Students and staff at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School, in Island Park, marked Autism Awareness Month with a week of activities celebrating neurodiversity, inclusion and self-expression. In a schoolwide project, students shared their strengths on brain-shaped cutouts, creating a colorful display of individuality and acceptance.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Four months after the release of his first book, Dr. Athan Smyrlis is already seeing what he hoped for: meaningful changes in the lives of the people closest to him — and in the patients he treats every day.
His book, “Why So Tired?” published True Health Compass LLC in January, offers a 101-day guide to improving energy, sleep and mental clarity through small, consistent lifestyle changes. Since its release, Smyrlis said, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, both from readers and from those he treats in his practice.
“I wrote it for my family, my friends and my patients,” he said. “To now see it actually help-
ing people feel better, that’s the most rewarding part.”
Smyrlis, 45, has been a clinical and interventional cardiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital, in Oceanside, for the past decade. Born and raised in Greece, he specializes in invasive cardiology and regularly treats patients with serious heart conditions.
But it wasn’t just his professional experience that inspired the book — it was also personal. For years, Smyrlis said, fatigue was one of the most common complaints he heard from patients, often without a clear medical explanation. Then, he experienced it himself.
“There was a period in my life where I felt completely drained,” he said. “I did all the test-
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Oceanside Community Warriors — a volunteer group dedicated to beautifying and strengthening the community — drew residents together for an afternoon of music, food and service at South Shore Craft Brewery on April 19, during its annual Spring into Service fundraiser.
The familyfriendly event, now in its third year, featured live music by Shane Courtenay, food trucks, drinks, raffles, and children’s activities and games, all aimed at supporting the group’s year-round efforts across Oceanside.
“This is our spring fundraiser each year,” Jeanine Badalamenti, the Warriors’ secretary, said. “It’s a way to keep us afloat so we can continue everything we do — from cleanups to our fall festival.”
The nonprofit organization, made up of neighbors, business owners and volunteers, is committed to improving the quality of life in the hamlet. Since its founding nearly seven years ago, the group has organized park cleanups, holiday drives and large-scale community events.
Badalamenti said the idea behind Spring into Service was to create an accessible, relaxed event that brings residents together beyond volunteer workdays.
we all come together, there’s really no stopping what we can do for Oceanside.
JEANINE
Organizers said the fundraiser serves as both a kickoff to the group’s spring cleanup season and a critical source of funding for its projects.
BADALAMENTI
Secretary, Oceanside Community Warriors
“We didn’t want to just be a one-off fall festival, and not everyone can make it to the cleanups,” she said. “We wanted something easy and laid-back, where families could come together, have fun and also share ideas about what they’d like to see improved in the community.”
Throughout the afternoon, organizers set up an information table, where attendees learned about upcoming initiatives and explored ways to get
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
By Chris Colucci
ccolucci@liherald.com
Each year begins with months that spread awareness of powerful social issues, such as February’s Black History Month and March’s Women’s History Month. April brings a very different and impactful recognition with National Garden Month. With Earth Day occurring on April 22, the environmental focus can last all month long with the smallest of steps.
Many towns and villages, and some apartment complexes, have community gardens which offer residents a chance to take part in a relatively larger-scale growing project that their personal accommodations may not allow. The Point Lookout Community Garden is one local example, organized by the Point Lookout Civic Association. Participants can rent one of 42 planter boxes in which they can grow vegetables or flowers as part of a larger communal space.
With a beach-adjacent area being predominantly soil that doesn’t naturally provide ideal growing conditions, a community garden allows easier access to a more controlled, potentially more bountiful environment. It’s also a chance to connect socially with like-minded gardeners and neighbors.
Nurseries and garden centers are local businesses that specialize in helping beginning gardeners get off to a strong start while also providing support and resources for experienced green thumbs. They typically offer everything from soil and garden supplies to partially developed plants — saving gardeners the time and frustration of growing fruits, vegetables or flowers from seed. They’re also an invaluable source of expertise on local climate and ecology, helping advise what types of plant life the local temperatures and soil conditions can support. With several nurseries in surrounding areas, residents have the chance to get direction from garden professionals to make the most of a growing season.
Whether it’s a windowsill box with fragrant basil and fresh herbs, a small potted flower on a table, or a modest vegetable container in an outdoor area, cultivating a plant can encourage daily physical activity, often in fresh air. It can also be a mental stimulus, requiring patience and concentration. n
Tending a garden can yield more than just bountiful crops and beautiful flowers. In addition to the benefits of eating garden-fresh tomatoes or enjoying the sights of colorful zinnias, research has consistently found that basic gardening and “therapeutic horticultural” — garden and plant-based activities guided by a professional — may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
By KUMBA JAGNE Intern
After five years of planning, persuasion and patience, a once-questioned idea has taken root in Oceanside Cove — and today, its community garden is fully in bloom.
The Oceanside Cove Community Garden is approaching its fifth anniversary, having been built in 2021 by Ed Russo and Dylan Kenny, and now managed by Leona Marx, chairwoman of the garden Committee.
The community garden has been thriving since its recultivation under Marx, despite it taking five years to secure approval from the Oceanside Cove Committee to establish the garden.
“People do not like change, something new,” Marx said. “Maybe the committee did not think people would be that interested, but we always seem to have a waiting list,” she said of the garden beds.
Marx, who is often referred to as a “garden guru,” oversees multiple projects, maintains areas on the outskirts of the main garden and collaborates with maintenance staff on construction efforts, including the recently built pipe trellis that will support tomatoes beginning this summer.
The garden includes 20 raised beds, which are rented by Oceanside Cove residents twice a year at the start of spring and fall. Marx recommends one to two hours of weekly maintenance. Beds rent for $50 each, with proceeds used to purchase seeds, soil and fund small projects.
The garden has been engineered into a sustainable one as well to ensure costs stay low. Plastic bottles are repurposed into planting pots for beans and wildflowers;
recycled cardboard is used to suppress weeds; and unused seeds are dried and saved for future seasons. Marx utilizes creative methods such as growing new tomato plants from half a cherry tomato, mixing her own soil and feeding strawberry plants with used coffee grounds.
“The outside of the fence is really my garden because I do a lot of experimental things,” Marx said.
Among her experiments is a German gardening technique in which a bed is filled with fried wildflower stems and covered with soil and compost. She is currently developing a small African keyhole garden along the garden’s outer fence line. The design features a central compost pile and a cutout walkway resembling a keyhole.
“I’ve always gardened,” Marx explained. “I’ve always been in the dirt at some point, but I started 20 or 25 years ago more seriously.”
The garden is located within Oceanside Knolls, part of the Town of Hempstead’s Golden Age zoning program, which provides affordable housing for residents age 62 and older. The community includes 120 units.
Gardening can provide health benefits for seniors, including increased physical activity that supports cardiovascular health and weight management, improved balance that reduces fall risk, enhanced vitamin D exposure, mindfulness and better sleep, according to Greater Good Health.
Andrea Simon, who has served on the Garden Committee for one year, said she recognizes the physical demands involved.
“The thing is, everything looks so nice, but there’s a lot of work involved,” Simon
said.
That work, she added, is shared among neighbors. During a recent visit, committee members laughed and chatted while Marx led a tour of the garden. Several said the space has strengthened connections within the community.
“When I was interviewed by the Oceanside Cove Committee, I said, ‘I’m going to miss my plants,’” Simon said. “And they said they have a community garden. They put me in touch with Leona, and I’m thrilled because I got to know a lot of people that way.”
The garden’s impact extends beyond its gates. Randi D’Rourke shares vegetables with the mail carrier, Mickey Ciociano gives produce to a neighbor who uses a wheelchair, and Ying Lee distributes excess harvests to family members — and sometimes beyond.
“I planted seeds with Chinese melon, and they were about 15 pounds each,” Lee said. “They’re like baseball bats, and I had 16 of them. I couldn’t give it out anymore, so I gave it out to all the Chinese takeouts.”
Lee said understanding climate, seasonal changes and crop selection is essential to maintaining a successful community garden.
“I like the fact that we work at it from beginning to end,” she said. “There’s something satisfying about when you grow something from a baby all the way here.”
Members of the Garden Committee said anyone looking to start a community garden not only should, but they would also benefit from having their own “garden guru” to guide the process.
An Oceanside woman has been indicted on multiple felony charges in connection with a wrong-way, multi-crash on the Southern State Parkway that killed a husband and wife and injured several others, the Nassau County District Attorney’s said.
SUV was crashed.
The crash triggered a chain reaction involving five vehicles. Several other drivers suffered injuries ranging from whiplash to trauma requiring surgery. A 71-year-old driver of the Highlander sustained serious injuries, including fractured ribs, a compound hand fracture and a heart injury requiring ongoing treatment, authorities said.
4 Kielbasa Sausages (3 oz.)
4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)
4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)
1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)
8 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.) 81957ZSR
Diana Kutateladze, 36, was arraigned April 24 before Judge Howard Sturim on a grand jury indictment that includes charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, assault and driving while intoxicated. She pleaded not guilty on March 17 and remains in custody. She is due back in court May 20 and faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Kutateladze’s husband, who was a passenger in the Escalade, was critically injured and as of press time, remains hospitalized more than a month later with multiple fractures and head trauma.
An estate plan consists of a set of documents for older adults most often consisting of a trust, power of attorney, health care proxy and other supporting documents providing certain legal, financial and health instructions. Most people, and even many attorneys, consider the tangible documents to be the plan, the exchange of which, for payment, constitutes the completion of the transaction.
In our view, it is the “relationship” between the client and the law firm, intangible though it may be, that is of greater value. Only the relationship can provide the benefits needed to fully effectuate the plan. First among the intangibles is the peace of mind which the client is seeking in creating an estate plan in the first place. This requires an inquiry into the capabilities and sensibilities of each family member. The substitute decision-making that will be entrusted to others demands nothing less. As to the passing of assets, we are as concerned with the emotional legacy, as with the financial legacy, the client will leave to those loved ones who survive them.
Secondly, for any estate plan to be effective,
care and attention not to mention experience, in funding the plan -- in other words getting the assets either into the trust or left to the trust as beneficiary -- are essential. The extraordinary level of care and knowledge needed to properly fund a trust is, in our experience, often found lacking. You cannot see it, but it is invaluable.
Third, of what benefit is a plan that is inorganic, in other words not subject to change. Some mechanism for the plan to be adjusted as changes in personal circumstances and in the law occur is essential. An estate plan must be designed with a review process so that it works when needed, often decades after it was first conceived.
As a relationship-based, rather than a transaction-based firm, Ettinger Law Firm has developed processes such as not charging for emails and phone calls and providing a free review every three years to provide the safety and security clients are looking for. Together with our proprietary publications and videos, and weekly client newsletter, these features allow our clients to live out the firm’s motto, “Protecting Your Future”.
District Attorney Anne Donnelly said the crash occurred around 10:15 p.m. on March 15 in Malverne. Kutateladze was allegedly driving a Cadillac Escalade heading west at a high rate of speed when she sideswiped a BMW near Exit 17S, then crossed the center guardrail into the other side of traffic.
Donnelly said the vehicle slammed head-on into a Toyota Highlander carrying Donald Maxwell, 82, and his wife, Liscent “Barbara” Maxwell, 88. The couple, pastors at the Pentecostal City Mission Church in Far Rockaway, were killed at the scene when the passenger side of the
Authorities said Kutateladze was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the crash, with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent about an hour after — nearly twice the legal limit. Vehicle data indicates she was traveling about 81 mph seconds before the collision on a roadway with a 55-mph speed limit.
The parkway was closed for several hours as emergency crews responded and cleared debris. Kutateladze was arrested March 16 by state police. Prosecutors said the investigation is continuing.
The Oceanside Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just have
April 19 – April 25
General Alarms – 11
Unit Calls – 4
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 2
Carbon Monoxide Alarms – 3
Medical Emergencies: 25
Mutual Aid – 2
Special Calls – 3
Total – 50
— Abigail Grieco
any questions, stop into Fire Headquarters at 65 Foxhurst Road in Oceanside, visit JoinOFD.net, oceansidefd.net, or call (516) 766-2717. For fire or medical emergencies, dial 911 or (516) 766-0245.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 142
Unit Calls – 59
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 30
Carbon Monoxide Alarms – 34
Medical Emergencies – 486
Mutual Aid – 18
Special Calls – 42
Total – 811
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Friedberg JCC in Oceanside rolled out the red carpet for its annual Red Carpet Talent Show and Dinner on April 16, bringing together community members for an evening of entertainment, advocacy and inclusion in support of adults with disabilities.
This year’s theme, “Finding Your Voice,” highlighted performers sharing personal stories through music, dance, comedy and art, emphasizing self-expression and empowerment. Proceeds from sponsorships directly supported the event, while donated items were used to create themed raffle baskets for the evening’s auction.
The showcase featured a range of performances from participants in the JCC’s self-advocacy programs. Adam Goldberg demonstrated yoga and boxing, Catherine Schexnayder performed “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music,” Elise Olsen combined poetry with dance, and Ian Schoenberg delivered a high-energy routine set to music by Michael Jackson. Additional acts included comedy and musical performances, along with a DJ who provided music throughout the evening.
Marcy Hallerman, senior program officer of social services at the Friedberg JCC, said the event has grown significantly since its inception.
music as part of the annual event, highlighting the talents and voices of individuals with disabilities.
“Back in 2014, we had a vision to create the self-advocacy group,” Hallerman said. “From there, individuals with disabilities, with their facilitator, decided they wanted to do a red-carpet event. They created that.”
The first event was held in person in 2018 before shifting to a virtual format during the pandemic. It has since returned as an annual in-person fundraiser, while a monthly virtual talent show continues.
This year’s program included seven
performers, along with a DJ, and was supported by about eight volunteers from Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services Catering was provided through the JCC’s Harvey’s Café, with individuals with disabilities actively involved in preparing the meal.
“They prepped the food, went with the staff to shop for it and cooked everything,” Hallerman said.”
Participants were primarily selected from the JCC’s self-advocacy group, also known as the Special Advisory Coalition
(SPEAC), with additional slots opened to others involved in JCC programs. Acts are not typically auditioned unless demand exceeds capacity, though performers rehearse and refine their presentations ahead of the show.
In addition to stage performances, the event featured an art gallery displaying work created by participants throughout the year. Pieces were labeled with the artist’s name and medium, offering another platform for creative expression.
Planning for the event begins several months in advance, typically in December or January, and involves coordination between JCC staff and program leaders to organize performances, secure sponsors and arrange logistics.
Hallerman said the talent show reflects the JCC’s broader mission of inclusion and community engagement.
“One of the things that we try to be at the JCC — and it’s in our mission — is inclusive,” she said. “We believe that people with disabilities should be out in the community, participating in programs. Doing the talent show really gives them a chance to shine. It gives them a chance for the community to see how talented they really are.”
For many performers, the night represents more than entertainment — it is an opportunity to be heard.
“It really gives them that opportunity to speak out and empowers them,” Hallerman said.
Starters - Choice of 1: Small Signature Antipasto • Small Bruschetta Platter
Pasta - Choice of 1 Half Tray: Farfalle with Mixed Vegetables • Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage
Salad - Choice of 1: Caesar Salad • Tossed Salad
Entrées - Choice of 1 Half Tray: Sliced Pork Loin Roast with Potatoes & Onions
Chicken Francese with Lemon Butter Sauce & Mushrooms
Flank Steak with Mushrooms +25 • Shrimp Oreganata • Roasted Salmon +35
Vegetable - Choice of 1 Half Tray: String Bean Almondine • Broccoli Cauliflower Oreganata
Red Roasted Potatoes
Included: Two Loaves of Bread • Cookie Tray
A DYNAMIC THREE-SPORT athlete, Paccione last spring helped lead Wantagh to Nassau and Long Island Class C lacrosse championships and earned All-America honors. He followed that up this fall as a major contributor to the Warriors’ county football title. This spring, the University of Villanova bound attacker was leading Nassau County in points with 72 (26 goals and 46 assists) as of April 28. He has over 300 career points.
Thursday, April 30
Baseball: Plainedge at Wantagh 4:30 p.m.
Baseball: Lynbrook at V.S. North 5 p.m.
Softball: East Meadow at Clarke 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Elmont at Freeport 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Massapequa at South Side 5 p.m.
Flag Football: Freeport at Bell-Merrick 5 p.m.
Flag Football: East Meadow at V.S. District 5 p.m.
Flag Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 5 p.m.
Flag Football: Bethpage at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Friday, May 1
Softball: East Rockaway at Freeport 4:15 p.m.
Softball: Syosset at Wantagh 5 p.m.
Softball: V.S. South at V.S. Central 5 p.m.
Softball: Kennedy at Seaford 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Carey at Mepham 5 p.m.
Baseball: Lawrence at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Baseball: South Side at Calhoun 5 p.m.
Baseball: Carey at MacArthur 5 p.m.
Softball: Oceanside at Massapequa 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 2
Softball: South Side at Floral Park 10 a.m.
Flag Football: East Rock. at West Hemp. 10 a.m.
Softball: Baldwin at Hewlett 2 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com
Like watching trailers at a movie theater, the Oceanside softball team is getting a sneak peek at the upcoming Nassau Class AAA playoffs.
And while their feet aren’t up in the comfy reclining seats, eating popcorn, the Sailors are making a statement about what might happen in May.
In loaded Conference I, Oceanside is 7-3 (10-3 overall), one game back of Wantagh. But the Sailors are the topranked Class AAA team, ahead of both defending county champ Massapequa and Syosset.
The Sailors are 4-1 in one-run games, including back-to-back wins over Seaford and Wantagh last week.
“My girls are just resilient,” Oceanside coach Carlo Quagliata said. “They don’t get too high, too low, and we’ve been clearing hurdle after hurdle.”
In those high-pressure games where the margins are the thinnest, the Sailors’ demeanor has impressed their head coach.
“They keep a low heartbeat,” Quagliata said. “Sometimes, as coaches, we kind of let our emotions go when we see an error in the first inning or an approach to the first at-bat where they’re just kind of swinging without waiting to see what the pitcher’s offering.
“But what they’re doing is adjustments,” he added. “The girls are doing a great job of adjusting to the pitching, paying attention first and second time around, and then third time around, making those adjustments.”
Against conference-leading Wantagh last Saturday, sophomore Alexa Conte led off the bottom of the seventh with a double and was driven in by senior Karley Handleman, who went opposite field for the walk-off single to close out a 3-2 victory.
Throwing first-pitch strikes, Caroline Ferchland went the distance, striking out seven. When the Warriors threatened in the middle of the game with runners at second and third and nobody out, Ferchland bared down and escaped
Derrick Dingle/Herald
Sophomore Liana Horan’s walk-off single gave the Sailors a 2-1 victory over Calhoun April 7.
unscathed, not allowing a run.
“She’s the closest thing we’ve had to a power pitcher,” Quagliata said. “When she gets her secondary pitches going, that’s what kept them off balance this time around.”
Against Betz and the Vikings April 23, the Sailors were down to their last out, and Handleman again provided the heroics with a game-tying two-run home run.
In the 10th inning, senior Maggie Nesturrick drove in senior Riley Brasch with the go-ahead run, and then Brasch fielded a bunt, faked a throw to first, and caught the Seaford runner in a rundown between second and third to help seal the win.
“That’s a senior, experienced player who just knows the game,” Quagliata said. “We don’t win the game without Riley Brasch.”
Sophomore Liz Geiger went the distance in the circle to get the win, her second varsity complete-game after throwing a gem in a 6-3 win over Mepham on April 17.
There’s been other supporting stars along the way, like sophomores Hailey Bischoff, who tripled, and Liana Horan, who had the walk-off single in a 2-1 win over Calhoun on April 7.
And sophomore McKaela Genna was called up to plug a defensive hole in the outfield, but the rightfielder has a pair of triples in two weeks thanks to her lightning speed.
Oceanside is at Massapequa this Friday for a 6 p.m. showdown at Berner Middle School. It could be another Class AAA finals preview.
Oceanside High School’s Model United Nations team earned top honors at one of the nation’s most competitive academic conferences, winning Best Large Delegation at this year’s Cornell Model United Nations in Ithaca.
The award — Cornell’s highest team distinction — recognizes the delegation with the strongest performance across the entire conference. More than 600 students from across North America, as well as Africa and Asia, competed in the annual event, which is widely regarded as one of the premier Model UN competitions for high school students.
A total of 29 Oceanside students attended the conference, representing the school’s 35-member club. Students competed individually in a range of simulated committees, from the United Nations General Assembly and the International Labour Organization to historical and fictional crisis sessions centered on the 1974 British election, the 2008 financial crisis and “Alice in Wonderland.”
Five Oceanside students received Best Delegate honors: Christian Carbonaro in the International Labour Organization, Suhaana Masud in Kingdom of Joseon, Arianna Shamin in the 1974 U.K. Election, Abigail Santiago in “Alice in Wonderland” and Anthony Badalamenti in the 2008 Financial Crisis committee.
Maxwell Greenberg earned an Outstanding Award in the Scythe committee,
Courtesy Oceanside Schools
Oceanside High School’s Model United Nations team earned top honors at one of the nation’s most competitive academic conferences, winning Best Large Delegation at this year’s Cornell Model United Nations in Ithaca.
while Amelia Chiu and Quinn Beyrer received Honorable Mention awards in the United Nations General Assembly.
Four other students — Ryan Stromer, Brody Cener, Samantha Gallela and Aiden O’Connell — received Verbal Commendations for their performances in several committees, including one focused on artificial intelligence regulation and risk.
The Oceanside team is advised by Gavin Kalner and Karen Kosakoff.
Cornell Model United Nations is known for its academic rigor and broad international participation, making Oceanside’s first-place delegation finish a significant achievement for the Nassau County school.
— Abigail Grieco
Award-winning author Andrea Beatriz Arango visited Oceanside Middle School after students and staff spent several weeks reading her Newbery Honor-winning debut novel, “Iveliz Explains It All,” as part of the school’s annual community read-aloud.
The novel, written in verse, follows a seventh grader navigating grief, family struggles and mental health challenges while learning to advocate for herself. Throughout the monthlong program, Oceanside Middle School staff members read the book aloud to students, creating schoolwide discussions about its themes and characters.
Arango spoke to students during an assembly about her Puerto Rican heritage and how it influences her writing. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she later spent a decade working in public schools and nonprofit organizations in the mainland United States, experiences she said helped shape the diverse voices and perspectives in her stories.
Following the assembly, Arango led a writing workshop for a small group of students interested in creative writing. Using a verse from one of her books as inspiration, students created their own poems built around a character asking a question.
Students said they connected strongly with the novel’s main character.
“I like how the author designed Iveliz’s character to be relatable,” seventh grader Alex DeLaRosa said.
Oceanside
Award-winning author Andrea
Arango visited Oceanside Middle School after students and staff spent several weeks reading her Newbery Honor-winning debut novel, “Iveliz Explains It All,” as part of the school’s annual community read-aloud.
Other students in world language teacher Sibo Kang’s advisory said Iveliz’s flaws and struggles made her feel realistic and engaging.
English teacher Nicole Mule said the book encouraged reflection and honest conversation.
“One of the best parts of working with middle school students is the social emotional learning aspect and this book instilled how important it is to be a trusted adult for our students to open up to,” Mule said.
School officials said Arango’s visit gave students a deeper understanding of both the writing process and the personal themes explored in the novel.
— Abigail Grieco
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Herald Community Media received 11 awards at the New York Press Association’s 2025 Better Newspaper Contest. The awards were presented at the organization’s spring convention in Saratoga Springs on April 23-24.
Creative Designer Jeffrey Negrin took first place for Best Special Section Cover, Division I, for the Herald’s basketball section. Karen Millindorf was the photographer.
“The layout is clean and bold,” the judges said. “Good use of the isolated subjects placed center frame and the text is well balanced. Overall solid.”
Negrin also placed second in the same category for a Rockville Centre cover. “The mostly monotone color scheme is well complimented to [the] line art doodle graphic,” the judges said. “The lightness of the graphic placed center frame is well balanced with the heaviness of the text at both the top and bottom of the layout.”
“It’s always an honor to be recognized by our peers,” Herald Community Media publisher Stuart Richner said. “We’re proud to continue telling the stories of our communities, and I congratulate our team on this well-deserved recognition. Ultimately, our greatest reward is delivering comprehensive local news to our readers each week.”
Vice President of Sales Rhonda Glickman, Special Sections Editor Karen Bloom and Negrin combined their talents and captured second place for Best Special Section in Advertising, Division I.
“An eye-catching and meaningful special section,” the judges said. “The editorial is local, informative and well writ-
ten. The ads complement the section and align with the section’s intent.”
Negrin and Advertising Director Ellen Reynolds partnered to grab second and third place in the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages.
“This piece does a nice job of capturing the spirit of this campaign and community,” the judges said of the secondplace submission, “combining the multiple advertisers into a harmonious layout. A subtle mix of patterns and color makes a strong impression. Well done.”
Of the third-place entry, the judges said, “A fun piece that visually captures the reader while being based on a strong concept that is a service to the community. The art and topography are appropriate for the theme and lend themselves to the overall mood of the piece. Nice job.”
“Good journalism doesn’t chase applause — it chases accountability,” COO Brad Harmon said. “That’s what makes me proud and reminds me why the work we do matters.”
On the editorial side, Copy Editor Jim Harmon and Production Designer Yolanda Rios received second-place recognition for editorial pages that appeared in all 24 weekly editions of the Heralds. “This was a close second,” the judges said. “The editorial writer is excellent.”
Staying on the editorial page, Managing Editor Jeffrey Bessen, Harmon and Zack Richner combined their efforts to take third place in Editorials, Division 1.
“Three editorials delve into some of the troubling dangers of our time — unaddressed impacts of long Covid; Meta abandoning moderators and the implications on civility and democracy; and the harshness of the housing crisis,” the judges said. “All are told with
perspective and expertise.”
Multiple sports stories that appeared in the Massapequa Herald Post were part of the package that took second place in Sports Coverage, Division 1.
“Greatly enjoyed the range of stories covered in this issue, from the longtime Hofstra soccer coach to the Ryder Cup volunteers,” the judges said. “Well written and attractive layout, easy to read.”
It takes a great team to bring back awards from NYPA — we have the best!” Glickman said. “From finance to sales to editorial, production, press, circulation etc. Together we win!”
For Online Breaking News, Will Sheeline, editor of the Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff/Glen Head Heralds, and past reporter Luke Feeney placed second for their story “Pirate Booty founder Robert Ehrlich addresses attempt to seize control of Village of Sea Cliff.”
The judges said: “The reporters not only identified Robert Erhlich first as the person behind the attempted power grab, but also landed the first on-therecord, exclusive interview with him and posted it online before state, national and international outlets followed. Excellent use of community trust and source relationships to turn a chaotic, somewhat bizarre local power struggle into a clear, timely story.”
Sports Editor Tony Bellissimo and Negrin earned third place for Special Sections/Niche Publications for the Herald’s lacrosse book.
“Very well organized, and comprehensive,” the judges said. “Visually appealing and something for everyone who likes Lacrosse.”
Sheeline also took third place in the Environment Story category for his “Keeping the ‘oyster’ in Oyster Bay” story.
The Herald’s Basketball
winner in the category Best Special Section Cover.
“I kept reminding myself that this is a reporter’s award and not an award for which environmental project was the coolest,” the judges said. “And this project was cool! I’ve decided not to hold it against the reporter, however, because the reporter has done an excellent job of making me feel invested in these people and this place and their oysters without getting mawkish or too purple in the prose.”
For the Better News Contest, 150 newspapers submitted 2,732 entries and competed in 67 categories, and a total of 389 awards were presented. The Michigan Press Association judged the contest submissions in January.
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Calls to protect religious institutions from harassment and intimidation took center stage last Friday morning at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.
There, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi unveiled the bipartisan Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption Act, known as the SACRED Act, legislation Suozzi said would address growing concerns among his constituents about safety at houses of worship.
“There’s too much hate in our country right now,” Suozzi said. “A lot of people are being intimidated as they enter into their religious institution to practice their faith.”
The bill, co-led by Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, would make it a federal crime to intentionally intimidate, obstruct or harass individuals within 100 feet of a place of worship, including blocking their path or approaching within 8 feet with the intent to harass.
Suozzi said the measure “ensures that people can access their place of worship safely and without obstruction, while still preserving First Amendment protections for peaceful expression.” He added that it draws “a clear line: Intimidation and threats have no place in our communities.”
“We at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center understand religious persecution,” Alan Mindel, the center’s chairman, said, “and so we are so proud to stand with Congressman Suozzi in protecting the rights of all Americans, regardless of where they pray.”
Leaders of several national advocacy and faith organizations attended the event, including represen-
Community leaders, elected officials and faith advocates gathered at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance
of Nassau County to highlight efforts to protect religious institutions and ensure safe access to places of worship.
tatives of the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism has reached historic levels, with 9,354 incidents recorded in 2024, underscoring concerns about the safety of those attending religious services.
“Religious freedom thrives where respect prevails,” Azhar Azeez, CEO of the Islamic Society of North America, said. “Let every place of worship be a sanctuary free from intimidation, obstruction or harassment so all people may practice their faith in peace, dignity and safety within every sacred space.”
The proposal has also drawn political criticism.
Mike LiPetri, who is challenging Suozzi for his 3rd Congressional District seat in November, said he believed the congressman had not been sufficiently vocal on the issue in the past.
“Now in an election year he wants to take action?” LiPetri wrote in a statement to the Herald. “We’re not buying it.”
Rep. Laura Gillen, who was not in attendance, emphasized the need for additional protections.
“In the wake of rising hate crimes in our own backyard, we must safeguard our houses of worship and ensure every Long Islander has the freedom to gather without fear of violence,” Gillen wrote. “Establishing buffer zones is a step in the right direction.”
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Kiwanis Club of Island Park hosted its annual pancake breakfast at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School, drawing families, students and community members together for a morning of food and fundraising in support of local charitable programs.
The April 18 breakfast was served by students from the LOMS Builders Club, the middle school-level Kiwanis program, who greeted guests, took orders, served meals and helped clean up throughout the event. The student volunteers remain a central part of what makes the tradition meaningful each year.
Funds raised from the breakfast will support the club’s community initiatives, including scholarships for graduating Island Park students and Kamp Kiwanis programs.
Island Park Kiwanis President Karen Davis said the event has deep roots in the community, stretching back decades.
“The Island Park pancake breakfast is a tradition — at least 50 years, maybe more,” she said. “It’s a signature fundraising event for Kiwanis clubs everywhere, but for us, it really supports Kamp Kiwanis and the scholarships.”
Davis said the breakfast typically raises between $4,000 and $5,000 annually, with strong support from local sponsors and businesses. Among then, Oceanside IHOP once again donated pancake batter and syrup, continuing a long-standing contribution to the event. Several other local businesses also provided raffle prizes, basket items and sponsorships.
This year’s breakfast featured 35 raffle baskets, assembled over several months by Kiwanis members who began planning the event as early as February.
“We start thinking about it well before spring,” Davis said. “Once February hits, we’re in pancake mode. If we see something on sale that would make a good raffle item, we pick it up and set it aside.”
The event, which had previously been held at the Firemen’s Exempt Hall, moved to the elementary school after the pandemic. This change has allowed for greater community participation and a more family-centered atmosphere.
She noted the event now regularly brings together attendees across generations, from infants to grandparents, as well as teachers and students who are able to interact outside the classroom setting. Members of the Builders Club also serve many of their own family members during the breakfast, adding a personal touch to the volunteer experience.
With about 25 active Kiwanis members, Davis said nearly all participate in the annual breakfast, supported by school custodians, student volunteers and community partners.
“It really brings everyone together,” she said. “That’s what makes it special every year.”
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which brought community members together for a morning of food and fundraising.
involved.
“We try to talk to people, find out why they’re here and what role they see themselves playing in Oceanside,” Badalamenti said. “That’s how we generate ideas and figure out how people can contribute.”
Funds raised at the event help cover supplies and equipment for cleanups, as well as support larger initiatives, such as beautification projects, seasonal decorations and the group’s widely recognized flag campaign. According to Brian Driscoll, the Warriors’ president, the organization installs more than 100 American flags throughout the community each year — an effort that requires ongoing maintenance and replacement.
“The money goes toward everything — equipment, flowers, welcome signs, the flags,” Driscoll explained. “The poles break, the flags only last one season, so this fundraiser is a huge help.”
Driscoll noted that the fundraiser typically draws more than 100 attendees annually and continues to grow as awareness spreads.
“It’s a great day,” he said. “The community comes together, families bring their kids, there’s music, and it’s just a really good atmosphere.”
Unlike many established nonprofits, the Warriors initially operated without formal fundraising.
“We started off paying out of our
own pockets,” Driscoll said. “Now that we’re a nonprofit, the community really helps support us, and they’ve always been very supportive.”
Beyond its scheduled projects, the organization also responds to emerging needs. Last year, members organized a food and clothing drive for residents displaced by an apartment fire in nearby Baldwin. The group also hosts a toy
drive during the holiday season and assists local organizations with food distribution efforts.
“Wherever there’s a need, we try to step in,” Badalamenti said.
At the heart of the organization’s mission is a simple philosophy: “beautify, unify, amplify.” Leaders said that means not only improving the physical appearance of the community but also
strengthening connections among residents.
“There are so many good people in Oceanside, but not everyone knows how to connect,” Badalamenti said. “We try to bring people together and help them find a way to get involved that works for them.”
Volunteers are encouraged to participate in a variety of ways, from hands-on cleanup efforts to behind-the-scenes support, such as fundraising, event planning and social media outreach.
“There’s something for everyone,” Driscoll said. “Even if you can’t do physical work, there are plenty of ways to help. We all have that common goal of keeping our home great.”
The Warriors emphasized that events like Spring into Service play an important role in fostering community engagement at a time when many people feel increasingly disconnected.
“It’s an opportunity for people to get out of their house, step away from their screens and get to know their neighbors,” Badalamenti said. “It helps create a more inclusive and connected community.”
As the afternoon wound down, attendees lingered over music and conversation — a reflection of the event’s broader purpose.
“If we all come together,” Badalamenti said, “there’s really no stopping what we can do for Oceanside.”
ing. Everything came back normal. But I knew something wasn’t right.”
That experience changed his perspective. Smyrlis began studying patterns in his own life — sleep habits, stress, diet and work schedule — and discovered the impact of disrupted routines, particularly on the body’s circadian rhythm.
“Being healthy is not just not being sick,” he said. “It’s feeling good, having energy, being present in your life.”
Motivated by those insights, Smyrlis spent several years researching fatigue, sleep science and lifestyle medicine, while also testing practical changes in his own daily routine. He began sharing those strategies with patients, often in brief, simplified steps during office visits.
The results, he said, were striking.
“People would come back months after, looking and feeling like a different person,” he said. “But in a 15- or 20-minute visit, there’s only so much you can explain. That’s when I realized I needed to put it on paper.”
The result was “Why So Tired?” which is structured to meet readers where they are — especially those too exhausted to tackle traditional, dense health guides. The 101-day format breaks down lifestyle changes into small, manageable steps designed to have a cumulative effect.
“The people who need this the most often don’t have the energy to read a
long book,” Smyrlis explained. “So I made it simple, almost like a daily guide. I also made sure not to make it too scientific and much more relatable. ”
At the core of the book is a straightforward philosophy: consistency matters more than intensity. Rather than drastic overhauls, Smyrlis emphasizes small, repeatable habits like improving sleep routine, getting morning sunlight, eating balanced meals and incorporating light daily movement.
“Small habits, done consistently, start to compound,” he said. “They build on each other. And over time, they create real change.”
Among the most important recommendations are three simple steps: going to bed a little earlier while limiting screen time at night, getting natural light within the first hour of waking, and starting the day with water and a protein-rich breakfast.
“They sound almost too simple,” Smyrlis said. “But when people actually do them consistently, the results are real.”
Since its release, the book has received strong feedback beyond his immediate circle. Early reviews from readers and online platforms praised its accessibility and practicality — something Smyrlis said was especially meaningful.
time addressing underlying lifestyle patterns that may contribute to long-term health issues.
“Often, when you go back into someone’s life, you see the same patterns,” he explained. “When those improve, everything else becomes easier to manage.”
In some cases, he noted, patients who adopt healthier habits are able to reduce their reliance on medications over time, under medical supervision.
“Lifestyle is powerful,” Smyrlis said. “It doesn’t replace medical care, but it works alongside it.”
He is working on an audiobook version of “Why So Tired?” expected before the end of the year, and is considering future projects that would expand on the book’s principles, including a potential wellness retreat focused on lifestyle changes.
For now, Smyrlis remains focused on his patients and on continuing to spread a message he believes is increasingly important. “Fatigue is often the first sign that something is off,” he said. “It’s an early warning, and an opportunity to make changes before more serious problems develop.”
Join WEDLI for a strictly social eventnetworking and catching up with friends! We will also install the new WEDLI officers and board members. All are welcome to attend.
May 19 | 6 p.m.
“When feedback comes from people who don’t know you, who have read thousands of books, that really matters,” he said.
In his practice, Smyrlis has also seen a shift in how he approaches patient care. While he continues to treat serious cardiovascular conditions with traditional medicine, he now spends more
Smyrlis, who lives in Rockville Centre with his wife and two daughters, said his goal is simple: to help people feel like themselves again.
“I see how hard people are trying,” he said. “This is about giving them a path forward, one step at a time.”
You don’t have to be a kid to love bubbles. Step into the museum’s bubble playroom and see why bubbles are fun for any age.
By Abbey Salvemini
For many folks a trip to the Long Island Children’s Museum isn’t just a childhood outing, it’s a shared community memory. Now, those of us “big kids” who grew up visiting here will have a chance to step back inside but this time as grown-ups.
Relive the wonder of childhood at the museum’s inaugural “Adults Only Nostalgia Night” on May 6. Open to guests ages 23 and up, this after-hours event (starting at 6:30 p.m.) offers a lively, playful reimagining of a beloved local destination — welcoming visitors to explore familiar exhibits in a whole new light, long after the kids have gone home.
“This has been something that’s been talked about for years,” Communications Coordinator Stephanie Silver says. “We have so many people who came here as kids and are now bringing their own children or even grandchildren. There’s always been this desire to come back and experience it again for themselves.”
That idea recently gained momentum online after a nostalgic TikTok post comparing the museum’s former Stewart Avenue location with its current home in Garden City went viral, creating a wave of former visitors in the comments reminiscing and sharing memories.
The result is an occasion designed to feel equal parts reunion and night out.
For three hours, the museum’s galleries are open exclusively to adults, giving guests the rare opportunity to explore exhibits at their own pace. From the popular bubble station to newer installations, visitors can revisit old favorites or discover exhibits they may have missed.
“It’s really about giving people the freedom to explore,” Silver explains. “They can go wherever they want, spend as much time as they want, and just enjoy it without any responsibilities.”
Beyond exploring the exhibits, the evening comes
alive with a DJ spinning crowd pleasing hits from across the decades, inviting guests to hit the dance floor or simply enjoy the music. Classic games add a touch of friendly competition, while photo stations capture the fun along the way. Together, these elements transform the museum into a vibrant, social “playground,” a striking departure from its usual daytime pace. The result is a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where nostalgia, play and connection come together for a memorable night. Light bites and refreshments are available; admission includes two drink tickets for beer and wine. Organizers aim to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can mingle, unwind, and rediscover a beloved space in an entirely new way — all without straying far from home.
Guests are also invited to take part in hands-on memory-making activities throughout the evening.
Design your own I Heart LICM friendship bracelet to keep as a personal memento, or contribute to the Nostalgia Wall by posting photos and sharing stories from past visits. Over the course of the night, the growing display will reflect decades of community connection — ranging from childhood snapshots to treasured, multigenerational memories — woven together into a heartfelt collective tribute.
For Silver, that piece hits close to home.
• Wednesday, May 6, 6:30-9 p.m.
• Tickets are $45 per person, $40 members, with limited availability; Advance registration and valid ID required
• Visit the events calendar at licm.org for tickets and additional information
• 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
“I grew up coming here,” she says. “My own photos will be up there. It’s special to see how many people have that same connection.”
While designed to be lighthearted and fun, the museum’s educational spirit remains an underlying thread throughout. Exhibits originally created to spark curiosity in children take on a new dimension for adults, offering a fresh perspective that invites reflection, rediscovery and a touch of wonder in a familiar setting.
“That’s actually the easiest part,” Silver adds. “Everything here is already grounded in education. The nostalgia just comes naturally.”
If the evening proves successful (as expected), museum leadership aims to make this a recurring offering and potentially expand it in future seasons, building on what’s anticipated to be strong community enthusiasm.
“We’d love to make this a reoccurring event,” Silver says, enthusiastically. “But we also want to hear from visitors … what they enjoy, what they want to see. This is really about the community.”
Nostalgia Night will offer something that’s familiar yet new: a chance to revisit a childhood staple, reconnect with friends or neighbors and see a well-known local institution in a completely different light.
“We want people to walk away feeling reconnected, not just to the museum, but to that sense of joy and creativity,” Silver adds. “Play is just as powerful for us as adults as it is for the children.”
And for those who recall spending rainy afternoons or birthday parties inside the museum’s walls, this might feel somewhat like coming home — only this time, with music, companions and no curfew.
For the past five-plus decades, over 8,000 live shows and more than 15 million albums sold, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been “The All-American Rock & Roll Party Band” (Goldmine Magazine). In celebration of their 53rd year of “playing rock ‘n roll hot enough to melt the polar icecaps and flood the world’s major population centers” (Rolling Stone), the group continues The Baddest Show On Earth Tour — a stage-shaking, roof-raising, guitar-snarling blast. For an artist whose music honors the blues, rock and country legends of the past, Thorogood’s forward momentum is now stronger than ever. And along with longtime Destroyers Jeff Simon (drums), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), they continue “to slap a custom flame paint job onto those classic sounds” (Blues Blast Magazine) like never before.
Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Love, regret and second chances take center stage in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud solo show directed by Broadway veteran Chazz Palminteri. Written and performed by comedian Peter Fogel, the 90-minute multimedia performance blends sharp humor with heartfelt reflection on the realities of modern relationships. At the heart of the story is Fogel himself — an eternal bachelor blindsided by a Valentine’s Day breakup that forces him to confront more than just heartbreak. As he wrestles with questions of love, timing and personal growth, he’s guided by his own conscience, voiced by Palminteri, in a clever theatrical device that adds both wit and depth. What follows is a whirlwind of storytelling as Fogel transforms into more than a dozen characters, Saturday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.
Scam Smart: Protect Yourself from Fraud
Oceanside’s own Charles Bianco is back again at Oceanside Library for another must-attend seminar on spotting and avoiding scams. This time, he teaches you once and for all how to avoid these scammers and keep yourself from falling victim! Don’t get caught off guard —get informed and stay protected!
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or 516) 766-2360
Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” back at the museum by popular demand. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon since you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can finally do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also May 2 and May 6-7
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
The Little Lotus Pop Up
Don’t miss this sweet morning of connection at Friedberg JCC. Bond with your little one through gentle yoga, music, movement and sensory play — all in a nurturing, welcoming space. $20 per class.
• Where: 15 Neil Court, Oceanside
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-4341
Book talk
Illustrator and author Cat Willett will discuss “Unconditional: Stories of Women and the Animals They Love” with author Carol Hoenig at Oceanside
kids zone, a beer garden, and dozens of vendors offering food, merchandise, and automotive accessories. $25 pre-registration fee for cars, or $30 the day of the event. Spectators are welcome at no charge.
• Where: Point Lookout Town Park, 1300 Lido Blvd, Point Lookout
• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m; gates open at 7 a.m. for vehicles
• Contact: townofhempsteadevents.com or (516) 670-1050
4
Ben Folds, widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation. brings his latest tour to the Tilles Center, joined by multi-talented actress-singer- composer Lindsey Kraft. Known for pushing genre boundaries, Folds first rose to prominence with Ben Folds Five before launching a wide-ranging solo career that blends sharp lyricism, piano-driven melodies and orchestral ambition. Over the years, he has released multiple solo albums alongside collaborative projects, earning an Emmy nomination and a devoted global following. His most recent pop album (2023) drew critical praise and played to sold-out audiences, followed by a holiday release in 2024. Folds’ recent work also reflects his deep engagement with orchestral music, including a live album featuring a live orchestral performance of his hits recorded just before concluding his eight-year tenure as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center — an appointment that marked a first for the role. Today, he continues to move fluidly between pop tours and performances with leading orchestras worldwide, while also developing new work for film, television and theater.
A bestselling author and former podcast host, Folds remains a restlessly creative force — an artist constantly expanding the reach of his music.
Library.. Using rich, fullcolor illustrations, she shares illuminating stories of different women and their pets, whose work celebrates women and aims to uplift and inspire others through comics and books.
A portion of the sales will go toward the animal rescue LendA-Paw.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or 516) 766-2360
Families are welcome to Long Island Children’s Museum to mix, pour and create your own sidewalk chalk. Then bring it home to create a sidewalk masterpiece. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Enjoy two delightful days of romance, revelry, and refinement in true Jane Austen-style at
the lush estate. Step onto the grounds, don your finest gowns and cravats, and prepare for a weekend of charm, wit, and elegant amusements. Stroll the gardens, try your hand at lawn games and crafts, enjoy classical melodies, test your Austen knowledge, and admire the finery of fellow guests dressed for the occasion. Between diversions, indulge in sweet treats at the café and discover Regency-inspired treasures in the gift shop. Visit the website for programming details.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Ongoing, through May 3
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
3
Stop by the second annual Special Needs Resource Fair at Oceanside Library and learn about the many resources available on Long Island. Featuring live demos of library programs, professional talks on key subjects and information tables to browse. Not to mention a little goodie bag to take home with you. No registration required.
• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: Noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360
Stars On Ice Celebrate America’s skating superstars! Fresh off their Olympic performances, the 2026 Stars on Ice tour brings the thrill of the Games to fans/ Headlined by Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God” and Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu, Olympic Silver Medalists Madison Chock & Evan Bates, the tour also stars National Champions Isabeau Levito, Amber Glenn, Jason Brown and more. Feel the passion, precision and power of the U.S. National Figure Skating Team — live on the ice.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com
The Town of Hempstead welcomes all to check out all makes and models of cars and trucks at this competitively judged show — from pre-war to the ‘50s ‘60s, ‘70s and up. With entertainment, a popular touch-a-truck experience, a
The Madison Theatre welcomes Goldie who introduces “The After-School Kindness Crew #1: Pooch on the Loose,” the first book in an inspiring new series about friendship, community, and the power of kindness. In this rare Long Island appearance, the award-winning actress, producer, director and best-selling author discusses her legendary career, and her children’s book series, written with Lin Oliver and illustrated by Breanna Chambers.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Island Park BOE meets The Island Park Board of Education holds its regular meeting to discuss district business, programs and upcoming initiatives. The meeting is open to the public and includes an opportunity for residents to address the board.
• Where: 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 434-2600
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.
April 30, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Formation of Lara’s Luxe Pet Care LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/4/2026. Office location: Nassau County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Lara Behan 242 Nassau Parkway, Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: Any lawful purpose 159265
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY FRONTSEAT LLC, Plaintiff against NEVADA VILLAS INC., et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 11, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as (No Street Number) Nevada Avenue, Island Park, NY 11558. Sec 43 Block 70 Lot 485 and 494, Group Lot 485 and 486. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $584,854.96 plus interest, fees, and costs and Attorney fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 602550/2025.
The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or
Shine.”
Christy
Demelfi, Esq., Referee File # 17-6721 159496
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISTION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JENNIFER MIKODA, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 3152 Trinity Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 373 and Lots 71, 72, 73, 74. Approximate amount of judgment is $418,204.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 620608/2024. Cash will not be accepted. Michael Sepe, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159624
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
TOORAK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, -against3665 CARREL BLVD OWNERS CORP, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 31, 2024, wherein TOORAK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC is the Plaintiff and 3665 CARREL BLVD OWNERS CORP, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I,
the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 4, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3665 CARREL BLVD, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 60-38-262.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 601517/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159898
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF2 ACQUISITION TRUST, -against-
ANTHONY S. FURINO
A/K/A ANTHONY FURINO, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 26, 2026, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and ANTHONY S. FURINO
A/K/A ANTHONY FURINO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE
at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 2, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2925 ALLON STREET, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 54-446-142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147 & 158. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN AT A PLACE CALLED “THE OAKS” AT OCEANSIDE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617509/2023. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159900
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, AXOS BANK, Plaintiff, vs. JDT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING, INC., W HENRIETTA PROPERTIES, LLC, JOSEPH D. TULLO, ET AL., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 6, 2026, I the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Supreme Court, located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on June 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., the premises known as 307 W. Henrietta Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and the State of New York, Section: 43, Block: 345, Lot: 43. The
approximate amount of Judgment is $371,817.36, exclusive of counsel fees in the amount of $18,219.00, costs in the amount of $2,085.00, and additional allowance for court costs in the amount of $50.00 to be taxed by the Nassau County Clerk, plus interest at the per diem rate of $178.71 from December 3, 2024, and interest thereafter at the statutory rate of 9% per annum since the date of Judgment entry on January 6, 2026. The Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of the filed Judgment, Index No. 612456/2020. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s Attorney, or the Referee. For sale information, please visit https://www.liherald.co m/oceanside/ or call T- (516) 569-4000.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee 706 Equestrian Way, Westbury, NY 11590 T- (516) 644-6769
Mark F. Magnozzi, Esq., Counsel for Plaintiff Axos Bank The Magnozzi Law Firm, P.C., 23 Green Street, Suite 302, Huntington, NY 11743 T- (631) 923-2858
Schedule A (legal description) ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK, KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS AND BY THE LOT NO.43 IN BLOCK NO. 345 ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED, “MAP OF OCEANLEA SEC. 3, AND A RESUBDIVISION OF A PORTION OF
BLKS, 68, 71 MAP OF OCEANSIDE BEACH NO. 18 & BLOCK F REVISED MAP OF LONG BEACH GARDENS ADD. NO. 1, OCEANSIDE, NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y., CARMAN-DUNNE, INC., CIVIL ENGINEERS & SURVEYORS, LYNBROOK, N.Y.,” AND FILED IN THE NASSAU COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1954 AS MAP NO. 6262, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED ACCORDTNG TO SAID MAP AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNTNG AT A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF HENRIETTA A VENUE DISTANT TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) FEET EASTERLY FROM THE CORNER FORMED BY THE INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF HENRIETTA A VENUE AND THE EASTERLY STDE OF YOST BOULEY ARD AND FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING;
RUNNING THENCE ALONG THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF HENRIETTA AVENUE NORTH EIGHTY EIGHT DEGREES STXTEEN MINUTES FIFTY TWO SECONDS EAST (N. 88 DEGREES l6 MINUTES
52 SECONDS EAST) SIXTY (60) FEET; RUNNING THENCE SOUTH ONE DEGREE FORTY THREE MINUTES EIGHT SECONDS EAST (S. 1 DEGREE 43 MINUTES 08 SECONDS EAST) ONE HUNDRED (100) FEET, RUNNING THENCE SOUTH EIGHTY EIGHT DEGREES SIXTEEN MINUTES FIFTY TWO SECONDS WEST (S. 88 DEGREES 16 MINUTES 52 SECONDS WEST) SIXTY (60) FEET;
RUNNING THENCE NORTH ONE DEGREE FORTY THREE MINUTES EIGHT SECONDS WEST (N. l DEGREE 43 MTNUTES 08 SECONDS WEST) ONE HUNDRED FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF HENRIETTA A VENUE AT THE POINT
OR PLACE OF BEGINNING. BEING THE SAME PREMISES CONVEYED IN DEED INSTRT’MENT NO. 2019-98369. Commonly Known As: 307 W Henrietta Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572
Parcel ID: 43-345-00-0043 159891
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST DONNY G. CARDINEAU AKA DONALD G CARDINEAU AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DONALD E. CARDINEAU, JOHN G. CARDINEAU AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DONALD E. CARDINEAU, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 19, 2026, 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 June 2, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 4059 Broadway, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Island Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43 Block 70 Lot 489. Approximate amount of judgment $172,322.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613026/2024. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Linda S. Agnew., Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 24-001236 89678 159851
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. WILLIAM GALLAGHER A/K/A WILLIAM JOHN GALLAGHER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 13, 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 June 2, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3530 Long Beach Road, Unit 12, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block D and Lot 750 a/k/a 750U together with an undivided 1/75th interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $746,903.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612470/2020. Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:160044-5 159887
Richner Communications, Inc. public notice rates will increase at a minimum of 9% for all notices published on or after May 1, 2026, to reflect rising production and distribution costs. To place a public notice contact 516-569-4000 x232.
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CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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
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 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes
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Q. My daughter is in architecture school, and she has always had an interest in doing more artistic things, thinking outside the box, so to say. When she comes back home after architecture school, she wants to look for somewhere that she can do more artistic designs, not just the ordinary kinds of buildings that you see around us, for the most part. Where would you recommend that she look? What communities are more open to doing unusual designs?
A. Not on Long Island. I, too, was once a starry-eyed young architecture graduate, ready to change the world with groundbreaking designs that inspired forward thinking, etc. I even got an amazing opportunity I didn’t plan on when I was hired to work in a firm that landed three entire cities to redesign Jeddah, Jubail and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
Between my minor in city planning and studying with a group called Superstudio in Florence, Italy, I ,too, thought this was the most extraordinary opportunity. And it was, for a time, but the process of building design is very long, and cash flow changes by the day. The city design started with a lot of statistical analysis, referred to as the scope of work or program, which was better suited to an accountant, so that by the time the design phase began, the cost analysis showed that the exciting ideas had to be cut back.
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On Long Island, government regulations such as zoning, parking, height restrictions, use allowances, groundwater containment you get the idea create so many restrictions that artistic creativity is limited. Then you encounter architectural review boards that won’t let you deviate from their version of local styles, such as no flat roofs in some communities, to adding colonial trim details and only specific colors. If you ever notice in architecture magazines, most of the more creative, curvy or flat-roof homes are somewhere out away from cities. The land of the free isn’t so free when it comes to suburban building design.
Your daughter will need to search for communities with fewer restrictions, away from populated or conservative towns and villages, if she wants to generate her ideas. You could bond over road trips, like my family did. My father was an aerospace engineer who worked on Saturn, Gemini and Apollo rockets, and my mother was an interior designer, so we set out to find the latest new designs by piling into the family car and traveling all over. Fortunately, with the internet, your daughter can research the regulations of community governments before you drive off to the horizon.
Remember, some things that stand out may have taken many years to even get permission because of restrictions and politics. For example, the Guggenheim Museum, on Manhattan’s Central Park, a complete departure from convention, took 14 years to obtain approvals to build. Even the replacement World Trade Center tower took three years to get final approvals. Your daughter must persist if she wants to fulfill her dreams. Good luck!
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While the headlines have focused on science funding cuts at elite national universities, we shouldn’t lose sight of the local impact. Long Island is home to major research centers, including Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institutes at Northwell and Stony Brook University, among others.
The $47 billion in cuts to the National Science Foundation and other federal sources of research funding affect those institutions, too. The administration has halted thousands of approved grants for projects focusing on infectious diseases, energy management and quantitative computing, while also releasing staff and curtailing new funding, causing major upheavals in research.
Some now argue that the United States model for research, involving universities, research institutes and private corporations, should change because there’s too much reliance on unstable federal support. Fair enough, but first we should ask how we got here, and how federal support became so important. Our current research enterprise originated in World War II. Reflecting on the
immense and immediate response of universities and scientific laboratories to the war effort, Dr. Vannevar Bush, an engineer at MIT, accepted President Harry Truman’s invitation to write a report on what worked and how to plan for the future.
years. They include support for federal student aid, immigration policy and grant programs for basic and applied research at universities and private companies.
RBush assembled several committees of experts to examine the issues, and wrote an essay entitled, “Science: The Endless Frontier.” In it he summarized the various reports and recommended goals and a strategy for the president to consider.
First, Bush highlighted the fact that many of the discoveries and advances that aided the war effort were made by scholars who had migrated to the United States from countries under totalitarian rule. One conclusion was that immigration was an important source of intellectual talent. A second was that the war had kept millions of Americans from advanced education, and that we should create a program that offered them opportunities to earn college and higher degrees. The G.I. Bill was one result.
esearch here has led the world, and Washington shouldn’t forget that.
The war also gave birth to the Grumman Corporation, which mass-produced aircraft as well as an innovative wing configuration that made it possible to fit more planes on aircraft carriers. The story of how this unique folding feature was developed from a model using two paper clips and a soap eraser is engineering legend. That same spirit launched the lunar module that transported two astronauts to the surface of the moon.
Another example is Brookhaven National Laboratory, established on an unused Army base in1946 by a consortium of nine major universities. Today it is a leader in high-energy physics, materials chemistry, national security and nonproliferation, neurosciences and computational sciences.
A significant source of science innovation is Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, home to eight Nobel Prize winners in physiology and medicine. It has an education division that awards doctoral degrees, hosts international conferences and partners with regional medical schools affiliated with Hofstra/Northwell and Stony Brook University.
Stony Brook’s prominence is grounded in biomedical science, including work that led to the development of magnetic resonance imaging, which was recognized with a Nobel Prize in 2003. Other research is dedicated to understanding and addressing water quality challenges on Long Island, in the interest of restoring the health of bays and waterways, safeguarding fisheries and protecting the coastal environment that is so central to the region’s identity and economics.
A third conclusion was that the country needed systemic support for ongoing research and advanced learning not limited to defense. The National Science Foundation was another result.
The models that Bush’s report inspired have worked well for over 80
The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, established in 1999, is home to 50 research labs, 2,500 clinical trial studies and 5,000 professional and support staff. They conduct research in molecular medicine, genetics, cancer, neuroscience, behavioral science and bioelectronic medicine.
Together, these Long Island enterprises employ thousands and operate with millions of dollars in federal grants. They contribute to improved health outcomes and the economic well-being of individuals and communities. The products and services they develop create businesses, expand services and contribute tax revenue that supports our schools and public services. Rather than shutter these programs, let’s work together to remember why they exist and consider how they can improve even further.
Robert Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and the author of “How University Boards Work.”
In January, I received a phone call at my Garden City office that no parent should ever have to make.
Andrew Jedlicka, a father from Merrick, whose 5-year-old son is fighting a rare and debilitating genetic disorder, was desperately seeking help. The only lab in the world treating, and potentially capable of curing, his son was set to shut down because its federal funding had run out.
The lab, in Queens, had been partially funded by grants from a federal program known as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer. The program is branded as “America’s Seed Fund” for high-risk, highreward medical and technological research and development that is often not attractive to investors. The federal funding is the crucial factor to incentivize and enable private-sector investment
in these types of innovations.
For the Jedlicka family and others, SBIR/STTR program dollars promise a future for a child whose life depends on them. And the program not only aids the families and smallbusiness owners who directly benefit from it; it also grows and strengthens our economy and enhances the United States’ competitive edge and dominance in medicine and technology. For every dollar the federal government invests in SBIR/STTR, taxpayers see a return of $22 to $33 in economic impact.
I helped a unique lab in Queens get some of those crucial federal funds.
The program has supported everything from new, innovative cancer treatments to semiconductors that power our lives to the world’s smallest heart pumps. It should have been reauthorized without delay. Unfortunately, it ground to a halt in late 2025, leaving small businesses and families like the Jedlickas in peril.
Andrew’s plea was heartbreaking — I certainly understood the anguish and
fear his family felt, and was determined to break the gridlock and get his family the help they needed. Reauthorizing the program had broad bipartisan support — a bill had passed the House, but because of delays in the Senate, the program expired without being reauthorized.
I immediately reached out to and pushed my colleagues on the Senate Small Business Committee, including the chair, to work across the aisle to reauthorize the program. Following my efforts, the Senate finally reached a bipartisan deal to reauthorize funding for five years.
After passage of a revised bill in the Senate, followed by the House, with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority, we thought the Jedlicka family’s nightmare might be over. But then, instead of moving to the president’s desk, the bill inexplicably sat on the House speaker’s desk for weeks, awaiting his signature. There was no good reason for this, and on April 1, I demanded that the speaker
act. Two days later, the bill was at last presented to the president, and on April 13 it was finally signed into law.
I’m glad colleagues on both sides of the aisle came together to finally reauthorize the SBIR/STTR program. This long-overdue victory belongs to Andrew and his son, and it is an honor to fight on their behalf. Andrew’s relentless advocacy shows how one father can make a real difference for Americans at a time when constant partisanship in Washington leaves many families feeling helpless. His family, and others facing the diagnosis of a rare disease, should never have faced this uncertainty.
My office is now working to ensure that the National Institutes of Health moves the funding to the lab immediately. We have extended vital medical research funding for the next five years, but Washington should not need a crisis to compel it to act. I will never stop fighting for Long Island families, and will use every tool available to cut through the partisanship and political games that put their futures at risk.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
Atroubling pattern is emerging across Nassau and Suffolk counties — and it should force leaders in both to act with urgency. In recent weeks, there have been a number of serious and fatal crashes involving pedestrians in our communities, from Wantagh to Freeport, Rockville Centre and Lindenhurst.
In Wantagh on March 9, a 53-year-old woman was killed when a pickup truck struck her while it was making a turn at an intersection. On April 4, In Freeport, a 66-year-old man died after being hit while crossing Merrick Road, with police later charging the driver for a hitand-run.
In Rockville Centre on April 10, a 76-year-old woman died of injuries she sustained when she was struck by a vehicle at an intersection. And in Lindenhurst on April 15, an 85-year-old woman was seriously injured when she was hit by a vehicle making a left turn. These were not isolated incidents. They were part of a steady, devastating rhythm of crashes that too often end in tragedy for people doing something routine — crossing the street.
Even in Long Beach, where city officials are now reviewing traffic data in an effort to improve safety, the response remains reactive. Studying the problem isn’t the same as solving it. Long Island has reached the point where analysis
To the Editor:
The “local control” lauded by Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti in his April 16-22 op-ed, “REVIVE Act is the wrong solution to the housing crisis,” is spelled NIMBY, for Not In My Backyard, and he spells it out by rote. On Long Island, local control is widespread, a slogan for a politician’s assertion of veto power.
It is, in effect, a feudal remnant of the creation days of “suburbia,” shaped by the interests of bankers, builders, insurance and real estate. It was an illusion then, and is now a distraction from broader visions needed for a better future. Mr. Ferretti’s claim that REVIVE is the wrong solution suggests some better choice on offer. The one he offers is the status quo — a denial, in effect, that any crisis exists.
The REVIVE Act will benefit the same interests named above, and will not solve the housing crisis alone, but “house” construction is core to any solution, and thus the right one for the present.
must give way to action.
The uncomfortable truth is that Nassau and Suffolk are still operating under an outdated suburban model of road design that prioritizes speed and vehicle flow over human safety. Wide lanes encourage faster driving. Long crossing distances expose pedestrians to danger. Intersections are designed for convenience, not caution.
We do not need to reinvent the solution. We need to look west.
New York City, through its Vision Zero initiative, has spent years reshaping its streets with a different philosophy: that no loss of life on the road is acceptable. That approach has led to lower speed limits, redesigned intersections, pedestrian islands, expanded enforcement and a fundamental shift in the way streets are used. The results haven’t been perfect, but they have been meaningful. Fatalities have declined over time, and the conversation has changed.
Now the city is going even further, considering a “full stop” rule that would require drivers and cyclists to remain stopped at intersections until pedestrians have completely crossed the street — not just cleared their immediate path. It is a simple idea with powerful implications: The pedestrian comes first, fully and without compromise.
Long Island should not wait to see how that proposal plays out. The princi-
ple behind it is already clear, logical, and overdue here.
And not every solution requires tearing up asphalt. Some changes can happen quickly: reducing speed limits on local roads, increasing enforcement of failure-to-yield laws, improving signage and crosswalk visibility, and launching public-awareness campaigns that reinforce a culture of caution.
The data makes this urgency undeniable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 90 percent of crashes in the United States are tied, at least in part, to human error — speeding, distraction, poor judgment. That means safer systems are not optional; they are essential. Road design must anticipate mistakes and reduce their consequences.
Long Island has the benefit of proximity to one of the largest real-world laboratories for traffic safety reform. The question is whether its leaders are willing to learn from its city neighbors. How many more deaths will it take before that happens?
The recent fatalities in our area shouldn’t fade into the background of the next news cycle. They should serve as a call to action. Nassau and Suffolk must act now to prioritize pedestrians, redesign dangerous roads and adopt proven safety measures. The cost of waiting is already far too high.
Economic trends remain solid on Long Island and across most of the United States, yet consumers still seem “unhappy.” Measures of sentiment, both local and national, are more downbeat than some relevant information would suggest.
For example, inflation, as measured in the consumer price index, continues to moderate from the highs of 2022, up 3.3 percent in March nationwide, while our region was up 3.6 percent. Even with higher gas prices likely to fuel an uptick in inflation overall, we’ve been seeing moderating trends.
Even so, the cumulative increase in inflation since early 2017 remains roughly 32 percent. Prices have gone up over the past five years, and consumers haven’t forgotten it, even if the recent trends are more moderate — or even if they temporarily move in the wrong direction.
To the Editor:
The perception that prices are still going higher can be partially attributed to what we call the Snickers Bar Effect: Consumers remember the prices of more frequent purchases. Economists at UBS began examining this issue in early 2024, and it remains highly relevant today. In 2020, the popular candy bar cost $1.50, but today it costs $2.39, an increase of nearly 80 percent. Most consumers, however, don’t know how much their car insurance has gone up over the past few years.
Ysis suggests that in 2015, the average price of a BEC was $3, and in 2020 it was $4.25. Today it’s closer to $7.50. People see the higher prices every morning, which reminds them daily that expenses are higher.
ou’re more likely to know about its price increases than those of your insurance.
We’re all much more aware of the price increases on everyday products, which creates a sense that inflation is still surging. So, even though it has in fact been moderating, most consumers still feel that prices are too high.
For those who don’t scarf down a mix of savory peanuts, caramel and chocolate for breakfast, lunch or a snack several times a week, let’s drill down to a very Long Island-specific product: the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. Nearly every neighborhood deli or bodega serves it, on a roll or a bagel. Our analy-
Last week was National Work Zone Awareness Week, a nationwide campaign reminding motorists that warmer temperatures bring an increase in construction activities along our transportation system.
Here on Long Island, the state Department of Transportation is scheduled to perform hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of paving and bridge projects this year. For the safety of the highway workers doing this work, NYSDOT will deploy signs, cones, barrels and attenuators to make these work zones as visible as possible. Motorists, however, must also do their part to ensure that our workers return home safely each night: slow down, move over and stay alert. Honoring this simple request can save a life.
Earlier this year, a NYSDOT worker was senselessly struck by a vehicle while setting up a closure on the Long Island Expressway. It’s a miracle that worker survived. Throughout this construction season, in an effort to better protect our workers, NYSDOT will be working with our police partners on targeted enforcement, and will be deploying automated speed-enforcement cameras in our work zones. Thank you for doing your part to keep our highway workers safe.
RICHARD CAUSIN
L.I. regional director, New York State Department of Transportation Hauppauge
To be clear, it isn’t just Snickers, bacon, egg and cheeses or even overall inflation that weighs on purchasers on Long Island. Data shows that consumers are also worried about possible layoffs, the seeming likelihood of artificial intelligence replacing jobs, and the so-called K-shaped economy, in which high earners thrive while low earners struggle. These concerns are real, even if they aren’t fully showing up in the hard economic data.
Recent survey data reinforces this point. A few months ago, PKF O’Connor Davies, in partnership with the Siena Research Institute, released its annual Long Island Economic Survey–Outlook 2026. Like consumers, Long Island businesses also seem more worried about the economy, even though current trends are solid. Economic sentiment in
the survey is the third lowest since 1995. Even with March housing data showing continued strength and the stock market rebounding dramatically, affordability and inflation for residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties remain issues. If you bought a home five or more years ago, you are sitting on strong price appreciation. But if you’re entering the market today, there aren’t enough reasonably priced alternatives. Entry-level buyers are being squeezed, and affordability remains a major problem. That’s why the Long Island Association and business leaders have been advocating for federal, state and local support for more housing development.
Sentiment matters, because it drives spending, hiring and investment decisions. When consumers and business leaders feel downbeat, they may pull back — even in a relatively solid economy. Until they begin to feel relief in their day-to-day purchases, housing becomes more attainable and there’s less volatility in economic news, that disconnect is likely to persist, even if the numbers continue to tell a more positive story.
Steven Kent is chief economist at the Long Island Association. Comments? Skent@longislandassociation.org.
Showing the teachers a few new tricks, much to the amusement of their students —
