through July 13
• Weekdays, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-11 p.m.
• $10 (free for kids under 36” tall).
• Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36” and taller) are $42 on-site
Fireworks spectacle
Still craving more fireworks?
Rockville Centre’s annual anniversary celebration is just the ticket! Head to Barasch Field for a festive evening of music and family fun — capped off by a dazzling fireworks show. The South Shore Symphony Orchestra sets the tone with a rousing outdoor concert. that always delights, now in their 32nd year participating in the longstanding summertime tradition that brings together neighbors from near and far. Artistic Director Adam Glaser passes the baton to guest conductor Eileen Murphy, who leads a crowd-pleasing program of patriotic anthems, Broadway hits and familiar favorites. Highlights include the 1812 Overture, selections from “Gypsy” and Videogames Live, plus classic Sousa marches. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and, of course, some picnic foods — and settle in! After dark, the fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m., choreographed to the orchestra’s performance, for a truly unforgettable finish. Admission is free and is open to everyone. Rain date is July 13.
Saturday, July 12, 7 p.m. Pette and Barasch Fields, 244 S. Park Ave, Rockville Centre. For more information, visit.rvcny.us.
10, 2025
From the bizarre to high-tech, there’s something for everyone. Check out another “wonder” — the Big Bee transforming robot car.
“It’s built to be like a life-size Camaro, but inside, instead of having seats, it has a system of hydraulics and different motors that make it lift and open up,” says Alex Murcia, whose family enterprise came up with the concept.
“The car goes up and down and transforms from what looks like a regular Camaro to a giant robot.”
with attractions that all ages enjoy. The spacious gondola cars, each
• Visit empirestatefair.com for online savings on wristbands and tickets
• Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale
Also you won’t want to miss the World of Wonders sideshow, always a popular spot. Visit the colorful spot and be drawn into the scene involving 30 bizarre exhibits in the fascinating Museum of Marvels, under the watchful eye of Tommy Breen — aka The Great Gozleone. As a sword swallower extraordinaire, his antics are boundless, including fire-eating and stunts with a guillotine that are not for the feint of heart.
“When I was 14 I decided I wanted to run away with the sideshow,” Breen says. “I started teaching myself sword swallowing and some other stunts out of the back of a book I found. I didn’t think there still were sideshows around, I figured I could perform in bars with bands or something, but then when I graduated college I saw Ward Hall was hiring for his World of Wonders show. I was shocked it was still on the road and that I had the chance to work for the ‘King of the Sideshow,’ so I quit my job and got rid of my apartment and joined the carnival. It was what I had always daydreamed about, and once I got here I just never left.”
Breen proudly carries on the sideshow tradition, with his fellow sideshow folk.
A strongwoman astounds visitors with feats of strength, bending metal, ripping phone books, and breaking metal chains with her bare hands, along with other “talents” that never cease to amaze.
to be missed. Other favorites include Alien
rollercoaster, The those who never
And, of course, the rides are always a big draw. The midway features plenty, along with attractions that all ages enjoy. The Dream Wheel (one of the largest Ferris wheels on the fair circuit), commands attention, towering over the fairgrounds at 110-feet tall. With 24 spacious gondola cars, each with a six-person capacity to accommodate your entire group, it’s not to be missed. Other favorites include Alien Invasion, Super Cyclone rollercoaster, Wacky Worm family rollercoaster, The Zipper, Storybook Fun House, super slide, and bumper cars. And, yes, for those who never tire of the tea cups, you’ll find them here.
Whether you crave thrills or the funnel cake, this fair has it all.
Photos courtesy Empire State Fair
Spectacle and classic fun await at the Empire State Fair, where fireeaters, circus performers, rides, and exciting new attractions come together for summer fun.
The Gin Blossoms
through the band’s greatest hits, as
Take a trip down memory lane with The Gin Blossoms when their highly anticipated 2025 tour visits Long Island. With their timeless hits, infectious melodies and nostalgic vibes, this concert experience transports fans back to the heyday of ‘90s alternative rock. Gin Blossoms rose to fame in the ‘90s with hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Til I Hear It from You,” which 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. The tour is a nostalgic journey through the band’s greatest hits, as well as new songs that are sure to captivate. And, of course, one of the highlights of any Gin Blossoms concert is the connection they share with their fans. Through their heartfelt lyrics and engaging stage banter, the band creates a sense of camaraderie that makes every concert feel like a reunion with old friends.
Tuesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
‘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 new exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from 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 Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Courtyard Concert
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.
JULY 23
Daryl Hall
JULY 17
Live Aid: The Show
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library honors the 40th anniversary of the legendary benefit concert with special program. Clive Young shares the wild, true story of how it happened.
•Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: hwpl.org
Breastfeeding Support Group
Mercy Hospital offers a peerto-peer breastfeeding support group facilitated by a certified counselor. Open to new moms with babies from newborn to 1 year, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required.
•Where: St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre
•Time: Ongoing Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•Contact: Call Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
Rock Hall of Fame inductee Daryl Hall brings his current tour to Long Island, featuring opening act Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze. Tilbrook has previously performed with Hall on his award-winning web series, Live from Daryl’s House. The concert is promises to reconnect fans with his celebrated musical legacy. This tour is of particular significance as it marks a reunion for Hall and Tilbrook, who have shared the stage in previous performances, most notably in Hall’s acclaimed web series “Live from Daryl’s House.” “I’ve toured with Glenn in the past, and I’m a fan of his songs, and it will be great to work with him again,” Daryl says, whose previous tours included acts Howard Jones, Elvis Costello and Todd Rundgren, all of whom also appeared on the acclaimed show. The format is the same, with Tilbrook performing a solo set to open, then joining Hall on stage to close the show. Beyond the music, the tour holds sentimental value, as it coincides with significant milestones in Hall’s career. In 2024, Hall celebrated the 10th anniversary of his venue, Daryl’s House, in Pawling, N.Y., where he offered a free concert to acknowledge the support of his fans. Past tours have seen Hall share the stage with icons such as Elvis Costello and Howard Jones, emphasizing his prowess in collaborating effectively and delighting audiences with diverse musical experiences. The upcoming tour, following his latest album, solidifies Hall’s commitment to keeping his music fresh and engaging for his loyal fanbase. $226.75, $186.75, $118.75 (GA), $108.75.
•Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
•Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
•Contact: Contact: hwpl.org
JULY
‘One of these nights’
Eagles tribute band Desert Highway rocks Eisenhower Park as summer heats up. Their acclaimed performance is a nonstop journey through numerous radio hits, Top 10 singles and favorite solo works of The Eagles — from the countryinspired “Take It Easy” to the soaring guitar rock anthem “Hotel California”.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Twilight tunes on the terrace
Enjoy a summer evening at Old Westbury Gardens with some smooth jazz, swing rhythms and popular favorites performed by the Paul Effman Band in the open air. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery. Rain date is July 13. $25 $22.50, seniors (62+), members receive 20% off.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Watermelon 5K
Get your steps in and enjoy a sweet treat at the Watermelon 5K at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Field 2, East Meadow
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
•Contact: events.elitefeats. com/25WatermelonNassau
JULY
14
Gardening: A lesson of life
Learn to cultivate, seed, plant and tend a vegetable and herb garden on the beautiful grounds of Rock Hall Museum.
•Where: 199 Broadway, Lawrence
•Time: 10-11 a.m.
•Contact: (516) 239-1157
Movie in the park
Enjoy a movie under the stars at North Woodmere Park, hosted by Nassau County Parks. Bring the family to see Disney Pixar’s “Up,” the 2009 animated fantasy about a retired
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
balloon salesman and a young boy who fly toward adventure as they seek the famed Paradise Falls.
•Where: 750 Hungry Harbor Road
•Time: Starts at dusk
•Contact: (516) 572-0200
JULY
16
Breakfast Connect
Want to network your business? Attend the Breakfast Connect group’s get together. The breakfast meeting is free and open to everyone.
•Where: Hewlett Firehouse, 25 Franklin Ave., Hewlett
•Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 8-9 a.m.
•Contact: Call or text Andrew Leibowitz at (516) 790-4829
Movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “The Wild Robot,” based on the best-selling children’s book. Stranded on an unfamiliar island, a helpful robot adapts to survive with the local animals and finds her purpose when she takes in a lonely baby goose. Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
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 learn about Henri Matisse. $4 with museum admission.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Summer tunes
Enjoy an evening of doo-wop at Eisenhower Park. Kid Kyle, The Capri, Vito Picone and the Elegants bring their vibe to the stage.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
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.
Stars, stripes and
songs
light up Eisenhower Park skies
Spectators filled Eisenhower Park on July 3 for Nassau County’s annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, marking the start of the holiday weekend with an evening of music, patriotism, and dazzling pyrotechnics. The event, presented by TD Bank and held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, has become a cherished summer tradition in the community.
Families and friends brought blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities,
with many arriving early to secure a good viewing spot. County officials were on hand to greet attendees and take part in the celebration, which offered something for all ages to enjoy.
The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the summer sky in red, white, and blue, honoring America’s birthday and capping off a memorable night in Eisenhower Park.
— Jordan Vallone
CLOSE TO HOME
TUESDAY, JULY 15TH | 7:00PM
ULTIMATE TICKETS
Sunday, August 3 at 1:40 p.m.
Contest ends July 27 at midnight with the winner chosen on July 28
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
GRANT PARK
Broadway and Sheridan Avenue, Hewlett FREE ADMISSION | Bring Blankets or Chairs Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.
Tim Baker/Herald
The skies over Eisenhower Park were illuminated with a vibrant display of light and color during Nassau County’s Independence Day celebration held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.
New leadership for Hewlett-Woodmere schools
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The Hewlett-Woodmere school district officially has a new superintendent and an assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership development, while the Board of Education decided to retain its two top leaders.
Dina Anzalone formally took the reins of district leadership and Lorraine Smyth, the former Franklin Early Childhood Center principal, is now an assistant superintendent.
“Her remarkable tenure as principal of Franklin Early Childhood Center, combined with her HR expertise and experience as building leader and secretary of the Hewlett-Woodmere Administrative and Supervisory Association, uniquely positions her to mentor new administrators and bridge critical gaps in leadership development,” Anzalone said in a statement to the Herald referring to Smyth.
“Her intimate knowledge of our school community, understanding of negotiations and education law and strong pedagogical foundation make her the perfect fit for what our district needs at this pivotal time to move us forward, Anzalone added, calling this a pivotal time for the school district.
Brian Norman/Herald
Debra Sheinin, left, and Cheryl May were nominated and elected by their fellow trustees to return as president and vice-president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education on July 1.
in every decision we make. I am proud of the work we’ve done and look forward to continuing the momentum in the year ahead.”
Cheryl May returns as board vicepresident. She has served on the board of 15 years, and said this is the most excited she has been.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone,” May said during the meeting. “Dr. Anzalone thank you, and Barbara Randazzo, thank you for coming back for another year. This is year 15 for me and I have never felt so positive.”
Randazzo is the secretary to the superintendent.
Anzalone also addressed several facilities projects the district aims to complete by the 2025–26 school year.
She said the high school gym floors have been removed and new planks are being installed. The tennis courts are being striped in the U.S. Open colors of blue and green. The Bulldog logo was approved for the new concession stand, and construction of the high school auditorium remains on track for completion this school year.
Sheinin wrote in a statement to the Herald that it is an honor to continue serving as President and she remains committed to supporting the entire community.
District officials highlighted summer goals during its annual organizational meeting on July 1, and the board elected its president and vice president as Debra Sheinin will serve a fifth year as president.
“It continues to be a privilege to work alongside a dedicated group of board members,” Sheinin said. “Together, we focus on upholding strong governance, fostering respectful collaboration, and ensuring that the values and voices of our community are reflected
Anzalone also said that the Franklin principal position has been posted and that the district is actively searching for a replacement.
The Board of Education will meet again on Aug. 20 at the Woodmere Education Center. 1 Johnson Ave., Woodmere, at 5:00 p.m.
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
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
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
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at the Organizational Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, at Lawrence Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559, on the 17th day of July 2025, at 8:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, and there will be a second Public Hearing with respect to the following matter: Public Hearing re: Proposed Local Law #9 of 2025
“ A Local Law to amend the Village Code regarding Board of Zoning Appeals and Planning Board members’ terms
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT copies of the proposed items described above are on file/available in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Lawrence, NY, where the same is available for public inspection during regular office hours.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on all meeting matters at the place and time aforesaid. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the meeting.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the requirements of the Open Meetings Law of the State of New York, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lawrence will convene in public meeting at the place and time aforesaid for
the purpose of conducting a regular meeting where general business will be conducted.
Dated: July 3, 2025
By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Lawrence, NY
Gerry Castro, Village Administrator 154566
LEGAL NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals
Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509
Date: July 17, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509
Subject: Case #24-01-6423. Chabad of the Beaches, 2025 Park Street, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509. Applicant proposes to change the use of the premises from business (bank) to a religious/community center use with an accessory café with additions to the building and covered front porch. The proposed use requires a special exception permit (a) to permit the use and a drive-thru café pursuant to Village Code §250-108.1(C)(1), subject to certain maximum hours of operation and time limitations, and (b) 250-81 and Chapter 185 to permit a sign. Applicant also seeks variances of the following sections of the Village Code: (a) 185-4(B) and 250-81, to permit a sign of 13 feet by 2.75 feet, where no sign may exceed 12 square feet, (b) 250-125(A)(3), to permit the facility to contain 7 on-site parking spaces, where 11 are required, (c) 250-125(F), to permit parking within the front yard, where no such parking is permitted, (d) 250-22(B), to permit a drive-thru canopy and Albany Boulevard canopy within the front yard, provided that the drive-thru canopy remains within the 22 foot footprint of the existing canopy, where no such canopy is permitted in a front yard, (e) 250-25(A)(2), to permit an open porch encroaching into the side yard by 12.385 feet with the canopy depth no greater than
5 feet, (f) 250-16.2(A), to permit an accessory structure to exceed the maximum square footage and height, (g) 250-16, to permit a 0.1 foot setback to the rear addition and a 6.45 foot setback to the front awning, where a minimum of 20 feet is required, and (h) 250-4, to permit an expansion of a nonconforming use, where no such expansion is permitted. Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 60, Lots 5-9 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.
Dated: July 2, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 154568
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 07/16/2025 at 9:30
A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
381/25. WOODMEREEfraim Dov Graber & Pamela Beth WeissGraber, Renewal of grant to maintain 6’ high stockade fence forward of dwelling which may substantially obstruct line of sight & located in the clear sight triangle., N/E cor. North Wood La. & Central Ave., a/k/a 104 North Wood La. N.C.P.C. Local determination. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.
Travelers can take advantage of the LIRR’s “Summer
from now through Aug. 30
LIRR ‘Summer Saturday’ discounts are back
Gov. Kathy Hochul on July 2 announced the return of Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad “Summer Saturday” discount programs that enable monthly ticket holders to travel anywhere the railroads go and bring other guests for $1 each. Each Saturday from now through Aug. 30, both railroads will honor all monthly tickets for travel to and from all stations within the LIRR or MetroNorth Railroad regardless of what stations are printed on the ticket. Monthly ticket holders traveling Saturdays
will also be able to bring up to two additional travelers for $1 per person each way.
The promotional tickets can be purchased via the TrainTime app under Family Fares or on board without incurring an extra charge.
There will be no cross honoring of these discounted tickets between the railroads, meaning LIRR customers cannot use their monthly tickets to travel on Metro-North, and vice versa.
– Brian Kacharaba
Public Notices
399/25. - 400/25. WOODMERE - Verizon New York Inc., Variances, front yard average setback, rear yard, maintain transformer & dumpster in conjunction with existing building; Variance in off-street parking with insufficient maneuvering aisle (Install Bloom energy servers in conjunction with existing building)., E/s Franklin Pl., 251’ N/o Broadway, a/k/a 108 Franklin Pl. S.E.Q.R. determination not made. N.C.P.C. Local determination. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Woodmere within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 154476
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING and PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be an Organizational Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, at Lawrence Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559, on the 17th day of July 2025, at 8:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, and one (1) Public Hearing with respect to the following matter: Public Hearing re: Proposed Local Law #8 of 2025
“ A Local Law to amend the Village Code to regulate zoning and other restrictions for private/commercial pickleball courts NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT copies of the proposed items described above are on file/available in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Lawrence, NY, where the same is available for public inspection during regular office hours.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on all meeting matters at the place and time aforesaid. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the meeting. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the requirements of the Open Meetings Law of the State of New York, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lawrence will convene in public meeting at the place and time aforesaid for the purpose of
conducting a regular meeting where general business will be conducted.
Dated: June 25, 2025 By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Lawrence, NY Gerry Castro, Village Administrator 154564
AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Nymble AI LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/13/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 231 Polo Lane. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 154574
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT
DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to
Vintage Charm, Endless Possibilities
TREALESTATE
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Apartments For Rent
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
LAWRENCE: 1 BR, 2nd Floor, Walk LIRR, Houses Of Worship. $1,800 Includes Water, Gas, Heat. David 516-369-7261
Some advice on wood cabinets
Q. We have been looking for real wood kitchen cabinets, and they really run the whole spectrum, from semi-reasonable to very expensive. A salesman told us that well-made cabinets and doors cost more because they’re made better, with more pieces fit together instead of from single panels. He told us that we’ll regret picking the cheaper doors, saying they won’t last. I know that over the years, our closet doors bind up from the changes in humidity, but is it really a significant cause to have to buy more expensive cabinets?
A. Yes. The most important factor when selecting materials for any type of construction, whether it’s a building or a cabinet, is to keep in mind that everything has movement, both internal and external. As I have written many times, wood was once the center of a tree, never intended in nature to be cut up and exposed. Once the wood is taken from the heart of a tree, it begins to change shape based on temperature and moisture content.
Wood that is intended for structural use, like a common 2 x 4 wall stud, is typically dried to about 19 percent moisture content. This is done by laying the lumber outdoors in a covered area. Indoor lumber products are kiln dried to around 8 percent to balance out with indoor humidity, but the wood will not just stay at that moisture level. As the seasons change, wood products continue to adjust to the humidity they are subjected to.
It used to be that craftsmen let the finish trim moldings remain stored indoors, on site, to adjust to their final indoor installation. Unfortunately, most people are in a hurry to get the job done, and move on so the wood doesn’t get the chance to acclimate. Every so often I am asked to explain why there is cracking in sheetrock at corners or around doors. Most of the time, people suspect that it’s a structural problem, when it actually is the twisting and expansion or contraction of lumber that still has a different moisture level than the building. The dynamic movement can split the lumber and crack the walls easily.
The same kind of movement can occur in cabinet doors, so to adjust for this internal movement, doors are often configured with what is referred to as “rails and styles” surrounding the center panel. A well-crafted cabinet door will have movement if you place your hand on the center panel and move it up or down or side to side. The movement allows the door panel to expand or contract without binding, twisting or warping. Many doors imitate the look of multi-part doors, but are routed panels made from a single board. This kind of door can warp from typical moisture changes in a kitchen, from boiling water on a stove, a cross breeze on a summer day or when the heat comes on and the house gets dry. Good luck!
LYNBROOK: GARAGE/ TAG SALE!
7/12, 7/13, 9AM- 3PM. 61 Harvard Avenue Contents Of 3 Floor House. Vintage. Rain Or Shine. No Early Birds.
FREON WANTED Certified buyer looking for R12, R22 & more! Call Peter at 312-500-4275
Home Improvement
Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry
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This summer, put down the phone and pick up a book
When I think of summer, I think of long days spent outside, family cookouts and the warmth of our neighborhoods coming alive. But I also think of something quieter and deeply personal — the simple joy of getting lost in a good book. For me, summer reading has always been a reminder that learning and growing don’t stop when the school year ends. When I was a kid, my parents would take me to the local library where I would wander the aisles, checking out as many books as I could carry. Those stories opened my eyes to new places, new people, and ideas bigger than the world I knew. They helped shape how I see myself and my community. They gave me tools I carry to this day — curiosity, empathy and the confidence to dream.
Now, as an elected official, I see how reading remains just as powerful, even though today’s world looks very different from the one we grew up in. Screens are everywhere, and we spend much of
our day connected. While technology has made life more convenient, however, it has also made it harder to carve out time to read, to sit with a book, reflect and imagine.
This is especially true for young people. Too much screen time can make it harder to concentrate, disrupt sleep, and leave kids feeling more anxious. That’s why I’m proud that in New York, we’re taking steps to reduce unnecessary screen time in school. Kids need breaks from devices. They need opportunities to learn in ways that spark their imagination, build their confidence, and strengthen their relationships with teachers and classmates.
Y es, technology is crucial, but students must also know how to unplug.
es they care about. Imagine finishing reading a novel and then using an AI tool to explore its themes or the author’s life. Or a classroom where kids collaborate on writing projects with digital tools that help them brainstorm and edit, but where the ideas are still their own. This is the balance we need — protecting their well-being while giving them the skills they’ll need to succeed in a world that is changing every day.
lenge. Just a few minutes of reading each day can help prevent the summer slide and keep young minds growing. If we want to raise the next generation to be thoughtful, engaged citizens, they must have the space to imagine, question and dream. Books do that. They invite us to understand people whose lives look nothing like ours. They challenge us to think bigger. They remind us that no matter how advanced technology becomes, there is nothing like getting lost in a good story.
But our responsibility doesn’t stop at limiting screen time. We must also prepare our students for a future where technology, especially artificial intelligence, will be part of almost every job. That’s why we’re modernizing our curriculum so that students not only know how to unplug, but also how to use technology wisely and creatively. We cannot shy away from AI. We need to teach students how to understand it, how to question it, and how to use it to build solutions to the challeng-
Adults, as well, need to protect our time to read. I know how easy it is to reach for a phone at the end of a long day. But when we pick up a book instead, we give ourselves time to pause, to reflect and to step into a different perspective. And when our children see us reading, they learn that reading isn’t just homework. It’s a lifelong habit that helps us stay curious, informed and connected.
Making reading part of a summer routine isn’t expensive or complicated. Visit your local library — they are one of the greatest community treasures we have. Many libraries run summer reading programs and challenges for kids and adults. I encourage every family to take part in a summer reading chal-
So this summer, let’s make a commitment as parents, grandparents, students and neighbors to read more and scroll less. Let’s balance our embrace of new technology with the timeless power of words on a page. Let’s show our kids that the future will be shaped not just by the tools we invent but by the values we carry forward like curiosity, empathy and the courage to keep learning.
If you see me at a local event or in our neighborhood library, come share what you are reading. I would love to hear what stories are inspiring you. If you want to join a reading challenge this summer, contact my office or your local library — we’re here to help you get started.
Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District.
Hochul needs to show some love to dying New Yorkers
iam so grateful to the State Legislature — particularly Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie — for green-lighting medical aid in dying in New York. I have been an advocate for many years of giving dying New Yorkers this compassionate end-of-life option.
Now it’s up to Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law.
Very simply, medical aid in dying allows adults, who are capable of making their own health care decisions, with confirmed prognoses of six months or less to live with an incurable and irreversible disease or illness, to request a prescription that they can take themselves — if they choose — to end their pain and suffering and die peacefully.
Those who know me, or the work I’ve
done for decades, know that I am committed to helping people do everything they can to stay alive. But through that work, I’ve also learned that there comes a point when death is inevitable, and imminent.
I’m sure there are many readers who, like me, have watched someone suffer as they are dying. Anyone who has experienced it will agree that it is traumatic. I’ve had that unfortunate experience with both my son and my mother. I tried to do everything in my power to provide love and comfort to ease their pain and suffering.
ilittle we could do to help him avoid suffering.
While my son was dying, my mother was dealing with her own terminal breast cancer. She prayed to die so that her pain would stop, but there was nothing anyone could do. It is still difficult for me to talk about that dark time, when I traveled between bedsides and faced the unimaginable.
’ve learned that there comes a point when death is inevitable, and imminent.
Let me be very clear. Medical aid in dying is not giving up on life. This option simply gives those who are dying — with no chance of surviving a terminal illness — the ability to make their own decisions about the end of their lives.
The pain of sitting with a loved one as he or she waits to die in agony never goes away. To this day, I can still hear my son gasping for breath. In the end, there was no hope for survival, and very
After losing the two people who were closest to me, and my own diagnosis of breast cancer, I have dedicated my life to eradicating cancer and helping cancer patients on Long Island. We’ve seen so many advances in cancer-fighting treatments and therapies, and I know we will continue to see further advances, providing more and more opportunities for people with cancer to live long, productive, enjoyable lives.
I am a founding member of 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition, and the founder of Hewlett House, a community resource center providing services to Long Island and
New York City for all cancer concerns. This safe haven for cancer patients, now in its 30th year, has been witness to a lot of joy, and a lot of pain.
I am a five-time cancer survivor myself, and I continue to fight every day against this disease. But I know there will be a day — hopefully a long time away — when my time will come and I cannot fight anymore. I want the option of medical aid in dying. While I may not decide to take the medication to end my life, I want that option. I’ve earned that option. We’ve all earned that option — whether or not we choose to take it. The Legislature has finally done its job. It took 10 long years and many New Yorkers dying while suffering. But the Medical Aid in Dying Act has now passed both houses, and has the overwhelming support of New Yorkers in poll after poll.
Governor Hochul, I implore you to sign the act into law and show dying New Yorkers some love as they face their final days.
Geri Barish, of Baldwin, is executive director of Hewlett House and a pioneer of the breast cancer activism community on Long Island.
MiCHAELLE soLAGEs
GERi BARisH
Though it could be weeks and months before there can be an accurate determination of the full extent of the impact of the United States’ bombing attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, I strongly support President Trump’s decision to order those attacks.
While I certainly understand and appreciate that good Americans have honest differences with the president’s decision, I have no patience with the almost instantaneous knee-jerk opposition to the attacks from Democrats and many in the media, followed by the attempts to diminish the impact of the strikes based on preliminary findings of a leaked government report that had a low level of confidence. It was almost as if these political and media elements were rooting against the United States in our struggle against Iranian state terrorism.
There has to be a return to more bipartisan support for foreign policy that would at least give the commander in chief an early benefit of the doubt when decisions are made. I say this as an American rather than as a Republican.
During the years I was in Congress, I saw both major political parties rush to partisan judgments against presidential foreign policy actions. In the early 1990s, for instance, war raged in the Balkans following the dismemberment of Yugoslavia resulting from the collapse of the Iron Curtain, with Serbia being the aggressor in Bosnia and also against neighboring Kosovo.
While this had no direct impact on the United States, it was the first war in Europe since the end of World War II, and it threatened to spread, and unravel the fragile stability of other former Soviet bloc nations. I remember, as a member of the International Relations Committee, hearing one European diplomat after another tell us that military action against Serbia would only lead to a massive land war that could last for years.
repeated itself in Kosovo less than four years later, when American air power defeated Serb aggression in less than a month and secured a still-lasting independence for Kosovo, despite strong Republican opposition.
These victories over aggression brought stability not only to the lives of people in Bosnia and Kosovo, but also to the continent of Europe in the post-Soviet world. This has become particularly important in the face of resurgent Russian aggression and expansion.
i have no patience with the almost instantaneous knee-jerk opposition.
Finally, President Bill Clinton decided he’d had enough, and ordered air strikes against the Serbian forces. Republicans in Congress railed against him. I was one of only a handful of Republicans who stood with the president. The war that was supposed to last for years ended in just over a week, leading to an agreement that has lasted all these years since. This scenario
Congressional Democrats demonstrated their own stubborn partisanship and hypocrisy when President Barack Obama ordered air strikes against Libya and its leader, Muammar el-Qaddafi, which led to regime change, and then authorized deadly drone missile attacks in Yemen that killed many al Qaeda terrorists, including American citizen Anwar alAwlaki. Democrats now railing against Trump for allegedly violating the Constitution and not seeking prior congressional approval were uniformly silent in the face of these similar actions by Obama, which I supported.
My main point is not that all presidential foreign policy decisions are correct, but that they shouldn’t be met with blind partisanship. Today’s world
new York City has been the site of countless events that have shaken its residents, now numbering 8 million. It endured the Mad Bomber of the 1940s and ’50s, the Son of Sam murders in the ’70s, the tragedy of Sept. 11, the coronavirus health scare, and as many other happenings as you can think of.
On Primary Day, June 24, a majority of voters chose Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as their potential mayor, and once again the city has been shaken to its roots.
Never in my lifetime have I been asked so many questions about a political result, because this one has created a stir of a magnitude that I’ve never experienced. How could voters elect a Muslim socialist to the highest office in the Big Apple? Many said they didn’t understand the ranked-choice voting process, which
they thought was crazy. Whether you agree or not with the process and/or the result, come November, the likely result will be that a political novice will be put in charge of running one of the most important cities in the world.
iThe head-splitting ranked-choice voting system came into being in New York City in 2019, when a proposition was placed on the ballot. In 2021, the system was officially in effect, and it helped Mayor Eric Adams get elected to his first term. It allows voters to choose multiple candidates and to pair them with other candidates. This year, there is no doubt that Mamdani was the beneficiary of this confusing system. With Adams having declared that he would run as an independent and therefore would not take part in the primary, the contest was wide open.
’ve never been asked so many questions about the results of an election.
you can imagine. Cuomo ran a so-called “Rose Garden” campaign, resting on his laurels as a former governor with universal name recognition. Mamdani, in contrast, ran a picture-perfect populist campaign, with thousands of volunteers ringing doorbells across the city and sophisticated phone banks making calls night after night. Cuomo was overwhelmed.
often requires quick decisions to forestall terrorist attacks or, in the case of Iran, not give the mullahs the advance notice of our intention to attack, which would necessarily result from a public debate. Even behind-the-scenes consultation with Democrats could well have led to damaging leaks and disclosure. Iran is the world’s leading supporter of state terrorism, and was within reach of creating nuclear weapons. While there could be debate as to how close that date was, it was reasonable for Trump to resolve the doubts in favor of potentially striking too soon rather than too late. Whether or not the attacks resulted in the destruction of all of Iran’s nuclear facilities, there can be no doubt that its nuclear program has been at least significantly delayed and weakened.
This strong action was good for the region and the world. It also sent a strong message of deterrence to China against attacking Taiwan, and undid much of the damage caused by our disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Ranked-choice voting threw New York City for a loop opinions Presidents’ foreign policy always draws enemy fire
These are dangerous times that call for intelligent thought and debate, not partisan buzzwords more suited to campaign fundraising. Let that debate begin.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
As we approached the primary, it appeared that only two candidates, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani, had any momentum. Cuomo and Mamdani are complete opposites in any way
The results spoke for themselves, with Mamdani declared the winner by a wide margin. At this point, Adams is still in the race, and there are rumors that he is also trying to secure the Republican nomination if he can persuade Curtis Sliwa to drop out. Cuomo may or may not run on his own independent line. And there is no doubt that the voters who couldn’t vote in the primary are itching to go to the polls in November to stop Mamdani from becoming the next mayor.
The political dilemma that voters face all goes back to the city’s opting for to the ranked-choice system. It is used in elections in such diverse places as Min-
nesota and Alaska, and efforts are being made by so-called “good government groups” to get other cities and states to embrace the concept. There is no doubt that the ranked-choice process gave Mamdani the advantage in the primary.
Assuming he wins in November, the big question is whether he can govern a city that has such burdensome issues. He has served in the State Assembly for four years, but he has no other governmental experience. He is very articulate, but you can’t run the biggest city in the country with well-chosen words alone. If I were one of his advisers, I’d suggest he buy a ticket to London and meet the Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan. Mamdani might get some good advice.
For anyone who is contemplating running for public office, the city primary results offer lots of clues about how to win — and lose — an election. And the best advice I can give is don’t run in an election that uses the ranked-choice voting system.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
Nassau
Established 1924
Melissa BerMan
Brian norMan
HarWiTT
2 Endo Boulevard
City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000
L.I.’s
state parks are great summer escapes
looking for a way to have fun and go easy on the wallet? You don’t have to get on a plane or even leave Long Island, because the Island is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse parks in New York state, several of them right in Herald readers’ backyard.
Whether you prefer soaking up the sun on a sandy shoreline, hiking scenic trails or simply enjoying the quiet majesty of nature, Long Island’s state parks offer something for everyone. And with gas prices fluctuating and many vacation budgets tighter than ever, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of these low-cost, high-reward outdoor escapes.
One of the Island’s crown jewels is Jones Beach State Park. Renowned for its miles of beaches, it’s a summer favorite for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball and concerts. Its iconic boardwalk, historic bathhouses and new adventure course offer fun for visitors of all ages. And if you’re a cyclist or runner, the paved paths stretching from Wantagh to Captree State Park are a beautiful setting for a workout.
Just to the east is Robert Moses State Park, a more laid-back but equally scenic destination. With smaller crowds and a calmer vibe, it’s a go-to for families, surfers and birdwatchers. Take a stroll to the Fire Island Lighthouse or
letters
visit Field 5 for easy access to Fire Island’s quaint communities and preserved shorelines.
Closer to Nassau County’s South Shore communities are Hempstead Lake State Park, in West Hempstead, and Valley Stream State Park. Hempstead Lake features an observation deck overlooking the lake, 18 tennis courts, six pickleball courts, basketball courts, a softball field, biking and hiking trails, a children’s playground and a shaded picnic area.
Valley Stream’s picnic groves and wooded trails offer a slice of wilderness along with children’s play areas; horseshoe, volleyball and basketball courts; ball fields and nature trails. Kids can explore a variety of habitats on the Squirrel Nut and Hickory Nut trails.
And don’t overlook Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, in Lloyd Harbor on the North Shore. This former estate now has miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, cycling and nature study, all set against a backdrop of rolling meadows and Long Island Sound bluffs. It’s a quiet, reflective place, ideal for slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
Not far over the Suffolk County line, Belmont Lake State Park, in North Babylon, offers boat rentals, fishing spots, shaded picnic areas and wide-open spaces. It’s ideal for a day trip with the kids or a peaceful walk with the dog. Fitness enthusiasts can run or bike around the
This summer’s already a scorcher — prepare for more extreme heat
To the Editor:
As we welcome summer, we also prepare for the challenges that come with it — especially the extreme heat expected in the weeks ahead. Temperatures have already soared beyond 90 degrees, and some areas have seen temperatures over 100.
PSEG Long Island is ready. We work all year round, upgrading infrastructure and preparing our teams to deliver reliable, safe electric service throughout the hottest months. While we plan in advance to have the electrical capacity to meet peak demand on the hottest days, we want to make sure you know what to do, too. When temperatures climb, it’s important to take steps to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses. Make use of air-conditioned spaces when needed, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and wear light-colored clothing. Check in on the most vulnerable people in your community, such as elderly relatives, friends, neighbors. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
For more tips on safety during extreme weather, including information about local heating and cooling centers, go to psegliny.com/SafetyAndReliability/ stormsafety/ExtremeWeather.
lake’s perimeter, while others can simply enjoy the serenity of the water.
Another hidden gem is Heckscher State Park, in East Islip, which boasts fields, trails and a bayfront perfect for kayaking or boardsailing. Known for its deer population and lush woodlands, Heckscher feels a world away — though it, too, is just a short drive.
Sunken Meadow State Park, in Kings Park, offers inspiring views of the Long Island Sound and a broad boardwalk with fitness stations along the way. Its trail network weaves through wooded hills and salt marshes, and it features a popular golf course as well. It’s a rare spot where land and water adventures blend seamlessly.
Day passes to most state parks are just $8 to $10 per vehicle, and the Empire Pass offers unlimited entry to all state parks for just $80 a year. It’s a small price for such a big return of memorable experiences.
So instead of scrolling through vacation deals or lamenting how expensive everything seems this summer, grab your sunscreen, sneakers or camera and explore the natural wonders that Long Island has to offer. Adventure doesn’t have to mean something far from home. Let’s revel in the beauty around us, so much of which is just a few exits away.
For more about the parks, go to Parks. ny.gov.
High demand during heat waves can occasionally result in scattered outages. We encourage customers to download the PSEG Long Island mobile app, follow our social media pages and bookmark psegliny.com. You can report outages through all of those channels. Outages can also be reported by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or
calling (800) 490-0075.
Extreme heat can also mean higher electricity usage. Smart energy practices can make a real difference. Set your thermostat higher when away, use programmable or smart thermostats to optimize cooling during peak hours, and run major appliances early in the day or late at night. Replace dirty air
opinions Building a more affordable New York
Let’s face it, the cost of living isn’t cheap. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying rent or juggling child care, it can feel like your paycheck is stretched to the limit every week. But Gov. Kathy Hochul is committed to improving the quality of life for the more than 20 million residents of New York state. She fought for and delivered a state budget that puts you first and makes New York a more affordable and livable state.
We call it the Affordability Agenda, and here’s what it means for you — more money in your pocket, less stress on your wallet and real investments in your future. We know that too many families across the state are struggling to make ends meet. As the federal government continues to play with reckless and unauthorized tariffs that have burdened businesses with skyrocketing costs that have been passed along to consumers, the governor’s Affordability Agenda is centered on making life easier for New Yorkers. As secretary of state, I travel all over New York. I talk to local leaders and residents from the North Country to Long
Island, from Syracuse to Buffalo, from Mid-Hudson to New York City and many communities in between, and they all tell me the same thing: “We need help.”
Prices are up, inflation continues, and Washington’s economic policies are making things worse. But we’re not waiting around. We’re taking action. That’s our job.
The Affordability Agenda, recently passed through the state budget, delivers victories on issues that working families care about most. Hochul fought for real relief, especially for middle- and lowincome New Yorkers who try every day to make ends meet for their families.
But what does all this mean for you?
H■ Safer and more affordable child care through big investments that help both parents and providers.
■ High-speed internet access for lowincome households for $15 per month, helping close the digital divide.
■ STAR rebates totaling $2.5 billion, to provide relief to homeowners.
ere are some details of the governor’s Affordability Agenda.
Here’s just some of the relief coming your way:
■ Inflation refund checks of up to $400, putting money in the pockets of over 8 million New York households.
■ Lower middle-class taxes, with $1 billion annually in tax relief for 8.3 million families.
■ An expanded child tax credit that provides up to $1,000 per child to 1.6 million families, which since 2023 has included children under 4.
■ Free school meals for more than 2.7 million students.
Letters
filters regularly, seal leaks around doors and windows, and consider switching to Energy Star appliances when upgrading.
Simple actions — like using ceiling fans, drawing window shades during the day, or charging electric vehicles overnight — can reduce strain on the grid and help you save money.
Thank you for being part of our community. We’re here for you every day, and especially when it matters most.
LARRY ToRRES
Senior director of emergency preparedness, PSEG Long Island
We’re helping small businesses on Long Island
To the Editor:
June kept our successful meeting streak intact. Long Island Advancement of Small Business’s three speakers — Joseph Horowitz, David Faverio and Robert Tockarshewsky — filled attendees in on cybersecurity and safety in your IT operations. We continue to hold successful meetings with good attendance, at which members and non-members are developing relationships.
The education provided is useful the minute you return to your office. To our members and
■ The most consequential statewide housing plan in decades, so families have access to affordable housing. It protects homeowners and renters throughout our state.
■ Added jobs, and tuition assistance, education funding and public transit investments boosted to the highest levels in history so families have the best opportunities for success.
And we’re not stopping there, because New York needs to be the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation.
The governor’s economic development and workforce plans include new access to low-interest capital for small businesses, free community college for adults pursuing degrees in highdemand fields, enhancement of the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit with a new tier for semiconductor supply chain companies, and pro-
other attendees, I would recommend that you continue to attend for more valuable information, and if you haven’t attended, come check us out.
on Wednesday, we were scheduled to discuss automating your business. After taking August off, we will continue our breakfast meetings on Sept. 10, focusing on the “Big Beautiful Bill” and sales tax tips for small businesses. The speakers have not yet been confirmed.
Unlike other business groups, we offer more than shaking hands and exchanging business cards. We teach you how to do better business, in a very profitable and sustaining way. So far we have covered legal issues, financing, AI, personal development and cybersecurity. Learn while making lasting relationships with our board, members and attendees.
If you’re asking, “Am I a small business?” the answer is most likely yes. We don’t define your business by statistics or numbers; it’s merely your impression of your business. Join us and learn more about running and protecting it.
We are also looking for sponsors and speakers for our organization, for breakfasts and special events. Please check out the opportunities available on our website, liasb.com. I hope to see you on Sept. 10.
MARC P. PALKER President,
Long Island Advancement of Small Business
tecting workers from wage theft.
Right now there are over 400,000 jobs available in the state. At the same time, over 4 million adults ages 25 to 55 don’t have a college degree or credential, which is often the key to finding betterpaying jobs.
So here’s what we’re going to do. The state is going to pay for community college for those ages 25 to 55 who are studying in-demand fields like health care, education and technology. Because we know the cost is often the barrier. If you’re working for minimum wage, trying to pay for child care and cover the cost of community college to lift yourself up, it doesn’t add up. With this plan, you won’t have to choose.
And we’re investing big in our small businesses and downtowns. The Affordability Agenda works hand in hand with the successful economic development programs we already have in New York, like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the NY Forward program, to boost local businesses, improve housing and create places where people want to live, work and play.
We are rewriting the New York story so working families don’t just survive, they thrive. We are fighting for the working people and families in our state, and to make life more affordable for everyone.
Walter T. Mosley is New York’s secretary of state.
Framework by Tim Baker
