Melissa Berman/Herald Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias, left, with State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Village Administrator Gerry Castro at the intersection of Central Avenue and Route 878.
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
A long-awaited improvement project along State Route 878 — the Nassau Expressway — in the Village of Lawrence is underway, with new pavement, landscaping and accessibility upgrades coming to one of the community’s busiest roadways.
The village received a $150,000 state grant from State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick to help fund the beautification and repaving of a section of Route 878, a project village officials suggested will improve the safety, appearance and quality of life for residents and motorists.
The improvements will extend throughout the village, from Burnside Avenue toward the Atlantic Beach Bridge, Lawrence officials said. Construction began in early June, with completion expected by October.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick joined Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias and Village Administrator Gerry Castro on Route 878 to announce the project and highlight the importance of cooperation between different levels of government, on July 23.
“Here we are on 878 in the Village of Lawrence, and I’m so honored to stand here with the Village of Lawrence’s mayor, Sam Nahmias,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “Thank
By MELISSA BERMAN & JEFFREY BESSEN of the Herald
An unlikely friendship began in the winter of 2025, in the pool at an LA Fitness gym in Queens.
Jay Greenbaum, 68, of Hewlett, is a cycle spin instructor for LA Fitness gyms in Garden City, Howard Beach, Lawrence and New Hyde Park. At the time, he was training for an endurance swim last July in Fire Island, as well as the Half Ironman triathlon at Jones Beach last Sept. 20.
Michael Everett, 38, who lives in Brooklyn, was training for another Ironman in Puerto Rico as well as the Jones Beach competition.
As the two men talked, they discovered that they had both sustained serious injuries — Everett in a motorcycle accident in 2018, and Greenbaum on his triathlon bike in 2023. Greenbaum had “mostly recovered,” he said, from a punc -
tured lung, eight broken ribs and a separated shoulder. Everett’s injury was even more serious: He had lost half of his left leg, and now uses a prosthetic. The two became friends and met up the day before the Jones Beach Half Ironman. Before the three-event contest got under way, Greenbaum made a promise to Everett that, after the first two legs, a 1.2-mile swim and a 56-mile cycling segment, the pair would stay together during the 13.1-mile run to the finish — a total of just over 70 miles.
On race day, Everett struggled during the swim with what he described as excruciating pain in his left knee but made it out of the water and onto his bike, and completed the ride as well. Although Greenbaum finished the swim and rode an hour and 15 minutes ahead of Everett, he waited in the bike-to-run transition area until Everett pedaled in. Their run became a walk, because Everett, suffering
CoNtiNued oN PAGe 7
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: Lubin: “I’ve been practicing neurology and specializing in stroke care since the mid2000s,” Lubin said. “I’m boardcertified in both neurology and vascular neurology, which focuses specifically on stroke. Before joining Episcopal Health Services five years ago as chief of neurology and stroke program director, Lubin served as associate stroke director at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. “I live in the Five Towns, so caring for patients in my own community is especially meaningful,” she said. “Having a short commute also means I’m able to get to the hospital quickly when patients need urgent stroke care. It’s rewarding to
provide specialized care close to home and continue treating patients throughout their recovery.”
Q: What are the most common warning signs of a stroke?
A: Lubin: Stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching brain tissue. The most common symptoms are sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and vision changes such as double vision or sudden vision loss. “A severe headache can also be a warning sign,” Lubin said. “Sometimes that indicates bleeding in the brain rather than a blocked blood vessel.”
Q: Many people know the acronym FAST. Has that changed?
A: Lubin: Lubin said health professionals now encourage people to remember BE FAST, which helps identify a wider range of stroke symptoms. The letters stand for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech and Time. “The addition of balance and eyes helps recognize strokes affecting the back of the brain that might otherwise be missed,” she explained. “Time is especially important because stroke treatment
begins from the moment symptoms first appear—not when someone arrives at the hospital.” She noted that clot-busting medications are only effective within a limited treatment window, making immediate medical attention critical.
Q: Who is most at risk for having a stroke?
A: Lubin: While stroke risk increases with age, Lubin said several medical conditions significantly raise the likelihood of experiencing one. These include atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea. “Atrial fibrillation is one of the strongest risk factors because blood clots can form in the heart and travel to the brain,” she said. She added that some racial and ethnic groups, including non-Hispanic African Americans, have higher stroke risks, making prevention and regular medical care especially important.
Q: What can people do to lower their stroke risk?
A: Lubin: Managing chronic medical conditions is one of the most effective ways to prevent stroke, Lubin said. That includes controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and dia-
betes, treating sleep apnea and following medical advice for heart conditions. She also emphasized establishing care with a primary care physician instead of relying solely on urgent care centers. “It’s important to have someone who knows your medical history and helps manage your chronic conditions,” she said.
Q: Anything else to add?
A: Lubin: Recognizing stroke symptoms isn’t just the responsibility of the person having them. “Many times, it’s a family member, friend or even a stranger who notices something is wrong,” she said, recalling a case in which students recognized their teacher’s speech difficulties and called 911. “If you notice someone’s face looks uneven, they’re dragging a leg or they’re not making sense when they speak, say something and call for help,” Lubin said. “Recognizing the signs and acting immediately can change someone’s life.” She added that Episcopal Health Services is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, providing comprehensive stroke care close to home for residents of the Rockaways and Five Towns communities.
Ogden elementary welcomes Reina Hall as its new principal
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools
has appointed longtime district educator Reina Hall as the new principal of Ogden Elementary School, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the district to the leadership role.
The Board of Education approved Hall’s appointment at a special meeting on July 20, and she officially began serving as principal on July 21. She succeeds former Ogden Elementary School Principal Nicola Lynch.
For Hall, the new position represents an opportunity to continue serving a community she has been part of for nearly two decades.
“It really feels like an extension, honestly, because it’s within the same district,” Hall said. “It’s such a dream. I know this community, I know the staff and I know what makes Ogden such a special place.”
Superintendent of Schools Dina Anzalone said Hall distinguished herself among a strong pool of candidates because of her leadership skills, commitment to students and deep understanding of the HewlettWoodmere community.
“Among a highly accomplished and talented pool of candidates, Mrs. Hall distinguished herself as the exceptional leader to serve as the
next principal of Ogden Elementary School,” Anzalone wrote in a statement. “Having served the district for the past 18 years, Mrs. Hall has built meaningful relationships with our students, families and staff, earning the trust and respect of the entire community.”
Anzalone said Hall’s experience
and dedication make her uniquely prepared to guide Ogden into its next chapter.
“Strong schools are built on relationships, consistency and a shared commitment to students,” Anzalone wrote. “Mrs. Hall embodies each of those qualities. She is a thoughtful, compassionate and highly respected educator who leads with integrity, listens carefully and always puts students first.”
Hall has more than 23 years of experience in education, including the last 18 years as a teacher and administrator in Hewlett-Woodmere. Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Hewlett Elementary School, a position she held since 2024.
Before moving into administration, Hall spent 16 years as a special education teacher in the district’s Integrated Co-Teaching Program and Self-Contained 12:1:1 Program. She also served as assistant principal of the district’s Summer Learning Academy in 2022 and 2023 and as technology integration lead teacher from 2023 to 2024.
Hall began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at PS 14 Fairview School in Corona from 2003 to 2008.
Hall said her decision to apply for the Ogden position came from her desire to continue helping the district succeed.
“Ultimately, I want our district as a whole to succeed,” Hall said. “I’ve been here as a special education teacher for 16 years, then as assistant principal at Hewlett Elementary, and I felt like I knew I could do the job.”
Her years working alongside educators throughout the district have helped her build relationships that she hopes to continue strengthening.
“I know a lot of the staff because we worked together as teachers,” Hall said. “We learned and grew together throughout our educational careers, so I know what a special place this is.”
As she begins her first year as principal, Hall said her goal is to preserve Ogden’s traditions while continuing to build on the school’s strong foundation.
“Ogden has such a strong foundation,” she said. “They have traditions, they have a strong culture and they are a team here. My role will really be to continue to foster those traditions and build upon what already is a strong foundation.”
Hall described school leadership as a responsibility centered on serving students, families and staff.
“This position is a job of service,” she said. “You’re here to serve the community — teachers, staff, students, families and the district as a whole.”
A.B. participates in annual National Drowning Prevention Day
By JACK LEVEY Intern
The sixth annual National Drowning Prevention Day was observed on July 25, raising awareness of the importance of water safety and highlighting the effects of drowning globally.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning claims over 300,000 lives each year, with almost 25% of those deaths being children that are under the age of five. Additionally, drowning is among the top ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 around the world.
Over 90% of drowning happens in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage vessels, and swimming pools in low/middle income countries. Children and adolescents that live in rural areas are also found to be disproportionately affected.
The global advocacy event was originally declared on July 25, 2021, by the Nations General Assembly after recognizing drowning as a global priority. The event has the goal of reducing drowning to 35% by 2035 through the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention which calls on all sectors and levels of society to bring awareness. Since 2021, the annual event carries a theme. This year’s theme was ‘Unite to Turn the Tide.”
The WHO encourages people to take action by sharing online how to prevent drowning in their communities and to use the Turn the Tide ToolKit, which can be used by social media users to support the
Alice Moreno/Herald
EMT’s, EMT-CC, fire departments, paramedics and rescue squad trainees learn how to flip a boat over during the Water Safety and Rescue Training for EMS agencies training in 2025.
campaign on their respective platforms.
The WHO have additionally released other resources to encourage water safety such as the “Seven strategies to prevent drowning: technical package for policy-makers,” the “Global status report on drowning prevention 2024,” and “Hidden depths: the global investment case for drowning prevention.”
The National Drowning Prevention Day
(NPDA) has also released multiple resources in preparation for the annual observation which highlights the need for the world to work together to prevent drowning deaths. These include pool safety tips along with a seminar, a monthly drowning analysis, and the Take Back the Water Challenge, which is a free mobile experience that helps children and families understand the importance of having a des-
ignated adult Water watcher to improve safety.
Nat Etrog, who has been vice chairmen of the Nassau County Water Rescue Association for over 25 years, wrote in a statement that lifeguards should talk to swimmers about having heightened sense of water safety, situational awareness and to adhere to the five layers of protection as permitted by the NPDA.
These five layers include always swimming near a lifeguard, identifying Water Watchers, having general swim competency, learning CPR, and always wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while being on a boat.
“We, celebrate this important day in part by asking our Village Lifeguards to have discussions with residents,” he wrote. “Regarding several components of water safety situational awareness and their role in drowning prevention here in the Village and wherever there are bodies of water.”
Additionally, the Village of Atlantic Beach will be hosting its 13th annual Water Safety and Rescue Training for EMS agencies, EMT’s, EMT-CC, fire departments, paramedics and rescue squads on Aug. 30. The training will include how to handle EMS patients during a water-related emergency, self-rescue in water procedures and rescue operations for both those apart of EMS and the fire department. The handson experience will be hosted at Atlantic Beach Rescue Headquarters at 1 Rescue Road.
Courtesy Reina Hall
Reina Hall has been appointed the new principal of Ogden Elementary School.
Making the World a Better Place
The late Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, wrote extensively on making the world a better place. In his book, “To Heal a Fractured World”, he writes, “I have spent much of my life thinking about life, observing people, reading books, searching for teachers and exemplars...I make no claim to wisdom, but this I have learned:”
“That what counts is not how much wealth we make but how much of what we have, we share.”
“That those who spend at least part of their lives in the service of others are the most fulfilled and happiest people I know.”
“That moral health is no less important to the quality of a life than physical health.”
“That the best do good without thought of reward, understanding that to help others is a privilege even more than it is an opportunity.”
“That self-interest is simply uninteresting.”
“That pain and loneliness are forms of energy that can be transformed if we turn them outward, using them to recognize and redeem someone else’s pain or loneliness.”
“That putting others down, we diminish ourselves; lifting others, we lift ourselves.”
“That nothing is gained by less-thanethical conduct. We may gain in the short term but we will lose in the long, and it is the long term that counts.”
“That the ability to give to others is itself a gift.”
“That the privilege of wealth lies not in what it allows us to do for ourselves, but what it enables us to do for others.”
“That the world is a book in which our life is a chapter, and the question is whether others, reading it, will be inspired.”
Crime watCh
North Lawrence arrest
According to Nassau County police, a Queens man was arrested following an alleged domestic disturbance in North Lawrence on July 22 at 11:30 p.m.
The Fourth Squad reports that officers responded to 480 Rockaway Boulevard for a reported domestic incident.
Detectives said a verbal argument occurred between the defendant, Wikash Sant, 38, of Queens, and a 43-yearold female victim. Police said the dispute escalated into a physical altercation, during which Sant allegedly struck the victim in the face with a closed fist.
According to detectives, Sant then allegedly grabbed the victim around the neck, threatened her life and forci-
bly took her cellphone, preventing her from calling 911.
Police said the woman, fearing for her safety, fled the location on foot. A short time later, Sant was located and taken into custody without incident.
Sant was charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault, fourthdegree criminal mischief and criminal obstruction of breathing.
He was arraigned at Nassau County Court in Garden City on July 23. The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
— Melissa Berman
Police assaulted in Lawrence
According to Nassau County police, a Brooklyn man was arrested after two Nassau County police officers were injured while taking him into custody during an early morning incident in Lawrence on July 26 at 5:48 a.m.
Police said Fourth Precinct officers responded to a report of a vehicle stopped near the intersection of Nassau Expressway and Rock Hall Road with the driver appearing to be asleep.
When officers attempted to wake the driver, identified as Luis Chiguano Cuchiparte, 35, of 347A Bleecker St., Brooklyn, he became combative and spat at the officers, police said. During the ensuing struggle, Chiguano Cuchiparte allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted two officers, who sustained minor injuries.
The officers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Chiguano Cuchiparte was also transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Following an investigation, police determined that Chiguano Cuchiparte was intoxicated, according to detectives.
He was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, second-degree harassment, possessing an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle and a Vehicle and Traffic Law infraction.
Chiguano Cuchiparte was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on July 27.
— Melissa Berman
Luis Chiguano
CuChiparte
Wikash s ant
OBITUARY
H-W’s Bert Nelson dies at 83
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Bert Nelson, the former superintendent of HewlettWoodmere Public Schools whose career in education spanned more than six decades, died on July 23 at the age of 83.
Nelson led the HewlettWoodmere district as superintendent from 1982 to 1998 after rising through nearly every level of district administration. During his 16-year tenure, he helped shape the district’s reputation for academic excellence while championing music and arts education, a commitment that continued throughout his career.
also advised the New York State Education Department through certification panels, leadership workshops and advisory councils.
A respected authority on educational administration, Nelson authored numerous articles on school leadership, finance, personnel and educational policy. His work appeared in publications including “The School Administrator”, “The School Music News”, “NYSSBA Journal”, “New York School Board” and “The New York Times”.
A graduate of Queens College, Nelson earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there before completing a professional diploma and Doctor of Education degree at Hofstra University. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a career defined by educational leadership and public service.
Nelson began his career as a teacher and school administrator in New York City and Redondo Beach, California. He later joined Queens College as a lecturer in the Department of Education before beginning what would become nearly three decades with Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools.
His career in Hewlett-Woodmere progressed from assistant to the superintendent to assistant superintendent for educational services and administration, deputy superintendent and ultimately superintendent. Under his leadership, the district became known for maintaining rigorous academic standards while placing a strong emphasis on music, arts and educational innovation.
Even after retiring from the district in 1998, Nelson remained deeply involved in public education. From 1998 to 2006, he served as executive administrator of the New York State School Music Association, helping to guide one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to music education.
Beginning in 2000, he also served for more than 20 years as a hearing officer for Long Island school districts, earning a reputation for fairness, thoughtful judgment and professionalism while presiding over educational matters affecting students, families and school districts.
Beyond those roles, Nelson shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at New York University and Hofstra University, served as an educational consultant to the U.S. Office of Education, worked as education director for the New York State Narcotics Addiction Control Commission and served as an impartial hearing officer for special education appeals. He
His contributions earned widespread recognition throughout his career. Among his many honors were the Nassau Herald’s Man of the Year award, the National Association for Music Education’s Lowell Mason Fellow distinction, Administrator of the Year and Honorary Life Membership from the Nassau Music Educators Association, and the Sterling Service Medallion and Distinguished Service Award from the New York State School Music Association. He also received the Distinguished Leadership in Arts in Education Award from the New York State Alliance for Arts Education, a Special Recognition Award from the Nassau County Legislature and numerous other state and regional honors.
Nelson was equally committed to professional service. He was active in the American Association of School Administrators, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, MENSA and Phi Delta Kappa. He also served on the Five Towns Community Council Board of Directors, was past president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and held leadership positions in several educational organizations across New York.
Colleagues and former students remembered Nelson as an educator whose integrity, humility and dedication inspired generations of teachers, administrators and students. His advocacy for music and arts education, coupled with his unwavering belief in the transformative power of public education, left a lasting imprint on Hewlett-Woodmere and schools throughout New York.
His legacy endures through the countless educators he mentored, the policies he helped shape and the students whose lives were enriched by his lifelong commitment to educational excellence.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Nelson; his children, Rebecca Bauer and her husband, Brian, Adam Nelson and his wife, Jill, and Julie Robeson and her husband, Jim; and his grandchildren, Sadie Nelson, Audrey Bauer, Alex Bauer, Jake Bauer, Charlie Bauer and Jonathan Robeson.
Crossovers fuel Nassau County football
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Kickoff for the Nassau high school football season is just over a month away.
On Aug. 17, all 51 public high school football programs in the county will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Thursday, Sept. 3 with a Conference IV battle between Island Trees and Oyster Bay. The vast majority of openers will take place the following Thursday.
The biggest news of the offseason came in the spring when East Rockaway and West Hempstead announced it would be joining forces. Longtime Rocks head coach Russ Pajer adds Dom Carre, who served as the head coach at West Hempstead since 2010, as defensive coordinator. Carre played for Pajer at East Rockaway in 1997 and ‘98.
“Our JV teams combined last year and it was a great experience,” said Pajer, who enters his 32nd season as head coach. “West Hempstead’s numbers are down to less than 20, so it was a no-brainer. It was a seamless process with both superintendents on board. It’s a good thing and we expect to have a strong team.”
East Rockaway/West Hempstead is seeded fifth in Conference IV and opens at Valley Stream North. Three of its home games will be played under the lights at East Rockaway beginning Sept. 18 against defending county champion Seaford. West Hempstead will be the site of the Week 3 crossover against Elmont, and the game will serve as Homecoming. A Homecoming will also take place in East Rockaway Oct. 9. In 2025, the Rocks went 2-6 while the Rams finished 4-4 and qualified for the playoffs.
“We expect to have between 30 and 35 kids on varsity,” Pajer said.
Crossover games add intrigue
Seaford, along with three-time defending Long Island champion Massapequa (Conference I), ninetime defending county champion Garden City (II) and South Side (III) are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences.
Massapequa and Garden City will clash in a muchanticipated crossover game Sept. 26 on the Chiefs’ home field at 1:30 p.m. The Trojans enter the season riding an amazing 66-game winning streak. The showdown, along with all the other crossovers between Conferences I and II, and III and IV, will carry a lesser power-ranking weight than the other seven games, Carey head coach Mike Stanley said.
Some of the other Week 3 matchups feature Carey at Oceanside, Long Beach at Farmingdale, South Side at Seaford, Plainedge at Lynbrook, and Freeport at Roosevelt (Thurs., Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.)
Seven teams switch conferences
Plainedge and Carey lead a group of six teams switching conferences for this season based on enrollment and size breakdown of each conference. Plainedge finished first in the regular season in Conference IV a year ago, going undefeated in the process, and bumps down to III. Carey was in III last fall but jumps up to II, essentially changing places with Glen Cove. East Meadow is no stranger to the top conference and heads there after a brief stay in II. Floral Park, Valley Stream North and Valley Stream South moved to IV from III.
Few coaching changes
Legendary Plainedge head coach Rob Shaver retired
10 games to watch
Sept. 10 Long Beach at Carey
Sept. 10 Wantagh at Plainedge
Sept. 10 Lynbrook at Seaford
Sept. 19 Mepham at Calhoun
Sept. 26 Carey at Oceanside
Sept. 26 Garden City at Massapequa
Oct. 10 Oceanside at Massapequa
Oct. 17 Plainedge at South Side
Oct. 24 Massapequa at Farmingdale
Oct. 31 South Side at Wantagh
at the end of last season and the Red Devils are now led by former assistant Adam Hovorka. They’ll kick off at home versus defending Conference III champion Wantagh. And for the third time in four seasons, East Meadow has a new head coach with Matt Castaneda taking over. The Jets are seeded seventh in their return to Conference I and open at home against Hicksville. Former Elmont head coach Jay Hegi is the new head coach at Division.
Lucas DiDio and Oceanside take on Carey in what promises to be an exciting crossover game Sept. 26.
Michelle Ebel/Herald photos
Chaminade’s Luka Tomaszweski was on the move during 7 on 7 drills at Oceanside.
Two triathletes forge a unique friendship
debilitating pain, was forced to use crutches. Despite the pain, with Greenbaum at his side, “encouraging him and talking him through the roughest patches,” Greenbaum recounted. The pair finished the run and completed the triathlon, raising their arms — and crutches — triumphantly at the finish line.
“Getting to the finish line is always a huge challenge in these events,” Greenbaum said. “Getting there in the condition Mike was in was courageous, to say the least. He inspired so many that day, not letting the pain stop him from the goal.”
Their friendship continued, but Everett’s nerve pain worsened. Through a longtime friend, Greenbaum introduced him to a surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery, in Manhattan, who specializes in treating painful nerve growth conditions affecting amputees. Everett had surgery in May and has been recovering.
If he recovers fully, the surgery will give Everett — who has struggled with pain, weight gain and depression since last summer — his life back.
For Greenbaum, helping his friend extended far beyond race day. After learning that Everett’s insurance would not fully cover the surgery, Greenbaum encouraged him not to give up. While the procedure was initially expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars, Everett worked with the hospital, which reduced it to $5,000. Then Greenbaum encouraged him to create a GoFundMe campaign, made a contribution himself, and shared it with friends and fel-
low athletes, who helped the pair meet the fundraising goal.
“I just wanted to help him get his life back,” Greenbaum said. “Nobody should have to live with that kind of pain when there’s a chance to fix it.”
Although he is still recovering, the healing is progressing, he said, and he is eager to return to work as a truck driver once he is fitted properly for a new prosthetic.
“I’ve been eating better, staying active and just looking forward to getting back to my life,” Everett said.
He credits Greenbaum with restoring more than his physical health. “I kind of gave up on myself,” Everett said. “The pain was so bad that I stopped doing everything I loved. Jay gave me hope. He made phone calls, found doctors, and kept checking on me. Mentally, he pulled me out of a really dark place.”
Their friendship continues, by way of regular phone calls and text messages, with Greenbaum often checking on Everett’s recovery. Both men hope to return to endurance racing together once Everett is fully healed.
“I love that guy,” Everett said. “He’s an amazing human being. What meant the most wasn’t just that he waited for me during the race. It’s that he never stopped waiting for me afterward, either.”
For Greenbaum, the experience reinforced a lesson he has followed throughout his life.
“Talk to everyone. Be kind to everyone,” he said. “You never know when one conversation is going to change someone else’s life — or your own.”
Courtesy Jay Greenbaum michael everett, of Brooklyn, left, with Jay greenbaum, of Hewlett, at the Half ironman triathlon at Jones Beach last September.
And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau
Smoother road ahead for Nassau Expressway
you, Mayor, for helping us get this project done and improve an area that is in desperate need of improvement.”
The senator said the funding represents an investment in the community and will address long-standing concerns about the roadway.
“I know the residents are going to be grateful when this section of the road is repaved, and I’m so proud that we brought state dollars to this area,” she said.
The project includes repaving the roadway, improving ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, adding landscaping and planting trees to create a more attractive corridor for residents and visitors.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the project is an example of what can happen when local and state officials work together.
“We definitely need all levels of government to cooperate, communicate and get the job done,” she said. “I’m very blessed to have partners in government like the mayor, and I’m grateful to everybody at the village that’s helping get this done.”
Nahmias said the project marks another major step in the village’s ongoing efforts to beautify Lawrence and improve infrastructure.
“I want to thank you, senator. This is a tremendous contribution,” Nahmias said. “This work involves starting the process of beautifying with the trees, fixing the ramps, making it ADA compliant, and then obviously redoing the roads, which are in desperate need, as you can see.”
The mayor said the roadway improvements will continue a larger vision for enhancing village streetscapes, similar to previous improvements completed on Rock Hall Road.
“This is a continuation, to some degree, of what we’ve done on Rock Hall Road,” Nahmias said. “Those
Berman/Herald
Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Lawrence Mayor
Samuel Nahmias with one of the milling machines being used to do roadwork on Route 878.
projects helped us repave Rock Hall Road, add beautification to it and improve the lighting.”
Last year, the village previously received funding from other levels of government for Rock Hall Road improvements, including a county grant that helped add a sidewalk, making it easier for residents to walk through the community.
“Everybody loves that sidewalk,” Nahmias said. “They have the ability to walk further down. Imagine if you had a sidewalk here and you could walk down. This is something the Village of Lawrence residents have wanted for a very long time.”
Nahmias said the Route 878 project will provide residents with an opportunity to better enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the roadway.
“They love the green. They want to be able to enjoy
the green,” he said. “Now we’re giving them an opportunity to do so.”
The mayor also credited the senator’s support in helping bring the project to fruition.
“The senator is bridging communities together,” Nahmias said. “We want to make Lawrence back to being beautiful again.”
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick added that additional landscaping along the roadway will provide screening for nearby residents and create a more pleasant travel experience.
“There are a lot of pieces to this project that are going to make this area a much more pleasant travel between the areas up north and getting down to the bridge,” she said. “It’s going to be a much more enjoyable ride for everybody who experiences 878.”
Castro said the project will complete a larger corridor of improvements throughout the village, connecting recently completed work.
“It actually coincides and meets up with both Rock Hall and Broadway, which was done last year by the county,” Castro said. “It’s like you’re completing one large project.”
Nahmias said the upgrades demonstrate the importance of collaboration between municipalities and government partners.
“It’s all about being helped by all levels of government — state government, county government,” he said. “We’re a village, and we have to work with our fellow members in government in larger offices.”
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the partnership with Lawrence reflects the goal of using government resources to make meaningful improvements for residents.
“The collaboration is what’s so important,” she said. “There’s funding, there’s managing the project, and there’s having the vision to know what the community needs. It’s great to see all levels of government working to improve this community.”
Melissa
HERALD neighbors
Celebrating growth at the Chabad of Hewlett
The Chabad of Hewlett celebrated another milestone in its growing history with its gala on June 9, bringing together supporters for an evening focused on community, gratitude and celebration.
Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour featuring an expansive smorgasbord and cocktails while reconnecting with longtime friends and welcoming new faces. This year’s event honored Chabad’s monthly donors, recognizing their ongoing commitment to the organization and its expanding programs.
Rather than formal speeches, attendees reflected on Chabad’s journey through a presentation by Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim, who shared rare photographs documenting the congregation’s evolution — from its original home off Broadway, through the challenges of Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic, to its successive locations and its continued growth.
The evening culminated in the dedication of a new Torah scroll donated by David and Bella Abramov. The celebration transformed into spirited singing and dancing as attendees welcomed the Torah, marking the occasion with traditional Jewish joy and reinforcing the strong sense of community that has defined Chabad of Hewlett.
— Melissa Berman
of rare photographs documenting the congregation’s evolution.
Photos courtesy Chabad of Hewlett
The Chabad of Hewlett celebrated its new building at the gala on June 9.
Rabbi Nochem, and Rebbetzin Rivkie Tenenboim reflected on Chabad’s journey through a presentation
David and Bella Abramov dedication a new Torah scroll to the Chabad of Hewlett at the gala.
Rabbi Nochem, left, and Rebbetzin Rivkie Tenenboim, second from left, presented awards to members who are committed to the organization.
Hewlett residents present their 1935 Ford
Hewlett residents Martha and Sheldon Gharland showcased their 1935 Ford Series 48 during the July 16 Summer Cruise Night in downtown Lynbrook.
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Cruise Nights, a classic car show which will be held weekly every Thursday through August 27th.
The event will have live music, food available from local bars and restaurants, activities for children and a diverse range of classic to modern cars. The event will be free to attend as well to showcase your own car. Hours are from 6 to 9 P.M. and is located at Atlantic Avenue Between Stauderman and Merrick.
— Jack Levey
Stu Goldman/Herald
Martha and Sheldon Gharland, of Hewlett, showcased their 1935 Ford Series 48 during the July 16 Summer Cruise Night in downtown Lynbrook.
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News brief
TOH recognizes Girl Scout Shivani Persaud
Shivani Persaud of Woodmere was awarded the rank of Gold during the Town’s Girl Scout Recognition Day event on June 10.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
7:00PM
Persaud was congratulated by Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, Councilman Tom Muscarella, and Town Clerk Kate Murray. Cassie Colgan, the senior director of Marketing and Communications for the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, was also in attendance.
— Jack Levey
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, second from left, Councilman Tom Muscarella, right, and Town Clerk Kate Murray, second from right congratulating Shivani Persaud, middle, on her Gold Award.
AUGUST 13 • 10AM-12:30PM
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM
145 S MERRICK AVE, MERRICK
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
STEPPING OUT
For Michelle Taplin, seen here at a spring showcase, theater is about more than performance. Through Tap Into Your Passion, she is helping young actors develop the confidence, resilience and skills to succeed both onstage and off.
Opening doors to the stage
By Iris Wiener
Michelle Taplin has spent much of her life immersed in the performing arts, but her greatest role may be helping the next generation discover their own voices. What began as a longtime dream has grown into Tap Into Your Passion, a thriving coaching and arts education company that, more than a year after its official launch, is already making a lasting impact on aspiring performers across the region.
As Tap Into Your Passion marks its first year and a half, Taplin celebrates the milestone with a special fundraising gala on Aug. 10 in The Green Room 42 in New York City that reflects the heart of her mission: making quality theater education accessible to everyone.
For Taplin, the journey started long before she opened her Rockville Centre-based business. Growing up in Oceanside, she balanced voice lessons, dance classes, gymnastics, and community theater while nurturing two lifelong ambitions: becoming a theater educator and one day opening her own company. Inspired by Oceanside High School theater teacher Laura Gallo, she pursued degrees in theater and business at Muhlenberg College before earning an MA in theater education from Adelphi University. Along the way, she gained experience as a performer, director, choreographer, stage manager, and arts administrator while also spending six years with the Sunrise Association, where she developed an inclusive teaching philosophy serving children with cancer and their siblings. Those experiences continue to shape every lesson she teaches today.
Taplin continues to wear many hats. She teaches theater at both the middle and high school in Oceanside, and directs productions with the school district and community theaters, including Plaza Theatricals. She also advises student organizations and mentors countless young performers. Tap Into Your Passion has become a natural extension of everything she loves most about teaching.
“Tap Into Your Passion’s mission is to provide theater education without costing an arm and a leg,” Taplin says, explaining that she wanted to remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the performing arts. She offers three primary services: private coaching for performers ages nine and up; a comprehensive college audition program that guides students through every step of the competitive application process; and a monthly master class series featuring accomplished Broadway performers, choreographers, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
The response has been exceptional. Taplin credits much of Tap Into Your Passion’s early success to the generosity of the artists who have shared their time and expertise. Taplin explains that each workshop has
Theater coach celebrates a milestone
reinforced the lessons she teaches her students while helping to build a supportive network where young performers can learn directly from professionals working in the industry.
Rather than molding students into “cookie-cutter performers,” Taplin encourages them to embrace their individuality. She believes there is no single path to success in theater and exposing students to a wide variety of artistic voices helps them discover the techniques and perspectives that resonate most authentically.
That philosophy has attracted students from throughout Long Island and Manhattan. Students from Floral Park, Oceanside, Lynbrook, Sewanhaka, Elmont, Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Garden City, and New York City, among other places, create a diverse community connected by a shared love of theater.
“Michelle always makes sure to put care and respect into all of her students’ work sessions,” says Kevin Kirley, a student from Rockville Centre who now attends New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “She has also been so integral to my journey throughout the college audition process. Her teaching has been extremely influential to me as a working actor, and I will take what I have learned throughout my training into my artistry.”
For Taplin, arts education extends well beyond singing, dancing or acting. She advocates that theater teaches empathy, collaboration, resilience, confidence, communication, and determination — life skills that benefit students regardless of whether they ultimately pursue careers on stage.
“It’s what the process teaches you,” she says, emphasizing that the personal growth students experience is often more valuable than the performances themselves.
Those values will be front and center shortly when Tap Into Your Passion hosts its Broadway Gives Back gala. The evening will feature performances by many of the Broadway artists and teaching professionals who have led Taplin’s master classes, each sharing a song that inspired their own theatrical journey. Beyond celebrating the company’s growth, the fundraiser will support Taplin’s goal of keeping coaching and master classes affordable for aspiring performers while demonstrating to students the passion that fuels successful careers in the arts.
As Tap Into Your Passion enters its second year, Taplin aims to continue expanding its reach while maintaining the close-knit community that has become its hallmark. She envisions welcoming more students, introducing them to even more accomplished professionals, and reminding every young artist that there is room for their unique voice in the theater world. Looking back on Tap’s remarkable beginning and the theater community’s willingness to help, Taplin relates that the experience has reinforced one lesson above all others: “The answer will always be ‘no’ if you don’t ask.”
It is a philosophy that has helped transform a childhood dream into a flourishing business, and one that continues to inspire the students following in her footsteps.
Visit TheGreenRoom42.VenueTix.com for tickets or more information about Where It All Began: Broadway Gives Back.
Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience
Comprising a group of exceptionally talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans, Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” Their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy. Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for their audiences.
Saturday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Vishal & Sheykhar
Brace yourself for a high-octane night with Bollywood’s most electrifying music duo – Vishal and Shekhar! VishalDadlani and Shekhar (formerly Shekhar) Ravjiani return to the states, following a completely sold-out U.S. run in 2025. Experience the energy and excitement of The Superhit Tour as acclaimed music duo Vishal and Sheykhar take the stage. Known for creating some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, the duo brings a powerhouse performance filled with fan-favorite songs, dynamic production and a concert atmosphere that will have the entire audience singing along. Expect a night packed with unforgettable music, stunning visuals, and the signature sound that has made them global sensations.
Sunday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter. org or (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Photos courtesy Michelle Taplin
Student Bella Romero performs at the spring showcase at The Green Room 42.
Broadway’s Krystina Alabado, right, leads a master class.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
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Village of Cedarhurst Sidewalk Sale
The Village of Cedarhurst Sidewalk Sale is a shopper’s paradise, one of Long Island’s most popular shopping events. Hosted by the Cedarhurst Business Improvement District, the multi-day event draws thousands of shoppers from across the region to Central Avenue and surrounding village streets.
• Where: 200 Cedarhurst Ave., Cedarhurst
• Time: See store hours, through July 31
• Contact: (516) 295-5770
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‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the familyfriendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2
• Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
‘Grease’
Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes all to Rydell High. Here’ the senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that
Franz Ferdinand
points on your license. Cost is $25 for AARP members, with valid I.D. (shown at the time of registration) or $30 for non-members (per person). Payment via check or money order only made payable to AARP. Cash and credit cards will not be accepted. Class size is limited to 30 participants. Registration required.
• Where: 125 Broadway, Hewlett
• Time: 5:15-8:30 p.m., also Aug. 5
• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967
Village of Cedarhurst Board of Trustees meet
The Board of Trustees holds their next meeting. All are welcome to hear monthly updates, express issues/grievances and learn about what is going on in your village.
• Where: 200 Cedarhurst Ave., Cedarhurst
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 295-5770
Bubble Magic
• Time: 8 p.m.
The Scottish band brings their Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange Tour to the Paramount stage, in support of their latest album, “The Human Fear,” which dropped in January. Since emerging from Glasgow’s art-school scene — where the band famously staged illegal parties in abandoned buildings — Franz Ferdinand has built a reputation for bold sharp hooks, infectious riffs and a fearless approach to reinvention. The band’s sixth studio album explores the emotions that define the human experience, transforming fear from something to avoid into something that awakens us. From the vulnerability of new relationships to the courage required to embrace change, “The Human Fear” channels those moments of uncertainty into songs packed with energy, urgency and unmistakable Franz Ferdinand style. Following the retrospective collection “Hits To The Head,” their latest album marks a new chapter for the group — one that honors its signature sound while pushing forward. Expect a high-energy performance filled with the clever songwriting, driving rhythms and irresistible beats that have made Franz Ferdinand one of the most influential bands of its generation. At this point in their career, Franz Ferdinand definitely know who they are, and are relishing the vigor that comes with accepting that
became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.
• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 7:30 p.m.; also Aug. 1-2
• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870
Summer grooves
Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Grateful Dead tribute band Half Step. The Long Island-based band are dedicated fans and “students” of the Grateful Dead, capturing the spirit, improvisation, sound and complexity of Grateful Dead music. Half Step has been mastering their craft since 2004 while winning over crowds of veteran Deadheads, newcomers and non-Dead fans alike. Like the Grateful Dead themselves, the band is constantly pushing the envelope, growing together as musicians and performers.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
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‘Salute to Veteran’s Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with the annual Salute to Veterans show. Desert Highway performs an Eagles tribute. American Bombshell also appears.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
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Walking Tour of Long Beach
Atlantic Beach resident Joel Greenberg hosts a 90-minute walking tour of Long Beach beginning at the boardwalk entrance at the Allegria Hotel. The tour is suitable for everyone including families with school-age children. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Remember sunscreen and a water bottle. Bathroom facilities will be near by at all times.
• Where: 111 W. Park Ave., Long Beach
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: longbeachlibrary.org
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
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Community Health Outreach Bus
The St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center community outreach bus visits the Hewlwett-Woodmere Public Library parking lot. Obtain free health screenings — including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes — with the appropriate patient education and referrals needed for those over age 18. Insurance is not required and there are no fees.
• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
• Time: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967
AARP Driver Safety Class
AARP Driver Safety offers the NYS DMV approved 6-hour driving course at Hewlett Woodmere Public Library. This course will help you refresh your skills, learn the latest driving laws, catch up with the newest safety technologies, and, in general, make you a smarter, more confident, and safer driver. In addition, successful course completion will allow you to request a 10% auto insurance discount from your carrier and removal of up to four existing
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to the Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun! Through playful, hands-on experiments explore what makes a bubble form, what makes them pop, and discover new creative ways to make bubbles at the dropin program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
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Family movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See Disney’s “Zootopia 2,’” the animated buddy cop comedy sequel. Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• 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.
SUZETTE GORDON President & CEO SCO Family of Services
THERESA PORCARO Vice President, Growth & Marketing Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine
LINDA MASHKABOVA, FNP Owner The Beauty Cellar NY
NATASHA ZAYTSEVA Founder & Executive Consultant CEO Lab
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HELEN HSIEH, MD, FACOG Founder & Medical Director, Vibrance 360
JESSICA RONDASH, MBA Director, Business Operations & Performance Holt Construction
PALMINA WHELAN Capital Program Director The New Terminal One
ELLY ROZENGURTEL, DPT Founder & CEO Ideal Body Med Spa
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MEREDITH VANDEGRIFT, MD, FACS Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Vandegrift Plastic Surgery
SHARON WYMAN, CDME President & CEO Discover Long Island
MICHELLE MOREIRA-JODICE Vice President Market Manager, Valley Bank
CARRIE SKOWRONSKI Founder & CEO Leadology
KERRI WINANS KALEY CSA The Bristal Assisted Living
ELISA DE JESUS Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor Bank of America
LILLIAN PALEY Vice President, Business Development Silver Lining Homecare
CARINA TOM President NU World Connect Title, LLC
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Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer Rescripted
July 30, 2026 —
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders, CWALT, Inc., Alternative Loan Trust 2007-12T1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-12T1, Plaintiff AGAINST Sarwar H. Riaz, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 4, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 721 Park Lane, Cedarhurst, NY 11516. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 39, BLOCK: 292, LOT: 116. Approximate amount of judgment is $947,543.00 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000334/2016. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Francesco Tini, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT
WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-032194-F01 90318 161043
LEGAL NOTICE
Village of Lawrence
Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:45 P.M. followed by a public meeting on August 12, 2026 at Village Hall, 196 Central Ave, Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:30 P.M. to conduct the
following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board:
“ Abittan, 196 Briarwood Xing -
Section 212.12.1
Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum building coverage for a lot size of 40,555 sq. ft. in an area is 6,873 sq. ft.
Section 212-13.D (1) of the Village Code states the minimum front yard setback in Residence District AA is 50 feet.
Section 212-13.D (1) of the Village Code states the minimum side yard setback in Residence District AA is 30 feet.
Section 212-13.D (2) (a) of the Village Code states the maximum front yard height/setback ratio in Residence District AA is .44. Section 212-13.D (2) (c) of the Village Code states the maximum side yard height/setback ratio in Residence District AA is .74. Section 212-48.A of the Village Code states, no swimming pool or part thereof may be constructed in a front yard. Section 212-55.A of the Code of the Village of Lawrence states no recreational structure shall be constructed in a front yard.
“ Rosenfeld, 33 Arrowhead LnSection 212-48.A of the Village Code states, no swimming pool may be constructed in a front yard. Section 212-24.D of the Code of the Village of Lawrence states, accessory structures may only be constructed in the side or rear yard.
“ Macanian, 80 Sealy Dr - Section 212-17.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District C-1, the minimum front yard setback is 25 ft. Section 212-24.D of the code of the Village of Lawrence states, in a Residence District C-1, the minimum rear yard setback for an accessory structure is 4ft. Section 212-24.D of the code of the Village of Lawrence states, in a Residence District C-1, the minimum side yard setback for an accessory structure is 4ft.
“Hartman,168 Lakeside Dr S - Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum front yard setback is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence
District B the minimum side yard setback is 15 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum rear yard setback is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum aggregate yard setback is 30 ft. Section 212-16.D(2)(a) of the Village Code states the maximum front yard height/setback ratio in Residence District B is .74. Section 212-16.D(2)(c) of the Village Code states the maximum side yard height/setback ratio in Residence District B is 1.5. Section 212-16.D(2)(b) of the Village Code states the maximum rear yard height/setback ratio in Residence District B is .74. Section 212-39.C of the Village Code states the maximum exterior wall height from the base plane to the underside of the eave is 23 ft.
The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting. The applications and accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing. All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard
By Order of the Board of Appeals
Lloyd Keilson Chairman
Dated July 21, 2026 161438
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE C. MARTINEZ, MARIA S. ALVARENGA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 28, 2023, and the Ex Parte Order Amending Judgement of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 14, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 102 Roger Avenue, Inwood, NY 11096. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Inwood, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 40, Block 146, Lot 126-129. Approximate amount of judgment $824,643.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604014/2020. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-000073 90438 161387
News briefs
Laura Gillen announced that she secured an advance of $125 million in funding for the Long Island in Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026.
Gillen secures $125 mill. for water project
Congresswomen Laura Gillen has secured an advance of $125 million in funding for the Long Island in Bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026.
The act prioritizes bolstering flood risk management, storm damage prevention and coastal restoration in New York’s 4th Congressional District.
“This bill also authorizes new studies to mitigate flooding in Reynolds Channel and Atlantic Beach to dredge Bannister Bay and Lawrence,” Gillen wrote in a press statement. “I’m proud that this package includes my bipartisan bill, the Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act, which would authorize the Army Corps to carry out research and development on innovative coastal erosion technologies to protect our environment, prevent erosion, and save taxpayers’ dollars.”
Some of the projects that will be funded include authorization of $130,000 to help mitigate flooding on Rock Hall Road; near Lawrence Avenue; authorization of proposed feasibility study for the dredging of Bannister Bay in the Village of Lawrence and authorization of proposed feasibility study for the Reynolds Channel project in the Village of Atlantic Beach to reduce coastal flooding impacts to public street ends, drainage outfalls, open spaces, and marine rescue facilities through bulkhead replacement and shoreline stabilization.
“Together these investments and policy proposals represent a comprehensive commitment to Long Island and to the South Shore’s water infrastructure and coastal resilience,” Gillen wrote in a press statement.
— Jack Levey
TOH awards Girl Scouts Calabrese and Gaffoor
Anna Calabrese and Lyla Gafoor of Cedarhurst were awarded the rank of Gold during the Town’s Girl Scout Recog- nition Day event on June 10.
Calabrese and Gafoor were congratulated by Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, Councilman Tom Muscarella, and Town Clerk
Kate Murray.
Cassie Colgan, the senior director of Marketing and Communications for the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, was also in attendance.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INWOOD FIRE DISTRICT, INWOOD, NEW YORK, 11096. There will be a General Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Inwood Fire District as follows:
Time:7:00 P.M.
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Place:DISTRICT OFFICE
Melissa Rivelli, District Secretary 161439
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF STARWOOD MORTGAGE RESIDENTIAL TRUST 2020-1, Plaintiff, vs. JOHNSON PLACE HOLDINGS LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 17, 2026, 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 September 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 30 Johnson Place, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Hamlet of Woodmere, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 101 and Lot 329 f/k/a Section 41, Block 101, and part of lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,101,512.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617161/2023.
— Jack Levey
Courtesy Eric Jones
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
SCOPE IS HIRING
For The Before & After School Child Care Programs That Will Be Opening For The 2026 - 2027 School Year In Nassau and Suffolk County Elementary Schools
Hiring Directors, Assistants, Group Leaders and Substitutes. Up to a $500 Signing Bonuses, Scholarships and Employee Referrals
Questions call: 631-360-0800 ext. 149 or send a resume to: cc@scopeonline.us
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 from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.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
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
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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 $35,360 + 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
SCOPE Education is an equal opportunity Employer Check out our Classifieds
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 $35,360 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
or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Do we have to submit complete house plans just for a garage?
Q. We were recently told that our permit plans, to be approved, were going to have to include plans of the entire house, not just the garage area we are bumping out on the side. We were wondering if you have heard of this or whether we are being singled out. Our architect said that it may be because we have to go to the zoning board. Is this the reason, or did we say something wrong and are being punished? We asked, several times, for an update, because things are moving very slowly and we get the impression the building department just wants us to go away. They work for us and I think we deserve better service, frankly.
A. Trust but verify is now a common expression, and with good reason. What I have noticed over the years is that complete information is more often required, showing unrelated areas of the home, because many people have not been truthful about building changes or about how much work they have done, without permits, in other parts of the home. Because of this issue, many plans examiners ask for the big picture, not just the area you are interested in. It is obvious, when looking at file records in building departments and then comparing them to the actual dwelling during a walkthrough.
Your dilemma is due to the lack of trust between the authorities and the public. If the building inspector notices that the plans and the home don’t exactly compare, they can ask for “revised” plans to be submitted. It is frustrating, right at the end of a project, when people are ready to move on with their lives, to find out that the “simple, little changes” and side work they did require revised plans to be submitted to their building department. It is much worse to learn about changes or not following plans many years later.
Contractors and owners may get away with not communicating in the short term, but it does not pay, in the long run, to hide information. When someone realizes they bought a house with inherited, hidden issues which they are now responsible for, they feel taken advantage of. Worse than that are the costly corrections that have to be made because something that has existed for years may not be code-compliant. It happens all too often that unrelated portions of the building become a stumbling block to getting approvals for what you are really looking to do.
You are probably not being singled out, but you have been put in this position by previous workers and owners who did not take the record-updating seriously. People have told me, with a grin, that “By the time anyone notices, we’ll all be long gone.” I just came from a jobsite where work was done 16 years prior, the plans were not followed, and a structural failure is occurring that is going to be expensive to fix. The whole picture, not just part, is, therefore, important. Good luck!
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Preparing our children for a world that doesn’t yet exist
Why did you go into education? Ask any teacher, any principal, any school board member, and the answer almost always begins the same way: I wanted to make a difference. But making a difference is harder than we expected. Along the way, there are obstacles we never anticipated and challenges that can seem insurmountable. And yet, isn’t it our job to figure out how to make education work for every student entrusted to us? It is a Herculean task, but helping each child find success is the most rewarding job there is.
Success no longer has one standard definition, nor one pathway. Horace Mann, the father of American public schools, called education “the great equalizer.” If that’s true, it falls to school districts to widen the path, to give students the opportunity to find their own way forward, equipped with the tools to be safe, happy and productive members of their communities. That work starts with an honest ques-
tion: Are we preparing students for the world we grew up in, or the world they will inherit?
The criteria we have long used to measure student success, standardized tests, grades and seat time, are more than 50 years old. In that half-century, the world has been utterly transformed. Today’s graduates will compete, collaborate and build careers in an economy reshaped by automation, artificial intelligence and constant change.
schools including ours are using a new framework, Portrait of a Graduate.
Technical knowledge will always matter, but research is increasingly clear that technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. According to America Succeeds, a national nonprofit that studies the skills employers demand, eight of the 10 most soughtafter skills in over 80 million job postings were durable skills, not technical ones. Skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, analytical thinking and empathy account for roughly 85 percent of job success, far outweighing narrow technical expertise on its own.
Employers across industries consistently report the same gap: They need graduates who can think analytically, work with others, adapt under pressure,
Iand understand not just how they feel, but how they make others feel. That is emotional intelligence, and it is no longer a “nice to have.” It is foundational. That’s why school districts across the country, including ours, are embracing a new framework known as Portrait of a Graduate. Rather than replacing academic rigor, Portrait of a Graduate builds on it by asking, alongside the question of what students should know, the equally important question of what they should be able to do with that knowledge. It isn’t a narrowing of the path forward. It is a widening of the doors of opportunity.
Some critics argue that this work distracts from academics, that time spent on “durable” skills is time taken from math, reading and content mastery. I understand the concern, and I take it seriously, but I respectfully disagree with the premise because this isn’t an either/or. Portrait of a Graduate doesn’t compete with academic learning; it strengthens it, embedding skills like collaboration and analytical thinking directly into the rigorous coursework our students already engage in every day. We aren’t lowering the bar. We are raising it in more dimensions than a
test score can capture. That’s why our Board of Education has approved three interconnected commitments for our district: Portrait of a Graduate, an Artificial Intelligence Mission & Vision, and a definition of deep learning. These weren’t developed in isolation. They emerged from committees of educators, administrators, parents and students working together to answer one essential question: What do we want our graduates to know and be able to do when they leave our high school?
This roadmap will guide every decision we make from here forward, from how we provide professional development for our staff to how we design our classrooms, how we use emerging technologies responsibly, and how we measure what truly matters. It reflects our belief that academic excellence and emotional intelligence are not competing priorities, but partners in preparing students for a future none of us can fully predict.
We owe our students more than a diploma. We owe them a foundation strong enough to carry them through a world that will keep changing long after they leave our classrooms. That is the responsibility we have accepted and the promise we intend to keep.
Dina Anzalone is superintendent of the Hewlett-Woodmere school district.
Why is the U.S. picking a fight with its best friend?
don’t know much about the tariff system, but I know enough about economics and politics to say that President Trump’s new proposed 50 percent tariffs on Canada would be the most foolish things ever done by a president in recent American history. I know these proposals are always subject to negotiation, but why pick on our second-largest trading partner at the worst possible time?
The Canadians have been our best friends for as long as I can remember. They were there for us during World War II, when they lost over 40,000 men in battle. They have contributed soldiers to many of our wars, and have stood up for us at the United Nations and around the world. One of the reasons behind the latest insanity is the president’s statement that he is mad at Canada because of the smoke that has drifted south to the United States.
The best way to describe the latest tariff proposal is that it would be a self-
inflicted wound that would hurt American consumers the most. There is a basic fact that we fail to understand. The average reader may think that new tariffs would punish Canadians, but when new duties are imposed on Canadian autos, wine, hockey sticks, dairy products and cement, American distributors have to pay them, and then they pass the cost on to American consumers. The family in Levittown that buys Bobby a hockey stick pays extra because of the tariff hike.
Tariffs on Canada in retaliation for wildfire smoke that drifted south? Really?
Lots of other bad things happen when new tariffs are imposed. Canada, in retaliation, has imposed its own 25 percent counter-tariffs on U.S. vehicles, steel and aluminum. These tariffs hurt American builders and potential homebuyers who can’t afford higher costs when they’re seeking to purchase their first home. Tariffs on auto parts disrupt production lines and costs manufacturing jobs on both sides of the border.
Tariffs have another impact on countries like Canada. China is eager to establish new relationships with nations that will buy its goods. In 2025,
Canada announced a new comprehensive trade agreement with China that, among other things, will allow the sale of Chinese autos in Canada. Industry specialists say that Chinese cars are high quality and much lower in price, and will be a potential threat to American auto manufacturers.
One of the worst results of our feud with Canada is its impact on American businesses. Tourism in many of our northern border states has been badly damaged by this unnecessary battle. And one of the biggest losers has been Las Vegas. Hotel operators have seen a 70 percent drop in Canadian visitors, which has caused large layoffs of hospitality employees.
When arbitrary tariffs are imposed on a friendly nation, there are other consequences. Other countries watch American actions and conclude that we can’t be trusted if we economically attack a longtime friend. To add to our unreliability, the U.S. has a trade agreement, negotiated by Trump six years ago with Canada and Mexico, which was scheduled to be renewed this month.
The president has stated that he won’t honor the terms of that agreement.
The crowning touch to the U.S.-Canada breach has been Trump’s threats to make Canada our 51st state, and his frequent statements deriding Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump supporters will say this is just the president doing his thing, and that he isn’t really serious, but words have consequences, and many Trump watchers around the world don’t have such an expansive sense of humor.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the president didn’t have the unilateral authority to impose sweeping, open-ended tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and that only Congress has that power. Trump is now using a 1930 law to justify his actions, which will likely be challenged in court.
At a time when the nation is juggling a war with Iran, higher gasoline prices and the continuing issue of affordability, fighting with Canada is just plain dumb.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm.
City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942
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There’s always someone downwind
there’s a particular quality to the light when the smoke arrives. It goes flat and white, the sun turns into a coin you can look at directly, and the air smells faintly like someone three houses down is burning leaves. It has happened enough times now that Long Islanders recognize it.
The fires are in Canada. Ontario mostly, sometimes the prairie provinces — a thousand miles and more from here, far enough that the smoke spends days in transit before it reaches us. And it reaches us anyway. It settles over Rockville Centre and Garden City and Long Beach. It gets into the lungs of kids at day camp in Merrick who have never heard the phrase “boreal forest.”
There is something clarifying about that, if you let it be.
We are accustomed to thinking of our lives as local, and with good reason. This newspaper exists because the things that shape a day here — the school calendar, the traffic on Sunrise Highway, whether the field will be playable Saturday morning — are decided close to home by people you might run into at the deli. That proximity is the texture of life in a place like ours. The distance between a thing and its cause is usually short enough to walk.
letters
Town supervisor candidate Scianablo deserves a serious look
To the Editor:
Barely a day goes by that I don’t receive at least one mailing from John Ferretti expounding on all of his successes as Town of Hempstead supervisor. He claims that he is hard at work for the people of the town. He claims to have lowered town taxes, that he is working to ensure that our water is safe to drink, and is working with Nassau County to protect religious institutions. Just because he makes these claims doesn’t mean they aren’t just alternative facts.
The truth is that since he became supervisor — with the questionable means by which he was made the incumbent for his election — town taxes have increased 12 percent, our
Smoke from a forest a thousand miles away is a different phenomenon. It did not come from anything anyone here did or failed to do. And at the end of that very long chain sits your daughter’s soccer practice.
Why more of it, and why now? Because the climate is warming and the northern forest is drying out as a result. Spring snowpack melts earlier than it used to. Summers run longer and hotter, and the peat and duff beneath the trees turn into something that holds fire the way a sponge holds water — slowly, deep down and for a very long time.
Fires that once burned themselves out now smolder underground through the winter and surface again in spring. More fire, more smoke. And the same atmospheric machinery that has always carried Canadian cold fronts down to the Northeast now carries the smoke with them.
The smoke isn’t doing anything unusual. It is riding the same currents that have brought us our weather since before there was a Long Island to bring it to — the northwest flow behind a front, the same air that gives us a crisp October morning and the frigid air of January. We have always been downwind of Canada. We simply had no occa-
sion to notice.
That’s what makes this worth sitting with. Not the fires themselves, but what they reveal about connection. Something we didn’t do, in a place most of us have never been, is now a feature of summer on Long Island.
And what we do continues downwind. The exhaust from the Meadowbrook, the fertilizer that leaves a lawn in Wantagh and ends up in the bay, the plume from a stack in Island Park — none of that stays put, either. Our runoff is someone else’s smoke.
There is a version of this line of thinking that curdles into helplessness, and we would steer away from it. Being connected to a place you cannot influence isn’t the same as being powerless. It is mostly an invitation to pay attention — to the bay, to the air, to the small local things that are, somewhere downwind, someone else’s inherited condition.
The sky has cleared — but it will haze over again. If not this summer, then next. And each time it does, it is worth taking a moment to notice the strangeness: that we are downwind of a forest we will likely never see, and that somewhere, someone we will never meet is downwind of us.
Donnie Kreiss, ‘I
carry your heart
with
me’
My husband, Donnie Kreiss, died on July 12, at home, just days after our 58th anniversary. He was 80, and had been living with pancreatic cancer since it was diagnosed in 2023.
Donnie did not go gently. As Dylan Thomas wrote, he raged against the dying of the light, from the moment he knew he had this relentless cancer until two Sundays ago, when he drew a quiet breath and then no more. Our son and daughter were with him.
My sister, Meryl Greenbaum, was with us. The loving good wishes of everyone he knew were with us.
He had been drifting away for the previous 10 days, suffering the side effects of three years of treatment. Still, in early June he was walking laps in our building, and in April the family had gathered for his birthday dinner. He pushed his athlete’s body beyond anyone’s expectation, and the night he died, we rang the bell for him, because every single day he lived since 2023 was a tribute to his courage.
Letters
water rates are up 33 percent, and our energy rates continue to climb. Due to the lack of transparency, we have no idea where our hard-earned tax dollars are going or to whom.
I met Ferretti’s opponent, Joe Scianablo, for the first time when he attended a parlor meeting at my home. I was impressed not only with his background, but also his sincerity and his desire to continue serving the public. Scianablo has spent his entire adult life as a public servant. He served multiple deployments in the Marines in East Timor, Eritrea, and Iraq, then was a New York City police officer, focusing on domestic violence cases, in which helped victims find safety and justice. He is a former prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, where he advocated for survivors of domestic violence.
I believed Scianablo when he said his focus would be to ensure that our tax dollars and resources benefit all the people in the Town of Hempstead, not just the favored ones. He isn’t a career politician, but will be a politician who has made a career of service. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to meet him to do so. I think you will come away as impressed as I was.
CHERIE FEINBERG Lawrence
triumph over adversity.
HDonnie never felt sorry for himself. In his last days on earth he was reaching out to friends who had heartache, relationship woes, business setbacks or medical problems. He preached a gospel of positivity, insisting on finding threads of hope. He left a legacy of goodness and generosity, changing the lives of so many people along the way.
e always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw.
Donnie was a native Lawrencian. He was born in 1946 at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital to Lillian and Jack Kreiss, who lived at 16 Muriel Ave. in Lawrence. When he was 2, he contracted bacterial meningitis, which was usually fatal in those days. He was in isolation at St Joseph’s Hospital, in Far Rockaway, for two months. That was the first of his medical miracle recoveries, which included a fractured skull when he was 10, heart attacks at 40 and 50, bypass surgery, congestive heart failure and cervical spine surgery. He recited his near-misses enthusiastically, as if they were a resume, not of suffering but of
Donnie was a gifted athlete who ran track and played varsity football, basketball and golf. He was a beautiful man, and we fell hard in love as teenagers. We graduated together in 1964 from Lawrence High. When we married and settled in Woodmere, his second home was the Lawrence Golf Club, where his father was president and then, 50 years later, he was president. In recent years his home course was on Longboat Key, Fla., where last year he was named Most Inspirational Golfer of the Year, an award they created for him.
Don started his own business in 1969, selling slippers and bras and panties. He loved selling, and he was the best salesman because he could out-wait, out-talk and outlast any buyer he encountered.
He always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw. He drew on a deep well of generosity and kindness.
Our children, Jason, Rochelle, Jocelyn and Josh, were, as Auden said, his north, south, east and west. His grandchildren, Sabrina, Jacob, Elijah and
Emi, brought light and delight into his life. “Did you talk to the kids today?” was his mantra.
Despite his lifelong medical issues, Don was a rough and ready traveler, up for any adventure. We spent five summers exploring Montana when the kids were teenagers, and then for decades we traveled the world, from Komodo Island, in Indonesia, to the Alaska wilderness, from Bali to Singapore to Tasmania and New Zealand. Nothing stopped him.
Obituaries are the last public words written about someone. I never expected to write Donnie’s obituary, which I hope is more like telling the story of his life. Which is also the story of my life. As Cummings wrote, I carry his heart in my heart.
He trusted me to shepherd him through these last years, to get to the right doctors, to hold hands as we heard the diagnoses that limited his days. He wanted time, he said over and over again. I did my best, but time was not in my hands. I believe he would have wanted me to write this, the last words about him, from a place of love and longing, happy remembrance, and sadness that he did not have more days to grace our lives.
Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
FraMework
by Tim Baker
My Morning Jacket performed at the Great South Bay Music Festival, in Patchogue’s Shorefront Park, last Sunday.
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