Abigail Grieco/Herald Bryce Levine, left, and Shawn Lubinda took center stage at the 2026 New York State Career Readiness Educators Association conference last month, taking part in a young-professionals panel titled “Skills in Action: How Work-Based Learning Elevates Student Potential.”
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Oceanside High School students Shawn Lubinda and Bryce Levine took center stage at the 2026 New York State Career Readiness Educators Association conference last month, sharing firsthand how work-based learning experiences have helped shape their futures and prepare them for life beyond graduation. Held at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale May 20 and 21, the conference brought together educators, workforce leaders, administrators and community partners from across the state to discuss the future of career readiness and career and technical education. Oceanside was prominently represented through both its student leaders and a special honor awarded to longtime supporter Cecilia Dowd, of News12 Long Island.
Lubinda, a senior enrolled in the high school’s work-based learning program who
will attend the University at Buffalo this fall, and Levine, a junior in the business program, were selected to take part in a young-professionals panel titled “Skills in Action: How Work-Based Learning Elevates Student Potential.”
Moderated by Eli Johnson, executive director of the Too Alive Tour, a New York Citybased youth development nonprofit, the discussion featured students from Oceanside and Sewanhaka high schools’ career and technical education programs reflecting on how careerfocused opportunities have influenced their academic and professional growth.
Students were asked to define success, professionalism and the value of workplace experiences that extend beyond the classroom. To Levine, success means taking advantage of opportunities and turning them into something meaningful — “something that you can look back on and be proud of,” she said.
Lubinda emphasized perseverance and per-
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
For Oceanside Middle School teacher Samantha Herman, social studies is more than just memorizing dates and studying the past — it is about teaching students that they have the power to shape the future.
That philosophy has earned Herman the Outstanding Middle/ Junior or High School Untenured Teacher award, from the Long Island Council for the Social Studies, after an extensive application and selection process.
Herman, 26, who lives in Oceanside, received the award during a ceremony on June 4 at LIU Post’s Roosevelt House in Brookville.
Oceanside Middle School English language arts teacher who works closely with Herman on the Oceanside School District’s Bridges Program, a six-year cohort initiative designed to foster relationships among students from different communities and backgrounds.
LaTorre said Herman stood out not only for her classroom instruction, but for her commitment to students beyond the school day.
“She’s always looking for a way to elevate,” LaTorre said. “She says yes to so many things and maintains such a high level of performance despite that. She’s showing up ready to play every day.”
Oceanside Middle School teacher
“I was really shocked and surprised and happy,” Herman said. “I didn’t even know that I had been nominated. It was really heartwarming.”
Her nomination was spearheaded by Joseph LaTorre, an
As part of the nomination process, LaTorre and several colleagues compiled letters of recommendation, student work samples and lesson materials pulled from Herman’s classroom. The package was submitted to the social studies organization’s review board earlier this
CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Oceanside School District’s $192.4 million budget for the 2026-27 school year passed comfortably on May 19, with voters also approving a capital reserve proposition, re-electing three incumbent Board of Education members and supporting the Oceanside Library budget.
According to results released by the district, the proposed $192,419,398 spending plan passed by a vote of 1,359 to 496. The budget represents a 3.06 percent increase over the current $186.7 million plan.
The approved budget includes a 2.28 percent tax levy increase — from $131.8 million to $134.8 million — matching the district’s state-mandated tax cap. Because the increase remained within the cap, only a simple majority was needed for approval.
District officials said the spending plan maintains all current programs and staffing levels while continuing investments in academics, facilities and student services. The budget also includes a 1.25 percent salary increase for teachers, in addition to contractual step increases.
Superintendent of Schools Phyllis Harrington thanked residents for supporting the proposal and participating in the vote.
“There is nothing more important than presenting a fair and responsible school budget that preserves educational opportunities for every student while giving the entire community pride in its local
The Oceanside School District’s $192.4 million budget for the 2026-27 school year passed comfortably on May 19, with voters also approving a capital reserve proposition, re-electing three incumbent Board of Education members and supporting the Oceanside Library budget.
schools,” Harrington said in a statement.
“I believe we accomplished that goal, and the successful passage of the budget validates the thoughtful work and collaboration behind it.”
She added, “I want to sincerely thank all of our constituents who exercised their right to vote. We are truly Better Together, and this result reflects the strength of our community working as one.”
Voters also approved Proposition 3, which authorizes the district to use $5,789,078 from its capital reserve fund for improvement projects across the district. The proposition passed 1,408 to 420.
Projects funded through the reserve include resurfacing the Oceanside High School track and renovating bathrooms. District officials emphasized that the work will be completed without additional borrowing and will not affect the tax levy.
Jerel Cokley, the district’s assistant superintendent for business and operations, said maintaining a relatively low tax levy while addressing infrastructure needs was a major goal during budget development.
“One of the things my team and I are most proud of with this budget is how we managed to keep the tax levy among the
lowest in Nassau County AND to fund a capital reserve project to make some upgrades at our high school without borrowing money,” Cokley said. “That’s good for the homeowner, it’s good for the taxpayer, and most importantly, it’s good for the students.”
Board of Education incumbents Laura Lisi, Donald Maresca and Sandie Schoell, who all ran unopposed, were re-elected to new three-year terms.
Schoell received 1,321 votes, while Maresca earned 1,252 and Lisi received 1,236.
Residents also approved the Oceanside Library budget by a 72 percent to 28 percent margin, continuing support for library programs, services and operations.
Board President Michael D’Ambrosio said the vote demonstrates continued community support for the district’s schools and long-term planning efforts.
“We’re grateful to the community and we want people to know why their vote matters and what impact it has,” D’Ambrosio said. “First, voting preserves the high quality of education that Oceanside is known for.”
He added that capital reserve funding has allowed the district to complete projects without taking on debt, citing recent upgrades that include improvements to athletic fields, classroom renovations, a new library at Oceanside Middle School and turf installation at School No. 3.
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By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in the New York metropolitan area this month, Long Islanders won’t need tickets to MetLife Stadium to feel part of the action. Local venues are already preparing for what could become one of the region’s largest shared celebrations in decades.
This year’s World Cup — the largest international soccer tournament — will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Matches will be played across North America, including at eleven stadiums on U.S. soil. Close to home, MetLife Stadium, Gillette Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field will see action, although during the tournament, the venues will be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium; Boston Stadium; and Philadelphia Stadium, respectively.
Games will be played between June 11 and July 19. This is the first tournament to feature an expanded, 48-team format. 12 groups with four teams each will complete in the earliest stage of the tournament, before teams advance to the Round of 32, the Round of 16, and lastly, the final stages of the tournament.
New York/New Jersey will host the finals on July 19 at 3 p.m.
While MetLife is slated to become a centerpiece for the tournament, regionally, soccer fans can expect festivals, viewing parties and tourism events, all catered around the World Cup.
Nassau County viewing party
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museums Department and The Island FC will host a public viewing event for the United States and Australia FIFA World Cup 26 match on June 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.
The free, ticketed event will feature a live broadcast of the match, giveaways, family-friendly activities and concessions. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for viewing on the theatre grounds. Free parking will be available in parking fields 6 and 6A.
Fans must register for free tickets at TheIslandFC. com or NassauCountyTourism.ticketspice.com.
“Nassau County is proud to partner with The Island FC to bring this exciting event to Eisenhower
Stadiums will be known by their city name. Follow the map to know where matches will be played in the U.S. during the World Cup.
■ AT&T Stadium – Dallas Stadium
■ MetLife Stadium – New York/New Jersey Stadium
■ Mercedes Benz Stadium – Atlanta Stadium
■ Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City Stadium
■ NRG Stadium – Houston Stadium
■ Levi’s Stadium – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
■ SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles Stadium
■ Linconln Financial Field – Philadelphia Stadium
■ Lumen Field – Seattle Stadium
■ Gillette Stadium – Boston Stadium
■ Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Stadium
Eleven venues in the U.S. will host FIFA World Cup matches. The stadiums names will change to be reflective of the city they are located in.
Park,” Blakeman said. “FIFA World Cup 26 is the biggest sporting event in the world. This is a great opportunity for residents and families to come together to celebrate the game and enjoy a worldclass community experience right here in Nassau County.”
The event marks the first official community activation hosted by The Island FC as the club prepares for its inaugural professional season.
“This is about more than watching a soccer match; it’s about bringing Long Islanders together around the beautiful game,” said Travis Lamprecht, president of business operations for The Island FC. “Long Island has an incredible soccer culture and deep passion for the sport at every level. We’re proud to partner with Nassau County on our first community event and create an experience that feels welcoming, energetic, and truly representative of this community.”
For updates, visit TheIslandFC.com or NassauCountyNY.gov.
Stony Brook viewing party
Free ticket registration is open for the New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Long Island, set for June 12 at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium.
The free public viewing event will feature live broadcasts of two FIFA World Cup matches on the stadium’s video board — Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. and USA vs. Paraguay at 9 p.m. Fans can request tickets online for one or both events.
The evening match will be preceded by an 8 p.m. performance from rock band Third Eye Blind.
Organizers said the event will include interactive
soccer experiences, entertainment, food and beverage offerings, and other programming celebrating Long Island and communities across New York State.
“I am proud of our efforts to bring the World Cup — a truly global moment — directly into communities across New York State, which includes opening the ticket registration today for the New York State United 2026 World Cup Watch Experience on Long Island,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “By creating free, family-friendly viewing events across New York, we’re making it easier for families, fans and communities to come together, celebrate the world’s game and create lasting memories — while continuing to invest in the future of youth soccer in the state.”
“This event will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the incredible moments and history that come with the World Cup,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “I can’t think of a better place than Stony Brook University to host the watch party.”
More information and ticket registration are available on the event website.
The U.S. Men’s National Team will play its first game on June 12 against Paraguay, at 9 p.m. It’ll then face Australia at 3 p.m. on June 19 and Türkiye on June 25 at 10 p.m.
U.S. fans can expect to see stars including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, among other big names, strive to lead the team deep into the tournament.
For a full list of matches, and to learn how to follow the U.S. or a different country’s team, visit FIFA. com.
Among local viewing parties is the New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience, set for June 12 at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium.
8
By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly is turning seized criminal assets into crime-fighting patrols. During a May 22 news conference held in front of City Hall in Long Beach, Donnelly announced a total of $60,000 in grant money, pulled from her office’s criminal forfeiture fund, to be divided evenly between the Long Beach and Freeport police departments. The money will specifically aid their fight against DWI and DUI offenses.
Chris Colucci/Herald Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, center, continued her office’s annual support of LBPD.
Freeport and Long Beach were chosen to receive the grants after applying for the annual support, which was available to any police department in Nassau County. Both departments have received similar funding from the DA’s office multiple times in recent years, in an ongoing effort to curtail drunk and impaired driving.
The funds are earmarked to boost police enforcement during the 100-day period between Memorial Day and Labor Day — informally known as “the 100 deadliest days” due to increased drivers on the road and increased social drinking.
“This short three-month window accounted for more than half of the total DWI arrests made last year here in Long Beach,” said Donnelly. “In Freeport, it’s nearly the same story. 43 percent of their total DWI arrests in 2025 occurred during this same period over the summer.”
According to Donnelly, since the year
At Ettinger Law Firm, we are fond of saying “trusts create order out of chaos” — for three major reasons: First, an ever-increasing number of Americans suffer a period of legal disability later in life. Without your own private plan for disability, consisting of a trust and a “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney, you run the risk of a state appointed legal guardian. Do you want the people you choose to be in charge in the event of your disability, with the freedom to act immediately in your best interests, or do you want the state to appoint someone, often a stranger, who will require court permission to protect your assets and your family — which permission is sometimes denied. A guardianship proceeding is expensive, timeconsuming and stressful — in other words, chaotic. Trusts create an orderly process whereby your appointed trustees consult with your elder law attorney and are free to act immediately without court interference. Secondly, trusts avoid probate court proceedings on death whereby wills, even though supervised by an attorney, with
two witnesses and a notary, must first be proven to be valid in court proceedings. The client has no control over probate court proceedings — the time they will take or the amount they will cost. Typically, it takes months and, not unusually, one to two years or more. Meantime, property cannot be sold and assets cannot be reached to pay bills. In other words, chaos. With a trust, the trustee may act immediately upon death, list property for sale and access investments and bank accounts.
Thirdly, wills provide no plan for protecting your home and life savings either from the cost of in-home care or nursing home care. Nothing is more chaotic then seeing one’s home and life savings used up in a few short years to pay for the high cost of long-term care. A properly drafted Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) protects your assets from long-term care costs and allows you to leave a legacy to your children and grandchildren. When the time comes, your MAPT will allow you to qualify for Medicaid benefits for your care at home or in a facility.
began, five deaths and 15 injuries have already been attributed to impaired driving, citing the Oceanside crash that happened earlier this year.
“In March, a husband and wife were violently killed when an alleged drunk driver crashed head on into their vehicle on the Southern State Parkway, causing a catastrophic five car pileup,” she said.
Corbett explained that the funding will be applied to additional patrols featuring officers specifically trained in field sobriety testing, as well as breath analysis technicians.
“We’re so appreciative of District Attorney Donnelly,” said City Councilman Michael Reinhart. “People are looking to have fun, but they have to have fun responsibly. This kind of grant helps us attain that.”
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 any
May 24 — May 30
General Alarms: 11
Unit Calls: 2
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 3
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 4
Medical Emergencies: 37
Mutual Aid: 0
Special Calls: 4
Total: 61
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: 189 Unit Calls: 75
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 37
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 42
Medical Emergencies: 644
Mutual Aid: 20
Special Calls: 68
Total: 1075
sonal growth. “Success is being able to support both yourself and your family through the hard work you’ve done over the years,” he said. “No matter how many times you get knocked down, you’re going to rise up again and complete your task.”
Students also discussed the skills that contribute to their success. Levine credited her ability to manage a demanding schedule that includes athletics, academics and extracurricular activities.
“I have to keep my time manageable, because otherwise I don’t think I’d be able to do everything,” she said.
A major theme of the discussion was the difference between traditional classroom learning and workplace experiences. Levine said that work-based learning has given her the chance to collaborate with professionals and be exposed to careers she may otherwise never have considered.
“There are so many opportunities out there for everyone to find their place,” she said.
Lubinda noted that workplace learning has helped him develop essential skills including communication, meeting deadlines and advocating for himself. “These are skills that don’t just apply to college,” he said. “They’re life lessons.”
The students also reflected on how their understanding of professionalism has evolved. Rather than simply dressing appropriately or adopting a formal
part of their lives — their careers and their place in the world,” he said. “When we unify people and they get more curious, that unification is very powerful.”
This was the first time in many years that the state conference was held on Long Island.
“Long Island makes up the largest block of membership in CREA,” Casa said. “We were very happy with the turnout and the diversity of areas represented from across the state.”
The conference also featured special recognition for Cecilia Dowd, a reporter for News12 Long Island, who received the 2026 Friend of NYS CREA Award.
demeanor, they described professionalism as being dependable, respectful and collaborative.
“When I first started, I thought professionalism was wearing a suit and sitting behind a desk,” Levine said. “Now I think it’s about loving what you do and how you impact other people’s lives.”
The panel also explored the importance of finding out about careers that may not be the right fit. Several students described how internships, job-shadowing opportunities and workplace visits helped them eliminate potential career paths while strengthening their interest in others.
“It’s important to know what you don’t want to do,” Lubinda said. “If you love
what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
NYS CREA Board President Stephen Casa said that student participation is one of the conference’s most meaningful components. “Students having this opportunity to speak and be a part of a conference gives them the confidence and belief in themselves, because they’re doing something authentic,” Casa said. “When they see educators involved with workbased learning and CTE caring about them, that gives them hope.”
The conference’s broader mission, Casa explained, is to unite professionals dedicated to preparing students for future careers. “We’re preparing people in workbased learning and CTE for the longest
The honor is presented annually to someone who demonstrates exceptional support for work-based learning and career readiness initiatives. Dowd was recognized for highlighting student achievements and helping create opportunities for Oceanside students through her reporting and community engagement.
For Oceanside, the conference served as both a celebration of student achievement and a reminder of the impact that career readiness programs can have on young people.
By sharing their experiences on a statewide stage, Lubinda and Levine demonstrated the confidence, professionalism and leadership that work-based learning seeks to cultivate — qualities that will continue to serve student participants long after high school.
Reworld recently honored many of Long Island’s leading sustainability advocates, municipal leaders, students, organizations and community partners during the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island Presented by Reworld, on May 14 at The Heritage Club at Bethpage.
The event recognized those making meaningful contributions to environmental policy, conservation, education, municipal sustainability and community-driven programs across Long Island. Reworld also awarded local students with $2,500 in prizes for their efforts to inspire sustainability and encourage the next generation of environmental leadership.
“Environmental progress depends on people and organizations who are willing to lead with purpose and take action in their own communities,” said James Regan, Reworld’s market area director. “Through our work across Long Island, Reworld helps communities reduce landfill reliance, recover valuable resources and create more sustainable solutions for managing waste. We are proud to support and recognize the leaders, students and community partners who are helping move Long Island toward a cleaner, stronger and more sustainable future.”
Twenty honorees were recognized across six award categories throughout the evening celebrating leaders, organizations and students who are driving meaningful environmental progress across Long Island:
• Environmental Policy Leaders: Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and New York State Senator Siela Bynoe (District 6), recognized for their leadership on environmental protection, responsible growth and long-term sustainability across Long Island.
• Community Impact for Sustainability: Devon Giordano (Long Island Conservancy); Derek Betts (Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District); Corey Humphrey, C.P.E.S.C. (Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District); Cynthia Seibold (Balloon Mission Inc.); Eileen Minogue (Book Fairies); Julie Tighe (NY League of Conservation Voters and Education Fund); Maxine Montello (New York Marine Rescue Center); and Robyn Silvestri (Save the Great South Bay).
• Environmental Leaders: National Grid Ventures, UBS Arena and Tritec Real Estate Company, honored for incorporating sustainability into ener-
gy, infrastructure, development and large-scale operations.
• Municipal Leaders for the Environment: Marty Bellew (Town of Islip Department of Environmental Control and Islip Resource Recovery Agency); and Nicholas Krupski (Southold Town Department of Solid Waste).
• College Student Champion for Sustainability: Vienna De Lombaerde (Senior, Hofstra University).
• Student Champion for Sustainability: Zoe Lazarus and Emma Klein (9th grade, Sayville High School); Charles Metzger (10th grade, Roslyn High School); and Matias Kalaitzis (12th grade, Hauppauge High School).
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld continues to support those at the forefront of environmental progress on Long Island. With facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport and Ronkonkoma, Reworld processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycles 60,000 tons of metals and generates enough electricity to power 100,000 homes each year. Through its work, Reworld helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and support local communities in adopting more sustainable waste solutions. Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and community partners. From educational initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns to local cleanups and community programming, Reworld
continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s
Courtesy Oceanside Schools
Students at Oceanside Middle School examined items recovered from a time capsule buried in 2021 during the height of the pandemic.
Students and staff at Oceanside Middle School recently took a step back in time as a time capsule buried during the height of COVID-19 was officially reopened.
The capsule, originally buried in June 2021 by students in the Junior National Honor Society under the guidance of Spanish teacher and adviser Cristina Castilla-Lyson, captured a unique moment in school history. At the time, Oceanside schools were still operating in hybrid learning, with students wearing masks, maintaining social distance and adjusting to pandemic-era routines.
Current members of the Junior National Honor Society gathered to dig up and open the capsule on May 28, joined by one student who had helped bury it in 2021 and is now a senior in high school.
Inside were photographs, handwritten notes from OMS students to future students and a large poster that had
been torn into puzzle pieces before being sealed away. The poster read, “We masked up and we showed up for 100 days,” commemorating the 100th day of school during the challenging pandemic year. Students and staff throughout the building had signed the poster before it was placed in the capsule.
As students unpacked the contents, they worked together to carefully reassemble the poster puzzle piece by piece. Teachers and administrators said they were impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, teamwork and determination throughout the activity.
The reopening served as both a history lesson and a reminder of the resilience shown by students and staff during an unprecedented time. For many involved, the capsule offered a meaningful look back at how the Oceanside school community stayed connected and persevered during the pandemic.
— Abigail Grieco
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By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Transgender, gender non-binary and intersex residents, joined by family members, friends and allies, gathered outside the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola on Saturday for a rally celebrating identity, resilience and community solidarity while drawing attention to legislative and social issues affecting transgender people.
The event, hosted by Gender Equality New York, brought together advocates and supporters from across Long Island amid what organizers described as a period of increasing anti-transgender rhetoric and legislation affecting transgender rights.
“This gathering is more than a rally. It is a declaration of our pride and a reminder of the collective power we hold when we rise together,” Juli GreyOwens, executive director of GENY, said. “Our voices matter. Our lives matter. And we refuse to be silenced, erased or pushed back into the shadows.”
Participants emphasized visibility, equality and the protection of civil rights for transgender, nonbinary and intersex people, with several organizations coming from across the Island, including the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Rockville Centre Pride and Freeport Pride.
Karin Johnson, co-founder of Rockville Centre Pride, thanked the ralliers for continuing their fight for equal rights.
“You make the world more beautiful, more interesting and more amazing,” Johnson said. “I am filled with gratitude for your magnificent resistance, and the world will be, too.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees listened to speeches from advocates, joined in songs celebrating community and resilience, and joined in chants call-
ing for transgender rights and equality, saying, “We are here! We will not disappear!”
Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, spoke about his own experience with a close friend who reached out to him for help to navigate her transition years ago.
“Twenty years later, I stand here today with you, not just as an ally, but a spirit knowing that all of us are on journeys,” Sackman said. “Some of us have
had head starts, some of us have had harder struggles and bigger hurdles to continue, and we all need help on this journey.”
Ralliers voiced their opposition to discrimination and discussed challenges the members of the transgender community face. Speakers highlighted the experiences of people who they said cannot safely live openly as their authentic selves, and called for continued advocacy to ensure equal opportunities and protections.
“Remember this moment, remember this feeling, remember this truth,” Grey-Owens said in concluding the rally. “We are visible, we are united and we’re not going anywhere. Our futures are not up for debate.”
Gender Equality New York advocates for the rights of transgender, gender non-binary and intersex people throughout New York state. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organization works to increase public understanding, address discrimination and promote equal rights.
GENY’s work is centered on four core pillars — advocacy, education, connection and empowerment — and focuses on addressing barriers to economic, educational, racial and social equity while promoting a more inclusive society, according to the organization. For more information, visit GenderEqualityNY.org.
By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent
With a celebration of history and patriotism, the “birthplace of American Naval aviation,” on Nassau County’s North Shore, was honored two weeks ago by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other area officials as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration.
One of the earliest naval aviation programs was created at the Peacock Point Estate, in Lattingtown. In 1916, a group of 28 students from Yale University formed the First Yale Unit, which was the first naval air reserve unit to enter service in World War I.
“We are known as the Cradle of Aviation,” Blakeman said of Nassau County on May 21, “but not that many people know about what happened here at Peacock Point.”
Nicknamed the Millionaires’ Unit due to the privileged upbringing of its members, the group took part in war battles and daring rescues. Descendants of its members who attended the ceremony included Henry P. Davison II, grandson of founding member F. Trubee Davison, on whose property the ceremony take place.
“We are, in this generation, extremely fortunate to have had members of all of our families play such an important
role in giving us the gift of liberty that we enjoy today,” Davison said. “We never take it for granted, and we are very grateful for their efforts.”
The families of the unit’s members
used their financial resources to bolster the U.S. Naval Reserves, which was in its infancy at the time. The stories from the First Yale Unit made it clear that no matter their social status, these young
men would potentially sacrifice their lives in order to defend America and its values.
“My grandparents could have used their social status to be able to avoid being drawn into the conflict, and yet they decided that they were going to lead the way into battle,” Davison said. “In their mind, there was an explicit understanding that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’”
The event included a ceremonial flyover of U.S. Naval aircraft, as a T-45 Goshawk flew across the Long Island Sound. Navy Lt. Raven Shanmugam and Lt. Luke O’Sullivan, both pilots in the Training Squadron 9 Tigers of the Naval Air Station Meridian, in Mississippi, orchestrated the flyover. After the pilots arrived at the event, Blakeman thanked each one for their service to the country.
“We’re incredibly proud that you’re with us to join in this celebration on the 250th anniversary of America,” Blakeman said.
Local officials echoed the importance of the nation’s servicemen, women and veterans. “From the Revolutionary War to the present day, generations of Americans have answered the call to serve and protect our freedom,” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We’re proud of our veterans, and truly proud of all America has to offer.”
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Friedberg JCC’s annual Parkinson’s 5K Run/Walk brought runners, walkers and supporters of all ages to Baldwin Park, raising funds for the center’s Parkinson’s programs while promoting community connection and awareness of the disease.
The May 17 event, now in its fifth year, featured a looping course that began and ended at Baldwin Park. According to Gloria LeBeaux, director of social work services at the Friedberg JCC, the fundraiser originally supported dementia services before shifting its focus to Parkinson’s programs as demand for those services in the community grew.
“We have such a robust program with so many people in the community using our services,” LeBeaux said. “Most of our services for Parkinsons are free of charge, so it really does become difficult to continue to provide quality care for the community without a fundraiser.”
The event drew 99 registered runners, with total attendance estimated at about 150 people when volunteers, family members and sponsors were included. Participants ranged in age from children as young as eight to adults older than 80, reflecting the broad community support surrounding the cause.
The JCC offers a wide variety of Parkinson’s-related services, including exercise classes, counseling, support groups, educational presentations and social programs. LeBeaux said the organization was among the first on Long Island’s South Shore to provide comprehensive services that extend beyond fitness programs alone.
“Fitness is a big deal,” she said. “We have boxing, yoga, ping pong and so many other programs, but we also do counseling, support groups and educational programming. We realized it needed to be a full effort.”
LeBeaux said increased awareness of Parkinson’s disease, along with improved diagnostic technology and high-profile public figures discussing their experiences with the disease, has helped bring greater attention to the need for support services.
Among the top finishers was 19-year-old Jessica Weissman of Jericho, who placed first overall among female runners. Tyler Paige, 18, of Lynbrook, earned first overall among male runners.
One participant who drew attention throughout the event was Billy Richards, 44, of Bay Shore, a Marine and Army veteran
Paige, 18, of Lynbrook,
out
May 17. Paige went on to finish as the race’s
who completed the race carrying a 45-pound rucksack and an American flag. Richards finished first in his age group while raising awareness for Operation Vest, an organization focused on reducing veteran suicide. The race was part of his challenge to complete eight 5Ks in eight states in eight days.
LeBeaux said the event’s greatest impact came from the atmosphere of encouragement and unity displayed throughout the day.
“If somebody who’s 80 is running, people are cheering for them just as much as they cheer for a 20-year-old competitive runner,” she said. “It’s about celebrating each other and recognizing that we can all support one another.”
She added that the event also aims to reduce stigma surrounding Parkinson’s disease and remind community members that even small acts of participation can make a meaningful difference.
“By running or volunteering or contributing, people are helping support a disease that affects so many families,” LeBeaux said. “We want people to feel connected and know that they are part of something important.”
• Fitness with purpose: Fuel. Move.Thrive.
• The power of sleep
• Mind over stigma: No more silent struggles
Many men experience challenges in the bedroom but are loathe to talk about it with anyone, including their partners.
Reproductive and sexual health disorders weaken the physical, emotional and social well-being of millions of American men and damage their relationships.
Infertility, erectile dysfunction (ED), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and low testosterone are among the conditions that can be very troubling to men. And many suffer in silence.
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. men prefer to skip discussing prostate health with their doctors, 33 percent decline to be screened for prostate cancer, and approximately 39 percent of men with ED refuse to seek treatment, according to recent surveys.
Michael Herman,MD,Director of UrologyatMountSinaiSouthNassau, leadsan expert team dedicated to treatingmalereproductiveandsexual health disorders.
Urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau, led by Michael Herman, MD, Director of Urology, have a message for men: “Have no fear, the help you need is here.”
“We take the worry, stress and apprehension out of the diagnosis to focus on providing our patients with the treatments as well as the positive reinforcement they need to address the condition,” said Dr. Herman, a specialist in robotic and laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer.
Dr. Herman and his team, including Mahyar Kashani, MD, Director of Male Sexual Health, and Raymond Sultan, MD, offer advanced, confidential and specialized care for male reproductive and sexual health disorders, emphasizing minimally invasive procedures to ensure faster recovery and improved outcomes.
Here are some common male reproductive health disorders and the advanced treatment options the Mount Sinai South Nassau urology team uses to correct them:
1. BPH/enlarged prostate causes urinary issues including urgency, frequency, and weak stream, affecting a man’s quality of life and sexual health. Dr. Herman and Dr. Sultan are Long Island’s leaders in Aquablation therapy to shrink the enlarged prostate or remove prostate tissue without traditional open surgery. Other minimally invasive solutions include Rezum water vapor therapy and the UroLift system.
2. ED, defined as difficulty obtaining or sustaining an erection, affects both fertility and confidence. Medical and surgical solutions include oral medication management, penile injections and penile prosthesis (implant) surgery to restore function.
3. Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature) is caused by a plaque buildup inside the penis, leading to significant curvature and pain. Dr. Kashani can prescribe nonsurgical treatment options like Xiaflex® injection to break down the plaque or recommend penile reconstruction surgery to correct the curvature and restore function.
4. Low testosterone (Low-T or male hypogonadism) causes a range of physical, sexual, and emotional symptoms, including reduced sex drive, ED, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat or depression. It is primarily treated through Testosterone Replacement Therapy alongside lifestyle modifications and addressing any underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Herman and urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau also specialize in vasectomy male sterilization, where the tubes carrying sperm (vas deferens) are cut or sealed and microsurgical vasectomy reversal to reconnect the tubes to restore the flow of sperm back into the semen.
All treatment plans are complemented by comprehensive education and counseling so that patients may achieve maximal outcomes. For more information or to contact the hospital’s urologic specialists, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit https://www. mountsinai.org/ locations/south-nassau.
One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Good sleep It matters more than you think
For many men, sleep often falls to the bottom of the priority list viewed as downtime that gets in the way of work, responsibilities and productivity. Late nights and early mornings may feel like the price of getting more done, but these misconceptions about sleep can come at a cost, preventing you from unlocking the full potential of a healthy mind and body. In truth, sleep is one of the most important investments you can make in your overall well-being. Far from being wasted time, sleep is when the body works hardest behind the scenes restoring energy, repairing tissues and preparing both mind and body for the day ahead.
Many guys simply don’t realize that they need more sleep. They view sleepiness as a part of the “bro code.” It’s a positive sign that they’re working hard and on the road to success. It’s a badge of honor not to sleep for more than three to four hours for many guys. Wrong!
Sleep is an essential component of a
Quality sleep is a game-changer for your overall health and well-being. Every person has their own need for sleep. This need varies from one person to another. On average, most adults need
seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested. Many men do not get this much sleep on a regular basis. As a result, they are not able to function at a maximum level of energy and concentration.
Here’s why you should prioritize getting good, quality sleep for your overall health.
Muscle recovery: Sleep plays a crucial role in repairing and rebuilding your muscles after workouts. It aids in muscle growth, increases strength, and helps you perform at your best.
Mental sharpness: Want to stay sharp, focused, and productive? Quality sleep enhances cognitive function, memory, and decision-making skills, giving you that mental edge you need.
Hormonal balance: Adequate sleep helps regulate testosterone levels, which are essential for men’s vitality, muscle mass, bone density, and overall energy levels. Get your Zzz’s to keep those hormones in check!
Heart health: Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Prioritizing quality sleep can contribute to a healthier heart and cardiovascular system.
Stress buster: Sleep is nature’s ultimate
stress buster! Getting enough restful sleep can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance your overall mental well-being.
So guys, lose the thinking that it’s “cool” not to sleep. Check out these healthy sleep habits provided by the experts at American Academy of Sleep Medicine to get the sleep you need for a productive and healthy life.
√ Be consistent. Go to bed when you are sleepy and try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
√ Limit time in bed. Don’t use your bed for other non-sleep activities, such as watching television or checking email or
monitoring social media.
√ Make your bedroom a sleep haven. A quiet and relaxing bedroom environment will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature but slightly cool.
√ Limit the caffeine if need be. Avoid coffee, tea, soda and other caffeine sources in the evening hours.
√ Also avoid alcohol and heavy meals close to bedtime.
√ Get at least those seven hours.
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau
Hearing and Brain Health Are More Connected Than You Think.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about dementia and the importance of protecting long term brain health. More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and research continues to identify hearing loss as one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.
According to Dr. Keith N. Darrow, PhD, a Harvard Medical and MIT trained neuroscientist and clinical audiologist, untreated hearing loss impacts far more than communication.
“Hearing loss forces the brain to work harder just to understand speech,” Dr. Darrow explains. “Over time, that strain can take resources away from memory, thinking, and processing.”
Studies show that untreated
hearing loss is linked to increased risks of dementia, social withdrawal, depression, and reduced cognitive function. Because hearing loss often develops gradually, many people delay treatment without realizing the effect it may be having on their brain health.
The good news is that early intervention can help. Modern hearing care has advanced significantly, and many patients
report feeling more engaged, alert, and connected after treatment.
To help raise awareness during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Hearing and Brain Centers of America is offering a Free Brain Care Score. This assessment evaluates hearing health and cognitive risk factors together, helping patients better understand their brain health and take proactive steps toward reducing risk.
Participants also receive access to a Dementia Risk Reduction Library with evidence based resources focused on hearing, lifestyle, and healthy aging. To learn more or schedule a Free Brain Care Score, visit BrainCareHealth.com or call (516) 212-0691.
By Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD
If you’re a man over 50, it’s probably more difficult for you to rebound from a bucket of wings, a doughnut binge or a six-pack of beer than in your younger days. Bad habits take more of a toll as you age. Don’t wait until you have high blood pressure or gain 50 pounds to make a change.
Here’s a shocker: One in 10 deaths in U.S. adults are connected to eating too much salt. Sixty percent of those deaths occur in men. Too much sodium and too little potassium raise your blood pressure, a major contributor to heart disease. Cutting back on sodium bombs such as bread, cheese and processed foods can lower your risk. Add more heart-healthy leafy greens to your diet, and get more potassium through foods such as bananas. As a bonus, you’ll get fewer wrinkles.
Staying mentally sharp is just as important as maintaining physical strength after 50 — and nutrition can play a powerful role in supporting brain health. A growing body of research suggests that the foods men eat during midlife may influence
cognitive health and the risk of dementia and memory-related conditions later on. One approach frequently linked to better brain function is the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes healthy unsaturated fats while limiting saturated fats. Foods such as fish, nuts, olive oil and other plant-based oils may help support long-term cognitive wellness, proving that smart eating habits can benefit both body and mind as the years go by.
Osteoporosis is not just a woman’s disease. Men lose bone mass after age 50, too. You may benefit from supplemental calcium and probiotics in the diet.
A recent study in The Journal of Cellular Physiology found a connection between probiotic supplements and increased bone density in male mice. Researchers from the study commented that probiotics may help treat osteoporosis in the future, in addition to aiding digestive health.
When it comes to satisfying your taste buds, most men prefer soda over water. But the consequences to your future health may not be worth the extra flavor. New research suggests that 180,000
deaths per year may be related to sugary soft drinks.
For sexual health, go natural
If you think red meat is manly and vegetables are wimpy, forget it — especially if you want a healthy love life. Eating too much red meat can clog your arteries and bump up your levels of bad LDL cholesterol, both of which can cause
erectile dysfunction.
For better performance, get more protein from plants and powerhouses such as black and red kidney beans, and cut back on red meat, refined sugars and trans fat.
By Karen Bloom
June brings one of the region’s most anticipated harvests — strawberry season. For a few fleeting weeks, local fields burst with rows of bright red berries, offering the unmistakable sweetness and flavor that only fresh-picked fruit can deliver. It’s a seasonal tradition that invites families outdoors to enjoy sunny days and fill baskets at nearby U-Pick farms.
While spring fades into summer, strawberries reach their peak here, ripening throughout June and rewarding pickers with fruit far sweeter than supermarket varieties shipped from afar. The short harvest season makes each bite feel like a celebration of early summer.
And the enjoyment doesn’t end at the farm. Back home, those ruby-red berries can take center stage in everything from simple snacks to homemade desserts and refreshing seasonal recipes, bringing a taste of our Long Island summer to every table.
Classic Strawberry Shortcake
The quintessential treat is always in style.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 package (16 ounces) strawberries
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cups milk
Hull strawberries and cut each in half. Combine half of strawberries in a bowl with 2 tablespoons sugar. Combine cream and vanilla with remaining sugar and set aside. Stir cream occasionally to dissolve sugar.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and trace outline of an 8-inch circle. Set aside.
Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. With a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut in 4 tablespoons butter until
mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until dough just comes together. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle using outline on parchment paper as a guide. Bake about 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes on pan. Using a serrated knife, slice crosswise in half and carefully separate. Spread insides with remaining room temperature butter. Combine strawberries and cover bottom shortcake layer with half of the strawberry mixture. Replace top cake layer on bottom layer and cover with remaining strawberries. Serve warm, cut into wedges and drizzled with sweetened cream.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
This colorful salad makes a healthy, flavorful statement on your summer table.
• 5 ounces arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion (about ½ small onion)
• 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta, or 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup halved and thinly sliced radish (about 3 medium)
• 1 medium jalapeño, very thinly sliced (omit if sensitive to spice)
Balsamic vinaigrette:
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
Pinch of fine sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter or in a large serving bowl, layer the ingredients as listed.
Prepare the vinaigrette: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and whisk until fully blended. Taste, and add more salt or pepper if needed. The dressing should be nice and tangy, but you can add more maple syrup for balance if desired.
When ready to serve the salad, drizzle vinaigrette on top, and toss to combine. Serve promptly. (If you’re planning to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately and toss before serving.) Stored separately, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Strawberry-Ricotta Pastry
Perfect for a party or simply indulging yourself, these addictive pastry puffs make it hard to stop at one.
• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 basket fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup homemade, part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Heat oven to 400 F.
Cut both puff pastry sheets into nine squares. Make slit in corner of each square toward middle of pastry. Fold corners to other corners to create pinwheel shape. Brush pastry with 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle on each puff pastry.
Bake 12-15 minutes until pastry is golden brown and raised.
In medium saucepan on medium to high heat, pour in remaining granulated sugar and water. Once sugar is dissolved, pour in fresh strawberries. Bring mixture to boil then simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are broken apart and semi-thick sauce is created. Let chill in refrigerator 2 hours. To chill faster, put in freezer 45 minutes.
In medium bowl, using mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In separate medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy. Return whipped cream to ricotta mixture and whip 1-2 minutes until mixture is light and fluffy.
Spoon ricotta cream into center of each puff pastry pinwheel. Spoon strawberry compote in middle of ricotta mixture.
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the majestic backdrop for a lively musical afternoon. Northwinds Symphonic Band returns with “Broadway, Movies, and Light Classics.” The concert (indoors) features treasured tunes from the big screen to the Broadway stage. Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey’s entertaining program of instrumental and vocal selections from popular movies and Broadway shows, as well as familiar classics., with music music from “Cyberworld 3D,” favorites from “Star Wars” and much more. The concert also pays tribute to Louis Armstrong with Satchmo! A special appearance by Broadway performer Karen Murphy and tenor Joe Stroppel are among the highlights. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the majestic grounds prior to the concert.
Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. $10. 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
David Lee Roth
Get ready to jump! Diamond Dave is back! The iconic, high-flying frontman of Van Halen is bringing his legendary swagger and a massive arsenal of rock anthems to the Paramount stage. Fans can expect a high-octane night packed with timeless hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
This tour marks a massive return for the rock legend, who officially ended a five-year hiatus from the stage last May with a triumphant, headline-making debut at the M3 Rock Festival. Far from a strippeddown nostalgic act, Roth backs up his signature showmanship with a powerhouse new eight-piece band to perfectly replicates those massive, classic Van Halen harmonies. Between the fresh musical muscle and Roth’s undiminished, charismatic stage presence, this promises to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll.
Sunday, June 7, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
An evening with John Gorka
Oceanside Library welcomes all to a special evening of music in support of the Friends of Oceanside Library, a non-profit dedicated to supporting the library. Enjoy a concert with folks singer John Gorka. $40, $35 for members of the Friends of Oceanside library.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360
Town of Hempstead
Narcan Training
In partnership with Northwell Health, the Town of Hempstead is hosting Narcan training at Island Park Public Library. Session includes how to identify an overdose victim, administer the Narcan Kit, and contact emergency officials. Obtain a Narcan certification and a Narcan Kit upon completion. Together, we can save lives.
• Where: 176 Long Beach Road, Island Park
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 432-0122
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “Secrets of the Service Wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m., also June 7-8, June 10-12
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
JUN
6
Annual Brew Fest
The biggest party of the year is officially on deck! South Shore Craft Brewery’s 4th annual Brew Fest brings togeher 20+ breweries with great food, vendors, games, summer vibes and an all-day South Shore party you
Grooves with Amber Ferrari Band
Eisenhower Summer Concert Series hosts the Amber Ferrari Band. The nine-piece band plays tunes from the ‘60s through the ‘90s.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
The community is invited to come together to reflect on the past year, share our vision for the future and recognize special individuals whose service and dedication continue to make a meaningful impact.
• Where: 15 Neil Court, Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-4341
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
Contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy visits the Paramount ready to cut loose. Since their formation in the early ‘90s in Ventura, Calif., the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s original horn-infused music and legendary high energy show introduces the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music’s rich legacy. Together for over 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in movies and television shows. With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country’s finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Super Bowl XXXIII, the band continues its decades long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America’s original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.
don’t want to miss.
• Where: South Shore Craft Brewery, 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside
• Time: 1 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 388-6685
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to celebrate the opening of the H2Oh! Water Play exhibit by creating a floating boat. Put your boat to the test in a water tub to see if it sinks or floats at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Oceanside
JUN
Chorale’s ‘Let’s Go to the Movie Musicals’
All are welcome to the Oceanside Chorale’s latest concert, directed and accompanied by C. Colby Sachs. With refreshments and raffle. $10 donation.
• Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 3 p.m
• Contact: Call Marie at (516) 459-8513, email: oceansidechorale@gmail.com
Rockin’ at the park Eisenhower Summer Concert Series is back and welcomes Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Blessid Union of Souls bands.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 76 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
9
Garden Club
Create container gardens with Roellyn Armstrong, master gardener, at Oceanside Library.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360
Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like — join in and sing. No
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
10
LibraryWide Gnome Scavenger Hunt
Tweens/teens are welcome to Oceanside Library to celebrate National Gnome Day with a library-wide scavenger hunt as you search for hidden troublemaker gnomes. It seems that Oceanside teens may have conspired with the gnomes and supplied them with some very creative costumes; see if you can spot their handiwork before turning in your sheet for a chance to win a prize! Pick up your scavenger hunt sheet at the Info or Children’s Desk. No registration required.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360
Rhythm, Roots and Art Families can participate in African American Music Appreciation Month at Long Island Children’s Museum by exploring the powerful sounds and rhythms that have shaped music history. Together sample a variety of songs from influential African American artist and genres and turn the sounds into art at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
spring.
In his nomination letter, LaTorre highlighted Herman’s belief that “social studies should create agents of change, not just informed citizens,” a philosophy Herman said guides nearly every aspect of her teaching.
“One of the most important parts of social studies is really making students know that they have the power to actually go out into the world and do something,” Herman said.
That mission is reflected in the civic capstone projects completed by her students each year. During the monthlong assignment, students identify local or statewide issues they believe should be addressed, research potential solutions and, in some cases, contact elected officials or school administrators to advocate for change.
Recently, one of Herman’s students earned recognition from New York state for a civic capstone project.
Herman said teaching civics at the middle school level is especially important because students are approaching the age when they will become active participants in democracy.
“In four years, these kids are going to be voting for the next president,” she said. “It’s important to teach them that they do make an impact.”
Outside the classroom, Herman serves as adviser for Builders Club, the middle school counterpart to Key Club, and as teacher coordinator for Best Buddies, a program that builds friendships between general education and special education students.
She also helps lead the Bridges Program, alongside LaTorre, bringing together students from Oceanside and Uniondale for conversations about current events, politics and social issues.
“It’s really nice to see how the students use the skills they learn in the classroom, like respectful debate and
respectful conversations,” Herman said. “The students end up building real relationships.”
Herman said many of the programs she oversees share a common goal: creating a stronger sense of community and encouraging students to make a positive difference wherever they can.
Through Builders Club, students participate in community service projects throughout the year, including volunteering at local events, visiting senior living com-
munities and organizing a Thanksgiving food drive that provides meals to district families in need.
“We’re really just building a sense of community,” Herman said. “Even the small acts of kindness matter.”
LaTorre said Herman’s dedication comes at a time when educators face growing challenges, including maintaining authentic student engagement in the age of artificial intelligence and social media.
“I think kids can tell when teachers are putting them in a position to do something great,” he said. “Sam does a great job of making students feel like they can do it and helping them understand why they’re doing it.”
Mitch Bickman, the district’s director of social studies for K-12, praised Herman’s commitment to students and innovation in the classroom.
“Ms. Herman is an exceptional educator whose innovation, dedication and passion for social studies have made a profound impact on our school community,” Bickman said. “Her commitment to thoughtful, studentcentered instruction and her leadership beyond the classroom make her truly deserving of this recognition.”
Herman, now teaching in her third year at Oceanside Middle School, earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from University of Michigan in 2021 before receiving her master’s degree in secondary social studies education from New York University in 2022.
She said the recognition from the Long Island Council for the Social Studies has been especially meaningful early in her career.
“It definitely means a lot,” she said. “It’s really reassuring that what I’m doing is making a difference.”
She credited her colleagues and the culture at her school for helping foster that success.
“I drive to school every day excited to come here,” Herman said. “The relationships with the students and staff make teaching so much more meaningful.”
June 4, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU ELM CAPITAL LLC v. AARON N. SHURE, et al (Index No. 608393/2025)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 28, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on the 11th day of June, 2026, at 2:00 PM (“Rain or Shine”): All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York as Section 43, Block 339, Lot 51 (Group Lot 51-53). Said premises are known as 40 Thompson Ave, Oceanside, NY 11572. The approximate amount of the lien $7,881.25 plus interest and costs.
ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO JANE SHRENKEL, ESQ., AS REFEREE. THE REFEREE WILL NOT ACCEPT THIRD PARTY CHECKS OR CASH. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.
Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee
Joseph Ehrenreich, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff; Tel. 833-993-0100. 160153
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. UMBERTO CALIFANO et al, Defts. Index #608824/2025. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 4, 2026, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 43, Block 360, Lot 112. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held “rain or shine.”
LESLIE LOWENSTEIN, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102989 160306
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for The Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Margaret Mendez, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 147 Madison Avenue, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 43, BLOCK: 140, LOT: 21, 22, 46, 47. Approximate amount of judgment is $712,578.25 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 603718/2024. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Jaime David Ezratty, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-097633-F00 89936 160255
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU NEWREZ LLC DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING (FKA SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC), Plaintiff - againstEMILIA SHAFRANSKI, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 20, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 30th day of June, 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 at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 3254 Judith Lane, Oceanside, NY 11572. (Section: 54, Block: 527, Lot: 20)
Approximate amount of lien $888,668.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 007787/2013. Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: April 29, 2026
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
160357
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in
the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of June 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following location(s):
FRANKLIN SQUARE ROOSEVELT AVENUE (TH 184/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Delmar Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.
MERRICK
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 182/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Thorne Court, north for a distance of 68 feet.
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 182/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 68 feet north of the north curbline of Thorne Court, north for a distance of 870 feet.
RUGBY ROAD (TH 188/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Dobson Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.
RUGBY ROAD (TH 188/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Dobson Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.
DOBSON AVENUE (TH 188/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Rugby Road, north for a distance of 30 feet.
DOBSON AVENUE (TH 188/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Rugby Road, south for a distance of 45 feet.
OCEANSIDE OAK COURT (TH 59/26) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 50 feet east of the east curbline of Harvey Avenue, southeast for a distance 52 feet.
POINT LOOKOUT
OCEAN BOULEVARD
(TH 180/26) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 877 feet east of the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east for a distance of 56 feet.
OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 180/26) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 959 feet east of the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east to its termination.
SEAFORD
TONOPAH STREET (TH 157/26) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 68 feet west of the west curbline of Neptune Avenue, west for a distance of 41 feet.
WANTAGH
WEST SEAMANS NECK ROAD (TH 187/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 105 feet south of the south curbline of Demott Avenue, south for a distance of 615 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD NASSAU BOULEVARD (TH 176/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Guildford Court, north for a distance of 40 feet.
GUILDFORD COURT (TH 176/26) North Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Nassau Boulevard, west for a distance of 20 feet.
GUILDFORD COURT (TH 176/26) South Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Nassau Boulevard, west for a distance of 25 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s):
NORTH MERRICK
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 239/79) West Side - NO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting from the north curbline of Thorne Court, north to the north property line of the north school. (Adopted 11/27/79)
POINT LOOKOUT
OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 63/10) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 877 feet east of a point opposite the east curbline of Parkside
Drive, east to its termination.
(Adopted 5/25/10)
WEST HEMPSTEAD NASSAU BOULEVARD (TH 60/96) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Guildford Court, north for a distance of 30 feet.
(Adopted 7/9/96)
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: May 27, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160550
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 48-2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of May 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 48-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 48-2026, to amend Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include an repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.
Dated: May 27, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Hempstead, New York OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160538
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of June 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-15 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PROHIBITION OF LEFT TURNS” at the following location(s):
OCEANSIDE LONG BEACH ROAD (TH 154/26) NO LEFT TURN - All traffic traveling northbound out of Trader Joes building #3418 shall be prohibited from executing Left Turns onto Long Beach Road between Mott Street and Henrietta Avenue.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: May 27, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160556
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of VERDI HOLDINGS, LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/28/26. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 203 Sunnyside Road OCEANSIDE, NY 11572. Purpose: any lawful act. 160558
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a Catering Liquor license, number 0524-26-36550 for beer, cider, wine and liquor has been applied for by Mariners Cove LLC to sell beer, cider, wine and liquor at
retail in catering hall under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 3615 Oceanside Road, Oceanside, NY 11572 for on Premises Consumption. 160547
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH TRUST 2005 24, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005 24, Plaintiffagainst- SETH OBERSTEIN, TALI OBERSTEIN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 1, 2026 and entered on May 7, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 43 392 17. Said premises known as 36 ELAINE DRIVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572 Approximate amount of lien $1,147,434.53 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 609214/2018.
LENORE DAVIS, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* ISLAND PAR*} 160536
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
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To place a notice
call
at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
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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
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Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $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
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Q. I’m trying to figure out what to do about the old construction on my house that I am being told needs permits before I can finish selling. First, I understand that I may have to pay a penalty, and second, I’m wondering why my buyer says they will take over and get permits after we close but their attorney says it’s a lot more complicated because we didn’t get a flood repair permit after Hurricane Sandy. What can you tell me about this? It seems much more complicated than it needs to be.
A. This is a typical case of “you snooze, you lose.” I regularly hear from people who tell me that their friends, contractors, even their attorneys, in some cases, give them “off the record” advice not to make waves, not to do anything. But the issues and requirements don’t just go away, and design professionals are held back from what you really wanted them to do, like an addition or a home makeover, many years later.
Waiting and ignoring the requirements has put you in a much more difficult situation. Since Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has required that people who received funding, whether directly from the federal agency or through public funds like New York Rising, had to confirm that the funds were put toward the repairs they were meant for. It’s just like providing your car insurance company the receipts and/or an inspection to confirm that the money they gave you for repairs was spent on the car, and not on some fraudulent luxury expense.
In 2013, your municipality required a repair permit, and instead of repeatedly contacting you, they opted to say that they notified you (once or twice), and now it’s your problem that you didn’t respond. The friction this created has lasted long after the memory of the flood turmoil has diminished. People feel ambushed, but arguing or passing on the requirement doesn’t make it go away.
In fact, one of the requirements is a “proof of loss” letter issued to the property owner, preferably the person who owned the property at the time of the flood. Switching to the next owner just complicates the process. Even though repair permits do not have a permit fee, most people made improvements during repairs, and your municipality recently doubled the fees for property improvements. So putting off the repair is now going to cost even more, which your buyer’s attorney might also realize while protecting the buyer.
When it comes to building department fees, one of the biggest municipalities, whose fees were more lenient, just raised them substantially. A couple who applied for permits in 2019, later hampered by the pandemic, saw their projected fees go from $2,000 to $4,600 this past month. Yes, it really did take that long, due to the pandemic and the stages of approval they had to go through, and they weren’t snoozing. Listen to the buyer’s attorney and follow through. Good luck!
“Herald
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Recently Joe Cairo, former St. John’s basketball great Frank Alagia and I had the chance to meet Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the cult classic film “Rudy,” based on Ruettiger’s improbable football “career” at Notre Dame. Ruettiger was in town to speak at Nassau Community College’s graduation.
Cairo and I are graduates of Notre Dame, and Alagia was heavily recruited by Notre Dame before deciding on St. John’s. We’re all longtime followers of college sports, and no collegiate sports program has had a more storied tradition than Notre Dame football.
The Fighting Irish have had, by last count, 94 All-Americans, 50 College Hall of Famers and seven Heisman Trophy winners. Ruettiger was none of these. He played for a total of less than 40 seconds, and made one tackle in Notre Dame’s final home game of the 1975 season, his senior year, against Georgia Tech. Because the Irish were leading 24-3 when Coach Dan Devine put Ruettiger
in the game, that tackle had zero impact on the game or the season.
Yet Rudy’s is one of the first names millions of sports fans will raise in a conversation not just about Notre Dame football, but college football in general. More than 50 years after his single moment of gridiron glory and 33 years after the film premiered, “Rudy” remains a cable television mainstay. Why?
Because Ruettiger’s story is what so many consider college sports, Notre Dame and the American Dream to be all about: hard work and a fighting spirit overcoming the odds.
The tale of his brief moment in the spotlight at Notre Dame is a cult classic.
Raised with 13 siblings in the very-blue-collar steel mill town of Joliet, Ill., Ruettiger demonstrated neither the academic nor the athletic skills to be accepted, let alone play football, at Notre Dame. He was dyslexic and underweight, a poor high school student and a mediocre football player. But his lifelong dream, like that of so many Catholic ethnic kids of his generation, was to play football at Notre Dame.
After serving in the Navy in the Vietnam War, Ruettiger began his quixotic quest to be admitted to Notre Dame. As the film recounts, after personal entreat-
ies to university priests and officials, he was admitted to its affiliate, Holy Cross Junior College, adjacent to the big school’s campus. He got a janitorial job and a place to sleep in the bowels of Notre Dame’s football facilities while studying at Holy Cross. Then, after several rejections and much tutoring, he was admitted to Notre Dame as a junior, and set out to make the football team as a walk-on.
He played on the practice team, going up against the varsity as it prepared for upcoming games but receiving no assurance that he would ever take the field at Notre Dame Stadium himself. But in that final game in 1975, he did.
As Ruettiger is the first to tell you, his story isn’t about football heroics. It’s about the American Dream of working hard to overcome hard times and disappointments without complaint or selfpity. It’s about Notre Dame’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence while staying loyal to lasting beliefs and principles. Its athletes had to measure up to the same academic requirements as other students, and experience the same living conditions. The players who were on the field on
Saturdays were in the classrooms, dining halls and dorms with other students during the week.
The day after our meeting, as I was writing this, Ruettiger called to continue our conversation. He and I are both concerned about how much things are changing in college sports. While college athletes are entitled to fair compensation, now, with the transfer portal, players sign lucrative contracts and can move from college to college one year to the next, season to season. Star players can transfer to play for a college team for one year, after barely setting foot on that school’s campus, and then play for a rival college the following year. This takes away the sense of identifying with players who share your experience — even so many Notre Dame “subway alumni” who have never attended the school but share its aspirations.
As a guy who has been through so much, however, Ruettiger has confidence that college sports will prevail, and he will continue to believe in his inspirational film and message. Whether the odds are great or small, whether in life or on the gridiron, old Notre Dame will win over all. Go, Irish!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Ihave just celebrated another birthday, and there is no denying that I am up there in years on this planet. I take every birthday seriously, but in my case they’re a reminder that none of us are going to be around forever, and some of us have only a short time left to share our experiences with our friends and family.
The world around us is moving at such a rapid pace that it’s impossible to keep up with the blizzard of news that we endure each day. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our wonderful country, I often think about the Founding Fathers and the challenges they faced to tell the nation about their vision of what they wanted America to become, and about our responsibilities as its citizens.
Benjamin Franklin offered us many words of wisdom during the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention. He famously remarked, on leaving the
convention, that he and his colleagues had given us “a republic, if you can keep it.” He further offered, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
Franklin argued that self-governance relies directly on the moral character of its citizens. And lastly, he stated, “This Constitution can only end in despotism … when the people shall become so corrupted.” Those remarks were a warning that the system would fail if the people lost their capacity for self-governance. That’s a lot of wisdom to digest, and it takes time to unpack all of it.
advance his personal agenda.
W hat would he think of our Congress, and a slush fund, and unapproved wars?
If I had to choose one example of how we have failed to heed Franklin’s words, it is the U.S. Congress. Starting around the fourth grade, history teachers tell us that we have three “equal” branches of government. That used to refer to Congress, the Supreme Court and the president. But today we have a neutered Congress, a feuding Supreme Court and a president who has successfully taken control of the levers of government to
I rarely comment about the happenings in the Republican Party, because I have enough issues with my fractured Democratic Party. But watching television the other night, I felt some sadness about Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s primary defeat. I relate to Cornyn because of my 23 years in the State Legislature. Government is only as good as the people who serve in it, and Cornyn, a Republican, was a hardworking, productive senator. I feel the same way about Louisiana’s Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who incurred the ire of President Trump for voting to impeach him after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, contributed much to the Senate, but also lost a primary last month.
What would Franklin think about the $1.776 billion slush fund created by Trump to reward the Jan. 6 rioters for their misdeeds? A number of Republican senators who have been silent on so many issues have spoken out against this money grab. Think of the significance of this concept. All of the money
given out will remain confidential. There are no restrictions on who can apply. People who assaulted Capitol policemen could walk away with taxpayer money.
The people who crafted our Constitution did so with the hope that we would avoid future wars, and only start them with the consent of Congress. The president has called the Iran war a “military operation” and a “skirmish,” but it has dramatically depleted our supply of sophisticated weapons. Depriving Iran of a nuclear weapon is important, but when the conflict is over, Iran will be better off, and capable of waging terror in the region for years to come.
Benjamin Frankin, and the many other signatories to the Constitution, hoped that we would, in time, become a better nation. These are the thoughts that occupy me as I enjoy another birthday. I worry not for me. I worry for my children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. We owe them a more perfect union.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
We all know the dangers of leaving your child in a parked car, especially in the summer. But what most people don’t realize is the deadly consequences that can result from leaving your pet in a parked car, too.
This danger is not exaggerated; it’s science.
A parked car acts like a greenhouse, trapping heat inside that builds with alarming speed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside a vehicle parked on an 85-degree day can reach 104 degrees in just 10 minutes, and within an hour can soar more than 40 degrees above the outdoor temperature.
Even on days that feel merely warm — not scorching — the heat in a sealed vehicle can become lethal.
Many pet owners still cling to dangerous myths. Parking in the shade isn’t enough. Cracking the windows doesn’t offer meaningful relief. Leaving water in the car changes little. Once heat becomes trapped, the temperature rises rapidly and relentlessly.
What makes the situation even more dangerous is that animals can’t cool
To the Editor:
I have lived on Long Island for many years, and it’s part of my DNA. I was shocked to read the op-ed in the May 14-20 issue, “Battery energy storage isn’t just an experiment. It works,” by Nick Guariglia, the advocacy manager of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance. It was a completely one-sided commentary by an insider to the battery storage proposals floating around Long Island.
One basic, and most important, concern Mr. Guariglia didn’t mention is the lack of technology for avoiding lithium battery fires. The fires that have occurred in the U.S. and around the world caused by overheating energy-storage batteries are well documented. Fire departments, and fire marshals, across the U.S. acknowledge the lack of knowledge, appropriate tools and training of volunteer firefighters that’s necessary to manage these fires. Firefighters simply depend on hours of watering the batteries until the fire is extinguished.
This archaic process of putting out a fire costs thousands of gallons of expensive water, and the chemicals that burning lithium-based batteries release into our communities, and our Long Island waterways, are a key concern in the towns where these bat
themselves the way humans do. People sweat efficiently. Dogs and cats rely primarily on panting. But when the air surrounding them is already hotter than their bodies, panting can actually worsen the problem by drawing in even hotter air. Heatstroke can occur in just minutes.
Certain kinds of pets face even greater risks. Older and overweight animals, and short-muzzled breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, struggle to regulate body temperature under normal conditions. Inside a hot car, they can quickly suffer brain damage, organ failure or death.
The warning signs of heatstroke are often easy to spot: heavy panting, frantic behavior and excessive drooling are early signs of distress. Bright red gums, vomiting, stumbling or collapse signal a medical emergency. At that point, every second matters.
If a pet appears to be overheating, it should immediately be moved to a cooler area and relieved with cool — not icecold — water while emergency veterinary care is sought. Ice water can shock the body and worsen the situation.
Unfortunately, many tragedies occur because owners convince themselves they will “only be gone a minute.” But a
quick stop in a store, coffee shop or pharmacy can turn deadly if a line forms or there’s another distraction.
If you see a pet left in a car, call 911. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
The issue is serious enough that New York, and many other states, have laws addressing animals left in dangerous conditions inside vehicles.
New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353-d prohibits confining a companion animal in a vehicle during extreme heat or cold when doing so puts the animal in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury. The law authorizes police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and humane officers to remove the endangered animal if necessary. A pet owner can also face criminal cruelty charges if an animal is injured or dies after being left in a hot car.
But laws alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness and personal responsibility matter most. The safest choice is also the simplest: If your pet can’t come inside with you, leave it at home. No errand, appointment or convenience is worth risking your four-legged best friend’s life.
Remember “snap decisions”?
They’re now DOA.
I sit down to write about the epidemic of obsessive overthinking that grips many of us as we try to get through the day, decision by decision. Should I set the alarm for 7:15 a.m. and have time for coffee, or 7:25 and sleep 10 more minutes?
Should I wear the boots to work?
And how long should I think about this? You take my point. The problem isn’t just that the process of “choosing” is overwhelming. It’s that we can’t think fluidly. Our thoughts are fragmented by our screen life.
This has led to a kind of decision paralysis.
I need wallpaper. There must be thousands of choices, so why don’t I go online and look at all of them? Or I’m studying a menu: blackened tuna or chicken parm? I stare. Others are waiting for me.
teries are proposed to be installed.
My own process is a little like fishing. I cast a line, like “What should I write about this week?” and if something bites, I go with it — except for recent times, when I sometimes lose the fish, or drop the rod, or forget why I’m standing on a riverbank in my brain, trying to land an idea.
So I was on the riverbank a minute ago, planning to explore more productive decision-making techniques, when my phone beeped, and told me there was an “audacious” recipe for cucumber salad waiting for me online. Who could resist?
Tagainst institutionalized cruelty unworthy of a great country.
So that’s always a compelling topic, I thought, as I was looking up the details of the new $1.8 billion fund to “deliver payouts to people who say they were harmed by the justice system,” according to The Washington Post. That would include the people charged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
he task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? No.
After saving it to my online file of never-to-be-used recipes, I came back to my task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? Wrong.
I am so riven by the political threats to our democracy that I believe I should use my space to resist, to support the integrity of the Constitution and to summon the help of people in power to stop the madness that is Trump. It’s my little bit. Maybe a reader or two will join me in pushing back
Let’s be clear: Our communities are not opposed to innovative ideas for generating much-needed added energy, but that shouldn’t come with a high risk of exposing our children and families to lithium batteries that have not yet proven to be manageable, but have proven to be fire-prone when they overheat. Let’s not ignore these facts and offer one-sided comments to the public.
Mr. Guariglia also failed to mention the critical nature of base-load generation, the foundation of consistent and reliable energy production. Before considering additional supplementary energy sources such as wind and solar, we must strengthen our existing power generation structure by repowering the E.F. Barrett, Northport and Port Jefferson power plants, and increasing their efficiency by converting them to combined-cycle-generation capacity from existing single-cycle generation. This will almost double their power output.
We must expand the capacity of the upstate Nine Mile Point nuclear power plants 1 and 2. Utilize the availability of clean natural gas to New York state via the new pipeline known as the North East Supply Enhancement project to supply Long Island plants. Take full advantage of the existing cross-Sound cables that transport energy to and from Long Island, as well as the Neptune cable, from Sayreville, N.J., that transmits electricity generated in the Midwest to Long Island.
Funding the above must take precedence over expending resources on inconsistent power generation from wind and solar projects or risky battery energy storage systems.
Paying the perpetrators? And as part of the deal, according to The New York Times, the Trumps, senior and junior, might not ever be subject to audits, like every other United States citizen. Basically, if they were so inclined — and I’m not suggesting they would cook the books — they would never have to pay a tax bill again. No one would be looking. My friends, conservative or liberal, how is that possibly OK?
I took a lunch break last hour, and while I was chowing down on a hamburger, I got a news alert that I could be dead by the time I finished my meal due to the risks of fatty meats and overprocessed hamburger rolls. And
the energy drink I was swilling could trigger a heart attack from the caffeine content alone.
Well, that could make a good topic for a column, but by the time I returned to the computer, my weather app was screaming at me to take shelter, from “tornadic” activity in the area. Turned out to be a false alarm, but it did make me lose my train of thought…
Oh, yes. Deciding on what to write about today. I can’t choose just any topic, because a gene for obsessive rumination is part of my DNA, and I must believe that I have made the perfect decision for readers, for our moment and for me.
No need to rush and tell me I missed the mark. We all know, intellectually, that perfection is the enemy of the good. The quote is frequently attributed to Voltaire, but I’ve heard many writers offer a version. It’s so apt today, as we scroll day and night, trying to decide on the best all-night car wash or strapless bra or Korean barbecue. We can be consumed by the process or make peace with “good enough.” Good enough may keep us sane as we live through destabilizing times.
Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
Landing-Greenvale Civic Council
GEORGE P. POMBAR President, Glen Head-Glenwood
Editors’ note: Nick Guariglia’s op-ed did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald.com.
