Oceanside/Island Park Herald 06-12-2025

Courtesy Oceanside school district

Sam O’Brian, Dylan Long, Emma Matijevic and Louis Saglembeni display their ‘blocks’ that showcase how they plan to build a better Oceanside.

Student project aims to build a better Oceanside

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

In a year-long exploration of civic engagement, Oceanside High School’s newly creditbearing Integrated Global Citizenship elective program culminated this spring in a studentdriven initiative called “Build a Better Oceanside.”

Over the course of the year, 10th and 11th grade students partnered with local historians, and community leaders at the Oceanside Library to research pressing global issues— mental health stigma, educational equity, water scarcity, and homelessness—and translate their findings into actionable, locallyfocused proposals.

The “Build a Better Oceanside” project challenged students to investigate local issues and propose innovative solutions deeply.

The project was a collaborative effort between the English and social studies departments, designed to help students develop critical research, communication, and problemsolving skills.

“We wanted students to understand that

they can make a real difference in their community,” said social studies teacher Deanna Confredo, one of the program’s teachers.

The course aligns with the New York State “Profile of a Graduate”—a set of state-adopted competencies including effective communication, collaboration, global citizenship, and novel problem-solving.

“We built the project with those skills in mind,” said Confredo, co-designer of the curriculum. “Besides content, we wanted transferable skills: research, writing emails to professionals, and public speaking.”

This academic year also marked the pilot for making the elective credit-bearing.

“The integrated program has existed since at least 2012,” Confredo noted, “but this is the first time it earns a separate grade.”

Over the summer, Oceanside’s social studies and English departments rebranded the course to better highlight its civic-learning priorities under the “Global Citizenship” title. Students like Emma Matijevic, Louis Saglembeni, Dylan Long, and Sam O’Brian explored complex topics ranging from mental health

Food, fun and a 5K run this weekend

By LAUREN MAGGIORE Intern

The annual St. Anthony’s feast and 5K run is returning to Oceanside this weekend, from Thursday through Sunday, providing family fun, food and fantastic community spirit.

The four-day extravaganza will feature live entertainment and carnival rides promising to attract thousands of community members to the feast, which is St. Anthony’s Church’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Thursday’s activities will run from 6 to 10 p.m.; Friday’s, from 6 to 11 p.m.; Saturday’s, from 4 to 11 p.m.; and Sunday’s, from 2 to 9 p.m.

LThe 5K is Oceanside’s only road race, offering a flat, fast course open to all skill levels, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, rain or shine. Hosted by the St. Anthony’s Fathers Club, the Family Fun Run/Walk welcomes runners seeking to post fast times, leisurely walkers, and even those of the canine community, alongside their owners.

organizing the 5K and planting flowers at the church, to holding outdoor movie nights — all while letting fathers of the community teach their children acts of service for the community.

St. Anthony’s feast has become the largest and most celebrated festival in Oceanside, with all proceeds going to support the church.

“People come from several towns to join,” Tom Cesiro, feast organizer and St. Anthony’s volunteer, said. “It just keeps growing and growing.”

TOM CESIRO

St. Anthony’s volunteer

The Fathers Club, created almost 13 years ago, has become a pillar of the community, fulfilling a dual mission — to serve the St. Anthony’s community and to create a social avenue for fathers to get to know one another. The club undertakes a range of activities, from

The St. Anthony’s Feast 5K, was established in 2019 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the St. Anthony’s Feast, the 5K run has quickly become a favorite among local runners and walkers

Sponsors and various groups within St. Anthony’s Church will have booths set up for family-friendly activity options. A plethora of delightful food choices also will be available for festival goers, including meatball subs, homemade zeppoles, pizza, and more.

This feel-good community event goes beyond just the church, bringing together community members across towns and promoting a grand collaboration of volunteers and businesses.

“St. Anthony’s Church

things to know from the zoning board

3 Things to know about potential Oceanside Popeye’s restaurant

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

A proposal to build a 2,000-square-foot Popeyes restaurant with a drive-thru at 3359 Long Beach Road has stirred debate among Oceanside residents at recent Town of Hempstead zoning board of appeals hearing on May 28. Here are three key takeaways:

n What’s being proposed

The Popeye’s would be construvted on the site of the now closed “Biggest Banana” market. The applicant is seeking special exceptions to install a drivethru window and menu,preview boards, park in the front-yard setback and provide only nine off-street parking spaces. The design calls for a 13-car queue, 12 indoor seats, about six employees per shift and operating hours of 10:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 1 a.m. Friday to Saturday. To move forward, the applicant is requesting several special exceptions, including permission to install a drive-thru window, place menu and preview boards, provide off-street parking despite being short of the required number of spaces, and allow parking within the front yard setback. The plan offers nine parking spots.

n Oceanside residents concerns

Residents have raised concerns about the impact the development could have on traffic safety, parking availability, and overall quality of life. Opponents point to the already busy intersection at Long Beach Road and argue that the site lacks sufficient sight distance and offers no bypass lane in the drivethru. Additional concerns include potential traffic spillover onto residential streets and late-night noise disturbances. More than 1,000 residents have signed petitions opposing the project. The applicant’s representatives defended the proposal, arguing that the restaurant meets local zoning criteria and would bring economic benefits. They presented traffic studies that they said show the impact on nearby roads would be minimal. While the applicant’s experts argued the site plan is workable, the opposition’s experts cited serious flaws, including circulation problems, insufficient access, and a lack of parking to meet projected demand.

n What’s next after the zoning board hearing

The hearing featured dueling testimony: the applicant’s traffic studies contend there will be minimal impact, while opponents’ engineers warn of circulation and safety flaws, lack of a proper loading zone and insufficient site layout. The board has left the record open, requesting additional documentation and rebuttals over the next 30 days from the May 28 meeting. A final decision will be mailed to all parties after deliberations conclude.

What’s

HERALD SchoolS

HS Broadcast Program students win third straight Telly Award

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

For the third consecutive year, students of Oceanside High School video and broadcast teacher, Tracy Busk, have won a Telly Award, an international recognition of excellence in video and television across all screens.

The students who won the award were Juliet Arfin, Joseph Broggy, Dylan Caamano, Julia Hershkowitz, Matthew Koeppel, Sophia Lukovenko, and Justin Manis.

The students won a bronze award for their Halloween-themed version of their regular Sailor Station news broadcast. Their program can be viewed by going to TellyAwards.com and searching Oceanside High School for winners.

The Telly Awards began in 1979 as a way to recognize local, regional, and cable TV commercials, and have since broadened their scope to include nonbroadcast video and television programming.

The students came up with the idea after a spate of glitches threatened their Sailor Station broadcast deadlines.

“Things would happen right before we were about to finish,” said Lukovenko, a senior who intends to study computer science in college. “We call it the

‘Sailor Station scaries.’”

The idea for a broadcast episode focused on the scaries evolved.

“We had the idea to film the intro as a regular episode and then it switches up,” Broggy said. “So we exaggerated it into something more paranormal.”

Busk said that the students would have run out of time to complete the project if not for borrowing clips from prior students’ projects, which also influenced the direction of the project. They also tried different types of cuts and other techniques that they weren’t

sure the judges would notice.

“We wanted attention grabber shots to make you keep watching -- that was really important to all of us,” said Caamano, who was one of the project’s cinematographers.

Koeppel, who also shot portions of the project, said that he and other students have “all picked things up from each other.

“I’ve been in the program two years and this is recognition of the hard work and time and value spent using skills we learned in video production class,” he said.

The students said that they will take what they’ve learned from their video and broadcast production courses into their plans for the future.

“I’m passionate about editing,” Lukovenko said. “So maybe I can incorporate some of these skills into my career.”

Caamano plans to study fire science and construction and hopes to someday work for the FDNY. But he will continue his freelance photography and videography.

“I didn’t come into this course having a plan,” Broggy said. “ But thanks to Ms. Busk and this program, I’m going to attend Five Towns College for radio and TV.”

Reptilian visitors bring smiles to Wellness Center

Science teacher Mark Gary, who in addition to classroom duties oversees the school district’s Nature Center, which is located at the School Six Early Learning Center and is open for visits from all schools, brought some scaly friends to the Oceanside High School Wellness Center. His mission: a presentation that Wellness Center Coordinator Dr. Nina Weisenreder billed as a fun approach to mental health and wellness.

“The goal was for students to think about everyday ways that they can enrich their physical and emotional well-being...it’s about connecting with others, learning new things, appreciating nature and pets, laughing and having fun,” she said. “Mr. Gary is amazing, passionate, and fun and his presentation was funny and interesting -- so, mission accomplished.”

Among the visitors, Gary introduced to health, physical education, and science students during his presentation were a turtle, a tortoise, a dart frog, several snakes, a gecko, a bearded dragon, and a dove.

— Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Oceanside school district

Telly Award winners at Oceanside High School, Matthew Koeppel, Julia Hershkowitz, Sophia Lukovenko, teacher, Tracy Busk, Joseph Broggy, Dylan Caamano. Juliet Arfin and Justin Manis were not in attendance.

Courtesy Oceanside School District

Five PCLI awards won

Five different newspapers under the Herald Community Media banner took home five awards at the annual Press Club of Long Island at the Fox Hollow Country Club.

The five-part series on the hidden dangers of noise and light captured first place in the Narrative Environment category. The writers were former Herald reporter Nicole Formisano, and current staffers editor Will Sheeline and reporter Angelina Zingariello.

The judges said: “Compelling, wellwritten, well-researched series covering noise, air, and light pollution. Not only scientific, their words also touch the human soul.”

Formisano also took home a second place award in the Narrative Obituaries category. Her piece in the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald illustrated how a grief support group was dealing with their own sorrow after losing the group’s leader Angela Mendola.

In the same category, editor Roksana Amid received a third place award for the remembrance of Bob Canavan for the Glen Cove Herald.

Amid was also part of the team that included Sheeline and another former Herald staffer Laura Lane that took third place in the Narrative Government & Politics category for “Souzzi’s win: Examining the voting dynamics.”

Senior reporter Mohammad Rafiq also collected a third place award in the Narrative Non-local News/Feature category for his story “Journalist unearths

The philosopher Epictetus said “Men are disturbed not by events, but by the views they take of them.” Arising out of “The Good Life”, by Robert Waldinger, MD, comes the W.I.S.E.R. model for reacting to emotionally challenging situations.

Watch. Initial impressions are powerful but may be incomplete. There is usually more to see. When the impression and the emotional response start to interact, take a moment to pause and thoughtfully observe the situation to prevent a potentially harmful reflexive response. As they say in psychiatry “Don’t just do something, sit there.”

Interpret. We are all seeing the world through our own eyes – what is happening, why it is happening and how it affects us. Our reality is not necessarily that of others. Thinking that a situation is all about us often leads to misunderstanding. When your emotions start to bubble up, it indicates you have something important at stake – a goal, an insecurity or a vital relationship. Figuring out what’s at stake will allow you to interpret the situation better.

Michael Romero/Herald Herald Community Media won five PCLI awards on June 5. Editor Will Sheeline and reporter Angelina Zingariello.

and honors Civil War Ancestor.”

“At Herald Community Media, we strive every day to deliver impactful, community-focused journalism — and earning five Press Club of Long Island awards is a proud testament to our team’s dedication and the trust our readers place in us,” Stuart Richner, president and CEO of Richner Communications Inc., said about the June 5 recognition.

The Press Club of Long Island is open to professional and student members of the Society of Professional Journalists. To learn more, visit PCLI.org.

–Jeffrey Bessen

Select. Having watched, interpreted and reinterpreted, you must select your response. Instead of reacting reflexively out of stress, slowing down allows us to choose from more options. As “The Good Life” says “Given what’s at stake and the resources at my disposal, what can I do in this situation? What would be a good outcome here? And what is the likelihood that things will go well if I respond this way instead of that way?”

Engage. Now you are ready to respond more purposefully – aligning with who you are and what you want to accomplish. You’ve observed and interpreted the situation, taken some time to consider the possibilities and their likelihood of success, and you then execute your strategy.

Reflect. “How did that work out? Did I make things better or worse? Have I learned something new about the challenge I’m facing and about the best response? Reflecting on our response to a challenge can yield dividends for the future. It’s in learning from experience that we fully grow wiser.”

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Holocaust survivor Edith Gross visits with sixth graders

At 97 years old, Edith Gross still has vivid memories of the concentration camps she was sent to as a young girl during the Holocaust, and she shares her story with students who have learned about the Holocaust in school. Recently, she visited sixth graders at Schools Two and Four.

Gross was only 15 years old when she was captured by the Nazis near the end of WWII and sent to various concentration camps including Auschwitz. Because the allies were closing in, the Nazis frequent-

ly transported their prisoners to other camps, sometimes by forced marching. Mrs. Gross’ story is one of sorrow, loss, and unspeakable cruelty, but she survived and triumphed. Today she delights in her family which includes eight great-grandchildren.

After her talk, she answered questions, and offered a hug to every student. At School Four, she got an extra special hug from one of her great-grandchildren. Her closing message to students: “Don’t hate.” — Kepherd Daniel

info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

Courtesy Oceanisde school district

Students at School Two lined up for a hug from Holocaust speaker and survivor, Edith Gross.

School Four students raised their hands to ask questions after Holocaust survivor and speaker Edith Gross shared her story.

Come to St. Anthony’s biggest fundraiser

serves as a social center as well as a religious one,” Joe Hissong, a longtime St. Anthony’s volunteer and 5K organizer, said. “They provide senior services, a food pantry, and Boy Scout meetings for the community.”

Volunteers from throughout Oceanside staff the four-day festival, which draws about 15,000 attendees each year. Boy Scouts and community members help distribute food and organize the 5K, which has grown significantly in popularity over the years with now more than 400 race participants. Community members join together to support each other by passing out various snacks and drinks to runners.

The race will follow the same course as in recent years, starting at St. Anthony’s parish on Anchor Avenue, heading south on Fulton, and then making a loop down Moore, Messick Avenue, Yost Blvd. and Oceanlea Drive to Harris Avenue, before looping back up Lawrence Avenue to Vermont and back up Fulton. Traffic will be impacted along the race route beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Volunteers will be placed at each intersection acting as crossing guards to allow cars to pass without impeding the progress of the runners.

Early registration fees for the race are $30 for those 18 and older, and $20 for kids 17 and under, with the cost increasing as the start of the race nears. Awards for the top finishers in each age

group will be handed out at 6:30 p.m. on the night of the race.

The first 200 people registered are guaranteed t-shirts, and all registrants will receive $5 in “Feast Bucks,” good for certain food and drinks during the festival. Complimentary string bags and water bottles for race participants will be available as supplies last.

Additionally, pay-one-price bracelets for access to all carnival rides will be available for purchase on opening night.

Organizers are expecting to raise around $12,000 from the 5K well and expect over 300 participants.

“We’re getting better every year,” Hissong said.

Additional reporting by Kepherd Daniel

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Runners line up at last year’s St. Anthony’s 5K in Oceanside.

Courtesy Joe Hissong

The St. Anthony’s 5K run route will be the same as in previous years.

GREAT RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH HEART.

St.

Francis

Heart

Center’s

renowned cardiovascular team is now partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian.

For Catholic Health and NewYork-Presbyterian with doctors from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, clinical collaboration means that advanced and comprehensive cardiac care is now the norm for every patient across Long Island. Together, we’re expanding St. Francis Heart Center’s advanced heart failure, congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology programs, while partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading heart transplant program. So, for anything your heart may need, you can find it right here.

To learn more, visit chsli.org/heart

Art, healing, and inspiration on display at Oceanside Library

The Oceanside Library held an art reception on June 8 to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit by local artists Penny Frondelli and Lori Blau. Dozens gathered a to view the expressive watercolor works and photographs on display, many of which reflect deeply personal themes.

The paintings—centered on birds, nature, and personal symbolism—have become a testament to the healing power of art. The exhibit will remain on display through June.

— Kepherd Daniel

from a medically

include colorful depictions of birds, one of her longtime passions.

Tim Baker/Herald

Penny Frondelli, left, and Lori Blau hosted their joint Oceanside Library exhibit on June 8. The gallery featured nature-inspired works and personal stories of artistic growth.

Penny Frondelli began painting during her recovery

induced coma. Her works

Frondelli spoke with attendees like sisters Adielle Kessler, 8 and six-year old Avigayil Kessler about her emotional breakthrough as an artist.

Mark Mirsky, Mindy Mirsky, John Frondelli, Penny Frondelli, Debbie Rosenberg, Bob Rosenberg enjoy the display at Oceanside Library.

Melissa Caine, Judi Lisi, Jennifer Blau, Lori Blau, Brian Fishman, Norman Blau and Seth Blau gathered to celebrate community art.

Celebrating Long Island’s local businesses

By MADISON GUSLER

Over 750 members of Long Island’s business community joined the Herald for the fourth annual Herald Long Island Choice Award’s ceremony. People packed the ballroom at Crest Hollow County Club to hear about the best Long Island has to offer.

The Long Island Choice Awards presented by PSEG Long Island on May 13 is a community choice award organized by RichnerLIVE Events that involves local communities in electing the best businesses in a range of categories. Companies and organizations across the Island are elected in 250 categories before undergoing three rounds of voting to whittle away the top three competitors. The winners are announced at the annual gala and are officially recognized as the best Long Island has to offer.

This year’s event was the biggest RichnerLIVE Events has ever held. We congratulate all the winners and runner-ups on their amazing accomplishments!

“It is once again a privilege for our companies to host this great event,” Stuart Richner, publisher of the Long Island Herald and CEO of Richner Communications, said. “Remember tonight is not just about celebration, it’s about creating unforgettable moments and sharing in the joy of success.”

“The people in this room are the economic engines of our communities,” he said. “As a second generation business owner myself, I know how challenging leading a business can be. But leading a

business can also be incredibly rewarding, and the rewards certainly outweigh the challenges.”

“The Long Island Choice Awards celebrates Long Island businesses for their resilience, strength, innovation, excellence and an unwavering dedication to their communities,” David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island, said. “Without your hard work, we would not have the thriving downtown districts in so many of the local Long Island neighborhoods that we call home.”

Lyons noted PSEG’s business customer advocate program and the team that assists businesses in navigating their programs and services.

“They work tirelessly to support small businesses that fuel our local economy, offering personalized guidance and solutions,” he said. The team offers multiple services, including free energy assessments that help businesses save on costs.

“We’ve been around for 55 years, since the 1970s,” Matthew Kahn, president of Friends of Bridge, Inc., said. “We’re a local not-for-profit which really helps our community. We’re very well respected by the community and we’re very proud to have won this award tonight.” The Valley Streambased outpatient alcohol and drug treatment agency won the award for best addiction rehabilitation center.

“I feel humbled to be able to even do what I do, to help people heel,” Kimberly Zedalis with Integrative Health and Wellness, Inc. in Farmingdale, said. Zedalis accepted the award for best functional medicine. “This has just

been an incredible journey that I’ve been on in my life and I’m elated to win.”

Several organizations and businesses won multiple awards. Molloy University took home three, including best adult education/continuing education programs, best university and best university president.

“Like anytime our university gets the accolades it deserves, I’m proud of our accomplishments,” James Lentini, university president, said.

To view more pictures please visit RichnerLive.com/lichoice. To see a complete list of the 2025 Long Island Choice winners visit LiHerald.com/ long-island-choice-awards.

Photo by Tim Baker

Keynote Speaker, Interim President and COO from PSEG Long Island, David C. Lyons

Photo by Tim Baker

Long Island businesses await the announcement of their category winners

Photo by Holden Leeds

The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island

Photo by Tim Baker

Emcee’s Jon Daniels from K-Joy 98.3 and Reporter Antoinette Biordi from News 12

Photo by Holden Leeds

Dr. Ryan Sugarman from Memorial Sloan Kettering

Photo by Tim Baker

Calmer U Holistic Health Care Center & Spa in East Rockaway

Photo by Tim Baker

Teemer Moving Storage in Long Beach

Photo by Tim Baker

Miss Long Island

Photo by Tim Baker

The Rizzuto Law Firm in Uniondale

Photo by Holden Leeds

A&C Pest Management in East Meadow

Photo by Holden Leeds

South Shore Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Freeport

Photo by Holden Leeds

Villacorta Law Group P.C.

Photo by Holden Leeds

TLC Companions Home Care in Bethpage

Photo by Holden Leeds

The Cabana in Long Beach

Photo by Holden Leeds

Ringelheim Wealth Management Group UBS in Garden City

Photo by Holden Leeds Winters Bros. Waste Systems

Photo by Holden Leeds

Davidov Law Group in New Hyde Park

Photo by Holden Leeds Azerbaijan Grill in East Meadow

Photo by Holden Leeds Hampton Inn & Suites by Rockville Centre

Photo by Holden Leeds Raagini in Baldwin

Photo by Holden Leeds Bagel Boss

Photo by Holden Leeds

President Dr. James Lentini from Molloy University in Rockville Center

Photo by Holden Leeds

The Barnyard in Farmingdale

Photo by Christine Rivera Integrative Health and Wellness, Inc in Farmingdale

Photo by Holden Leeds Rockville Centre Auto Repair

Photo by Holden Leeds Epic Escape Rooms LI West Hempstead

Student goals to be displayed at Oceanside Library

stigmas to water scarcity and housing inequality.

The project began with a series of guided historical tours led by Richie Woods, a former Oceanside High School teacher and local historian.

Students retraced the town’s storied past, visiting landmarks they pass every day without realizing their significance. From the Towers funeral home, once owned by a celebrated actress, to the hill beside School Six where early settlers were buried, Woods’s guided narratives deepened the students’ connection to their community and sparked the questions that would drive their projects.

“I didn’t know that there was so much history like in Oceanside,” said Matijevic.

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Students conducted extensive research, interviewed local experts, and developed comprehensive presentations about pressing local issues.

“If we all just cooperate and talk about what the problems are, and come together to fix those problems, Oceanside would be a better place,” said Saglembeni, who studied equal access to education.

Once grounded in local history and armed with debate skills, students formed four project groups to tackle distinct issues:

Mental-Health Stigma—Emma Matijevic:

After researching comparative schoolbased support, Emma’s group interviewed the school’s psychologists to understand the evolution of mentalhealth services.

“Back in the ’70s, it wasn’t normalized to talk about your feelings,” Emma noted. Their solution called for expanded peer-support councils, enhanced counselor availability, and community awareness campaigns.

Educational Equity —Louis Saglembeni:

Saglembeni’s team contrasted past “sink-or-swim” approaches, as recounted by Woods, with current support programs. They interviewed Principal Brendon Mitchell about new funding for special-education resources. “Now…OSD has so many programs to help students, so they won’t get left behind,” Saglembeni explained.

Water Scarcity —Dylan Long:

Focusing on local lawn-watering practices, Long discovered that residential landscaping accounted for major water waste.

“So many people were unwittingly damaging the environment,” he said.

The group proposed incentives for drought-resistant native plantings and community workshops on sustainable landscaping.

Homelessness & Health Inequality

—Sam O’Brian:

O’Brian’s team worked with the Long Island Housing Association and spoke with Ian Wilder about the forthcoming Common Housing Act. “It’s just more affordable housing,” O’Brian said, advocating for municipal investment in low-

income housing and integrated health services.

The 11th graders returned to mentor the current 10th-grade class. Monthly workshops at the Oceanside Library saw seniors coaching underclassmen on argumentation, research methods, and presentation skills.

“It was kind of surreal being on the other side,” said Long, who guided his peers through practice debates and presentation cues. “Last year we were the ones being judged…now we were the ones having to provide insights.”

The project’s culmination is a collaborative “brick wall” display set to be exhibited at the Oceanside Library, featuring students’ research, quotes, and proposed solutions. Each “brick” represents a different approach to addressing community challenges.

“We all have our own impact on the world around us and our community,” said Long, who researched water scarcity. “No single person can solve an issue alone, but we can all help in our own small way.”

By weaving local history, interdisciplinary research, and public-presentation practice into one cohesive experience, Oceanside High School’s Integrated Global Citizenship elective not only engaged students with tangible community issues but also empowered them as lifelong learners and civic actors.

When asked how the community might continue its momentum, the students urged deeper empathy and engagement.

“If people just listened to someone talk about how they feel…you could grow relationships in the community,” Matijevic said, recommending normalizing open conversations.

Saglembeni stressed cooperation.

“If we all just cooperate and talk about the problems, we can fix them together,” Saglembeni said.

Courtesy Oceanside school district The blocks display different ideas and actions that will lead to creating a better community for the future.

ConTinued from page 1

Long Island Cares’ Paule Pachter retires

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

After more than 17 years leading Long Island Cares, President and CEO Paule Pachter has announced his retirement. He will assume the title of president emeritus in an advisory capacity and remain in his current role until a successor is named.

“My time at Long Island Cares has been the most rewarding and productive period of my 46-year history of working in the nonprofit human services sector on Long Island,” Pachter, 71, said in a news release. “Along with our dedicated staff, we have transformed the role of a traditional food bank and developed innovative and effective programs to support those in need.

Long Island Cares is a regional food bank and nonprofit organization headquartered in Hauppauge.

Founded to combat food insecurity across Long Island, it provides emergency food assistance, distributes nutritious groceries, and offers support services to individuals and families in need. The organization operates a network of pantries and distribution centers, including locations in Freeport, Lindenhurst, and Bethpage.

As food insecurity continues to affect an estimated 121,000 Long Islanders, including 65,000 children, Long Island Cares has sought to expand its outreach, opening another pantry in Valley Stream last August.

“I have had the privilege of working with a dedicated team and supportive board of directors that few others have experienced. I’m extremely proud to have had the opportunity to impact the way we respond to food insecurity on a local, state, and national level through my involvement in the Feeding America network,” Pachter said in the release.

“I look forward to welcoming the next president and

CEO of this historic organization in my new role as President Emeritus,” he added. “We have so much more to do to respond to hunger and to what Harry Chapin said ‘was the shame of America.’”

During Pachter’s tenure, Long Island Cares expanded its services significantly, launching mobile food distribution efforts, veterans’ initiatives, and Baxter’s Pet Pantry, among other community-focused programs.

“When I came to Long Island Cares (the cash on hand was about $8.5 million),” Pachter told the Herald. “As I’m leaving, our budget is $41 million.”

Pachter, who grew up in Brooklyn, led the organization through the creation of multiple satellite pantries, beginning with its Freeport location in 2009. He cited support from Mayor Robert Kennedy and former legislator Dave Denenberg in helping to make the pantry a reality.

Under Pachter, Long Island Cares launched mobile outreach for seniors, veterans and the homeless; and introduced a children’s breakfast food truck. He also expanded advocacy work and government relations.

Pachter was a social worker and served as a Nassau County Department of Mental Health deputy commissioner. He was in an administrative role for United Cerebral Palsy and then a deputy executive director at Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services. “It has always been a passion for me to help people in need,” he said.

“Paule has been an immeasurable asset to Long Island Cares,” David Herold, Long Island Cares board president said in the release. “Paule’s drive and ingenuity led to the creation of many programs and services, including mobile food pantries, a food pantry network, a variety of veterans’ programs, and Baxter’s Pet Pantry. “Not only does Paule’s legacy greatly benefit Long Islanders every day, but his broad vision has been duplicated by food banks nationally to benefit our country’s food insecure,” Herold added.

He said that other than founders Harry and Sandy Chapin, no one person has had a greater impact at Long Island Cares than Paule Pachter. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with him,” he said. “I and the entire board look forward to continuing to work with Paule through and after this transition.”

Courtesy Long Island Cares

After serving as president and CEO of Long Island Cares for 17 years, Paule Pachter is retiring from his role and will officially step down when his successor is named.

Help for men suffering in silence with erectile dysfunction HEALTH MEMO

It’s a surprisingly common issue—about half of men in the United States experience symptoms of sexual health disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, and premature ejaculation. These disorders impact relationships and affect one’s quality of life.

They are also linked to serious chronic health risks, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. Yet men are often hesitant to seek help, due to embarrassment, lack of awareness that treatments are available, or the belief that these disorders are a normal part of aging.

But men do not have to suffer in silence. At Mount Sinai South Nassau, a new service offers treatment options for an array of men’s sexual health disorders in an environment that respects the patient’s dignity and confidentiality.

Mahyar Kashani, MD, Director of Men’s Sexual Health at Mount Sinai South Nassau, says an array of options are available to address male sexual disorders. “Men across Long Island with erectile dysfunction no longer need to suffer in silence,” said Dr. Kashani. “We have established this program to provide patients with not only support and compassion, but also with specialized surgical and therapeutic treatments that will relieve them of the physical and psychological burdens of their condition. We want our patients to enjoy their sexual health to its fullest!”

Born and raised on Long Island, Dr. Kashani is committed to providing exceptional care to his community. Dr. Kashani sees

Mahyar Kashani, MD, Director of Male Sexual Health at Mount Sinai South Nassau offers an array of options to address male sexual disorders in his patients.

patients at multiple locations on Long Island, including at the Mount Sinai Doctors Carle Place and Rockville Centre locations, and is dedicated to delivering top-quality, accessible care. He offers both nonsurgical and surgical options to address erectile dysfunction and other sexual disorders. He completed a medical degree and a urologic surgery residency at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn, and completed a fellowship in male sexual health and reproductive medicine at Lenox Hill

Hospital in New York City.

Under the direction of Dr. Kashani, Mount Sinai South Nassau Men’s Sexual Medicine program specializes in personalized, proven treatments including:

• Testosterone replacement therapy—topical gels and injectable and oral therapies to treat problems such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or fatigue

• Treatments for erectile dysfunction—oral (Viagra, Cialis), injectable (TriMix), and other treatments

• Penile implants—surgical option for men with advanced erectile dysfunction

• Premature ejaculation—behavioral changes, topical therapies, oral therapies

Dr. Kashani is also proficient in treating a wide range of general urological conditions as well, such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, urinary dysfunction, and overactive bladder. For more information about Mount Sinai South Nassau Men’s Sexual Health program or to schedule a consultation, visit southnassau.org, call 516-390-2850 (Rockville Centre) or call 516-877-0977 (Carle Place).

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.

T:10.25"

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion

Compassionate care that enriches lives HEALTH MEMO

The only skilled nursing facility in Oceanside, Oceanside Care Center is a 100-bed rehabilitation and nursing center that has been a part of the community’s fabric for more than 50 years. Their unique approach allows them to provide patient-centered care in a way that no other facility can. OCC specializes in an array of different services, from short-term rehab to long-term care.

Oceanside Care Center provides unrivaled residentcentered care. Under the guidance of the highly skilled, professional staff, the team customizes a care plan matched to specific needs and abilities. The nursing team consists of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who are driven to build warm and compassionate bonds with residents.

The unique and intimately sized facility attracts many residents who enjoy a meaningful relationship forged between devoted staff members, residents and their families. Many staff members have worked at Oceanside Care Center for over

25 years and take great pride in the compassionate care they provide every single day.

With private and semi-private rooms, OCC offers many comforts that create a homelike atmosphere, including complimentary flat screen TVs in every room and three home cooked meals a day. Residents enjoy numerous activities and

events that take place daily, and the kind and caring staff make it feel as if they never left home. The comfortable setting allows residents to focus on regaining their strength and independence while empowering them to enjoy fruitful lives with their families and friends.

Come in for a tour today!

Solutions: No

Trusted Expertise: We are your go-to partners for hearing health, using the latest in hearing

Ongoing Support: Hearing needs

and we are with you every step of the way on your hearing journey.

By Herald Staff

Masaiat Azmi/LI Herald

Masaiat Azmi/LI Herald

Courtesy of Sam Pinto Courtesy Rockville Centre School District

Charles Shaw/Herald

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE presents

FREE HARRY CHAPIN LAKESIDE THEATRE CONCERTS

Friday, June 13, 7:00pm

National BBQ Festival

JD Leonard, Decades of Country

Saturday, June 14, 7:00pm

National BBQ Festival

Warren G and DJ Belal

Sunday, June 15, 10:00am-4:00pm

National BBQ Festival

Family Entertainment including:

Professional Wrestling with Champonship Entertainment Productions and Rolie Polie Guacamole

Monday, June 16, 5:00pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: Manhattan Skyline & Sons of Pitches

Thursday, June 19, 7:00pm

Juneteenth Celebration

Chrisette Michele and Earth Wind & Fire Tribute by D’votion

Saturday, June 21, 7:00pm

Disco Unlimited

Monday, June 23, 7:00pm

The Mavericks

Thursday, June 26, 7:00pm

Orleans and Atlantic Rhythm Section

Friday, June 27, 7:00pm

Million Dollar Reunion

featuring stars of Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet

Saturday, June 28, 7:00pm

Freestyle Meets Salsa

featuring: TKA/K7, Tito Puente Jr., Joey Cruz, La Sonora 495, Forever Freestyle Band

Thursday, July 3, 5:30pm

(Rain date Saturday, July 5)

TD Bank Celebrate America

Fireworks & Show: Face to Face LI, Chicken Head, and Glenn Strange Band

Thursday, July 10, 7:00pm So Good – Neil Diamond Tribute

Saturday, July 12, 7:00pm Desert Highway Tribute Eagles Tribute

Sunday, July 13, 4:00pm Family Day on the Lake featuring Beauty and the Beat and wide-ranging entertainment for children and families

Thursday, July 17, 7:00pm Doo Wop Show featuring: Kid Kyle, The Capris, Vito Picone and the Elegants

Friday, July 18, 6:30pm Tribute to Harry Chapin with Corey Reiman & The Dilemma Band

Saturday, July 19, 7:00pm Russell Dickerson

Monday, July 21, 5:00pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: Vinny Medugno & The Chiclettes

Friday, July 25, 7:00pm Dean Karahalis & the Concert Pops of L.I.

Saturday, July 26, 7:00pm

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway

Thursday, July 31, 7:00pm

Christopher Macchio & The Nassau Pops: Opera and The Classics

Friday, August 1, 7:00pm Half Step - Grateful Dead Tribute

Saturday, August 2, 6:45pm Salute to Veterans

American Bombshells & Streetfighter - Rolling Stones Tribute

Sunday, August 3, 6:00pm The 42nd Infantry Division Band, NY Army National Guard

Thursday, August 7, 7:00pm

Lady Supreme A Diana Ross Experience

Friday, August 8, 7:00pm

The Boss Project - The Premier Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band

Thursday, August 14, 7:00pm The Castellows

Friday, August 15, 7:00pm

Dancing Dream - ABBA Tribute

Saturday, August 16, 7:00pm

Midtown Men - Original Cast of Jersey Boys

Monday, August 18, 5:00pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: Stan Zizka & The Del Satins

Thursday, August 21, 7:00pm Let’s Sing Taylor Taylor Swift Experience

Friday, August 22, 7:00pm Yachtley Crew 70s and 80s Soft Rock

Friday, August 29, 7:00pm

Misty Mountain, Led Zeppelin Tribute and Who’s Next, The Who Tribute

Saturday, August 30, 7:00pm Elvis Crespo

Sunday, September 14, 6:00pm Ashley McBryde

Friday, September 19, 7:00pm

Parti-Gras with Bret Michaels and a Renowned Former Lead Guitarist –TBA

Friday, September 26, 8:00pm Steve Aoki with DJ Theo and Untamed

EISENHOWER PARK

FREE ADMISSION | Bring Blankets or Chairs | Parking Field #6

Weather permitting, call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

STEPPING OUT

Dad’s day, Dad’s way

Fire up the grill and let him sizzle

By Karen Bloom

When it comes to Father’s Day, some dads want ties, others want tools — but for many, what really gets their hearts (and taste buds) fired up is a perfect day at the grill. Forget the recliner — Dad’s real throne is next to the barbecue, tongs in hand, flame sizzling, and the unmistakable aroma of grilled steak in the air. Whether Dad’s the grill master or you’re stepping up to serve him, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a steakhouse-quality meal made right in your own backyard. It’s simple, satisfying, and a fun way to show appreciation — with flavor.

Savor the steakhouse staples

Steak lovers know the stars of the grill — ribeye, strip, porterhouse, and tenderloin. These cuts are popular for a reason: bold beefy flavor, juicy texture, and just the right bite. But no matter the cut, the real secret to a great steak lies in the marbling — those small white flecks of fat throughout the meat. That’s where the flavor lives. More marbling means more mouthwatering bites.

Grill like a pro

Want to serve a steak that earns a standing ovation? Follow these tried-and-true grilling tips. Heat it up: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the meat down. A sizzle on contact means you’re locking in all those savory juices.

Keep it simple: With a high-quality steak, you don’t need a long marinade — just a touch of salt and pepper lets the natural flavors shine. Tongs only, please: Never use a fork to flip steaks. It pierces the meat and lets the juices escape. Stick with tongs or a spatula.

Timing is everything: For 1-inch thick steaks, grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare (145°F).

Let it rest: After grilling, give steaks a few minutes to rest before slicing. That helps keep all the tasty juices right where they belong — inside the steak.

Bring on his inner chef

Want to impress Dad with professional-looking grill marks? Here’s a chef’s trick: Place the steak at a 45-degree angle to the grates. After 3–4 minutes, rotate it 90 degrees to create those signature diamond marks. Flip and repeat for a restaurant-

style presentation.

This Father’s Day, skip the crowded restaurants and let the grill be the center of the celebration. Whether you’re flipping the steaks or just cheering Dad on from the sidelines, it’s a surefire way to make the day deliciously unforgettable.

“Cowboy” Steak with Steamed Guinness French Onion Beans

• 4 18-ounce bone-in “cowboy” ribeye steaks

• 12 ounces (3/4 pound) red skin potatoes, cut in 1-inch chunks

• 1/2 pound green beans, cleaned

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 shallot, peeled and minced

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in 1/2-inch cubes

• 3/4 cup French onion soup

• 1/2 cup Guinness beer

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup french-fried onions

Preheat grill to medium high. Assemble aluminum foil pouch; add potatoes, beans, garlic, shallot, butter, soup, and beer. Seal pouch and grill to steam.

Season steaks and grill over medium-high heat to medium rare (145°F internal temperature) or desired doneness. Remove steaks and let rest for 4 minutes.

Remove foil pouch, salt and pepper vegetables to taste; top with french-fried onions. Serves 4.

Skewered Shrimp with Black Bean-Lemon Rice

• 24 large raw, headless, peeled shrimp, with tails on (about 1 pound)

• 24 whole green onions, trimmed to 6 inches in length

• 24 cherry tomatoes

• 2 poblano chili peppers, seeded and cut into 24 pieces

• 8 12-inch bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Marinade/Dressing:

• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Rice:

• 3 cups hot cooked brown rice

• 15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Whisk marinade ingredients in small bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup mixture in separate bowl and set aside. Place shrimp in a resealable plastic bag, pour marinade over shrimp, seal tightly and coat well.

Refrigerate 30 minutes, turning frequently. Remove shrimp from marinade (reserving marinade). Place shrimp on skewers, alternating with tomatoes, chilies and onions (folded in half).

Preheat grill on high heat. Brush skewers with reserved marinade and cook 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until shrimp are opaque in center. Place remaining marinade in a small saucepan on the grill to heat slightly. Toss rice with black beans, cilantro and lemon zest.

To serve: Top rice with skewers and spoon remaining marinade over skewers.

Grilled Summer Veggies

Take advantage of the season’s bounty and serve this terrific side dish.

• 1 green bell pepper, quartered

• 1 eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch-thick rounds

• 1 red bell pepper, quartered

• 1 yellow squash, cut crosswise on the bias into 1/2 inch-thick slices

• 1 zucchini, cut crosswise on the bias into 1/2 inch-thick slices

• 2 tablespoons chopped herbs, such as tarragon, thyme and/or basil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat grill to high heat. Working in batches, arrange veggies on the grill and cook, flipping once, until tender and just beginning to char, 3 to 5 minutes for the zucchini and squash, 6 to 8 minutes for the peppers and eggplant. Spread out to cool slightly on a large baking sheet.

Roughly chop hot veggies into bite-size pieces and toss with herbs, vinegar, salt and pepper on a large platter. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold.

“Don’t stop believin’… Voyage returns with its rockin’ tribute to Journey. The popular band takes everyone back when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike, the band performs the music with chilling accuracy. Theeir attention to detail is unrivaled: blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, has earned them a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey’s timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone is acclaimed as rivaling the iconic Steve Perry, he’s backed by a lineup of world-class musicians who bring every note to life with precision and heart. Voyage doesn’t just perform Journey’s greatest hits — they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory. From the soaring ballads of “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” to the anthemic energy of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Separate Ways,” every performance is a journey through the soundtrack of a generation.

Saturday, June 14, 7 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

‘So Happy Together’

The Happy Together Tour is back and ready with an evening of groovy tunes. The touring sensation that’s crisscrossed the nation delighting audiences for over a decade returns with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s — an undeniable 61 Billboard Top 40 smashes. The Turtles once again join the tour, also acting as musical hosts for the evening. Along with them are Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Pucket, The Vogues and the Cowsills. The Turtles, of course, are best known for their harmony-heavy California pop sound — with such hits as “Elenore,” “She’d Rather Be With Me” and the title of the tour, “Happy Together,” Ron Dante joins the lineup to delight with his own mega-hits, “Sugar Sugar” and “Tracy.”

Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at livenation.com.

“Cowboy” Steak

Skewered Shrimp with Black Bean-Lemon Rice

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JUNE

12

Oceanside High School 50th Reunion

Catch up with classmates and friends at Oceanside

High School’s Class of 1975 50th Reunion at Knights of Columbus Hall on July 26. Reserve your spot now! Cost is $70 per person.

•Where: Knights of Columbus Hall, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside

•Time: July 26, 6-11 p.m.

•Contact: Purchase tickets at oceanside-high-school-class-of1975-50th-reunion

‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.

•Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

JUNE

13

‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!’

The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved awardwinning, best-selling children’s

JUNE 21

The Fab Faux

The Beatles find their way back to the stage — in the form of the Fab Faux. The acclaimed band brings out the best Beatles moments, appearing on the Paramount stage. With a commitment to the accurate reproduction of Beatles’ repertoire, The Fab Faux treat the seminal music with unwavering respect, known for their painstaking recreations of the songs (with emphasis on the later works never performed live by the Beatles). The musical virtuosity of The Fab Faux — in actuality five New York City-based musicians —upends the concept of a Beatles tribute band. Far beyond being extended cover sets, their shows are an inspired rediscovery of The Beatles’ musical magic. In this concert, you’ll hear “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Abbey Road” in their entireties. The Fab Faux tackles the group’s most demanding material onstage in a way that has to be experienced to be believed. In addition to their note-for-note accuracy, the band is famous for blurring the lines slightly and injecting their own musical personalities into the performances. Imagine hearing complex material like “Strawberry Fields Forever” or “I Am the Walrus” performed in complete part-perfect renditions; or such harmony-driven songs as “Because,” “Nowhere Man” and “Paperback Writer,” reproduced with extra vocalists to achieve a double-tracked effect. That’s The Fab Faux experience.

$125, $110, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50.

books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum, ending this weekend. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences..

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon; also June 14, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Westbury House Tour

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. and 3-4 p.m.; also June 15-16, June 18-19

•Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

National BBQ Festival

The National BBQ Festival touches down in Nassau County for the first time Father’s Day Weekend. It’s slated to be packed with mouthwatering eats, live entertainment and family-friendly fun, through June 15.

•Where: Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Tpke.

•Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

•Contact: NationalBBQFest.com

JUNE

14

St. Anthony’s Feast 5K Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to the St. Anthony’s Feast 5K Family Fun Run/Walk.

•Where: 110 Anchor Ave., Oceanside

•Contact: Register at events. elitefeats.com/25feast or email StAnthonysFeast5K@gmail. com

quilts. Free with admission, but pre-registration required.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: 6-7 p.m.

•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

JUNE

19

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-to-peer breastfeeding support meeting facilitated by a certified counselor. Bring your baby (newborn–1 year) for an informal group setting. All new moms welcome regardless of delivering hospital; registration required.

•Where: Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre

•Time: Ongoing Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m

•Contact: Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434

JUNE

Kiwanis Bicycle Challenge

•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Storybook Stroll

JUNE

18

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a special storybook adventure in celebration of Juneteenth. Stroll the gardens and share the story of Juneteenth with Kim Taylor’s “A Flag for Juneteenth.” Also take part in a quilting-inspired craft based on the story. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.

•Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

Threads of Freedom:

Juneteenth and the legacy of Black quilting Award-winning quilters Diane Larrier Collier and Marilyn Hamilton Jackson visit Old Westbury Gardens to discuss Juneteenth, Underground Railroad quilts and the enduring cultural tradition of Black quilting. Most people think the majority of quilts in Black communities are folksy or improvisational, and that’s just not true; they’re actually very diverse. The lecture at the Barn at Orchard Hill highlights several of their Juneteenth quilts, and a version of the Underground Railroad

Ride in support of others. The Nassau Bicycle Challenge (formerly Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge) supports the work of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Foundation. It supports charities such as Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, Kamp Kiwanis, NOSH, Boys and Girls Club and charities aligned with those of Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World”, including Kiwanis’ signature programs of Klothes 4 Kids, Koats 4 Kids and Kicks 4 Kids. The beautiful ride through the Gold Coast features picturesque vistas and water views. Choose from a 25 mile loop with 1,060 feet of vertical climb or the more challenging ride with an additional 10 mile loop, totalling 35 miles, with 1,600 feet of vertical climb. Routes are clearly marked and ride is equipped with a rest stop. Snacks and water provided. Sponsorships also available. Online registration ends June 24, but walkins are welcome. Online registration is $50, day of is $60.

•Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff

•Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine

•Contact: n2nbc.org

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.

Scholarship Fund Board members gathered with this years recipients. From left was board members Angie Santi, Theresa Hastava, recipients Jaiden Almodovar, Steven Misrok, Benjamin Pricket, Daniel Brenner,board members Karen Davis and Bob Davis.

$140K in scholarships awarded by John Esposito Commodore Foundation

The John Esposito Commodore Scholarship Foundation awarded a total of $140,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors this year, continuing the legacy of a beloved Island Park resident whose generosity has impacted generations.

Four Island Park students—Jaiden Almodovar, Steven Misrok, Benjamin Pricket, and Daniel Brenner—each received $25,000 scholarships at the Long Beach High School awards ceremony held on May 29. The awards were presented by board members Angie Santi, Theresa Hastava, Karen Davis, and Bob Davis.

The foundation, launched in memory of John Esposito, a former owner of the historic Commodore fishing station, focuses on supporting graduating Island Park seniors attending Long Beach High

School or private schools. The scholarships are need-based and recognize strong character, work ethic, and community values over academic performance alone.

“We encourage all qualifying Island Park seniors to apply,” said Karen Davis, Esposito’s cousin and president of the foundation. Additional scholarships were also awarded this year beyond the four major recipients.

The foundation honors Esposito’s legacy of quiet generosity—including funding college tuition for local youth and anonymously donating thousands to community causes. For more information, Island Park students are encouraged to contact their school guidance counselors.

— Kepherd Daniel

Island Park third grader selected for National STEM Program

This summer, Island Park resident Joseph Zambrano will join exceptional students from across the country at the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM. The program, designed to spark curiosity and build academic and career skills, will be held on the campus of St. John’s University.Zambrano, a third-grade student at Evergreen Charter School, was selected for the competitive program based on his academic interests and enthusiasm for learning. The forum is part of the Envision by WorldStrides family of educational experiences, which aim to help students explore their passions beyond the classroom through immersive, hands-on learning.

“I am excited for Joseph Zambrano to meet, work, and collaborate with fellow high-aspiring students from other cities and schools,” said Jan Sikorsky, vice president of education for Envision. “This program challenges students with real-world problems and simulations, helping them develop creative solutions and explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”

Zambrano has big dreams for the future. He hopes to become a biomedical engineer or pursue another career that allows him to create machines or medicine to help heal the human body. “Helping people feel better when they are sick is very important to me,” he said.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7, -againstJENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ELECTION, SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 7, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

NOTICE OF DAY OF REGISTRATION, SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 7, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:

His interests go beyond medicine. Zambrano is fascinated by astronomy, often watching YouTube videos to learn about stars, black holes, and the possibility of life in space. He’s also intrigued by cells and viruses and hopes to help doctors and scientists find cures for diseases one day.

In addition to his academic interests, Zambrano has been recognized for his community involvement. He was nominated as Volunteer Youth of the Year at the Long Beach Latino Civic Association’s 28th Annual Gala last October and recently earned the Purple Excellence Achievement Award at his school.

Zambrano hopes to make his family proud by working hard and staying focused on his goal to make a difference.

“Joseph dreams of doing amazing things and helping people in his community,” a family member shared. “He’s always been eager to learn and make the world a better place.”

For more than 35 years, Envision by WorldStrides has provided transformative learning experiences for students nationwide. Since joining the WorldStrides family in 2018, Envision has continued its mission to empower young people to explore their interests, discover new possibilities, and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

— Kepherd Daniel

GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 14, 2017, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7 is the Plaintiff and JENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 23, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 61 MONTGOMERY AVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 43-332-349. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 019258/2009. Barton Slavin, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 153631

Notice of election is hereby given, pursuant to Chapter 516, laws of 1928 and acts amendatory and supplemental thereto, that an election will be held at Oceanside Sanitation, 90 Mott Street, Oceanside, New York on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 between the hours of 3:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. for the purpose of electing one (1) resident of Sanitary District No. 7, Town of Hempstead, as Commissioner in said District for a term of five (5) years. All candidates for the office of Commissioner must file with the Board of Commissioners of Sanitary District No. 7, Town of Hempstead –a petition, which can be obtained at the District office, 90 Mott Street, Oceanside, New York from 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on each business weekday, subscribed to be at least twenty-five residents of Oceanside Sanitary District No. 7, (resident for at least 30 days prior to the election who have complied with applicable residency requirements, are 18 years of age or over and citizens of the United States), on or before June 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM, at the office at 90 Mott Street, Oceanside, New York. Office hours of the district for receiving such petitions are from 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. on each business weekday. However, no petitions will be received after 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Signatures will be considered valid if obtained between Thursday, May 15, 2025, and June 3, 2025. Only persons who are residents of Oceanside Sanitary District No. 7 at least 30 days prior to the date of the election, who have complied with applicable registration requirements, are citizens of the United States and are 18 years of age or over, are entitled to vote. Voting machines will be used. Voters may be asked to produce proof

of residence. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE: Notice of a day of personal Registration is hereby given. Pursuant to a resolution of the Commissioners of Oceanside, Sanitary District No. 7, Town of Hempstead, New York, June 2, 2025 shall, and is hereby declared to be, a day of personal voter registration for any / all persons not currently registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections, who wish to vote in the June 17, 2025 election for Sanitary District No. 7. Registration may be made at the offices of Sanitary District No. 7, at 90 Mott Street, Oceanside, New York between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM. The District will accept completed voter registration forms which may be obtained at https://www.elections. ny.gov/NYSBOE/downl oad/voting/voteregform -eng-fillable.pdf. Such forms will ONLY register the voter to vote at Sanitary District No. 7 elections and shall not apply to elections administered by the Nassau County Board of Elections.

NOTE: If you are already registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections you do NOT need to register for the Sanitary District Election to be held on June 17, 2025 Oceanside, New York By order of the Board of Commissioners Sanitary District No. 7, Town of Hempstead 153456

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST DONALD SCHREINER, JR., MICHELLE RANOLDE-SCHREINER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 25, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 235 Madison Ave., Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected,

situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at Foxhurst Park, Oceanside, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54 Block 239 Lot 156. Approximate amount of judgment $490,828.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612438/2022. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003408 85875 153880 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 Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, Town Hall Plaza, 1 Washington Street, Village and Town of Hempstead, New York, on the 17th day of June, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the enactment of a local law to enact Section 56-9 of Chapter 56 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead regarding criminal history record checks. The proposed local law is on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where the same may be inspected during office hours.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: Hempstead, New York May 27,2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK. KATE MURRAY Town Clerk

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor 154033

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PRIVATE SENIOR RESIDENCE: Your Loved Ones Will Be Treated

What permits do we need before we sell?

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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.

Apartments For Rent

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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!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to

Monte Leeper

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OpINIONS

County supports victims of domestic, sexual violence

The unfortunate closure of The Safe Center LI, a private nonprofit agency that served victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, has understandably raised concern across our community and in my office. As soon as I learned that the Safe Center was having financial problems, I launched an investigation to determine whether Nassau County taxpayer dollars were being misused and to ensure that services for victims of domestic and sexual violence would continue to be available. We found that there was no abuse of funds, and that the county has stepped up as a leader— ensuring that victims continue to receive uninterrupted care, protection, and support. County Executive Bruce Blakeman and his administration acted swiftly and decisively to preserve access to critical services and mobilize partnerships with state agencies and local nonprofits. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding our response and protecting our most vulnerable residents.

Uninterrupted services for victims

Although The Safe Center LI was not a county-run agency, the county has long supported its mission. As soon as financial instability became clear, County officials worked in close coordination with the state Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the state Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and other trusted partners to ensure that no services lapsed.

24/7 crisis support remains available

Victims can still access confidential help:

■ Call: (516) 542-0404

■ Text: (844) 997-2121

Sfully staffed and responsive.

Emergency housing and shelter

When The Safe Center’s residential facility closed, the county’s Department of Social Services immediately stepped in—relocating residents and continuing emergency housing operations through a strong alliance with the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This rapid response ensured no disruption in shelter services for victims and their children.

ervices for children impacted by abuse remain active and coordinated.

■ Chat: opdv.ny.gov/survivors-victims

In-person assistance and walk-In services

Victims may also:

■ Visit any Nassau County Police Department precinct

■ Go to the Department of Social Services at 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale

■ Call the Nassau County Crime Victim Advocate at (516) 571-1598

These county-based services remain

NSupport for child victims

Services for children impacted by abuse remain active and coordinated. As before, multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement and legal professionals, continue to meet with young victims in child-friendly settings to reduce emotional trauma.

Legal services remain available

Attorneys who previously worked for The Safe Center have transitioned to Legal Services of Long Island, where they continue to support victims, including ongoing and new cases. This transition was managed seamlessly to avoid disruption for survivors in need of legal protection.

In politics, silence isn’t neutral

assau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recently stated that “having the President of the United States as a friend of Nassau County is a very good thing.”

SETH I. KOSLOW

If that’s true, then where’s the proof? The biggest pocketbook issue facing Nassau residents right now is the same one that’s hit us hard for nearly a decade — the $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions signed into law by Donald Trump in 2017. This cap has effectively doubletaxed middleclass families across Long Island and crushed homeowners already paying the highest property taxes in America.

Now, in Trump’s second term, Congress is gearing up to revisit SALT — and Nassau’s representatives, including Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, are fighting to restore it. Even some Republican members of Congress have spoken out and are demanding relief. But our county executive? Not a word.

This is exactly the kind of moment Blakeman claims his Trump relationship is good for. But when it comes time to actually stand up for taxpayers, he is absent.

BSALT is just the beginning. Blakeman has also said nothing about the devastating impact Trump’s proposed budget would have on Long Islanders — especially working families, children and seniors. That includes deep cuts to Medicaid, which supports services for students with disabilities in our schools and healthcare access for more than 680,000 Long Islanders. He’s said nothing about the $300 billion in potential cuts to SNAP, which helps feed 150,000 Long Islanders. If passed, these cuts would fund a tax break for the ultra-wealthy on the backs of the families who can least afford it.

Time for Leadership, not politics

In times of crisis, the community needs steady leadership—not political gamesmanship. It is disappointing—and frankly, shameful—that some individuals have attempted to exploit this unfortunate situation for political gain. I am proud to report that Blakeman, the County Legislature, and the entire county team have kept the focus exactly where it belongs: on victims and their families.

Accountability and moving forward

The Safe Center’s closure was the result of financial decisions made independently by its leadership. Although it was a valued service provider, it was a nonprofit — not operated, managed, or financially overseen by the county. While the county and state fulfilled all financial commitments under contract, the agency’s financial model proved unsustainable. My office worked closely with The Safe Center to wind down operations responsibly and transparently.

A strong future built on partnership I will continue to be the independent protector of all taxpayers, and we will continue to lead with compassion, integrity, and action—because protecting victims is not about politics. It’s about doing what’s right.

Elaine Phillips is the Nassau County Comptroller.

— it’s a choice

ther — and by keeping assessed values frozen, he’s made the system more unfair and indefensible than ever. Yet, at his recent State of the County address, he made the puzzling statement that he “fixed” the problem.

eing county executive isn’t about who you know. It’s about who you fight for.

Blakeman’s silence isn’t strategic — it’s telling. Time and again, he’s been loud when it helps him politically and quiet when it comes to delivering real results.

While running for office in 2021, Blakeman promised to cut our taxes and fix Nassau’s assessment system. As county executive, he has achieved nei-

It may be fixed if you’re a politically connected tax grievance firm that benefits from the return of mass settlements, but it sure isn’t if you’re a homeowner whose property tax bill is soaring.

Then, take his selfdeclared commitment to women’s safety. While he held press conferences and made promises, The Safe Center — Nassau’s only 24/7 resource for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault — was forced to shut down on his watch. No plan. No public urgency. Just silence.

The same is true of his promises of economic development. He loudly trumpeted a proposed Las Vegas Sands casino resort at the Nassau Hub and a multi-billion dollar NYU Langone teaching hospital on the campus of Nassau Community College, but with the hospital plan now dead and the casino on life support at best, Blakeman has

had little to say as $9 billion in growth he promised evaporated. He talks tough on public safety, but when it came time to fund first responders in districts represented by Democratic legislators, he wouldn’t even pick up the phone to negotiate an agreement — until we, as a caucus, forced him to do the right thing.

While preaching fiscal discipline, he’s earmarked $10 million in federal pandemic money for 125th anniversary parties that, by and large, didn’t materialize and handed out $20 million in outside legal contracts — many to politically connected firms — and pushed an unlawful, unnecessary and dangerous armed militia program with no public support.

Being county executive isn’t about who you know. It’s about who you fight for.

If Blakeman wants to brag about his friendship with the president, it’s time he used that relationship to actually help Nassau’s taxpayers — not just himself.

Because when you have the platform, the power and the connections, silence on these issues isn’t just disappointing. It’s disqualifying.

Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.

opinions

A life celebrated for my brother, Kevin

My brother Kevin recently passed away. Death is a reality each family must confront. There’s no denying death’s heartbreaking impact on family and friends. But it’s important we take the opportunity to celebrate the life of the family member and friend we lost. My experiences with death growing up were as a Catholic altar boy assisting at funeral masses. The priest wore black vestments. The music and hymns were beyond somber. “Dies Irae,” an essential prayer at the Requiem Mass, was a Latin term depicting Judgment Day as the “Day of Wrath.” From my recollection, the funeral service was far from uplifting.

All that would change during the reforms emanating from the Vatican Council of the early and mid-1960’s, symbolized by the Requiem Mass, now called a “Celebration of Life,” were white priests’ vestments being substituted for black and “Dies Irae” being discarded.

Kevin, whose death followed almost

itwo years of suffering from a debilitating, rare form of blood cancer, did have his life celebrated by family and friends. Kevin was my younger brother but, as he always reminded me, a better athlete. A mediocre student in high school, he emerged at St. John’s University, graduating with honors and going on to enjoy an extremely successful career working for an industrial parts company with national and international operations, allowing Kevin to comfortably retire at a much younger age than I did.

Kevin was similar to our father ... never resentful or jealous of anyone.

Most important, Kevin was dedicated to his family — his wife JoAnne with whom he celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary last summer; his children Tara and Kevin; and his grandchildren K.J., Sienna and Camryn.

Kevin was also a Mets fan who not only had season tickets but also would attend Mets spring training games at Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Kevin was similar to our father being intensely loyal and never resentful or jealous of anyone. So long as his family was doing well and was healthy, that was more than enough for him. Also emulating our father, Kevin never once complained or bemoaned his fate during more than 18 months of devastating ill-

ness, which he knew was bound to be terminal. He would speak to me matterof-factly: “I might not make it this time, but you never know,” before telling me “K.J. went 4-4 the other night and threw out a guy trying to steal” or “Sienna is really getting good at soccer.” Our conversations always ended upbeat. Kevin was particularly thankful to our sister Barbara, a retired nurse, who was supporting and advocating for him continually throughout his illness.

In the last conversation I had with Kevin just six days before he died, he reminded me of a Mets dinner we attended in 2016 when Mets first baseman Lucas Duda and Islanders great Bobby Nystrom were at our table. Days later, Kevin was brought from Plainview Hospital, where he had received such outstanding care, to his home in Seaford, where he passed away peacefully.

Kevin’s wake at Schmitt Funeral Home was indeed a celebration. Family members, including cousins we hadn’t seen in a while, were there. So too were local officials, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Chairman Joe Cairo and congressmen Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi, labor leader Anthony Simon and All-American Notre Dame

quarterback Terry Hanratty. Though Kevin was not a member of either of their parishes, Monsignor Steve Camp from St. Patrick in Huntington and Fr. Joe Fitzgerald from St. William in Seaford came by to offer their uplifting celebratory condolences. Then there were the neighbors and people he worked with over the years sharing their memories of Kevin’s thoughtfulness and loyalty. Most moving was the outstanding, heartfelt speech given by his son Kevin.

The Celebration of Life Mass at Maria Regina Church the next morning was indeed a fitting finale to Kevin’s life, as were the patriotic musical renditions by the Nassau Police Pipe Band before and after the Mass and the dignified carrying of his flag-draped coffin by members of the NYPD Ceremonial Unit, which had been formed by our father more than a half-century ago. The final sendoff was a moving Honor Guard ceremony, which included the playing of taps by the 11th New York Regiment United States VolunteersAmerica at St. Charles Cemetery.

In true Irish tradition, our celebration of Kevin’s life continued through the afternoon at Paddy’s Loft Pub! Kevin R.I.P.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

The Rich Must Tread Lightly in Politics

f you are familiar with the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” you know the song “If I Were A Rich Man.?”

In that song ,Tevye, the patriarch of the family, dreams of all of the trappings that come with being rich . There is no doubt that there are many benefits to being affluent and most rich people can conquer many of life’s challenges. In my thinking, there is one exception, where the rich can’t always buy their way and that’s in the field of politics. There are so many examples of cases where the very rich try their luck in the political world and get burned by the experience. The most obvious is the current case of Elon Musk, said to be the wealthiest person in the world. Musk made his first foray into the political minefield when he decided to spend tons of personal wealth to help re-elect President Trump.

The real numbers are elusive but it is estimated that he invested at least

T$250 million in the 2024 national election. Most of the funds went to the Trump campaign but a sizeable amount went to various races around the country, including a judicial contest in Wisconsin. The race for the top court post didn’t work out so well as Musk’s candidate took a beating in a race where the incumbent used the Musk name as a successful weapon.

Undeterred by his Wisconsin loss, Musk plunged into the Washington battlefield by becoming the head of the Department of Governmental Efficiency (D.O.G.E.) To a businessman used to having his way all the time, taking a government position aimed at creating efficiencies in government sounded like a dream job. Being able to cut waste and fraud sounds like becoming a Superman in the nation’s capitol.

dealerships ablaze is enough to give any rich man a super migraine headache. Having many of his visions dashed by the GOP Congress, Musk is now back in Texas.

here are countless others who had unlimited funds and backers who flamed out.

Another example of a rich man getting burned in the political world is Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg’s political career started out with great long-term promise. Having brilliantly run his own company, he chose to run for the job of Mayor of New York City. The voters were anxious to have a Bloomberg take over the city and he succeeded in having three effective terms in office. Buoyed by his highly acclaimed tenure as mayor, Bloomberg decided to dip his toe into national waters and run for president.

to participate in a national candidates debate. Unprepared for such an event, he was ambushed on national television by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). In a short 24 hours, his candidacy ended.

There are countless others who had unlimited funds and backers who flamed out when they pushed their fame and fortune a little too hard. Kelly Loeffler, who now chairs the Trump S.B.A., was an interim U.S. Senator for two years. Her wealthy family backed in her run for a six-year term, but Democrat Jon Ossoff upset her efforts. David Purdue, another wealthy Georgia resident who had strong corporate credentials, lost his re-election run to Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock.

A short time ago Musk announced he was returning to the private sector to take care of his many businesses. By all counts, Musk has lost at least $100 billion in wealth, including a 51 percent loss in the value of the Tesla Company. That was bad enough, but to have people burning Tesla cars and setting Tesla

With a budget of at least $1 billion, the Bloomberg presidential effort got off to a brilliant start. He assembled great political minds on his staff and created a model political campaign. From personal observations, his operation was smooth, well-planned and highly professional. Many prominent business figures offered their backing and all was well until the mayor chose

There are dozens more stories of politicians whose money couldn’t buy short or long-term political happiness. And there are quite a few successful rich people serving at all levels of government. But there is a caveat for all rich men and women. If you think money alone will get you to the top in politics you are deluding yourself.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

JERRY

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Saving the environment means fixing our lawns

SHERALD

uburban America, and Long Island, has always been defined by its picket white fences, apple pie, and of course emeraldgreen lawns, perfectly mowed in house after house. But this idyllic dream hides a growing ecological nightmare; these lawns are an environmentally disastrous drain on Long Island’s water supply, habitat and wildlife, and even the pocketbooks of regular homeowners.

This is why we need to begin embracing sustainable landscaping, before it’s too late.

At its core, sustainable landscaping revolves around harmonizing green spaces with native flora, a practice that inherently supports local wildlife. By opting for plants naturally adapted to the region’s climate and soil, homeowners create havens for birds and other animals. These native species not only provide crucial habitats but also bolster biodiversity, essential for maintaining resilient ecosystems in an ever-changing world.

Long Island boasts a wide variety of beautiful native grasses, such as Broomsedge and Appalachian sedge or tufted hair grass. Despite this, the most popular grass species on Long Island lawns are tall fescue (from Europe), perennial ryegrass (from Eurasia and North Africa) and Kentucky bluegrass (from Eurasia and North Africa).

Because these species are not native to Long Island and most lawns use only a single grass species, this leaves what are effectively ecological dead zones; the beautiful green lawn reduces biodiversity, which means fewer bugs and birds visit to help pollinate nearby plants and flowers, which chokes out life and nutrition from the soil and eventually, from Long Island itself.

Insects like bees, butterflies and beetles, critical pollinators and prey for larger species, struggle to survive in

letterS

these sterile grass monocultures that offer little food or shelter. Without these insects, birds lose a key food source, especially during nesting season. A mother chickadee, for example, needs thousands of caterpillars to raise a brood. But caterpillars only thrive on native plants. When yards are dominated by turfgrass and exotic ornamentals, the local food web begins to collapse.

This habitat loss ripples up the food chain. Foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, and deer rely on complex plant life for food, cover, and breeding grounds. Traditional lawns fragment the landscape, replacing vital thickets and understory with flat expanses that support little biodiversity. Even suburban predators, such as owls and hawks, struggle when the small mammals they hunt become scarce.

In addition to destroying our environment, this process also weakens the initial goal of having a beautiful lawn by killing the nutrients in the soil, making it harder for the transplanted grass to grow, demanding more water from our aquifers, which are already nearly wrung dry.

Water scarcity concerns are not foreign to Long Island, making sustainable landscaping a pragmatic choice. By selecting drought-resistant plants and employing water-efficient irrigation methods, such as drip systems and rainwater harvesting, residents significantly reduce their reliance on municipal water supplies. This not only conserves a precious resource but also mitigates runoff pollution, ensuring cleaner waterways and healthier aquatic ecosystems.

Traditional lawn care often involves heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can adversely impact soil health and pose risks to human health and wildlife. Since Long Island is after all, an island, we also have to worry about this from the lens of its impact on our Sound. Fertilizer runoff is high in nitrogen, and constant runoff has fueled

Federal money for fire departments

To the Editor:

As a member of the in Nassau and Suffolk counties to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program.

Thank you for serving on the front lines and protecting our communities from fires, emergencies, and natural disasters. As a representative in Congress, I’m committed to supporting our first responders by maximizing the federal resources we bring back from Washington to Long Island to help you do your jobs safely and effectively.

The program aims to help fire departments, including volunteer departments, recruit, retain, and increase the number of trained firefighters available in their community.

My team and I are eager to assist you, and I would be glad to

the Sound’s rising temperature and increasing number of algal blooms in the past two decades.

In contrast, sustainable practices emphasize natural soil amendments like compost and organic matter, fostering nutrient-rich soils that support vigorous plant growth without synthetic inputs. Integrated Pest Management techniques further minimize pesticide use by leveraging natural predators and cultural practices, ensuring pest control without compromising environmental integrity.

The benefits of sustainable landscaping extend beyond aesthetics. Dense, healthy lawns act as effective filters, trapping dust, pollutants, and carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen—a vital contribution to improving local air quality. Moreover, practices such as composting and mulching enrich soil structure, promoting microbial activity and enhancing its ability to sequester carbon—a crucial strategy in combating climate change.

Individually, each sustainable landscape may seem modest in scale, but collectively, they form a formidable force for environmental change across Long Island. As more residents adopt these practices, the cumulative effect reverberates through neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and resilience.

Transitioning to sustainable landscaping begins with understanding local soil and climate conditions, selecting appropriate native plants, and adopting waterefficient irrigation practices. Regular soil testing and thoughtful plant selection tailored to Long Island’s unique ecosystem are pivotal in creating thriving, low-maintenance landscapes.

We only have one island. Together, we can preserve Long Island as an Edenic paradise where our families can live, grow and play safely and healthily for decades.

Alarmed over Hochul’s plan to expand nuclear power

Gov. Kathy Hochul is making a major push to not only build new nuclear plants in New York State, but also to make New York “the center of a nuclear revival in the u.S.,” Mark Dunlea, chair of the Green Education and Legal Fund and a leader on environmental issues, said in a recent email calling for support to “stop Hochul’s nuclear push.” Dunlea, author of the book “Putting Out the Planetary Fire,” was cofounder of both the New York Public Interest Research Group and national PIRG. He said Hochul “buys the argument that nuclear is carbon-free, avoiding looking at the life cycle of nuclear and its carbon footprint,” which includes, he noted, significant emissions of carbon in uranium mining, milling, enrichment, fuel fabrication and at other points.

So far, Dunlea said, Hochul has been focusing on upstate for new nuclear

development rather than, “at the moment,” Long Island. For decades, a battle raged that stopped the plan of the Long Island Lighting Company to build seven to 11 nuclear power plants here. If there is again a plan for placement of nuclear power plants on Long Island, Dunlea said, “hopefully, Long Islanders would stand up and beat it back.” Hochul has also become involved in promoting nuclear power nationally.

The Clean Air Task Force, based in Queens, which advocates nuclear power, issued a press release in February stating: “The National Association of State Energy officials announced a multi-state initiative to accelerate advanced nuclear energy projects” that was “first previewed by Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York last month and will be co-chaired by New York.” The heading of the release: “New York leads multi-state consortium to drive nuclear energy deployment …” What the nuclear industry and nuclear power supporters in government are calling “advanced” nuclear power plants, the union of Concerned Scientists has

Letters

write a letter asking for full and fair consideration of your application.

The FEMA SAFER Grant program provides federal funding directly to career, combined, and volunteer fire departments for hiring new, additional firefighters, and for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

In FY24, there is $324 million available through the program. These grants are already appropriated from our tax dollars. But you must apply to get these funds to come to our communities or they will go to other towns and cities across the country. You may find additional information about the program at fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safer and access the Notice of Funding Opportunity and fema. gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_ gpd_safer-nofo_fy24.pdf.

The deadline to apply for the Fiscal Year 2024 SAFER grant program is July 3 at 5 p.m. eastern time. You can complete the full application at Go.Fema.gov. You may also contact the SAFER Program Help Desk for technical assistance and any questions you might have as you apply at: (866) 274-0960 or by email at FireGrants@ fema.dhs.gov.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office by calling (202) 225-5516 for any support or assistance. Thank you for your work to help protect and secure our communities, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to make Long Island safer.

LAuRA A. GILLEN Member of Congress

determined in a report, are no better — “and in some respects significantly worse” — than current nuclear plants.

a battle raged that stopped the plan ... to build seven to 11 nuclear power plants.

Tim Judson, executive director of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, points out that Hochul made nuclear power “a specific priority in her State of the State speech” in January. In it, she declared: “The economy of the future: microchips fabs (fabrication plants). Data centers and the supercomputers that power AI need tremendous amounts of energy. To support these industries, we’ve already started developing an advanced nuclear strategy.” Hochul is a Democrat, but there is support for nuclear power among Republican officials in New York, too.

As the Syracuse.com website has reported: “Fort Drum, the u.S. Army base outside Watertown, could become the first New York site to try advanced nuclear power technology if the Army goes along with pleas from … u.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik and Claudia Tenney, both upstate Republicans.” They “issued a joint letter October 25 urging the Army to put Fort Drum first in line for one of

Harvesting summer aid

To the Editor:

Summer is near, and while that means sunshine and beach days, it also means uncertainty for many Long Islanders about where their next meal will come from.

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation, and unfortunately, food insecurity spikes during the summer when school meal programs pause and food donations tend to slow down. That’s why PSEG Long Island has launched our fifth annual Power to Feed Long Island food drive, a civic effort to support our neighbors in need.

Starting June 13 in Massapequa and through the end of September, PSEG will be setting up food collection bins at eight Stop & Shop supermarkets across the Island — one location every other Friday. The list can be found at PsegLiNy.com/ feedLI. We encourage everyone to donate nonperishable food items and personal care essentials, all of which will be distributed through our partners at Island Harvest Food Bank to local pantries, soup kitchens, and food programs throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

As a small token of thanks, PSEG Long Island volunteers will be offering free LED light bulbs and reusable shopping bags to donors. Representatives will also be on hand to provide information about energy efficiency and financial assistance programs. Island Harvest staff will share how they are working to combat hunger every day.

the small modular nuclear reactors.” Stefanik is a front-runner to challenge Hochul for governor in 2026. The Syracuse.com piece noted Hochul’s drive for “new nuclear power in New York,” which was highlighted by her having “hosted an energy summit (in September) in Syracuse that focused heavily on nuclear power.”

Laura Shindell, New York State director of the organization Food & Water Watch, criticizes what she terms “Governor Hochul’s nuclear embrace” and said she should commit to “real climate and affordable energy solutions.” World Nuclear News, a publication of the World Nuclear Association, ran an article in January headlined “New York State looks to advanced nuclear.” It reported that Hochul has advanced “a master plan for advanced nuclear development” and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority “has joined Constellation (Energy, the largest nuclear power plant operator in the u.S.), on a grant proposal to help it pursue an early site permit for advanced nuclear reactors” at the site of the Nine Mile Point 1 and 2 nuclear plants upstate.

Karl Grossman is an author, TV program host and journalism professor at SUNY Old Westbury.

Framework by Tim Baker

In the past four years of Power to Feed events, Long Islanders have donated the equivalent of more than 130,000 meals. So as we get ready to enjoy backyard cookouts and Ducks games, let’s remember that there is hunger in every ZIP code on Long Island. Please join us and our part-

ners, Stop & Shop and Island Harvest, as we work to put more meals on more tables this season. Because no one should go hungry in our community.

Climbing the Rope Bridge at the Huckleberry Frolic — East Rockaway

DAvID LYONS Interim President and COO PSEG Long Island

karL GrossmaN