Math
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
When the bell rings each morning at Oceanside High School, one staff member is always there: math teacher Yves “J.P.” Jean-Pierre, of Valley Stream. In more than 23 years on the job, J.P. has never missed a single day — an achievement he views not as extraordinary, but simply part of doing his job.
“Coming to school is what I’m here for,” J.P. said with a shrug. “Even when I don’t feel well, I find that moving around and doing what I love helps me recover faster.”
Jean-Pierre’s attendance
streak began when he arrived in September 2002, and continues throughout the 2024-25 school year. During that time he’s guided thousands of students through algebra, calculus and other math classes, never once calling in sick.
Born in the small town of Saint-Marc, Haiti, about 60 miles north of Port-au-Prince, JeanPierre was educated at the prestigious Institution Saint-Louis de Gonzague — one of Haiti’s most elite Catholic schools, which has been attended by many future Haitian presidents and national leaders.
In 1985, he came to New York to study aerospace engineering at the University at Buffalo, and
he graduated in 1989. Inspired by a cousin who thrived as a math teacher, and by a desire to make a more direct impact, he earned his teaching certification, and never looked back.
“When I saw summer break after my first engineering internship, I realized I wanted to do more than research,” he recalled. “Teaching felt right.”
Jean-Pierre’s earliest teaching assignments in Manhattan and Brooklyn were marked by a drive to challenge students with complex problems. But after receiving candid feedback from a mentor teacher — that instruction should build confidence rather than erect obstacles — he embraced a new approach cen-
O’Side Class of 2025 moves on
By LAUREN MAGGIORE Intern
Oceanside High School held its graduation ceremony on June 23, celebrating the Class of 2025 and their accomplishments, alongside proud parents and teachers.
The ceremony, on the Oceanside High School football field, marked a culmination of years of dedication for all students who gathered on a day filled with sunshine and fanfare.
After the high school band played as the senior class
COnTinued On page 20
tered on student success.
“He told me, ‘Teach for the students, not to stump them,’”
Jean-Pierre recalled. “That advice changed everything. Kids are not empty vessels. You should not be throwing instructions on kids. You have to give them the freedom to learn.”
He spent eight years at South Shore High School in Brooklyn, before moving to the Oceanside
school district. Today his classroom balances rigorous content with personalized support. On his first day at Oceanside, a student asked if she could call him “J.P.” The nickname stuck.
“A student, I remember, her name was Magdalena, she said to me, ‘Are you French?’” he recounted. “‘Can I call you JP?’ I said, ‘OK.’ I said, ‘Yeah, that’s
COnTinued On page 19
Eric Dunetz/Herald
The Oceanside class of 2025 bade farewell on June 23 after years of hard work.
Parishioners walk in faith for Sacred Heart feast
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Sacred Heart Church in Island Park celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, its patronal feast day on June 27, with a pilgrimage to St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. Now in its third year, the tradition has quickly become a cherished expression of faith and unity for the parish community.
The evening pilgrimage drew nearly 400 parishioners—young and old alike—who filled the cathedral pews for a special Mass celebrated by the Reverend John Barres, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The homily was delivered by Monsignor John Tutoné, longtime pastor of Sacred Heart, whose words reflected the devotion and spirit of the gathering.
“This is not a testament to my faith alone or even my homily,” Tutoné said. “But to the seriousness of the faith of our parishioners. They understand how important it is to show up for God.”
Altar servers and confirmation candidates processed with families, holding a banner bearing the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At its base were prayer petitions submitted by parishioners over the past month— symbolic of the community’s heartfelt intentions and reverence.
“A pilgrimage is a deep sign of faith,” Tutoné said. “You inconvenience yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and ‘do something’ to show God: ‘I am serious about what I am praying for.’”
Sacred Heart Church, established in 1938
and located on Long Beach Road, is home to over 1,200 households. For more than three decades, Monsignor Tutoné has led the parish, fostering a culture of prayer, service, and spiritual growth.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic devotion that honors the physical heart of Jesus as a symbol of His boundless love and mercy. The devotion was inspired by the 17thcentury visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun whose experiences brought new prominence to the Sacred Heart in Catholic tradition.
In his homily, Tutoné emphasized that this devotion remains relevant and powerful.
“The Sacred Heart really sums up what we believe,” he said. “God is always loving, always merciful, and not a distant God. He comes near to us, hears us, and loves us like a parent would.”
St. Agnes Cathedral—the mother church of the Diocese—served as a fitting destination for the parish pilgrimage. The Diocese of Rockville Centre is the eighth-largest in the country, serving more than 1.4 million Catholics on Long Island.
As Sacred Heart Church continues to walk together in faith, the annual pilgrimage remains a visible sign of the parish’s enduring commitment to God, community, and devotion.
“It says a lot that on a Friday night at 7:30, our young people and families really came out,” said Tutoné. “They understand the importance of sacrifice, which is the language of love.”
Courtesy Sacred Heart Church
John Tutone delivered the homily for the Diocesan event to a packed Cathedral.
Bishop Barres and Monsignor John Tutone joined with parishioners on the foot of the Altar in St. Agnes Cathedral.
Starting summer with Schoolhouse fun
Families from across the community gathered at Schoolhouse Green on June 26 for the Oceanside Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff, an evening of entertainment, games, and community celebration.
The event featured a mix of activities for all ages, including lawn games, a puppet show, outdoor microscopes, live music by School of Rock, and Rock & Roll Family Bingo. Guests also were able to settle in with blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy an outdoor screening of Shrek under the stars.
Raffles offered exciting prizes like Adventureland tickets and VIP craft sessions. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oceanside Library, the event marked the start of the library’s summer reading program and encouraged families to dive into a season of stories and shared experiences.
The evening’s success highlighted the library’s role as a hub of community life—and a perfect way to welcome summer.
— Kepherd Daniel
Tim Baker/Herald President of the Library board Janet Pearsall and Assistant Library director Tony Iovino, third and fourth from top left, with Oceanside library staff on the Schoolhouse Green.
Steve Petra put on a great show for kids in Oceanside.
School of Rock Junior House band brought some tunes to the summer reading kickoff.
One-year old Valentina Escobar and her mom Gianna Trinagali of Oceanside enjoyed all the fun the Library offered.
Four-year old Delaney and five year old Luke Plante had some ‘Connect 4’ fun on the Schoolhouse Green.
ULTIMATE TICKETS SWEEPSTAKES
One lucky member of the audience will WIN 2 TICKETS to watch New York Mets vs San Fransisco Giants at Citi Field. Sunday, August 3 at 1:40 p.m.
Contest ends July 27 at midnight with the winner chosen on July 28
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
Scan this QR code https://www.liherald.com/mets-tickets-contest.html?#//
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
Scientific studies show that we have a “set point” that determines our happiness in life. Once we get accustomed to a new situation we inevitably return to our general state of happiness. However, only about 50% of our happiness is determined by “set point.” The other half is determined by our attitudes and actions, over which we have a great deal of control. According to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, and affirmed by the Dalai Lama, “the three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.
“The Archbishop says that “ultimately our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others… we are wired to be caring for the other and generous to one another.” He refers to the African concept of Ubuntu “ A person is a person through other persons.
“The goal is not just to create joy for
ourselves but, as the Archbishop phrased it “To be a reservoir of joy, an oasis of peace, a pool of serenity that can ripple out to all those around you.” Joy, love, compassion and generosity are all contagious.
Concerning forgiveness, while it may be necessary to counter wrong action, you may choose not to develop anger and hatred towards the actor — not losing sight of the humanity of the person.
Forgiveness frees us from the past. Without it, we remain tethered to the person who harmed us. Until we can forgive them, they hold the keys to our happiness and remain our jailor, Tutu explains. When we forgive, we take back control of our own fate and feelings, we become our own liberator. Studies show that remembering grudges stimulates all of our stress responses while empathizing with our offenders and imagining forgiving them returns the stress responses to normal. Forgiveness, then, is essential to our own health and well-being.
Neighbors iN the News
Kiwanis leaders get together
Kiwanis Long Island Southwest Division Lt. Governor Michaelene AbbottCooper, Lt. Gov. Designate Michael Gliner, and past Lt. Govs. Nancy Baxter and Seth Blau attended the Kiwanis International Convention from June 25-29 in Pittsburgh, Pennsyvania. All four were delegates from their respective Kiwanis Clubs to the House of Delegates and voted on Kiwanis International Trustees,
Officers, and proposed bylaw changes. The Convention also provided an opportunity for continuing education and bonding with Kiwanians from nearly 750 Kiwanis Clubs worldwide. The Long Island Southwest Division includes the area between the Queens border and the Meadowbrook Parkway, and south of the Southern State Parkway.
— Kepherd Daniel
Dunkin’ commemorates reopening with Long Island Cares donation
Members of the local community and Dunkin’ fans alike poured into Dunkin’s newly remodeled next generation restaurant at 3151 Lawson Blvd. in the hamlet of Oceanside within the town of Hempstead on June 21 as part of its grand reopening celebration.
Dunkin’ franchisee Rocky Sheikh of FRJ Lawson Donuts, Inc. commemorated the occasion with a $3,000 donation to the Long Island Cares, Inc. in conjunction with the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. Long Island Cares brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island to support the humanitarian needs of the local community.
“Long Island Cares is deeply appreciative of this generous donation from Rocky Sheikh and the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation,” said Long Island Cares Corporate Philanthropy Manager Kaylin Wasilchuk. “With these funds, we will be
able to provide 1,890 meals to our neighbors in need. We are extremely grateful for Rocky’s continuous generosity in the fight against food insecurity on Long Island.”
Nassau County District Legislator Patrick Mullaney; Oceanside Fire Chief Sean Costigan; and former U.S. Congressman and current nominee for the Inspector General of the United States Department of Labor Anthony D’Esposito joined the celebration and participated in a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The morning featured the first 100 people in line at 9 a.m. receiving free medium hot or iced coffee for 100 days, while others spun the Dunkin’ prize wheel for free Dunkin’ merchandise and enjoyed a complimentary photobooth.
The newly remodeled, 2,500 square-foot Dunkin’ employs 16 crew members and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
— Kepherd Daniel
Courtesy Seth Blau
Past Kiwanis Long Island Southwest Division Lt. Governors Seth Blau, left, Nancy Baxter, Lt. Gov. Designate Michael Gliner and Lt. Gov. Michaelene Abbott-Cooper.
Kaylin Harrington accepted to West Point
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Oceanside High School graduate Kaylin Harrington has become the first female students from Oceanside in recent history to be accepted to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.
Harrington leaves behind a record of academic excellence, athletic leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. But her acceptance into West Point wasn’t something she envisioned early on.
“When I started exploring colleges, I didn’t know what I wanted,” she said. “I talked to Mr. [Frank] Luisi about possibly doing something with a military background, and he immediately suggested West Point. After I researched what it was about, I just knew I wanted to go there.”
With no immediate family in active service—a cousin and two grandfathers with military ties—the West Point path wasn’t a long-held family tradition, but a new chapter altogether. The process was an intensive, two-year journey that began in her junior year.
“There were so many steps—tests, interviews, paperwork. I took the SAT seven times,” she admitted with a laugh. Support came not only from Luisi and her guidance counselors but also from dedicated teachers who went the extra
mile. One such teacher was Mr. Yves Jean Pierre, her AP Calculus BC teacher.
“He knew I wanted to go to West Point and met with me every single day after school or during my off periods,” Harrington said.”
Academically driven, Harrington also juggled an impressive extracurricular portfolio: she played varsity soccer and lacrosse for all four years, ran track her junior year, and was involved in Key Club and DECA. She also participated in karate and jiu-jitsu after school.
“Staying involved helped strengthen
my application and gave me balance,” she said.
On Sunday, Harrington left for basic training—a rigorous six-week introduction to military life that marks the beginning of her next chapter. Afterward, she’ll transition directly into the academic year at West Point, where she’s interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.
“I don’t know exactly what yet, but I want to help people,” she said. “I’m looking forward to finding where I belong and identifying my strengths.”
When asked how it felt to learn she was the first woman from Oceanside to be accepted to West Point, Harrington’s face lit up.
“I just found out recently—it makes me feel super honored. I’m really proud to have this opportunity.”
Her advice to other young women considering the service academy route:
“Definitely reach out, find someone that’s going to help you,” she said. “Make sure it’s something you want... Keep your grades up. Don’t get distracted outside of school, and make sure you’re involved.”
Her parents, Brian and Kathleen Harrington, recalled her early signs of discipline and leadership.
“She was always like the team leader,” Brian said. “She was just made for it.”
Kathleen added, “When we learned she was the first girl from Oceanside going to West Point, it really put it into perspective just how incredible this is.”
With three younger siblings behind her—one of whom already has eyes on the Air Force—the Harringtons may not be finished with military milestones just yet.
But for now, it’s Kaylin’s moment. And as Oceanside’s newest trailblazer, she’s already left a legacy before even stepping onto the West Point campus.
“My goals are first to really adjust well, and then try to find my place there,” she said. “Find what’s going to make me stronger and help me on my path.”
Courtest Oceanside school district
HERALD SPORTS
A salute to 2024-25 sports champions
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
It was a banner season for many high school athletic programs in the Herald’s coverage area. Listed are the Top 20 team accomplishments, in chronological order.
1. Oceanside girls soccer
With one overtime in the books and penalty kicks looming in the Nov. 4 Nassau Class AAA girls’ soccer championship game, Oceanside’s Kaylin Harrington had one thing in mind when she settled a pass from Chloe Polito about 20 yards from the Massapequa net. “My first instinct was to shoot,” Harrington said. “I knew we were getting close to PKs and I had a little space, so I just shot it.” It turned out to be the shot heard ‘round Oceanside. Harrington’s goal 5:35 into the second 15-minute sudden victory OT period gave the Sailors a 2-1 win over the three-time defending champion Chiefs and their first county title since 1978.
2. Wantagh girls soccer
Wantagh entered the Nassau Class A girls’ soccer playoffs riding a five-game winning streak and bursting with confidence. And on Nov. 7, the Warriors made history by capturing their firstever county championship with a 1-0 victory over top-seeded North Shore, which defeated them twice during the regular season.Kayla Mannix continued a storybook postseason by netting the lone goal of the night in the 65th minute off a feed from Shannon Udell. Goalkeeper Gabriella Astaiza, who missed a large portion of the season with an injury, made five saves to shut out a talented Vikings team that scored six goals against Wantagh in two previous meetings.
3. Mepham girls volleyball
Mepham’s girls’ volleyball made history Nov. 11. It took four sets for the Pirates to secure the Nassau Class AA championship in a revenge-match rematch of last year’s county title game against Long Beach, winning 25-21, 17-25, 25-17, 25-20. “They just came together and played incredibly, supporting each other, never got down, had the momentum most of the game; blocking was outrageous, serve receive was best I’ve seen all year,” Mepham coach Tom Wildeman said. Captains Sam Raikos (18 kills and 10 digs) and Makayla Daube (19 assists and 6 kills) led the way for the Pirates, who captured their first-ever county crown.
4. South Side girls volleyball
Wantagh entered the Nassau Class A girls’ volleyball championship stage rid-
ing a 10-match win streak dating back to an Oct. 7 five-set victory over South Side, which captured its first seven matches and eight more since. So something had to give with the county title on the line Nov. 11 as the top two seeds went to battle before a jam-packed crowd at East Meadow. However, the matchup didn’t live up to the hype and unlike both regular-season meetings failed to go the full five sets. Cate Cammalleri (18 kills) and Abby Magness (13) and Amy Berenbroick (37 assists) led No. 1 South Side to a convincing 25-18, 25-19, 25-10 victory over No. 2 Wantagh. It marked the Cyclones’ first county crown since 2019.
5. Massapequa boys volleyball
Coach Elissa DiSalvo didn’t exactly have a royal flush in-hand with the Massapequa boys’ volleyball roster this year: a good chunk of the 2023 team graduated, multiple positions needed to be changed and the influx of new players meant they had to be brought up to speed. It was only a matter of time before the Chiefs starting jelling together, with practices or games Monday-Saturday, followed by Sunday brunches. It was all by design, because DiSalvo knew that chemistry would be make or break. It all paid off Nov. 12 when Massapequa defeated pesky East Meadow in four sets to capture the Nassau County Division I title.
6. Carey football
There was nothing fake about Carey’s dominant run to the Nassau Conference II football championship. Well, actually, there was. Deadlocked with Mepham early in the second half of the Nov. 22 title game, the Seahawks pulled a fake punt on fourth-and-6 from their own 47 that saw Billy Koutsoumbaris gain 29 yards. Five plays later, Justin DePietro scored his second of three touchdowns and Carey eventually pulled away for a 28-7 victory and its first county championship since 2014. The Seahawks went on to complete a perfect 12-0 season with a victory over Half Hollow Hills East in the LIC.
7. Wantagh football
A 13-yard run from Dylan Martini on the first play from scrimmage was a precursor for Wantagh’s explosive ground game in the Nassau County Conference IV football championship Nov. 22. Led by 232 yards rushing from Martini and 108 by John Gendels, the Warriors rolled to a 48-21 win over Plainedge for the program’s first county crown since the spring of 2021. The convincing victory also avenged the only regular season loss for Wantagh, which dropped a 33-27 overtime thriller to the Red Devils Oct. 10.
8. Massapequa football
Tyler Villalta called it a “just in case” play, one practiced about three times a week for three weeks but never used in a game. And fourth down in overtime of the Nassau Conference I football championship game with the season on the line proved to be the best time to debut that for Massapequa. The call came from Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Mike Ambury, and Villalta, the star running back, put it into motion. Operating out of a Wildcat set, which debuted in the semifinals against Oceanside last week, Villalta rolled left and connected with quarterback-turned-wide receiver Joey Diesso for a 17-yard touchdown. Chris Bascetta kicked the extra point to seal Massapequa’s thrilling 35-34 win over Farmingdale Nov. 23. The Chiefs went on to beat William Floyd for the L.I. crown.
9. Wantagh girls basketball
Trailing Lynbrook by a point in the waning moments of the Nassau Class A girls’ basketball championship game March 10, Wantagh’s designed play off a
timeout resulted in a good look but no basket. But in one fell swoop, Kayla Mannix not only saved the ball from landing out of bounds but found Riley Forthofer open in the paint. Forthofer banked in a layup with 7.7 seconds remaining to give Wantagh a thrilling 44-43 victory over top-seeded Lynbrook. Juliana Cerasi had 12 points and freshmen Isabelle Ferraro (10) and Makayla McNeil combined for 19 as second-seeded Wantagh avenged a pair of regularseason defeats to the Owls and captured its first county title since the 2005-06 campaign.
10.
Baldwin boys basketball
On the heels of winning a fifth straight Nassau County boys’ basketball title, as the No. 5 seed in the tournament no loess, Baldwin was determined to end a two-game drought in the Long Island championship stage. The Bruins did just that March 11 against a familiar foe.
Mical Saint Jean scored a career-high 19 points, point guard Ethan Sainsbury
Media Origin Inc./Herald Christian Todaro, left, and the Carey Seahawks had an undefeated football season.
Local teams enjoy historic title seasons
added a career-high 17 and dished out 10 assists, Chase Timberlake chipped in 12 with 8 steals, Vaughdrea Johnson had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Gabe Phillips ripped down 16 boards as Baldwin never trailed in its 75-56 victory over Amityville in the AA LIC.
11. Baldwin girls basketball
The ultimate goal of Baldwin’s girls’ basketball team was made clear on the opening day of practice Nov. 17 and that was to win the final game of the season. On the morning of March 23 at Hudson Valley Community College in upstate Troy, the Bruins turned a dream into reality with a thrilling 50-48 roller coaster victory over Aquinas Institute for the New York State Class AA title. Monique Echols scored the game’s final five points, including the go-ahead layup off a bounce pass from Payton Dulin with 1:35 remaining. It was Baldwin’s first state championship in seven years and third all-time.
12. Massapequa girls lacrosse
Paige Garguilo scored twice in the fourth quarter and came up with a critical interception to help topseeded Massapequa defeat No. 2 Port Washington, 11-9, and capture a fifth straight girls’ lacrosse county title May 27. Garguilo, who scored five times, wasn’t the only clutch player for the Chiefs. In the waning seconds of the third quarter, Port Washington’s Catherine Karman beat the buzzer with a low shot on frame. But Massapequa goalie Emily Fitzgerald made the massive save, one of seven for the freshman. Isabella Grosso had a hat trick. Also playing a pivotal role was Reilly Cereghino, who held Violet Ortenzi, who scored 35 goals heading into the final, without a goal.
13. Plainedge flag football
For a second straight season, the Plainedge and East Rockaway girls’ flag football teams met with a Nassau County title on the line. And it was Plainedge
repeating last year’s championship accomplishment in rainy conditions May 28 as quarterback Gianna Ponticello and receiver Amanda Martone hooked up for a touchdown in each half and the defense stood tall to lead the Red Devils over the Rocks, 12-0, in the Conference C final. Kate Franks (nine flag pulls), Sarah Abdul-Rassoul (eight) and Jennifer Larwood were relentless on defense, and Rebecca Reiter sealed the deal with an interception.
14. South Side girls lacrosse
After heartbreaking semifinal playoff defeats in each of the past three seasons including two by one goal, South Side’s girls’ lacrosse team wasn’t satisfied with just reaching the championship stage this spring.
The top-seeded Cyclones made the most of their opportunity and also program history in a driving rainstorm May 28, knocking off defending Nassau Class C champion Wantagh, 14-8, for their first-ever county title. Bobbie Creo exploded for five goals, Charlotte Rathjen had three goals and two assists, Sienna Connolly had three goals and Skye Korten added a pair to back the goaltending of Tara Cody.
15. Massapequa boys lacrosse
The flame was ignited for Michael Jannotte two years ago following a loss to Port Washington in the Nassau Class A boys’ lacrosse semifinals. It was a slow burn for the Massapequa goalie. And on May 31, on the same field, the senior got his revenge, helping lead the top-seeded Chiefs to a 9-7 win over Port Washington in the Nassau Class A final. The Stevens Tech commit, who made 14 saves in a 9-7 semifinal win over Syosset, remained hot in the county final. He made five of his eight saves in the fourth quarter to help secure the Chiefs’ 12th county championship and first since 2019. Nolan Wieczorek had two goals and one assist, eighth-grader Jake Byrnes had a pair of goals, Braden Tucker and Sean Durnin had a goal and an assist each.
16. Wantagh baseball
Wantagh pitcher Dominick Cusamano entered the June 1 winner-take-all Nassau Class A baseball finals Game 3 against Seaford determined to not have it be the last time he would take the mound in his high school career. Cusamano, following strong performances from teammates Christian Danzilo and Gavin Diegnan, delivered under the brought lights tossing 6 1/3 innings with five strikeouts to propel top-seeded Wantagh to a 6-1 win for its first county title since 2018. The bats gave Cusamano all the run support he needed in the second inning starting with Frank McNally drawing a bases loaded walk that scored Ryan Tullo. The Warriors extended the lead when Cole Spinelli and Michael Avitabile scored on an error from a hard grounder off the bat of Cusumano.
17. Massapequa baseball
After a heartbreaking loss to start its best-of-three Nassau Class AAA championship baseball series with Farmingdale, Massapequa went on to dominate the final two games and re-claim bragging rights between the crosstown rivals. Jack Scannapieco tossed five scoreless innings and Mikey Smar had a clutch five RBIs in three at-bats with the bases loaded as the second-seeded Chiefs knocked the top-seeded Dalers off their throne with a winner-take-all 12-0 triumph June 1. Massapequa went on to defeat Connetquot for the L.I. crown, 7-0, a week later behind the battery of
Derrick Dingle/Herald photos glen Cove’s battery mates, pitcher Brianna Simmons, left, and catcher isabella damiano, embraced after the softball team’s first title in 40 years.
senior southpaw pitcher Thomas Harding and junior catcher Anthony DiNello.
18. Glen Cove softball
With its season hanging in the balance, trailing MacArthur by one run through six innings of the decisive third game of the Nassau Class AA softball championship series June 2, Glen Cove produced a rally for the history books. The Big Red scored twice in the top of the seventh and pitcher Brooke Simmons stranded the potential tying run on third base in the bottom of the frame for a 2-1 victory and the program’s first county title in 40 years. Siena Scagliola doubled home Mia Lupinski with the eventual championship-winning run. Lupinski singled home Sommons with the tying run.
19. Wantagh boys lacrosse
The Wantagh boys’ lacrosse team made the spectacular look routine. For a second consecutive championship game, the Warriors rallied from a significant deficit to earn a dramatic win, coming back from five goals down to defeat Kings Park 16-15 in the Long Island Class C final June 4. Wantagh, which erased a four-goal deficit in an 11-10 overtime win over South Side in the county final May 31 on a Luke Martini goal, saw Devin Paccione, Dylan Martini, Carter Loughman and Joe Nicholson star in the LIC.
20. Massapequa softball
The Long Island Class AAA softball championship between Massapequa and Riverhead June 6 did not disappoint. There was no shortage of excellent pitching, clutch defensive plays, and some timely hitting with the title on the line. In a game that went to extra innings, Massapequa put together a couple of two-out hits in the bottom of the eighth, and with the winning run at third base in the form of Sienna Perino, who tripled, Annalisa Kohn slapped a base hit to walk it off, giving the Chiefs a thrilling 2-1 victory.
FRoM PReViouS Page
Wantagh’s girls’ basketball team won a thrilling nassau Class a title game over Lynbrook with a basket in the closing seconds.
New medical facility offers range of care
Mount Sinai South Nassau set to begin opening $70 million Wantagh ambulatory center this month
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Nearly a decade after Mount Sinai South Nassau purchased property in Wantagh, a new multi-specialty medical care facility is set to open this month, bringing expanded access to health services for Long Islanders.
The 63,000-square-foot, four-story facility, at 2020 Wantagh Ave., will offer specialty services including infusion, cardiology, women’s health, digestive health and orthopedics. The building, a $70 million investment by Mount Sinai South Nassau — a nonprofit teaching hospital in Oceanside with regional facilities across Long Island — is expected to serve roughly 1,200 to 1,500 patients a day, according to hospital officials.
The medical director will be Dr. Sunil George, who served as associate medical director at Mount Sinai’s location in Greenlawn, in Suffolk County.
Dr. Adhi Sharma, president and CEO of Mount Sinai South Nassau, said the facility will provide comprehensive and collaborative care, making it possible for patients to receive all the services they need under one roof while enabling physicians to work closely together.
“This space is a healing space, a welcoming space, a warm space for patients to come, oftentimes at a point of despair in their care journey,” Dr. Sharma said during a preview tour of the facility on June 25. “So, hopefully, they’ll feel the love and energy that was put into this space by our architects and designers.”
The hospital’s board of directors purchased the property in 2016, intending to convert an office building into a stateof-the-art medical facility. Mount Sinai addressed concerns about parking and traffic before finally receiving zoning approval from the Town of Hempstead in 2022.
Joseph Fennessy, a hospital board member and a Wantagh resident, said the board recognized the need for the facility. The vision, he said, was to replicate the level of care found in Manhattan hospitals while offering Long Island residents shorter commutes.
“We have a magnificent, beautiful facility,” Fennessy said. “Great specialties are going to be in here. Lots of people are going to be able to access great care.”
The facility features more than 70 patient consultation and examination rooms, as well as a hospital-grade air-filtration system to maintain a hygienic environment.
The fourth floor houses the infusion center for chemotherapy, along with labs for blood tests and a pharmacy. The infusion rooms are open spaces — by design, according to Kenneth Long, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Mount Sinai Health System.
“Patients don’t like to be isolated — they don’t want to be in a room by themselves.” Long said. “So they actually,
functionally, form their own support group for each other as they come in, because they often come in a couple times a week over some cadence of time, and they get to know each other.”
According to Long, 22 percent of Mount Sinai’s infusion patients come from east of the Wantagh facility. It will be Mount Sinai’s third infusion center on Long Island, joining locations in Greenlawn and Oceanside.
Examination rooms for surgery, endocrinology, rheumatology, hematology and oncology are also on the fourth floor.
The third floor will house the cardiac suite, which will offer imaging services
including CT scans, nuclear imaging and echocardiograms, along with care in neurology, urology and gastroenterology.
The second floor will focus on women’s services, offering mammography, densitometry and ultrasound. It will also include orthopedic pain management and neurosurgery examinations, as well as OB-GYN and gynecologic oncology care, while imaging and radiology services will be located on the first floor.
Geri Barish, founder of Hewlett House, a nonprofit community learning resource center for cancer patients and their families in Hewlett, said it was “phenomenal” to have a facility nearby
to support early detection through mammography screenings.
“What Mount Sinai has brought into the community — education, understanding, the relationship — they remove the fear,” Barish said.
The facility will open in phases, with the fourth floor set to open first on July 15, followed by the third floor the following week and the second floor the week after that. The first floor is expected to open Sept. 9, at which point the facility will be fully operational.
The Wantagh location will be the fifth Mount Sinai ambulatory multi-specialty center of its kind on Long Island, joining sites in Long Beach, Carle Place, Manhasset and Greenlawn. Hospital officials expect the new center to bring roughly 200 jobs to the community.
Hours of operation are expected to be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with expanded weekday hours phased in over time based on patient demand, Long said. The facility is not an urgentcare center. It is by appointment only, with no hospital beds for overnight stays and no emergency services offered.
Dr. Rajiv Datta, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s surgery department chair and the medical director of its cancer program, said that, years ago, patients had to travel to Manhattan for cancer care, often spending an entire day getting to and from appointments. The new facility, Datta noted, will enhance collaboration among physicians while creating a welcoming environment for commuting patients.
“Cancer care has completely changed,” Datta said. “Now it’s coming back to the community, and this is what the center can provide. Most of the patients can be seen here, with all the specialists and trials.”
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Mount Sinai South Nassau is opening a new $70 million multi-specialty medical facility in Wantagh this month, bringing expanded health services, and hundreds of jobs, to Long Island.
Kenneth Long, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, left; Dr. Sunil George, medical director of the Wantagh facility; and project manager Sarah Long at a preview of the new Mount Sinai multi-specialty center in Wantagh.
Jake Strianese earns Dante Scholarship, heads to Williams College
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Oceanside High School senior Jake Strianese was one of just 10 students selected from more than 200 applicants across 120 Long Island schools to receive the Dante Scholarship—an award that recognizes top Italian-American students for academic excellence, leadership, and cultural pride.
Strianese, a standout student-athlete with a 1460 SAT score and an unweighted GPA of 97, said he was “shocked” to learn he had won the scholarship, which he discovered after walking out of an AP exam.
“I was shocked, because I just knew it was super competitive, all over Long Island and so many kids applying for it,” he said. “I checked my email and my jaw just dropped. I was like, oh my god, I can’t believe I won this.”
Strianese will be attending Williams College this fall, where he plans to major in accounting or economics while continuing his wrestling career at one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. He was recruited as a top scholar-athlete by the school and cited its small class sizes and hands-on learning environment as major factors in his decision.
“I really liked the class sizes when I visited,” Jake said. “The professor was getting me involved in the class and showing what the school is really about. I’m really excited to be a part of those small, really hands-on classes.”
NCAA coordinator Frank Luisi and associate principal Kevin Carbonetti.
of the Oceanside varsity wrestling team, Strianese has compiled an extraordinary 131-25 record. He’s a multi-year All-County wrestler and competed at the NYSPHSAA All-State Wrestling Tournament. Beyond the mat, he’s been deeply involved in the community as a Key Club member and vice president, a tutor for younger students through the “Scholar Athletes in Service to Others” program, and as a Mental Health Ambassador for Northwell Health’s Cohen Strong initiative.
“He’s one of the best wrestlers in Nassau County, and he’s just a great student,” said Frank Luisi, Strianese’s mentor and school NCAA coordinator. “He’s done everything—wrestling, academics, service—and never quit. That’s why he got this scholarship.”
ure in the application process.
“He was there for everything,” he said. “I always crossed-checked things with him—he always had the best advice.”
The Dante Scholarship also honors Italian heritage, something deeply personal to the Strianese family. Jake’s great-grandfather emigrated from Naples, Italy, and began building homes in Oceanside, laying the foundation for what would become the family’s multi-generational construction business, Strianese Brothers Builders and General Contractors.
“Jake is a fourth-generation builder,” said his father, Michael Strianese. “But we encouraged both our sons to follow their own passions. We’re proud Jake wanted to take a different path.”
his older brother, Luke—a recent mechanical engineering graduate from Lehigh University—spent summers working construction. “But they didn’t love the physical labor,” he laughed. “And we always wanted them to go further than we did.”
Jake’s mother, Colleen, emphasized how meaningful the scholarship was for a family whose college journey starts with their children.
“We didn’t go to college, so this was a proud and emotional moment,” she said. “It was such a supportive process with Oceanside and Mr. Luisi helping every step of the way.”
The family reflected on the grit it took for Jake to maintain top academic marks while cutting weight and training as an elite wrestler.
“He wrestled at 126 pounds, walking around at 140,” his father explained. “People don’t understand how hard that is— keeping up your grades while cutting weight, staying disciplined. It’s tough.”
With the Dante Scholarship now in hand and college just weeks away, Jake is ready to begin his next chapter. Jake’s work ethic—what his support circle calls his ability to “dig in”—has been a defining trait. He’ll leave behind the family construction sites and step onto a new mat— this time in Western Massachusetts— ready to wrestle, study, and keep digging in.
Strianese credited Luisi as a vital fig-
Michael, who now runs the family company with his brother, said that Jake and
“That’s something we learned from Oceanside,” Luisi said. “When things get tough, you don’t quit. You dig in. And Jake’s done that every step of the way.”
Courtesy Oceanside school district
Guidance counselor Lisa Fazio, Joelle Mazun, Jake Strianese, winner of a $10,000 Dante Foundation of Nassau County Scholarship, with his parents,Colleen and Michael Strianese,
I.P. hosts annual junior firefighter tournament on the beach
By JEFFREY NEGRIN
jnegrin@liherald.com
Fire department fun was on full display as the Island Park Fire Department held its annual John Fabrizio Old-Fashioned Junior Firefighter’s Tournament at Masone Beach on Friday.
The event opened with a parade from Fire Department Headquarters to the beach, where junior firefighters participated in a series of fire service drills. These demonstrations, designed to highlight fundamental skills, reflected the dedication and training of the department’s youngest recruits.
Mayor Michael McGinty, the Village Board of Trustees, and former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito were in attendance, cheering on the participants and celebrating the legacy of volunteer service in Island Park.
Residents enjoyed an evening by the water, rallying behind the junior firefighters and honoring the commitment of the local volunteer department.
With future firefighters already demonstrating heart and skill, Island Park’s safety—and its sense of community— remain in good hands.
—
Kepherd
Daniel
Ainsley Keir/Herald Island Park marched with pride at the parade before the John Fabrizio Old-Fashioned Junior Firefighter’s Tournament last Friday.
Two-year-old Gavin Rodahan, six-year-old Shannon Rodahan, and their grandmother, Marilyn Rodahan got to explore the Island Park Fire Department.
It was all fun and games as youngsters explored the fire truck.
Four-year-old Mavrik Gottlieb had some big shoes to fill.
Seven-year-old Maya Madden suited up for some firefighting fun.
Lincoln Orens Middle School eighth graders celebrated their graduation at the annual commencement ceremony.
Lincoln Orens Middle School celebrates class of 2025
Island Park’s eighth grade graduates were honored on June 24 during a ceremony marking their final moments as students at Lincoln Orens Middle School. The 63rd annual commencement ceremony, held in the school’s gymnasium, welcomed members of the board of education, administration, faculty and families who gathered to celebrate this special occasion.
The event began with the graduation orchestra’s performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” and a salute to the American flag. Lincoln Orens Middle School Principal Bruce Hoffman welcomed guests and introduced Outstanding Achievement Award recipients Francis Miguel Reyes, Sophia Lajato and Delilah Gonzalez, who reflected on the Class of 2025’s past, present and future, respectively.
“All of you have received the skills necessary to be successful,” Hoffman said. He stressed the importance of being part of a diverse community and the strength and beauty in differences and connections, highlighting the significances of treating others with kindness and compassion. “Remember to be bold, be brave, take risks, speak your mind, stand up against injustices and speak up for what you believe. Strive to learn something new each day. Be kind, goodhearted individuals and treat others with respect. Be sure to love and take care of your family and loved ones, and be productive members of the Island Park community, society and our great nation. As you and your families reflect on this wonderful achievement, remember the best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve seen, and the memories we’ve made along the way.”
The chorus performed a spirited ren-
dition of American Authors’ “Best Day of My Life,” as students looked back fondly on their middle school journey.
Superintendent of Schools Vincent Randazzo, Board of Education President Jack Vobis and Board Vice President Kathleen McDonough presented diplomas as faculty members introduced each graduate. Many students were recognized with special awards for excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and community service, with these honors announced as each name was called.
Hoffman led a round of applause for the Class of 2025. The Lincoln Orens color guard then conducted the traditional Transfer of Colors ceremony, symbolizing the passing of leadership to the rising seventh grade class.
Superintendent Randazzo addressed the graduates with heartfelt praise for their perseverance, dedication and hard work. He reflected on their personal and academic growth, commending them for becoming well-rounded individuals ready to take on the next chapter.
“As you embark on your high school journey, I encourage you to remember the lessons learned both inside and outside the classrooms of Francis X. Hegarty and Lincoln Orens Middle School,” he said. “Recall the risks you took, the growth you experienced and the tools you now carry to face new challenges with confidence.”
He closed by urging the students to embrace their ability to shape their futures and seize the opportunities ahead. He expressed hope that their time in the Island Park School District had fostered a lifelong love of learning and a drive to become critical thinkers, innovators and changemakers in the world.
— Kepherd Daniel
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Courtesy Island Park Public Schools
Former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy dies at 81
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. representative from Long Island who transformed personal tragedy into a two-decade-long crusade for gun control in Congress, died on June 26. She was 81.
Born Carolyn Cook on Jan. 5, 1944, in Brooklyn, and raised in Mineola, McCarthy wanted to become a physical education teacher. Instead she became a nurse, inspired to do so after caring for an injured boyfriend. Her life was forever changed on Dec. 7, 1993, when Colin Ferguson opened fire on a Long Island Rail Road car, killing six people, including McCarthy’s husband, Dennis, critically wounding their son, Kevin, and injuring 18 others.
McCarthy became a symbol of resilience nationwide, and entered public service. Her story was dramatized in the 1998 television movie “The Long Island Incident,” with actress Laurie Metcalf portraying her.
“Long Island lost a giant today,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said in a statement last Thursday. “As a woman representing Long Island in elected office today, I walked through doors Carolyn helped open. Her work on behalf of survivors, her courage to speak out when others stayed silent, and her focus on protecting families and communities are just a few parts of a legacy that will live on for generations.”
McCarthy, a former Republican, ran for Congress as a Democrat in 1996, defeating Republican incumbent Dan Frisa in a stunning upset. She represented New York’s 4th Congressional District, which covers a large swath of Nassau County’s South Shore, from 1997 until her retirement in 2015.
During her 18 years in the House, she was widely regarded as one of the nation’s most tenacious and outspoken champions of gun reform.
“I was privileged to serve with Carolyn in Congress for almost two decades,” former U.S. Rep. Peter King
wrote, “and was proud to call her a friend. She was a fighter and staunch advocate for New York and Long Island who used her family tragedy as an opportunity to do so much good for so many others.”
McCarthy often referred to herself as “the gun lady,” though she also worked on education and local constituent issues.
“I recently spoke with her about the 125th anniversary of Nassau County and invited her to attend the county’s gala as an honored guest,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement. “Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling up to it, but she expressed her best wishes and love for Nassau County. Carolyn was a true leader and a very decent person. She will be sorely missed.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen called McCarthy “a tireless advocate for Long Island.”
“Carolyn turned her pain into action, running for Congress and advocating for common sense gun reform, including comprehensive background checks,” Gillen said in a statement. “We must honor her legacy by continuing her life’s work to keep our communities and our children safe from the scourge of gun violence.”
McCarthy announced her decision not to seek reelection in 2014, citing health reasons, and stepped down in January 2015. Fellow Democrat Kathleen Rice succeeded her.
“Carolyn fought for safer communities, and stronger laws to prevent gun violence,” Jay Jacobs, Nassau County’s Democratic committee chairman, said in a statement. “She leaves behind a legacy of action, resilience, and public service. We will continue to honor her memory, as we vow to carry on her fight.”
Herald file photo
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. representative from Long Island who transformed personal tragedy into a two-decade-long crusade for gun control in Congress, died on June 26.
STEPPING OUT
July 4th entertaining al fresco-style
By Karen Bloom
Barbecue season is heating up! Whether fireworks are part of your holiday weekend plans, certainly some time at the grill will be very much on the agenda. There’s no better way to celebrate than with good food, great company and a sizzling grill. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or a cozy cookout, make this year’s Fourth of July feast one to remember.
Sure, burgers and hot dogs are always a hit — and a holiday standard — but why not kick things up a notch? Impress your guests with flavorful additions like chorizo sausages, ribs, or maybe some spice-up marinated chicken. If that’s a bit too exciting for you, then you can always spruce up the classics by going for unique flavors. Jalapeño hotdogs, anyone?
Make sure to marinade: Don’t underestimate the power of a good marinade. Prepping your meat a day or two ahead lets those bold flavors soak in — and yes, even hot dogs and burgers can benefit from a tasty soak. Marinating your meat before you grill can seriously enhance its flavors.
Don’t forget your vegetarian friends and family: Got vegetarian friends or just want to lighten things up? Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers and asparagus add vibrant color and bold flavor to your spread. Try veggie kebabs or marinated portobello mushrooms as hearty meatless options. Keep it healthy (but delicious): Unlike the other holidays that we associate with eating (such as Thanksgiving), it’s totally possible to keep your feast healthy. Fourth of July doesn’t have to mean food coma. Use clean ingredients and simple swaps — think avocado-oil mayo in your coleslaw or a touch of honey instead of sugar in cornbread. Add a big salad, fresh fruit and grilled corn for balance.
Put a twist on the standards: Whatever you choose, you can seriously wow your guests by putting a modern take on a traditional recipe. For instance, if you’re making coleslaw this time around, then you can experiment with different flavors, such as jalapeño, apple, or even spicy Thai peanut. You can add the same variation to different dishes, such as baked beans, mac and cheese, and even your condiments.
Turn your grill into a flavor playground — and serve up a celebration your guests won’t forget.
Zesty Steak
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning (or any spicy season of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 pounds boneless beef sirloin or flank steak
turn to coat well.
Refrigerate 1 hour or longer for extra flavor. Remove steak from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.
Grill over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
For added flavor, try a tasty topper on your meat.
Dijon Mustard Aioli: Blend Dijon and whole-grain mustard with creamy Greek yogurt, garlic, tarragon and white pepper for a rich, tangy topping.
Mushrooms and Blue Cheese: Mix hearty mushrooms and full-flavored blue cheese with your favorite savory spices and a splash of sherry wine
Smoky Bacon Jam: Start with the finest cuts of bacon browned to crispy perfection then add caramelized onion and an accent like brown sugar or balsamic vinegar.
Tomato Jam: Experiment with your favorite varieties to find the perfect balance of crushed tomatoes, sweet gherkins and seasonings.
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Lemon-Cucumber Salsa
• 8 skewers
• 1 pineapple
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
Lemon-Cucumber Salsa
• 1 lemon, supremed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon wildflower honey
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Soak wooden skewers for 15 minutes prior to grilling. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Remove rind from pineapple and dice into 1-inch pieces. In small bowl, combine oil, salt and pepper. Add chicken and pineapple; toss to coat.
Alternating chicken and pineapple, pierce onto skewers. Grill skewers 8 minutes each side, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
To make Lemon-Cucumber Salsa: In medium bowl, combine lemon, cucumber, onion, honey and pepper. Serve lemon-cucumber salsa over cooked chicken skewers
Rick Springfield
We’re gonna party like it’s 19801989! Rocker (and ageless heartthrob) Rick Springfield gave us the soundtrack of our glory days: “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “Love Somebody,” “Human Touch,” “On the Dark Side,” and many more of the most iconic songs of that era. The Grammy-winning musician is back on the road this summer with the 2025 edition of his I Want My 80s Tour. This time around he brings along special guests John Waite, Wang Chung and Paul Young. Over the past four decades, he’s worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator of some of the finest ‘80s power-pop, he’s sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits. Also an accomplished actor and an author, both his candid 2010 memoir “Late, Late at Night” (which Rolling Stone named one of the 25 greatest rock memoirs of all time) and his 2014 comedic novel “Magnificent Vibration” earned rave reviews and spots on the New York Times Best Sellers’ list.
Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m. $40, $30. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.Tickets at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444. Welcome the nation’s birthday in good taste
Wednesday, July 9, 7 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at livenation.com.
He said, she said
Share in some lively repartee when four comedians — two men, two women — sling barbs at one another in The Ivy League of Comedy’s “Skirmish of the Sexes.”Laugh the night away with tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams. Check out this take on the age-old dichotomy of who’s right and who’s wrong. The lineup features Tony Deyo, known for his sharp, quick material and near-perfect timing; Calise Hawkins, a single mom who stands out with her hair, but also her smile and onstage likability. Also Shaun Eli, rightfully called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun shows you hilarity in the ordinary. And Ophira Eisenberg, who delivers a unique blend of smart irreverent standup and storytelling.
Mix soy sauce, honey, orange juice, steak seasoning and ginger in small bowl. Place steak in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade;
Tip: Supreme citrus fruit by cutting off top and bottom of fruit then cut away peel and pith, leaving no white on outside of fruit. Slice each segment into wedges by cutting toward center of fruit along membrane.
Zesty Steak
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JULY
3
‘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
TD Bank’s Celebrate America’ Celebrate July 4th with the best firework display in Nassau County at Eisenhower Park.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s unveils its new exhibition, “At Play,” a survey of artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
JULY 15
The Gin Blossoms
JULY 9
Bus Trip: New York Botanical Gardens
Enjoy Van Gogh’s Flower Exhibit, tram tour, guided walk and lunch with Oceanside Library. $130 fee. Registration required.
• Where: Bus departs from 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com
Family movietime
permits and applications, highway and engineering assistance, parks department programs, referrals on non-town issues, and more.
• Where: 1 Vanderbilt Ave., Island Park
• Time: 3-6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 812-3252 or email lryder@hempsteadny.gov
JULY
Outdoor Movie
Night
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week design jewelry! $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
‘Where it began…’
jazz, swing rhythms and popular favorites performed by the Paul Effman Band in the open air. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery. Rain date is July 13. $25 $22.50, seniors (62+), members receive 20% off.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Watermelon 5K
Get your steps in and enjoy a sweet treat at the Watermelon 5K at Eisenhower Park.
• Where: Field 2, East Meadow
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Contact: events.elitefeats. com/25WatermelonNassau
Take a trip down memory lane with Gin Blossoms when their highly anticipated 2025 tour visits Long Island. With their timeless hits, infectious melodies, and nostalgic vibes, Gin Blossoms promises to deliver a concert experience that will transport fans back to the heyday of ‘90s alternative rock. The band rose to fame in the ‘90s with hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Til I Hear It from You,” that still resonate today. Their jangly guitars, catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics captured the spirit of the decade and earned them a dedicated following that continues to grow. With their dynamic stage presence and infectious energy, Gin Blossoms knows how to keep the crowd on their feet and singing along to every word. Their latest tour is a nostalgic journey through the band’s greatest hits, as well as new songs that are sure to captivate. Whether you’re reliving the memories of the ‘90s or discovering Gin Blossoms for the first time, their music will leave a lasting impression. And, of course, one of the highlights of any Gin Blossoms concert is the connection they share with their fans. Whether it’s through their heartfelt lyrics or their engaging stage banter, Gin Blossoms creates a sense of camaraderie that makes every concert feel like a reunion with old friends. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25. Having an event?
‘One of these nights’ Eagles tribute band Desert Highway rocks Eisenhower Park as summer heats up. Their acclaimed performance is a nonstop journey through numerous radio hits, Top 10 singles and favorite solo works of The Eagles — from the countryinspired “Take It Easy” to the soaring guitar rock anthem “Hotel California”.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY
26
Oceanside High School 50th Reunion
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “Despicable Me 4,” the fourth main installment and sixth overall entry in the Despicable Me franchise. With the arrival of a new baby, Gru’s life is great — until an old rival comes back for revenge and forces Gru to uproot his family and Minions! Starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell. Bring seat
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Mobile Town Hall
Councilwoman Laura Ryder hosts a town hall session with residents at Shell Creek Park. Discuss your concerns and needs one-on-one: child and senior I.D. program,
10
Island Park Library welcomes all to a night of laughter and mischief with the lovable Minions in Despicable Me
4. Bring a beach chair and enjoy this family-friendly film under the stars. Rain date is July 24.
• Where: Island Park Library Parking Lot, 176 Long Beach Road
• Time: After 8:15 p.m.
• Contact: islandparklibrary.org or (516) 432-0122
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary,
Broadway’s Robert Neary, also a star of TV and film, visits Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre with his Neil Diamond showcase “So Good.”
He creates an unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest recording artists in history. Two hours packed with 24 classic hit songs, nostalgia, stories, multimedia, and trivia, and a finale that is pure Broadway caliber. This is a true immersion into the life and career of Neil Diamond.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY 12
Twilight tunes on the terrace
Enjoy a summer evening at Old Westbury Gardens with some smooth
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: 6-11 p.m.
• Contact: Purchase tickets at oceanside-high-school-class-of1975-50th-reunion
‘J.P.’ is known for more than attendance
fine.’ I didn’t see any problem with that. For some reason, kids are always impressed by the French language. But I didn’t think that it was going to last, anyway. Now everyone calls me J.P. — even the teachers,” he said, laughing.
But what really makes J.P. stand out, students say, is not his nickname or his attendance record — it’s his presence in the classroom. Students begin assignments at their own pace; high achievers receive enrichment problems, while those who struggle get targeted interventions. Test corrections and retests reinforce mastery, as do daily pep talks. He emphasizes mindset and the daily encouragement that “today could be the day” a student makes a leap.
This year’s Oceanside High valedictorian, Madison Moore, credits J.P.’s method for her growth. “I think that math kind of gets a bad rap sometimes, but I liked that there was always a solution, but there were different ways to find the solution,” Moore said. “I just kept growing with it, and I always had, like, more of a connection with my math teacher.”
That mindset applies whether J.P. is teaching Algebra 1 to ninth-graders or BC Calculus to the school’s top-performing students. Over the years, he has taught all levels, challenging and supporting them with the same belief: that they can succeed.
Oceanside senior Kaylin Harrington,
Yves “J.P.” Jean-Pierre has left a positive mark on many students in his 23 years, not missing a single day. Among those students was this year’s senior class valedictorian, Madison Moore.
who will attend the U.S. Military Academy in the fall, called J.P.’s influence invaluable.
“I had some close relationships with my teachers, but I was in Calculus BC this year and my math teacher, Mr. JohnPierre, is a very good teacher,” Harrington said. “It’s a very, very tough class. I was nervous going into it and didn’t
know how I was going to be, but he was the type of teacher to put all the time and effort into helping you, and he knew that I wanted to go to West Point. He met with me every single day after school, during my off periods. We went through my tests, went through and all the lessons.”
At 59, Jean-Pierre is also a father of three adult sons, ages 30, 28 and 22. He
admits that tutoring his own children sometimes proved tougher than teaching strangers, because parental emotions and expectations come into play. Still, he treasures the chance to share his passion for learning with his family. Along with his attendance streak, J.P. will leave behind a legacy of belief in every student’s potential.
Next year will mark his 34th year in education and his final year in the classroom. He plans to retire, citing a desire to create opportunities for younger teachers.
“After 34 years, I think it should be enough,” he said. “It’s time to go and let some younger person take my spot. I don’t want to be remembered just for not missing a day. I want people to remember the work I did with students.”
After teaching, he plans to pursue a lifelong dream: founding a free model school in Haiti, giving back to the country that shaped his early life.
“I want to create something that could change lives for the next generation,” he said. “I was really well educated, and now I see what’s going on; the education in Haiti is completely down. There’s nothing good about this country. My intention is really to create a school there where they have everything, and the school will be a model for other cities so they can copy this in almost every city in Haiti. I feel that’s the only way that we have a chance.”
Courtesy Oceanside school district
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST BENTZION R. KAMINETZKY, SHARONTH C. KAMINETZKY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 11, 2025, 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 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 3365 3rd Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 43 Block 354 Lot 46. Approximate amount of judgment $553,894.73 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616025/2023. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Gros s Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-001253 85793 154085
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL, ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSET BACKEDCERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-EC2, Plaintiff, vs. OMWANTIE SOOKNANDAN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 9, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 3834 Carrel Boulevard a/k/a 3834 Carrel Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 0060, Block 00040-000 and Lot 00020.
Graduation honors late Ava Salonia
marched onto the field, Principal Brendon Mitchell began the ceremony with a warm welcome to the graduating class and then introduced the school’s choir. The choir performed several songs in recognition of the students’ accomplishments, including the “Oceanside Alma Mater” and the 2025 choral selection.
Shehreyar Ahmed, class salutatorian, spoke of the importance of dedication, looking toward the future and appreciating the memories of high school.
“We all only live once. Live it, enjoy it,” Ahmed said. “Your first and most important goal should be happiness.”
With a witty spin on the connections within the student body being similar to a baseball team, Oceanside School District Superintendent Phyllis Harrington bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2025, beaming with pride and hope for their prosperous futures. The graduating class, Harrington said, truly showed that “teamwork makes the dream work.”
“Don’t be a stranger, stay close to the memories and to each other,” Vice said. She encouraged an appreciation of the hard moments of life and how they serve as lessons, adding that “if it all went exactly according to plan, it wouldn’t have taught us much and it wouldn’t have made us who we are today.”
The resilient and passionate Class of 2025 listened and appreciated all the speeches, taking the wise words of peers and faculty to heart. The graduates were told to embrace the hardships and to stay connected to their community at Oceanside High School.
With great honor and respect, the diploma of the late Ava Salonia was awarded posthumously with the help of her close friends. Salonia died on August 17, 2023, following a nearly yearlong battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
Approximate amount of judgment is $1,375,942.95 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008588/2013.
Pallvi Babbar, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154240
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR, ARGENT SECURITIES INC. ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-W3, UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 1, 2006, Plaintiff, Against MARIO RODRIGUEZ; SARA RODRIGUEZ; et al
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/10/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 8/6/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 25 Quebec Road, Island Park, New
York 11558, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Island Park-Long Beach, Nassau County, New York.
Section 43 Block 43 Lot 106 and 107. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $449,443.91 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 618254/2022
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Maria Sideris, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 5/7/2025 File Number: 18-301188 CA 154390
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Celebrating the transition from high school to college, she emphasized the importance of teamwork and lifting each other up.
“Tonight is the start of a brand new inning — your future,” Harrington said. “Step up to bat with everything you have learned — how to persevere, how to lead, and how to dream.”
Madison Moore, class valedictorian, shared her experience overcoming boundaries throughout the years of high school.
“Who is to say we can’t step out of the box?” Moore said. “Take the leap of faith into the unknown because it will always pay off.”
Moore spread a warm message about accepting the uniqueness of others and appreciating their differences, while encouraging to “never forget — you are enough, just the way you are.”
Addison Vice, senior class president, spoke about how obstacles could push one to keep moving forward in life.
Appreciative students and families applauded the high school’s retiring staff members who have spent years teaching valuable classroom and life lessons. As the tassels were flipped to the left and caps went flying, the graduates from the Class of 2025 were given rounds of applause by their proud families and teachers.
Michael D’Ambrosio, Oceanside Board of Education president, shared inspiring words of encouragement for the students’ transition into their college experiences and future professions.
“Each of you stands at the helm of a ship, the compass you’ve been given comes from your values, your education, and your experiences,” D’Ambrosio said. “Sometimes the most powerful lessons come from rough seas.”
He then spoke of passion and drive, and how it is a continuing mission that pushes the student body to be unstoppable.
“Go forward with courage, stay rooted in your purpose,” he said. “The future is yours.”
Eric Dunetz/Herald
Valedictorian Madison Moore gave an impassioned speech to her fellow graduates.
Salutatorian Shehreyar Ahmad gave encouraging remarks about the future.
Waterfront Elegance
Introducing 3461 Ocean Avenue—a beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath stucco Hi Ranch tucked
The architect made our project sound so complicated
Q. I met with an architect whom my contractor recommended, and I’m now very upset and confused. We need to get our job done by the end of the summer, and the building department said I should speak to an architect, get plans and they could process my permit. It sounded a lot simpler than the architect said. What seemed like a simple job — to do plans for a small bump-out back dormer to match the front one — has been made to sound like a major project. Why is there such exaggeration of the things the architect says need to be done? This shouldn’t take so long, and the cost is a lot more than we planned. What should I expect, minimally, to get plans and a permit?
A. I’m not sure if your building department still has the posted signs showing a person bent over, laughing, with the caption, “You want it when?” Or the one that says, “Your failure to plan ahead does not constitute an emergency on our part.”
As if that wasn’t enough of an explanation, I usually have to spend an hour or so — with a consultation fee, since I’m not a public service (and they are) — to explain, as fully as I can, what you didn’t get from your building department. Smaller building departments, I find, have a better track record at going over things with you, but bigger ones don’t have the time, so they refer you to an architect to lay the groundwork, often creating friction about what you’ll need.
The architect’s outline of what you can encounter is rarely an exaggeration, but most people are dazed and in disbelief, often saying that the building department made it sound a lot simpler, and the full explanation sounds like a con job. Unfortunately, most people — including the first people you speak to at a building department, your contractor or a friend — are not producing or responding to the myriad code requirements, so they may not be fully aware of the big picture. For example, when you read a book, it can take several days to get through it, but that doesn’t mean it only took several days to write.
Someone showed me photos they rushed to take of a home they want to buy. I immediately spotted five violations in the pictures. Two of the violations were ceiling height (too low) and an electric panel next to a bathroom sink. Just the ceiling height could cause a six- to nine-month delay in filing documents and applying to the State Code Board for a hearing or review.
Then there was the fact that the dormer had a nearly flat roof and the wrong kind of roofing. Add in the under-minimum distance in front of the toilet and the lack of ceiling height in the shower with the wrong kind of sink trap, and you realize that just that one bathroom creates great time and expense. More to come next week.
2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the
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How do we make sense of the rise in antisemitism?
on a somber April day, thousands gathered in my hometown of Plainview for a ceremony that should never have taken place. We renamed Manetto Hill Road Captain Omer Neutra Way, a permanent tribute to a brave young man who lost his life defending his homeland, and whose body is still being held hostage by terrorists.
I had the solemn honor of sponsoring the legislation that made this tribute possible. And while it passed unanimously, this wasn’t just a moment of legislative action; it was a moral obligation. As antisemitism continues to rise across America and around the world, we cannot allow the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, to be whitewashed, minimized or forgotten.
Omer Neutra was a son of Plainview, a proud American and a commander in the Israel Defense Forces. He was murdered in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas near Nir Oz, one of the Israeli communities most devastated by the assault. His senseless death shook our
community, but the pain deepens with every day his body remains in captivity.
How does what we read every day affect our lives?
Daily newspapers and TV news drown us with torrents of repetitive and sometimes conflicting accounts of events across America and the world. The best of them are stanchions of democracy, and we need these dailies to offer a wide-angle lens, to see what we cannot see from our own front yards.
We need our weeklies to bring us stories about people we know in our communities, a narrower lens that focuses on local events and individuals. Weeklies are the lifeblood of community life — the pages where our neighbors are hailed as heroes, and school athletes have their moment in the sun.
Newspapers in this country struck their roots in liberty, and until the Trump era, citizens could rely on the accounts of events they read in the paper. Today, with overt threats against freedom of the press and news outlets co-opted by political power players, we
This act of violence, this war crime, should have rallied universal condemnation. But instead, we are seeing something deeply disturbing: a surge of antisemitism so virulent that even those marching peacefully to honor Neutra and to advocate for the return of hostages have themselves become targets.
Just weeks ago, in Boulder, Colorado, peaceful demonstrators with the Run For Their Lives campaign were attacked with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. Their supposed crime?
Wcessfully to secure $950,000 in American Rescue Plan Act grant funding for the Mid Island Y JCC. That’s why I speak out — and that’s why I urge every elected official, regardless of party or position, to do the same.
e can’t allow the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, to be minimized or forgotten.
Calling for the return of hostages. This was not an isolated act of hate; it was the latest in an escalating pattern of antisemitic violence.
As a Jewish American, as a father and as a public official, I cannot and will not remain silent.
Jewish communities today are navigating a landscape of fear that is unlike anything I have experienced in my lifetime. We must respond not with fear or silence, but with resolve, unity and a firm commitment to truth and justice. That’s why I sponsored the legislation to honor Neutra. That’s why I fought suc-
We must call out antisemitism wherever it festers, whether it wears the mask of political activism or the cloak of conspiracy. This is not a matter of left or right. It is a matter of right and wrong.
But the work of governing isn’t just about remembrance; it’s also about results. That’s why I fought to unlock long-stalled funding for first responders in our community, securing nearly $91,000 for a new Muttontown police vehicle and supporting drainage, streetscape and public-safety projects throughout Syosset, Woodbury and Plainview.
It’s why I co-sponsored legislation to cut excessive small business fees that are choking entrepreneurs in Nassau County — fees that run three to five times higher than in neighboring Suffolk.
I’ve backed efforts that meet our neighbors where they are, supporting local food pantries, organizing “Shed the Meds” events to safely dispose of
expired medications, and honoring the heroism of Plainview firefighters who risked their lives during a devastating apartment fire.
I also stood alongside my Democratic colleagues in taking legal action against County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s reckless attempt to create a taxpayerfunded armed civilian militia, a program that lacks oversight, violates state law and endangers public trust.
At its core, public service isn’t about grandstanding or grabbing headlines. It’s about people. It’s about principle. It’s about doing the hard, necessary work to protect the vulnerable, uphold the law and deliver results for the communities we represent.
So I am renewing my pledge to honor Omer Neutra not just with words, but with action — to preserve the memory of those we’ve lost, protect the freedoms we cherish, and fight against hate in all its forms.
To those who feel alone in this moment, know that you are not. To those calling for justice, know that I am with you. And to those who think this moment will pass, I promise you: We will not forget, we will not back down and we will not be silent.
Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.
Reading to repair our hearts and minds
need to double down on the demand for honest and unbiased reporting. (It’s useful to note here that my column is by definition an opinion piece, my own views, not the policies of the Herald).
So we push, push for our free press against an incoming tide of political pressure. We need journalists to challenge the leaders in whom we put our faith and trust. We need the pragmatists and the idealists and the investigators to keep our newspapers relevant and alive.
How did these values become dirty words?
p u t down the phone.
Pick up a book. Stand in someone else’s shoes.
From my perch, an even greater need is for more people to read books, any books, all books, nothing banned. The impulse to ban a book comes from a place of intolerance and ignorance. No one ever became gay or trans or hypersexual because they read a book on the subject. Book banning comes from a small place, fear of someone different or a way of life that doesn’t conform to the majority.
Why are school libraries being thinned and censored? Why was a reference to Jackie Robinson’s military service temporarily removed from the U.S. Department of State website? Apparently, part of a sweep to remove any references to diversity, equity and inclusion.
These days, various media compete for our attention. Teenagers, especially, are vulnerable to the sound and light shows coming from their phones. It’s hard to curl up with a book when the phone gives you games and shocking fake news and social media to keep you jacked up. Parents who used to read to their young children are often distracted themselves by their phones and other devices.
As our political world spirals into confusion and mistrust, and as our president and his minions draw the country in and out of real and threatened violence here and overseas, where can a thinking person turn for comfort? What can help keep us grounded and hopeful as we celebrate our democracy on the Fourth of July?
Put down the phone. Pick up a book. Stand in someone else’s shoes, in another time and place. Escape the political convulsions of this moment and feel buoyed by a character’s life and loves; feel grounded by the universal values humans share.
I’m not sure how you become a reader of books if you never have been, but I
do know it’s possible. I know folks in their adulthood who finally found the peace and the time to start reading. It’s comforting, it’s edifying, and the connection between reader and character can be profound.
The books I’m reading this summer fall under the banner of “repairing the world,” which comes from the concept in Judaism to work toward making the world better. John Steinbeck wove the theme of repairing the world into his great novel “East of Eden,” exploring the tension between free will and destiny in human experience. Gorgeous stuff.
The books on my list are “Twist,” by Colum McCann, a story about a team of seamen who fix underwater internet cables around the globe; “Prophet Song,” by Paul Lynch, a novel about a fight against a totalitarian takeover in Ireland; “The Return,” by Hisham Matar, a man’s search for his father, who was “disappeared” by the Qaddafi regime; and “Western Lane” by Chetna Maroo, a debut story of summoning strength while moving through grief. These books explore the boundary places in our lives, the broken places, and offer visions for doing good in a fractured world.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
ARnoLD W. DRUCKER
RAnDi KREiss
HERALD
In Congress, July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was first published on July 6, 1776, in a newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post. We are proud to commemorate that high point in American journalism by reprinting that historic document.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at
places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Government:
For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.
The Declaration was signed first by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, and then by 55 others representing the 13 original states.
opinions Congress should pass Gio’s Law to save lives
more than 32 million Americans live with life-threatening food allergies and other severe allergic conditions. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by food, insect stings or medications — things we come into contact with every day. In the event of life-threatening allergic reactions, families should not have to worry about access to life-saving epinephrine.
Last month, I proudly introduced the bipartisan legislation
Gio’s Law alongside my Republican Long Island colleague Rep. Andrew Garbarino. Congress should come together and pass Gio’s Law, which would equip America’s brave law enforcement officers with lifesaving EpiPens and provide the training to administer care when responding to allergy-related emergencies.
Epinephrine is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis, the only medication that can fully reverse the severe, life-threatening symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Benadryl or other allergy medications will not reverse those symptoms; only epinephrine can do that. Putting EpiPens in the hands of
our first responders could be the difference of life or death for members of our community.
I introduced Gio’s Law in honor of Giovanni Cipriano, a Lynbrook native who died from a severe allergic reaction at age 14. Giovanni, who was known as Gio to his friends and loved ones, was a beloved son, brother, teammate and honor student who had just begun his freshman year at Holy Trinity High School when he suffered a fatal response to a food allergen. His life was tragically cut short because of this reaction. We must do everything we can to prevent other families from suffering such a heartbreaking loss.
vent future tragedies and keep other families from enduring this pain is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Over the past decade, Georgina has succeeded in passing New York state’s version of Gio’s Law and worked to boost access here on Long Island.
m y bipartisan legislation would equip law enforcement with EpiPens.
Gio’s Law would establish the firstever federal grant program at the U.S. Department of Justice to equip law enforcement across the country with EpiPens and train officers on how to recognize the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and administer epinephrine.
I was honored to develop this legislation with Gio’s mother, Georgina Cornago, a Long Island native and the founder of the Love for Giovanni Foundation. Georgina has been a tireless advocate for this policy at the local and state level. Her commitment to honoring Gio’s memory by working to pre-
Letters
Mamdani’s lessons for Long Island
To the Editor:
Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected and resounding victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary holds some important lessons for Long Island.
But for them to be learned, it is first necessary to discard stereotypes and appraise Mamdani’s views with an open mind. Automatic negative reactions are unhelpful and unthinking. Such is the case with South Shore Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s contention that Mamdani “is too extreme to lead New York City. His entire campaign has been built on unachievable promises and higher taxes…” Gillen also detects “a disturbing pattern of unacceptable antisemitic comments” on Mamdani’s part.
If they look past the scary label of “democratic socialist,” Long Islanders may find that Mamdani bears some resemblance to … Donald Trump! The Queens assemblyman began his long-shot campaign by soliciting the views of New York
City voters who had supported Trump in 2024. The top reason many expressed was Trump’s emphasis on affordability. And so Mamdani made that the centerpiece of his effort to forge the broadest possible electoral coalition.
“Both Donald Trump and our campaign can see the disillusionment in politics, the inability for so many to celebrate crumbs that cannot feed themselves and their families,” Mamdani told The New York Times in a post-primary interview.
The presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee offered solutions for unaffordability — a rent freeze, accelerated housing construction, reduced-price public transport, free day care — that would likely appeal to many Long Islanders. As Herald readers know, Nassau and Suffolk are becoming wildly unaffordable for middle-income families, with the result that many are moving away. Maybe suburban politicians should consider adopting versions of what Mamdani proposes. They might find future election results to be surprisingly favorable.
On the issue of antisemitism, it’s essential to acknowledge that criticism of the Israeli government’s pol-
With this bill, we are expanding this effort nationwide and working to make epinephrine available and accessible to police departments on Long Island and across the country.
State and local law enforcement officers are our nation’s first responders, and they are often the first on the scene for calls for medical emergencies. It is vital that officers are given the resources and training to ensure they can effectively respond to these emergencies.
During a severe anaphylactic reaction, every second counts. We’ve seen firsthand here in Nassau County that equipping first responders with EpiPens can make the difference in these emergency situations.
As we introduced Gio’s Law, I was proud to be joined by Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach and members of the Lynbrook Police Department. The village was a trailblazer in deploying EpiPens with first responders. Beach and Lynbrook police officers shared how their
officers have saved multiple lives in our community by stocking and administering EpiPens.
This is a nonpartisan public safety issue: Gio’s Law is about making sure first responders have what they need to save lives. By expanding access and awareness, we are making our communities safer for all those who are at risk of experiencing severe allergic reactions. This could be anyone, since many allergies do not manifest themselves until adulthood.
I am honored that the National Association of Police Organizations and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America have endorsed the bipartisan bill, and I’m proud to support our brave law enforcement officers who work each day to keep us safe.
Since taking office in January, I have worked every day to find compromise and to deliver on the priorities that matter most to my constituents in Nassau County, such as keeping our communities safe. I am proud to honor Gio’s memory alongside Representative Garbarino, and we will continue to push to advance this bipartisan legislation. Congress should come together to carry on Gio’s legacy and pass this common-sense bill to prevent tragedies and equip our law enforcement with the tools to save lives in life-threatening medical emergencies.
Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
icies does not, a priori, equate with disrespect for Jews. Mamdani has in fact called Hamas’s Oct 7, 2023, murders of Jews “a horrific war crime.” And he has indeed condemned the Netanyahu government’s conduct of its war on Gaza.
It is to be hoped that Long Islanders of
good will can take advantage of the opportunity Mamdani presents for an overdue and respectful discussion of Israel’s military actions.
Framework by Tim Baker
A sandcastle contest entrant at the Town of Hempstead’s Salute to Veterans — Point Lookout
Laura a. giLLen
KEvIN J KELLEY Atlantic Beach
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
