Sue Grieco/Herald Olivia Short, Olivia Mieczkowska and owner Steve Jordan with some of their crustacean friends at Jordan Lobster Farms, in Island Park, on reopening day, July 1, after a three-alarm forced the waterfront seafood market and restaurant to close for more than two weeks.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Just over two weeks after a three-alarm fire forced it to close, Jordan Lobster Farms reopened on July 1, marking an emotional return for the beloved Island Park waterfront institution.
The family-owned seafood market and restaurant announced its reopening on social media, thanking the community, first responders and employees who helped make the quick turnaround possible.
“The fire tested us in ways we never imagined, but it also reminded us how fortunate we are to be part of such an amazing community,” the post read. “The love, encouragement and support from our family, friends, customers, first responders and incredible staff has carried us through every step of this journey.”
The business also praised its employees —
affectionately known as the “Lobstertricians” — for working throughout the cleanup and rebuilding process.
“Through the mess, the long days and the heartbreak, the faces you see here are just some of the hearts of this place,” the post continued, accompanied by photos of employees. “We could not have done this without a single one of them.”
For Co-owner John Vitale, the reopening was the culmination of weeks of nonstop work after the June 14 fire threatened one of the busiest seasons of the year.
One of the biggest hurdles, Vitale said, came before any cleanup could begin. “A big obstacle early on was having to wait for the insurance companies to complete their investigation to determine the cause of the fire,” he said. “Everyone was so anxious to begin the cleanup, get rid of the burned debris and start to rebuild.”
Investigators ultimately determined that an old steam kettle emitted flames, sparking the fire,
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
At just 12 years old, Christian Jordan — who recently graduated from School No. 4 in Oceanside — can now add “published author” to his list of accomplishments.
The Oceanside resident released “The Quantum Serve,” the first installment in a planned five-book series that combines his two greatest passions: science and tennis.
SThe book follows a young tennis player, Saba, who discovers how the laws of physics — including motion, force, energy and gravity — shape every serve, volley and bounce on the court.
science is what inspired him to consider undertaking the fivebook series.
cience is in everyday life.
As long as you’re curious, it’s most likely going to take you to very great and creative places.
Christian said he was introduced to scientific experiments when he was just 3 or 4 years old, often working alongside his mother, Shellon Jordan, an educator, and his older sister, whose own interest in biology encouraged his interests. Around that same age, he also picked up a tennis racket.
Those twin interests eventually became the foundation for “The Quantum Serve.”
CHRISTIAN JORDAN Author
For Christian, the story is about more than just sports.
“I wanted to find a way to connect science to something people experience every day,” he said. “Science is in everyday life. As long as you’re curious, it’s most likely going to take you to very great and creative places.”
His lifelong fascination with
“When you bounce the ball, there’s gravity, force, tension and spin,” Christian explained. “All of those are aspects of science.”
He completed the manuscript during February break, comparing the writing process to putting a puzzle together. While he occasionally encountered writer’s block, he persevered and independently published the book through Amazon, receiving printed copies about three weeks
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
An Oceanside School District music teacher has been charged with murder in connection with the strangulation death and sexual assault of a woman found inside a North Massapequa apartment, Nassau County police and prosecutors said.
Joseph Horner, 27, of North Massapequa, was charged with seconddegree murder following the death of his 25-year-old sister-in-law, Victoria Castle, whose body was discovered the morning of June 29 in a groundfloor apartment attached to a home on North Oak Street, according to Nassau police Det. Lt. Daniel Stellar.
Police said Horner lived in an upstairs apartment attached to the same residence.
The 27-year-old’s wife was attending a bachelorette party at the time of the attack, police said. Investigators said Horner asked Castle to help him move a piano into his apartment.
According to prosecutors, once Castle entered the upstairs apartment, Horner attached her from behind and placed her into a chokehold until she lost consciousness. Prosecutors allege he then sexually abused her, changed his clothes and called 911.
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Authorities said Horner called 911 at 8:45 a.m. Monday to report that a woman was dead.
“The male caller requested police and am ambulance to this location for a deceased female,” Stellar said.
Responding officers attempted lifesaving measures at the scene before transporting Castle to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 9:25 a.m.
Investigators determined she died from strangulation, police said.
Horner remained at the home and
waited for officers to arrive, authorities said. He was alter taken into custody and charged.
In a statement issued the following day, Oceanside School District officials confirmed they had been notified by police that one of their staff members had been arrested and charged in connection with the homicide.
“We understand that this news is deeply disturbing,” Superintendent Phyllis Harrington said. “This staff member has been placed on adminis-
trative leave effective immediately, pending further review.”
The district said it had no additional information to release.
Horner, an elementary school music teacher in the Oceanside district, was escorted in handcuffs from Nassau Police Headquarters in Mineola for arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead.
He pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
Defense attorney Gregory Grizopoulos said the allegations were inconsistent with the reputation Horner had built in the community.
“He’s an Oceanside teacher, he’s tenured, he’s very well loved by his students and colleagues; these allegations are not very in line with what his community friends and family believe,” Grizopoulos said.
The courtroom was emotional during the arraignment, with members of Castle’s family crying and embracing one another.
Castle was a graduate student pursuing a doctoral degree at Stony Brook University.
Members of Horner’s family also attended the arraignment but declined to comment.
Horner was ordered held without bail. If convicted of second-degree murder, he faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
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By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Thousands of visitors gathered at St. Anthony’s Church in Oceanside over four days in June as the parish celebrated its 57th annual St. Anthony’s Feast, continuing a decades-long tradition that blends community, entertainment and fundraising.
Held June 11-14 on the church grounds at 80 Anchor Ave., the annual festival featured carnival rides and games, live music, food booths staffed by parish volunteers, specialty food trucks, a beer and wine garden, homemade zeppole, raffles and the popular St. Anthony’s Feast 5K and Kids Dash.
Feast Chairman Tom Cesiro said attendance remained strong throughout the event, with thousands of people visiting each day.
“It was extremely crowded,” Cesiro said. “You see people you went to school with who come back to the feast because they know about it. It’s like a family reunion.”
The celebration is one of Oceanside’s longest-running annual traditions, drawing not only local residents but former community members who return each year to reconnect with friends and neighbors.
The festival grounds were divided into separate sections, with rides and games on one side and food and entertainment on the other. While the layout remained the same each day, visitors enjoyed a different live band every evening, along with a DJ who performed throughout the weekend.
Planning for the feast is nearly a yearlong process. Even as organizers wrap up this year’s expenses, preparations for next year are already underway.
“We start planning now,” Cesiro said. “We look at what worked, what didn’t work and how we can improve.”
Next year’s feast will also mark the first under the leadership of the parish’s new pastor, Father Christopher Costigan, who grew up in Oceanside and is already familiar with the tradition. Cesiro said the two have already confirmed dates for next year’s event.
More than 500 volunteers helped make this year’s feast possible. Church ministries operated the food booths, while volunteers also handled security and other responsibilities. A steering committee of about a dozen people coordinates the event, with booth captains overseeing teams that can range from a dozen to 30 volunteers each.
Despite a brief period of rain on Friday evening and lower attendance Saturday night during a New York Knicks playoff game, Cesiro said the event ran smoothly. Organizers opened parish buildings so guests could stay dry, and volunteers had the grounds operating again within about 30 minutes after the rain ended. The game was also shown on multiple televisions and a large screen for attendees.
Beyond providing entertainment, the feast serves as the parish’s largest annual fundraiser.
“Everything goes back to the parish,”
Joel and Mirassa Eldad raced down a giant slide with their parents, Eyton and Yahiv Eldad, enjoying the fun during the 57th annual St. Anthony’s Feast at St. Anthony’s Church in Oceanside.
Cesiro said.
As organizers evaluate the event, they will also review the performance of a new carnival ride company that debuted this year, along with potential additions to future food offerings.
For Cesiro, however, the feast’s greatest success remains the sense of community it creates.
“It’s a reunion,” he said. “Everybody comes back into town and comes to the feast.”
Oceanside homeowners will have an opportunity to receive free, one-on-one assistance with property tax exemption applications when the Nassau County Department of Assessment’s Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program, known as HELP, comes to the Oceanside Library on Tuesday, July 14.
The workshop, hosted in partnership with Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, who serves as the alternate deputy minority leader, will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Additional HELP sessions are scheduled for the Freeport Memorial Library on Wednesday, July 15, and the Baldwin Public Library on Thursday, July 23, the latter in partnership with Nassau County Legislator Scott M. Davis.
During the workshops, Department of Assessment staff will help homeowners complete applications for a variety of property tax exemptions, including those available to veterans, senior citizens, Cold War veterans, volunteer firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers and residents with limited-income disabilities.
Staff will also process Enhanced STAR applications for homeowners who enrolled in the STAR program before Jan. 2, 2015.
Participants should arrive by 1:30 p.m. to allow enough time to complete their applications. Homeowners are asked to bring copies of their 2025 federal and state income tax returns, along with any additional documentation needed to verify eligibility.
“Not only can the HELP program pro-
Oceanside homeowners will have an opportunity to receive free, one-on-one assistance with property tax exemption applications when the Nassau County Department of Assessment’s Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program, known as HELP, comes to the Oceanside Library on Tuesday, July 14.
vide you the expert assistance to complete your applications, it will also give you the chance to submit your completed forms right after you finish them and right in your community,” Mulé said in a statement. “If you have questions about how to complete your applications, join us at one of our three workshops for hands-on assistance that will ensure you get every exemption that you qualify for.”
— Abigail Grieco
The Oceanside Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just have
any questions, stop into Fire Headquarters at 65 Foxhurst Road in Oceanside, visit JoinOFD.net, oceansidefd.net, or call (516) 766-2717. For fire or medical emergencies, dial 911 or (516) 766-0245.
June 28 — July 4
General Alarms: 9
Unit Calls: 5
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 4
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 3
Medical Emergencies: 30
Mutual Aid: 1
Special Calls: 4
Total: 56
Year-to-Date
General Alarms: 232
Unit Calls: 91
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 51
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 50
Medical Emergencies: 785
Mutual Aid: 25
Special Calls: 90
Total: 1324
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
The Oceanside Girl Scouts gathered for an awards ceremony celebrating the dedication, leadership and community service of local troops and individual scouts.
This event, held on June 15, highlighted the organization’s core values of courage, confidence and character as scouts were recognized for projects that made meaningful contributions throughout the community.
As the ceremony opened with a color guard presentation and recitation of the Girl Scout Promise, it set a tone of respect and unity. Leaders emphasized the importance of service and the role Girl Scouting plays in helping young women develop into confident leaders who work to improve their communities.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate the dedication, leadership, service, and hard work of some truly outstanding Girl Scouts,”
Jennifer Gemmo, Oceanside Service Unit said. “These young women have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in their communities and embody the values of courage, confidence and character that Girl Scouting represents.”
One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Gold Award recipients Sophie Brennan and Katie Lovelock of Troop 2550, who completed projects addressing important community needs. Lovelock spoke about her project, although
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald Gold Award recipients Sophie Brennan and Katie Lovelock of Troop 2550, along with members of Troops 2075, 2131 and 2284, were recognized during the Oceanside Girl Scouts awards ceremony for projects that promoted accessibility, environmental stewardship, education and community service.
Brennan could not attend the ceremony.
“This project has taught me that I could be a strong leader,” Lovelock said. “I’m greatly honored to receive the Girl Scout Gold Award, and I will always be grateful for the experiences, lessons and memories that came with this dream.”
Brennan’s project focused on creating sensory kits for local restaurants to support individuals with sensory sensitivities and anxiety, helping make public spaces more inclusive. Lovelock developed a theater-based program for children designed to build confidence, creativity and commu-
recognition of her work and partnership. Troop 2131 created communication boards for Oceanside Library to help nonverbal and speech-impaired individuals engage more fully with reading and storytelling programs, while Troop 2284 focused on environmental awareness through a balloon recycling initiative, partnering with local organizations to reduce waste and encourage sustainable practices.
Community leaders and elected officials attended the event to present citations and encourage the scouts to continue pursuing leadership opportunities. Speakers emphasized the importance of embracing new challenges, seeking opportunities for growth and recognizing the power of young women to create positive change.
nication skills through performance and collaborative learning.
The ceremony also honored Bronze Award recipients from Troops 2075, 2131 and 2284 for projects centered on accessibility, education and environmental stewardship.
One Troop, 2075, partnered with Hewlett House, a local breast cancer support organization, to help maintain its gardens and create welcoming outdoor spaces for visitors. During the ceremony, scouts presented flowers to Hewlett House founder and five-time cancer survivor Geri Barish in
Representatives from the Girl Scouts of Nassau County praised the scouts for their teamwork, creativity and commitment to service, noting that each project reflected thoughtful problem-solving and compassion.
“Girl Scouts thrive because of the collective efforts of volunteers who give their time, expertise, and resources,” Judy Levine, Director of Membership for Girl Scouts of Nassau County said. “You have given them the courage, the confidence and character to continue their journey.”
The ceremony served as a reminder of the impact young leaders can have when they combine passion, service and action.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
There were plenty of cheers along with some tears in South Ozone Park June 28 as 6,866 horse racing fans bid farewell to Aqueduct Racetrack.
The crowd at ‘The Big A’ roared one last time as Assume Nothing, with jockey Jaime Rodriguez aboard, went wireto-wire to capture the final race of the track’s storied 132-year history.
“This is where my career started in 2010 and it feels amazing to win the last race on the last day,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve ridden the horse a few times and knew if he got a clean break, he’d have a great chance to win.”
After the finale, Rodriguez and the rest of the jockey colony celebrated with fans along the rail, giving out high fives and fist bumps. One fan hoisted a cardboard sign that read: “One more day! Give me a chance to win it back.”
Several thousand fans arrived two hours before the nine-race card began at 1:10 p.m. The first 1,000 through the doors received a small mason jar containing dirt from the main track.
One of the highlights on Aqueduct’s final day came not on the dirt but the turf in the penultimate race when Highway Harmony set a new track record at the 6-furlong distance, taking the last stakes race at the track in 1:06.44 under jockey Edgard Zayas.
Ron Berkowitz, a Merrick resident who grew up in Lynbrook, had the closing date circled on his calendar once it
was announced by the New York Racing Association.
“It’s a bittersweet day,” Berkowitz said. “I’ve been coming here since the late 1970s and really fell in love with the track and the sport. I haven’t been here in a couple of years, but there was no way I was missing today.”
Franklin Square residents Anthony and Sally Turco echoed Berkowitz’s sentiments. “Today brings back a lot of
The mural outside Aqueduct depicts Secretariat, who made his career debut there in
at Aqueduct, “Goretty” came in 2008. “So many memories,” he added. “I won’t miss the Belt Parkway, but I’ll definitely miss the Big A.”
great memories of coming to the Big A with family,” Anthony said. “Lots of nostalgia. It was awesome.”
The Turcos were in the paddock prior to the fifth race with friend Bruce Brown, a longtime trainer on the NYRA circuit and Floral Park resident. Brown saddled the winner, Boston’s Phinest.
“This is where it all started for me in New York when I came over from New Jersey,” said Brown, whose first winner
The closure of Aqueduct coincides with a rebuilt Belmont Park, set to open Sept. 18.
“I can see the new Belmont grandstand from my house,” said Brown, who expects to have between 15 and 20 horses in his barn once racing shifts back downstate from Saratoga. “I’ve watched the construction from the beginning to what’s almost the end and it’s going to be incredible when it opens,” he added.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Recent Oceanside High School graduate Dominic Antioquia has earned international recognition for his filmmaking talent, taking home a Bronze Telly Award in the student category for an original horror short film that blends suspense with personal experiences.
The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television production across all screens and attract entries from professionals, agencies, television networks and educational institutions worldwide. Antioquia’s award-winning short stood out among student submissions for its creativity, storytelling and technical execution.
For the 18-year-old, the recognition came as a surprise.
“I never expected to win this award,” he said. “When I looked at the other students, they seemed more advanced than me. But when people started seeing my work, they wanted to collaborate with me and learn what I was doing.”
The film follows a student who dreams of becoming a filmmaker while struggling with recurring visions of a mysterious masked figure. The character finds solace in video editing, only to discover that the creature haunting his dreams has somehow appeared in his creative projects.
While fictional, the story draws heavily from Antioquia’s own experiences.
“The plot connects with my life,” he said. “When I was younger, I always felt like everyone was out to get me. I felt like I wasn’t good enough and wouldn’t get a second chance. This project wasn’t just about horror. It was also about my passions and what I want to do in
the future.”
Creating the film was not without challenges. Antioquia said developing a compelling storyline proved to be the most difficult part of the process.
“Most of my projects didn’t have much of a story before,” he explained. “I spent almost a week trying to create a plot that made sense and connected to the message I wanted to share.”
Working against a deadline, Antioquia completed
the project in approximately a week and a half, often dedicating his breaks to editing and refining scenes.
His interest in horror filmmaking began years ago through creating “analog horror” videos, a genre known for its unsettling visuals and psychological suspense. Looking ahead, Antioquia hopes to explore a wider variety of genres while continuing to develop his skills as an editor, writer, director and actor.
“I want to be versatile,” he said. “I want to make dramas, comedies and all kinds of films. I’m not just an editor. I like doing everything involved in filmmaking.”
After graduation, Antioquia plans to attend Nassau Community College through a 2+2 program before continuing at a SUNY institution. His long-term goal is to work professionally in the film industry as a video editor.
The award represents a significant milestone in a journey that nearly began on a different path altogether.
Video Editing and Broadcast Production teacher Tracy Busk recalled that Antioquia originally hoped to enroll in a broadcasting course but lacked the prerequisite.
“He actually came into my class by mistake,” Busk said. “He was supposed to be in broadcasting and was very upset at first. To see his evolution from someone who didn’t even want to take the class he was in to becoming one of the greatest filmmakers this program has seen has been amazing.”
For Antioquia, the award validates years of hard work and perseverance. More importantly, he said, it reinforces his belief that filmmaking is where he belongs.
“It’s what I want to do,” he said. “This award shows me that I can keep moving forward.”
after submitting the manuscript.
Holding the finished book for the first time was an unforgettable moment for Christian.
“It felt really good,” he said. “All my work was there, right in my hand.”
Christian plans to write four additional books that explore scientific principles through everyday interests. The next installment, he said, may connect music and physics — another natural fit for the young viola player.
“I think, as I get older, my writing style will change,” he said. “But I want to keep writing.”
Outside the classroom, Christian served as the science journalist for the School No. 4 newspaper, where he researched and wrote articles explaining advanced scientific topics for fellow students. One of his favorite pieces explored concepts related to quantum physics.
Christian is currently earning college-level credits in physics and chemistry
while balancing his regular schoolwork, and he hopes to one day become both a nuclear physicist and a cardiac surgeon.
His mother said his determination has never wavered.
“Christian has always been curious,” she said. “Even in kindergarten, teachers would tell me they couldn’t believe someone so young was writing the way he did.”
She recalled watching him complete his elementary school homework before spending evenings working on college-level chemistry and physiology assignments.
“Some nights, he would come home from school, finish his homework and stay up completing chemistry quizzes of physiology labs,” his mother said. “At the end of the program, he earned A’s in his college courses.”
She said supporting Christian’s ambitions has always been easy for her.
“He’s amazing. Why shouldn’t I support him?” she said.
Christian is continuing his
scientific pursuits this summer in a research project examining whether movement-based physics instruction helps students better understand and retain scientific concepts. The study reflects what he hopes will become a broader educational initiative inspired by “The Quantum Serve.”
His mother said the book represents something much larger than a single publication.
“It’s more than a book,” she said. “It’s a movement — “The Quantum Serve” movement — to change the way students are inspired, the way they learn science and the way it’s delivered in schools.”
Christian expressed hope that readers walk away with more than an appreciation for physics.
His advice to other young writers and aspiring scientists: “Stay curious.”
“Curiosity,” he explained, “can lead to wonderful things.”
“The Quantum Serve” is now available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/44fkfAk.
has self-published
Vitale said. Once the investigation concluded, crews moved quickly to restore the property.
“There was a tremendous sense of purpose on everyone’s part to get back open,” he said. “Experienced building trades understood the dire situation of getting back open during the height of our short summer season. They worked around the clock, 24 hours a day.”
The fire was reported shortly before 7 p.m. on June 14 at the restaurant and seafood market, at 1 Pettit Place. The Island Park Fire Department led the response, assisted by firefighters from Oceanside, Point Lookout, Long Beach, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Freeport and Lawrence-Cedarhurst.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in roughly 70 minutes. “The first responders were critical in getting to the scene quickly, getting the fire under control and preventing a total loss,” Vitale said.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the building’s upper level. The lower level, including much of the restaurant, fish market and kitchen, escaped significant damage, allowing restoration efforts to move forward quickly.
Vitale credited longtime employees with helping make the rapid reopening possible. “For our staff, this was very personal,” he said. “Not only are their livelihoods here, but Jordan’s is like a second home to most of the veterans.”
He also praised owner Steve Jordan for leading the recovery effort. “Steve Jordan led by example, and the staff followed, working long hours to get the job done,” Vitale said.
In the days after the fire, employees launched a GoFundMe campaign to help coworkers who suddenly found themselves without work. The campaign set a goal of $20,000 and reached it in just one week.
“I thought it was amazing,” Vitale said. “They divided it up amongst themselves, and it certainly helped many people through a difficult time.”
The generosity extended far beyond the fundraiser. “The Island Park and Oceanside communities have been beyond supportive,” Vitale said. “The kind words really resonate with our employees. They feel
the love.”
That support has continued since the restaurant reopened. “Seeing everyone returning to Jordan’s these first few days has certainly been a comfort,” he said. “People are not only coming back for our great lobsters, but also just to say welcome back and let us know they’re here to support our business and our staff.”
For many residents, Jordan Lobster Farms is more than just a restaurant. Founded initially in 1938 in Brooklyn — and then, in the mid-1970s expanded to Island Park — by Steve Jordan’s grandfather, the late William Jordan, the waterfront business has become a South Shore landmark, with a seafood market, a clam bar, a restaurant and waterfront dining area that draws diners and customers from across Long Island.
Vitale said the experience reinforced just how deeply rooted the business is in the community.
“Thank you for standing by us,” the restaurant wrote in its reopening announcement. “We’re back … stronger than ever.”
Longer days, warm temperatures and abundant sunshine make summer an ideal season to take your fitness routine outdoors. Whether it’s a morning run or walk along the boardwalk, a bike ride, a game of tennis or pickleball, yoga on the beach, or even a family hike, exercising outside o ers both physical and mental health benefits.
An outdoor workout does more than change your scenery. Exercising outdoors has been linked to improved mood, lowered stress, better cardiovascular health, and more motivation to move consistently. Even walking outside can be an excellent workout, especially when you do it regularly. Fresh air and a change of scenery can make workouts feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable part of your day.
Of course, summer’s relaxed pace — complete with vacations, barbecues, beach days and social gatherings — can sometimes derail even the best fitness intentions. The key is finding ways to incorporate activity into seasonal routines while taking precautions against heat and sun exposure.
Summer temperatures can quickly turn a workout into a health risk. Exercising during the hottest parts of the day can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
Whenever possible, schedule outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours, typically before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Check the heat index before heading outside, and if temperatures or humidity levels are extreme, consider moving your workout indoors to an air-conditioned gym, recreation center or your own home.
Watch for warning signs of heatrelated illness, including dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive fatigue, muscle cramps or confusion. If symptoms occur, stop exercising immediately, move to a cool location and rehydrate.
While we all love being outside, the sun doesn’t love us. Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Health experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily.
Additional protection includes wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Light-colored fabrics help reflect heat and keep the
body cooler during outdoor activities.
Hydration matters
Proper hydration is essential yearround, but it becomes especially important during the summer months.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking approximately three to eight ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise, depending on intensity and environmental conditions. For prolonged or high-intensity workouts lasting more than an hour, sports drinks may help replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst is often a sign that dehydration has already begun. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink fluids before, during and after physical activity.
After exercise, experts recommend consuming 20 to 24 ounces of water or a sports beverage for every pound of body weight lost during exercise.
Don’t skip the warm-up
Warm weather doesn’t eliminate the need to prepare your body for exercise. A proper warm-up gradually increases heart rate, loosens muscles and improves flexibility, helping reduce the risk of strains and injuries.
Spend five to 10 minutes performing light aerobic activity such as brisk walking, followed by dynamic stretches that target the muscles you’ll be using during your workout. Cooling down afterward is equally important and can help prevent sti ness and aid recovery.
Try something new Summer o ers endless opportunities to shake up your exercise routine. Trying new activities can prevent boredom and challenge di erent muscle groups.
Consider adding activities such as:
• Walking or jogging on local trails
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Outdoor yoga classes
• Kayaking or paddleboarding
• Hiking
• Recreational sports leagues
Our parks, beaches and community organizations also o er free or low-cost fitness classes throughout the summer.
Rev up the heart and cardiovascular system with sports you can play in the great outdoors. Eschew indoor racquetball for a game on an outdoor court. Try pickleball instead.
It’s easy to break a sweat and enjoy a good workout when a game of hoops is taken outdoors. Head out to your nearby park and check out the action on the basketball courts. Pickup football or baseball is another way to enjoy physical activity outdoors, especially for those who may not be gym hounds. Both sports provide a cardiovascular workout while building muscle. When you’re
engrossed in the game, you’re having fun and getting fit at the same time.
Even consider using items in your favored park to tailor a complete workout. Park benches can serve as a workout bench where athletes can do push-ups, triceps dips and step-up exercises. Stretch on a jungle gym or use monkey bars to fit in some pull-ups.
You’ll find that some parks even have their own fitness zones with exercise equipment built into the design.
Hike on! A nearby park or preserve that features walking trails is a good place to begin an outdoor workout. Some parks build exercise stations into their hiking paths, enabling visitors to vary their workouts along the way. Signs may also point out particular exercises that can be done during the hike, such as lunges or squats.
Hiking is a good cardiovascular workout that is particularly beneficial when done on varied terrain. Mixing uphill and downhill portions of the trail with level ones will work the various muscles in the legs and also provide greater resistance to get the heart pumping.
Take advantage of the beach
We’re surrounded by beaches, so make the most of our environment! After all, that’s one of the best features about living on Long Island. The beach provides much more than a place to relax. It can also serve as a natural fitness center.
Swimming in the ocean provides a full-body workout, as the resistance created by waves and currents challenges muscles while the water’s buoyancy reduces stress on joints. Water workouts are especially beneficial for older adults and those with arthritis or mobility concerns.
Walking or running on sand requires more effort than exercising on pavement because the unstable surface engages additional muscles in the legs,
core and hips.
As a result, beach workouts can improve strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness.
Even active beach outings that involve carrying chairs, coolers, umbrellas and beach gear can contribute to daily physical activity goals.
Keep moving all summer long
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with musclestrengthening activities on two or more days, according to federal health guidelines.
Summer is the perfect season
to reconnect with the outdoors and discover enjoyable ways to stay active. By taking sensible precautions, staying hydrated and making movement part of everyday life, you can enjoy all the benefits of the season while supporting your long-term health and wellness.
1. Trail Running
What it works: Lower body, core, and cardiovascular system
Benefits: Trail running demands balance, coordination, and strength. Unlike conditions on a flat road or treadmill, trail running requires more physical effort,
Cedrina Calder, M.D., a boardcertified preventive medicine physician and fitness professional says.
“The balance and stability required on the trail engages and strengthens your core muscles. It also requires greater use of your lower limb muscles, including the glutes, quads, and calves.”
Trail running can also support mental health and often feels more engaging than repeating laps on a track.
“It requires 100-percent mental focus — or you subject yourself to a tumble,” says fitness expert Tina Vindum, M.S., C.P.T.
A 2020 study published in BMC Public Health found that people who completed at least 6.5 miles of trail running reported higher wellness and health scores. Additional research suggests that spending 90 minutes moving in nature can help reduce depressive rumination.
Beginner tips: Start with wellmarked trails and shorter distances, focusing on time on feet rather than pace. Keep your eyes a few feet ahead, shorten your stride, and use walking breaks on steep hills to manage intensity and protect your knees.
What it works: Upper body, core, anaerobic conditioning, and balance Benefits: Surfing blends aerobic paddling with short bursts of anaerobic effort that feel similar to a HIIT routine.
“It’s a great anaerobic exercise that will help strengthen the trapezius, abdominals, and obliques, as well as the lats, triceps, biceps, and deltoids,” Jimmy Minardi, C.P.T., founder of Minardi Training, says.
Water-based workouts can offer a powerful reset and stress relief in ways a gym can’t match. “I can tell you one thing after being a devout surfer for [many] years, the tranquil and buoyant qualities of being in the water lift your spirits up,” Minardi said.
Beginner tips: Work with a certified instructor and start on smaller waves. Always check tides, weather, and surf conditions and wear appropriate safety
gear, such as a leash and personal flotation device.
What it works: Cardiovascular system, lower body, and aerobic endurance
Benefits: Hiking intensity is highly customizable, making it an accessible outdoor workout.
“Hiking can be a great cardio workout as long as it’s intense enough to significantly raise your heart rate and respiratory rate,” Calder says. Elevation gain, speed, and pack weight all influence intensity, allowing you to progressively increase the challenge as your fitness improves. Beyond fitness, hiking encourages mindfulness and sensory awareness in a natural environment. Spending time on the trail can also help reduce stress, support mental health, and improve sleep.
Beginner tips: Choose shorter trails with minimal elevation gain and use hiking poles if knee comfort is a concern. Wear supportive footwear, carry water, and plan your route so you finish before dark and avoid extreme heat.
Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Wellness Center, 106 Boardwalk in Long Beach, is open all summer to help you enjoy the season safely. Stop in for no-cost health screenings. (See a full list of hours and screenings below.)
To make safety a priority, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s experts have compiled these important summer safety tips:
1. Tick Bites, Bee Stings and Insect Bites: One of the best ways to avoid ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and other insects is to apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, skin-friendly picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus onto clothing and exposed parts of your body. Other steps include: Wear light, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes/sneakers when hiking or gardening to reduce exposed skin areas.
2. Sunburn: When the skin — the body’s largest organ — soaks up the sun, it helps produce vitamin D, which is vital to maintaining a healthy calcium balance, immunity, blood pressure, and insulin secretion. When skin is repeatedly exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, the risk can far outweigh the reward.
The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends you:
• Minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays to every part of your body exposed to the sun
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days
• Wear clothing that covers the body and shades the face
• Schedule an annual skin cancer screening
3. Water and Pool Safety: Whether spending time in the pool, at the beach, or on a boat:
• Never leave a child unsupervised near or around any water source
• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and fishing activities
• Keep a safe distance from boat propellers
• Learn CPR, especially if you and your family participate in water activities
Orthopedic Injuries: More than half of all sports and recreation-related injuries are preventable, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To reduce your risk of injury:
• Warm up first: perform gentle stretches before playing, practicing, or training
• Diversify training by alternating exercises like walking, jogging, biking, or weightlifting
• If you feel pain, soreness, or tightness, stop! Early
intervention is key to avoiding further injury
4. Dehydration: Symptoms of dehydration may include some or all of the following: lethargy, dizziness, deep or rapid breathing, muscle cramps, dry mouth and nose, and a drop in blood pressure. Prevent dehydration by drinking six to eight cups of water per day; avoid consumption of tea, coffee, soda, or alcohol on hot days or during recreational activities; and take a break from the sun and heat in a cool, shaded area
5. Picnic Food Preparation and Storage: Food that is not prepared and stored properly is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. For a safe picnic:
• Wrap uncooked chicken and meats in separate tightly sealed bags or containers and place them at the bottom of the cooler
• Store foods with mayonnaise in the cooler and be sure to serve them on platters that are chilled by ice-filled salad bowls
• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot
• Freeze foods that are prepared more than one day in advance of the picnic
• Discard all leftovers
The Community Wellness Center, a service of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education, is offering daily health education and screening events throughout the summer and early fall. This includes:
Monday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — EKG screenings for student athletes, ages 13-25 (registration is required)
9 a.m.-2 p.m.— Narcan and Stop the Bleed training*
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Diabetes, prostatespecific antigen (PSA), cholesterol blood tests
10 a.m.-12 p.m. — CPR/Basic Life Support certification (registration is required)
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Blood pressure loaner program*
Noon-3 p.m. — Lung health*
Thursday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. —.Diabetes, PSA, cholesterol blood tests
1-3 p.m. — Diabetes risk assessment screenings*
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — How to take your blood pressure at home*
9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Healthy eating and teddy bear clinic for kids*
= 30- to 60-minute sessions provided within the timeframe
The Center also offers free blood pressure, colorectal, memory, body mass index, diabetes risk, and stroke risk screenings Monday-Friday, 9 am-2 pm. The Center does not provide medical care. For more information, call the Department of Community Education at (516) 377-5333 or follow us on Facebook.
106 East Boardwalk, Long Beach
(Between Long Beach Blvd. & Riverside Blvd. Enter via ramp at boardwalk level )
June 1- September 4, 2026
EKG Screenings for Students Ages 13-25 (pre-registration required) | 9 am - 2 pm
Narcan and Stop the Bleed Training* | 9 am - 2 pm
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
CPR/BLS Certification (pre-registration required) | 10 am - 12 pm
Blood Test (Diabetes, PSA, Cholesterol) | Call 516-377-5333 to schedule
Blood Pressure Cuff Loaner Program* | 9 am - 2 pm
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
Diabetes Risk Assessment Screenings* | 12 pm - 2 pm
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
Blood Test (Diabetes, PSA, Cholesterol) | Call 516-377-5333 to schedule
How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home* | 9 am - 2 pm
Healthy Eating & Teddy Bear Clinic for Kids* | 9 am - 2 pm
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
We also offer FREE Health Screenings (Monday - Friday, 9 am - 2 pm) including:
• Blood Pressure
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Colorectal Screening
• Diabetes Risk Assessment
• Memory Screening
• Stroke Risk Assessment
We are also offering COVID-19, Shingles, and Pneumonia Vaccines. For more information about the program, please call 516-377-5333
Programs subject to change. Please refer to our Facebook page @MountSinaiSouthNassau for weekly schedule.
This is not a patient care facility. In case of emergency, please call 911.
For many people, summer means long days spent outdoors relaxing at the beach, boating on the water, tending the garden, enjoying backyard barbecues or simply lounging by the pool. While sunshine can lift our spirits and encourage us to be active, too much exposure to the sun can have serious consequences for our health.
A moderate amount of sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. But excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the skin and eyes, increase the risk of heat-related illness and significantly raise the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year.
Fortunately, many cases are preventable with proper sun protection. Whether you’re headed to the beach, the golf course, a summer concert or simply spending time in your backyard, taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy the season safely.
Have your fun but proceed with caution
Many folks take sunburn lightly, viewing it as an inevitable part of summer. But sunburn is much more than a temporary inconvenience.
Sunburn is actually a radiation burn caused by overexposure to UV rays. Depending on its severity, a sunburn can range from mild redness and tenderness to painful blistering and swelling. Severe sunburn may even require medical attention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sunburn remains common among both adults and children. Yet every sunburn causes damage to skin cells.
Much of that damage cannot be seen immediately. Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin and can alter the DNA inside skin cells. Over time, this cumulative damage contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, loss of skin elasticity and an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Because UV damage accumulates over a lifetime, practicing sun safety is important at every age.
Avoid the burn
Sunburn is one of the most preventable summertime health risks. It’s also important to remember that UV exposure occurs year-round not just on hot, sunny days. Up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds,
As great as the sun feels, it poses serious threats to your health and appearance. Have your time in the sun while sparing your skin from damage and overall harm to your body.
and reflective surfaces such as water, sand, concrete and snow can intensify exposure.
We all know by now that artificial UV sources, including tanning beds and sun lamps, are also dangerous. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and dermatologists strongly discourage indoor tanning because it significantly increases skin cancer risk.
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit prolonged outdoor activity during these peak hours.
If you are outside, take frequent breaks in the shade beneath a tree, umbrella, canopy or other shelter. Planning outdoor exercise, yard work or recreational activities during the early morning or evening hours can also help reduce UV exposure and lower the risk of heat-related illness.
Cover up
Clothing provides one of the simplest and most effective forms of sun protection.
Choose lightweight, loose-fitting garments that cover as much skin as possible, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants when practical. Densely woven, tightly constructed fabrics generally offer better protection than loosely woven materials.
Many outdoor clothing manufacturers now offer apparel with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, rating. UPF indicates how effectively fabric blocks UV radiation.
Clothing with a UPF rating of 30 to 50 or higher provides excellent protection. Darker colors and brighter fabrics typically absorb more UV rays than pale colors, while tightly woven materials outperform sheer or loosely
woven fabrics.
Complete your sun-protective wardrobe with a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck.
Wear sunscreen — and reapply it
Sunscreen is an essential part of any sun safety strategy, but it should not be your only line of defense.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum products protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and skin cancer. Both types of UV radiation can damage skin cells and increase cancer risk.
Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Most adults need approximately one ounce about enough to fill a shot glass to adequately cover the body.
Don’t overlook commonly missed areas, including:
• Ears
• Back of the neck
• Scalp or part line
• Tops of the feet
• Hands
• Lips
• Around the eyes
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
Forget the ‘base tan’
Many people believe that obtaining a “base tan” before summer will protect against future sunburn. Experts say this is a myth.
A tan is actually a sign that the skin has already been damaged by UV radiation. When exposed to sunlight, the skin produces additional melanin pigment in an attempt to shield itself from further injury.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Any tanning or burning represents skin damage that can accumulate over time and increase skin cancer risk.
The safest way to achieve a sunkissed appearance is to use sunless self-tanning products rather than UV exposure.
The sun can damage the eyes as well as the skin.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration and certain cancers of the eyelid and eye.
Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors. Wraparound styles offer additional protection by limiting UV rays that enter from the sides.
Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to sun damage because their skin is thinner and more sensitive.
Babies younger than six months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Use shade, protective clothing and hats to shield infants from UV exposure.
For older infants and children, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, dress them in protective clothing and encourage regular hydration during outdoor play.
Teaching children healthy sun habits early can help reduce their lifetime risk of skin cancer.
Most sunburns can be treated at home with cool compresses, moisturizers, hydration and overthe-counter pain relievers. However, seek medical attention if sunburn is accompanied by:
• Extensive blistering
• Fever or chills
• Severe pain
• Confusion or dizziness
• Signs of dehydration
• Nausea or vomiting
Summer is meant to be enjoyed. By seeking shade, covering up, wearing sunscreen and practicing smart sun habits, you can safely soak up the season while protecting your health for years to come
very Independence Day, we celebrate freedom.
_ Dr. Keith N. Darrow, Ph.D., CCC-A
Each Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate independence declared nearly 250 years ago, honoring freedom through family, parades, fireworks, and shared stories. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, independence is not only a historic idea but an ongoing responsibility to protect, renew, and pass forward.
Independence also applies to personal health. For many people, it means living confidently— managing daily life, participating in conversations, making decisions, and staying connected without relying on others to interpret the world.
But for millions with untreated hearing loss and tinnitus, that independence slowly erodes. It often begins with asking for repetition, increasing television volume, avoiding noisy environments, and withdrawing
from social situations that once felt effortless.
Over time, hearing loss affects not just hearing but participation in life. Spouses often become interpreters, conversations become shorter, and social events become more stressful. This shift can strain relationships and reduce quality of life for both people.
Medical treatment for hearing loss and tinnitus focuses on improving clarity, reducing listening effort, and restoring
access to sound. The goal is not only louder hearing, but better understanding and fuller participation in everyday life.
Untreated hearing loss is also linked in research to cognitive decline risk, making hearing health an important part of brain health and long-term independence.
Tinnitus can further reduce independence when people rely on masking sounds such as fans, apps, or sound machines to cope
with constant ringing. Effective treatment aims to reduce the brain’s reaction to tinnitus, not just cover it.
This Independence Day, take action if hearing loss or tinnitus is affecting your life.
Schedule a hearing evaluation with Hearing and Brain Centers of America by calling (516) 212- 0691 or request information by visiting HBCABookOffer.com
Learn more to understand treatment options that support communication, brain health, and lasting independence.
JU JULY 16 M M-122:30PM 6 • 10 10AM-12
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
&
rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273 AGENDA:
Register for this FREE event:
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Between 1860 and 1942, agriculture remained a defining part of life on Long Island across Nassau and Suffolk counties. During the same period, transportation improvements and expanding connections to New York City began shaping economic changes that would influence Long Island’s future development.
According to the Long Island Farm Bureau, agriculture has been an important industry on Long Island since the earliest periods of Native American cultivation and European settlement.
Before European settlement, the 60,000-acre Hempstead Plains in Nassau — the largest natural prairie east of the Mississippi River — served Indigenous peoples as a vital landscape for hunting, gathering and managing natural resources. English colonists later used the expansive grasslands to graze livestock, establishing agriculture as one of the area’s earliest industries.
The organization reports that fertile soils, access to fresh water, and proximity to major markets helped make Long Island one of New York State’s most significant agricultural regions. The Farm Bureau notes that farmers produced a wide range of crops and agricultural products, including vegetables, potatoes, fruits, poultry, livestock and shellfish.
Historical records published by the Town of Brookhaven show that early residents were primarily engaged in farming, fishing and whaling. The town’s historical records further indicate that additional industries developed during the nineteenth century, but agriculture remained an important part of the local economy.
Transportation became an increasingly important factor in the region’s development. According to the Town of Brookhaven’s historical overview, the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road during the mid-19th century made travel and the movement of goods faster and easier. Historical records of Long Island transportation show that rail service reached the eastern end of
the island in 1844, creating stronger links between rural communities and larger markets.
By the late 19th century, however, parts of Nassau County’s rural landscape were undergoing dramatic change as wealthy industrialists purchased North Shore farmland to build lavish country estates, creating the famed Gold Coast.
Even as the North Shore evolved, farming remained a dominant force across central Long Island. Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potato-producing regions.
Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potatoproducing regions.
Farming remained a dominant force across central Long Island. Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th centu-
ry, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potato-producing regions. Thousands of acres were planted with potatoes, supporting a thriving agricultural economy and supplying markets throughout the Northeast.
While much of eastern Suffolk County remained rural during this period, signs of long-term change were emerging. Historical information published by the Town of Brookhaven states that the 20th century witnessed the town’s expansion from an agrarian community into a more diversified economy.
The transition had not yet fully occurred between 1860 and 1942, but the transportation networks and market connections established during those years
helped shape the conditions under which later development would occur.
Manorville itself retained strong agricultural roots. Historical accounts of the hamlet describe it as a farming community for many years, reflecting the broader agricultural character that defined much of central and eastern Suffolk County during the late 19th and early 20 centuries.
That era began to fade after World War II. As returning veterans fueled an unprecedented demand for housing, farmland rapidly disappeared beneath subdivisions, highways and commercial development. The transformation was perhaps most evident in Levittown, where beginning in 1947 more than 4,000 acres of former potato fields were converted into what became the nation’s most iconic suburban development, symbolizing the shift from an agricultural landscape to the suburban Long Island recognized today.
LeaH Ramai (HunteR)
By Leah Ramai (Hunter) Sewanhaka High School freshman
Sewanhaka High School
Reader, three centuries is a long time.
Aridiculous amount of possibilities could generally happen. Robots mating and artificial intelligence becoming the structure of everything.
America at 300. It’s long enough for your name to become dust. Long enough for every person you have ever loved to disappear. Long enough for your bedroom to become a room nobody remembers belonged to you. Long enough for the sound of your laughter to vanish from the earth entirely.
And perhaps, before you continue reading, I ask something of you. Look at your mother. Look at the shine in her eyes. The bliss, the warmth in her hugs. Look at your father. His tired eyes of making income and he doesn’t get a minute to himself. Not as parents. Not as permanent figures suspended safely in the background of your life. Look at them as people. As living things, imagine the lines of their faces softened by time until even memory struggles to hold them together. Imagine the sound of their voices becoming some-
thing distant. Imagine reaching for a memory and discovering it has begun to fade. That it simply doesn’t exist anymore. Where do these memories go? Certainly not in the future. Horrifying, isn’t it? Yet this is not fantasy. This is not horror fiction. This is reality moving exactly as it always has, because time does not wait for anyone whatsoever.
When people speak of America 300 years from now, they speak of progress. They speak of technology, discovery, innovation, and futures polished bright enough to distract themselves from the darkness beneath them. The good and positives. Yet I find myself haunted by something far quieter. Far more patient. The casualties time leaves behind.
How many voices will history never bother to remember? How many political figures will be jacks of spades in newspapers and magazines. How many poets will spend entire lifetimes filling notebooks only for their words to disappear without ceremony?
How many artists will devote themselves to beauty only for time to consume their work without even acknowledging it existed? Somewhere tonight, a child is creating something absolutely extraordinary. Somewhere, a story capable of changing a life is being written for the very first time. And somewhere else, another story dies before it is ever born. Reader that should terrify you. Not because it is unlikely. Because it is ordinary for dreams to never be pursued.
That is what makes humanity sacred. Not permanence. Not survival. Not the illusion that anything was
ever promised forever. If life stretched endlessly before us, love would become weightless. If grief did not exist, devotion would mean nothing. If death never arrived, neither would urgency, nor wonder, nor the desperate and beautiful need to create something before time steals the opportunity away.
It isn’t the fear of leaving, but leaving behind something utterly unfathomable, Humanity. Edgar Allan Poe understood this. Mary Shelley understood this. Beneath every graveyard, every ghost, every monster stitched together from pieces of the dead, there lingers the same unbearable realization. Existence is precious because it ends.
America, 300 years from now, will not be measured by what it builds. It will be measured by what it remembers. By whether someone still believes stories matter. By whether a child still stays awake long after midnight scribbling poems in a notebook because their heart feels too large for silence, deeply madly in love. Love, will you still feel the same flutter in your heart.
It’s chronically insane, isn’t it reader? To have to ask if a feeling would still sit in your anatomy because of how the world can change. By whether humanity still possesses the courage to create despite knowing everything eventually disappears. Knowing you have a purpose, but genuinely? It will end one day. Because the greatest horror has never been death. It has always been reaching the end of a life without leaving behind proof that you were here at all.
ABy BRIAN KACHARABA, ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN & LAYLA EASON
of the Herald
cross Long Island, history is not just preserved — it is built into the landmarks that still stand in its villages, harbors, downtowns, and shorelines, where centuries of American life are reflected in manor houses, churches, libraries, museums, crossroads, and memorials.
Together, these sites form a living timeline of the nation’s past, showing how Long Island evolved alongside the United States over more than 300 years.
One of the earliest stories begins in Bay Shore at Sagtikos Manor, one of Suffolk County’s oldest surviving structures. Built around 1697 by Stephanus Van Cortlandt, New York City’s first native-born mayor, the manor grew from a colonial estate into one of the region’s most enduring landmarks.
During the American Revolution, British forces occupied the property, placing it directly within the war’s contested landscape. In the early years of the republic, the manor is also associated with President George Washington, who stayed there for one night during his 1790 tour of Long Island, further linking the site to the nation’s founding era and its first presidential administration.
In Massapequa, Old Grace Church, established in 1844 on land donated by General Thomas Floyd-Jones, preserves nearly two centuries of community life and remains a lasting symbol of the area’s early settlement era. Nearby, the Elbert Floyd-Jones Servants Cottage,
1 2 3
built around 1870, survives as one of the few remnants of Massapequa’s grand estate period, offering a rare glimpse into daily life on Long Island’s 19th-century South Shore estates.
The Phillips House Museum in Rockville Centre, built in 1882 and once home to village founder James Phillips, reflects the community’s late-19th-century growth driven by commerce and transportation. Saved from demolition in the 1970s and restored during the Bicentennial era, it now stands as one of New York’s premier small historic museums.
Long Island’s rise to national prominence is reflected at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, built between 1884 and 1885 for Theodore Roosevelt. The Queen Annestyle home served as both his family residence and Summer White House, where policy and diplomacy shaped the Progressive Era. Today, it remains a National Historic Site and one of the country’s most significant presidential homes.
The growth of suburban Long Island is traced to Pearsall’s Corners, later Lynbrook, where a 19th-century crossroads centered on the Pearsall family store evolved into a stagecoach and railroad hub. With the arrival of the South Side Railroad, the community expanded rapidly and adopted the name Lynbrook in 1894, marking its transformation from rural hamlet to suburban village.
In Massapequa, the Delancey FloydJones Free Library, built in 1896, became the community’s first public library and remained its only one for more than 50 years. Now preserved within the Massapequa Historical Society Historic Complex, it reflects the rise
of civic institutions across Long Island.
On the South Shore, Long Beach reflects early 20th-century coastal planning. The home at 226 W. Penn Street, built in 1909 as part of William H. Reynolds’ resort vision, is one of the city’s earliest surviving structures. Now the Long Beach Historical Museum, it preserves the story of a barrier island community that grew from seasonal destination to year-round city.
The North Shore Historical Museum in Glen Cove occupies the former 1907 Justices Court Building, a State and National Register landmark that preserves the legacy of the Gold Coast era. In nearby Sea Cliff, the Village Museum—founded in 1979 and housed in a former Methodist church—continues that preservation effort through extensive archives of photographs, artifacts, and village records.
In Freeport, history spans multiple eras. A historic marker at Babylon Turnpike and Lakeview Avenue commemorates Washington’s passage through Long Island during his 1790 tour, linking the village to the nation’s earliest years. Nearby, the World War II memorial honors local service members who fought in the nation’s defining 20thcentury conflict, while the Vietnam War memorial stone at the Freeport Memorial Library stands as a tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, these landmarks underscore a simple truth: history is not confined to textbooks. It continues to live in the buildings, streets, and communities that shaped Long Island — and helped
shape the nation itself.
Photo 1 - Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore, built around 1697, stands as one of Suffolk County’s oldest surviving homes and a rare link to Long Island’s colonial, Revolutionary War, and early presidential history.
Brian Kacharaba/Herald
Photo 2 - The World War II memorial plaque in Freeport honors residents who served and sacrificed during the conflict.
Layla Eason/Herald
Photo 3 - Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, the longtime home of President Theodore Roosevelt, reflects Long Island’s role in American leadership history and served as his residence and “Summer White House” during his presidency.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Photo 4 - A historic marker at Babylon Turnpike and Lakeview Avenue in Freeport commemorates President George Washington’s passage through the area during his 1790 tour of Long Island.
Layla Eason/Herald
Photo 5 - The Old Grace Church in Massapequa traces its roots to 1844, where community members gathered to establish an Episcopal church closer to home rather than traveling to Hempstead for worship.
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
Photo 6 - Built in 1882, the Victorian home now housing the Phillips House Museum was once owned by sea captain and village founder James Phillips, whose family played a key role in the early development of Rockville Centre as a growing center of commerce and banking.
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
YBy JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
It is nearly impossible to discuss American literary history without mentioning Walt Whitman. Often called “America’s poet,” Whitman left a lasting mark as a writer, journalist and teacher, with a legacy deeply woven into both the nation’s history and Long Island’s own.
Born in what is now Huntington Station in 1819, Whitman came from a family whose Long Island roots stretched back to the 17th century. Though the family moved to Brooklyn when he was young, the island remained part of his foundation. His formal schooling ended at 11, but his education continued in print shops, newsrooms and city streets, where he developed a lifelong appetite for language, politics and the lives of ordinary people.
ou cannot really understand America... without ‘Leaves of Grass.’
MARY BERENsON
Art historian
As a teenager and young adult, Whitman worked as a printer, teacher and journalist across Long Island and New York City. When he returned to Huntington, he founded The Long-Islander, a local newspaper that is still being published. His formative years placed Whitman in close contact with people from every corner of American life: laborers, commuters, families, readers, voters and strangers passing through the world around him. That broad human canvas helped shape the ideals that came to define his poetry — a sweeping appreciation for everyday Americans.
Whitman carried those influences into “Leaves of Grass,” the collection he first published in 1855 and continued revising until his death in 1892. What began as a slim, unconventional volume grew into a sweeping body of work that challenged literary traditions and helped redefine what American poetry could sound like.
Much of Whitman’s work opens a window onto everyday American life, but “Song of Myself” may be his most expansive expression of that vision. In it, the speaker stretches beyond the individual, seeing himself reflected in all people and all things — a voice that is deeply personal and collective.
The poem stands apart for its bold embrace of the body, its deep connection to the natural world and its insistence on elevating the ordinary individual.
“Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same,”
Courtesy Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Gottscho-Schleisner Collection [LC-USZC2-4855]
Walt Whitman, one of America’s most renowned poets, taught at a summer school in Woodbury in 1840. The school building, erected in 1807, was acquired by Alexander M. White around 1927, who moved it to his estate in Oyster Bay Cove. The desk from the schoolhouse once used by Whitman is now at his birthplace, a historic site, in Huntington Station.
Whitman writes — a line that captures the layered, generational nature of belonging. It suggests how roots are formed not only through family, but through the places people claim as home. For Whitman, one of those places was Long Island.
Today, the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association maintains the New York state historic site Whitman was born in. Open to the public for tours, the home provides Long Islanders with insight into his early childhood, which influenced his work. Tours run daily in the summertime, and between Wednesdays and Sundays after Labor Day.
On the grounds of his original home is also an Interpretive Center, which opened in 1997, further allowing the birthplace association to build a tourist destination and regional hub for arts and literature, that offers unique, interdisciplinary programs.
“You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without ‘Leaves of Grass’…” art historian Mary Berenson once wrote of the work, according to Whitman’s profile on Goodreads, a networking site for readers. “He has expressed that civilization, ‘up to date,’ as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him.”
Photos courtesy LICM
Young artists created colorful works during last summer’s ArtVentures. This year, the program is expanded into four categories and families can enjoy similar creative experiences.
Bright colors and creative techniques come together in the watercolor project, one of the hands-on activities Kids can experiment how colors react to elements, and other colors.
By Stacy Driks
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to put down the screens this summer, pick up a paintbrush and discover the many ways to create art.
With the launch of Summer ArtVentures [July 7], the museum expands its arts programming into a season-long celebration of imagination, hands-on learning and creative exploration four days a week.
Whether it’s experimenting with watercolor, building collages, sculpting with clay or creating artwork inspired by professionals, every visit offers something new.
The lineup grew from a pilot series the museum introduced last summer. After seeing children return week after week and hearing families ask for more opportunities to create, museum educators decided it was time to think bigger.
“We had such a positive reaction, people were asking if we could do them on other days and if we could offer more arts programming,” says Jeanmarie Walsh Mansfield, the museum’s director of visual arts and community initiatives. ”We found families kept coming back, and kids were building on what they learned from one week to the next.”
That enthusiasm inspired a full calendar of art experiences running throughout July and August, with activities designed to appeal to toddlers, schoolage children, teens and even adults.
Unlike traditional art classes, participants aren’t divided by age. Instead, everyone creates together in the same space, allowing each person to work at a level that’s comfortable while learning from one another.
“It’s sort of like an old-school classroom,” Mansfield says. “Kids of all ages learn with and from each other.”
Each Tuesday, the museum hosts Imagine That! Summer ArtVentures Workshops, where participants explore a different artistic medium or technique. One week may focus on collage, while another introduces mosaics, sculpture or animation. Before children begin creating, participants are introduced to artists whose work connects to that week’s project.
Some come from centuries ago, like Italian painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo, whose portraits famously transformed fruits, vegetables and other everyday objects into imaginative faces. Others are contemporary artists such as Octavio Ocampo, whose optical illusion paintings encourage viewers to look beyond first impressions.
Fireworks with the South Shore Symphony
“I want kids to learn that art can be much more than they think art is,” Mansfield says. “Art can be everywhere and made from anything. All you need is your creativity, your imagination and a willingness to experiment.”
Fridays offer Watercolor Wonder Pop-Ups, rotating through different galleries with new watercolor techniques and themes each week. One session explores the effects of salt on watercolor paint, while another teaches children how oil pastels and watercolor interact to create surprising results. Other activities draw inspiration from nature, encouraging families to experiment with flowers, color and texture.
What program is best for you?
• Tuesday: Imagine That ArtVentures workshops run from July 7 to Aug. 25, 1-3 p.m. Fee: $4 for children three and up.
• Friday: Watercolor Pop-Up run from July 10 to Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with museum admission.
• Saturday: Amethyst Playground Pop-Up runs from July 11 to Aug. 1, noon-2 p.m. Free with museum admission.
• Monday: Squish Studio runs from July 27 to July 31, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Free with museum admission.
Still craving more fireworks? Rockville Centre’s annual celebration is just the ticket! Head to Pette and Barasch Fields for a festive evening with the South Shore Symphony, capped off by a spectacular Grucci fireworks display. It’s a beloved summertime tradition that brings together everyone for a rousing spectacle. Music Director Adam Glaser passes the baton to conductor Eileen Murphy who leads the orchestra in a program of Broadway hits, movie themes, pop hits, and patriotic standards. Selections include American Salute by Morton Gould, Suite from Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, RimskyKorsakov’s Procession of Nobles, Sousa’s Washington Post March and John William’s Raiders March. The orchestra begins performing at 7:30 p.m., the fireworks begin at 9:15 and the orchestra continues after. Hosted by the Village of Rockville Centre and the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, this free event has been a favorite for more than 30 years. Admission is free and is open to everyone. Rain date is July 12.
Hope shows her art project inspired by Kelly Olshan’s “Amethyst Playground” exhibit.
On Saturdays, Amethyst Playground Pop-Up connects directly to the current Artists’ Corner exhibition by Kelly Olshan. Families transform leftover materials from the artist’s creative process into colorful magnets, demonstrating how everyday objects can become works of art.
For children who love getting their hands dirty, Squish Studio, running July 27 through 31, offers an entire week devoted to clay. Young artists can experiment with different tools, create personal sculptures and contribute to a collaborative creature that grows throughout the week.
Clay holds a special place for Mansfield.
“I’ve been wanting to do clay-based workshops for a long time,” she says. “Kids really respond to it. It’s intuitive, it’s hands-on, and it helps develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity.”
But the aim is for visitors leave with more than artwork to hang on the refrigerator.
Creating art helps children build confidence, develop criticalthinking skills and become more comfortable taking creative risks, Mansfield explains. Working alongside others also teaches collaboration, communication and problem-solving.
“Art making reduces anxiety,” she says. “It can be meditative. We know screens can increase anxiety, but when children are creating with their hands, they’re engaged, they’re present and they’re learning.”
Perhaps most importantly, art teaches children that mistakes aren’t something to fear.
“You fail sometimes,” Mansfield says. “You make something and it doesn’t come out the way you wanted. That’s an important life skill — mistakes are learning opportunities and that you can pivot and try something different.”
And the experience sparks curiosity. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions with one “correct” outcome, educators encourage children to ask questions, explore materials and decide for themselves what they want to create.
“There’s no wrong way to make art,” Mansfield says. “I want kids to push their boundaries and realize they’re artists.”
And this is only the beginning.
Museum leadership plans to further expand programming beyond the summer, with additional workshops during school breaks and perhaps a future art festival that celebrates creativity throughout the museum.
Until then, paint, sculpt, squish and create all summer — one colorful adventure at a time.
For schedules, admission and registration information, visit licm.org.
Saturday, July 11, 7 p.m. Pette and Barasch Fields, 244 S. Park Ave, Rockville Centre. For more information, visit.rvcny.us.
The Bronx Wanderers
What do you get when a father, his two sons, and two high school classmates come together to create a show? A wildly entertaining mix of hilarious personal stories, a powerhouse playlist spanning every genre and decade, and one unforgettable family’s journey through life and music. Meet The Bronx Wanderers — a high-energy musical experience that’s been bringing audiences to their feet for over 20 years. With a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, modern hits, and dynamic storytelling, this band has mastered the art of connecting with fans of all ages in one sweeping, musical tour de force. They’re still having the time of their lives — and by the end of the show, you will be too.
July 12,7:30 p.m. Tickets
jul 9
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 6 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. The town animal shelter is home to playful pups and laid-back cats waiting for a fresh start. 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
Lights, camera, Long Island!
The Long Island International Film Expo continues, bringing independent cinema from around the globe to local audiences. The diverse lineup includes documentaries, feature films, shorts, horror films, music videos and late-night screenings for mature audiences, along with workshops and more. Notable selections include “The Random Guest,” the final film featuring actor Peter Greene.
• Where: Bellmore Movies & Showplace, 222 Pettit Ave.,Bellmore
• Time: Varied, through July 16
• Contact: For a complete schedule and tickets, visit LIIFE2026.eventive.org
jul
Oceanside
Mystic is back on the patio at EGP in Oceanside! Always delicious food and yummy drinks! Reservations recommended for dinner, especially for outdoor seating.
• Where: 2823 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside
• Time: 8-11 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-9547
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage,
Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny. gov or (516) 572-0200
jul
Calling all singers! From experienced choral veterans to shower singers with a taste for the classics, all are welcome at Long Island Choral Society’s sing-in happening. The repertoire includes Faure Requiem and assorted choral works to honor America. Summer Sing is an opportunity for people who love to sing, love choral music or both to get together with like-minded individuals and sing some great musical compositions. It’s not a performance. There aren’t any rehearsals. There’s no audience. We just sing for our own enjoyment. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the notes. The point is not perfection, it is to have fun. Bring your own musical score or borrow one. $10 donation.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
This is not a typical tribute or pretend concert act. Wild Child relies on recapturing the original: sound, feel, mood, dynamics and delivery of the Doors music. In true Doors fashion there are no: wigs, props, costumes, or phony banter between songs. It’s about the music and its delivery. Wild Child lead singer Dave Brock’s Doors tribute debuted with a triple sellout at the Whisky a-Go-Go. Since the band debuted, the act has been touring and playing at sold out national act venues and festivals around the world. Wild Child became the mold that “tribute bands” aspired to become, as they flooded the market in the 1990s with good and bad impersonations of famous artists. In 2010 Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors, invited Dave to tour with them as their vocalist on their concert engagements. This was perhaps the best compliment Dave has ever received from anyone for his work. Being selected by these two Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame musicians was a huge honor; the ultimate compliment of his talents and speaks volumes for his credibility as a Doors style frontman and vocalist. Fans and critics alike praise Wild Child performances as the closest thing to a real 1960s Doors concert and live Doors experience.
retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Fourth
jul
Participate in the fourth annual Zachary Allen Classic Memorial Softball Tournament at Oceanside Park. Two new teams this year join a competitive 12-team field. All proceeds benefit the Zachary “Zallen” Allen Memorial
Scholarship Fund at Oceanside High School.
• Where: Oceanside Park, 3800 Mahlon Brower Dr., Oceanside
• Time: 10 a.m.
Celebrate America 250 with a special tribute to Americanmade cars at Oceanside Library. Explore a showcase of vintage classics, all on display right here at the Oceanside Library! After admiring these beautiful American-made cars, cool off in the theater for a screening of “The Sandlot.” Rain date is July 25.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 10 a.m.; movie starts at 2 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary. com or (516) 766-2360
Lance the Eagle welcomes families to “A Semi-QuincentenEAGLE Birthday” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. In this original production, families are invited to celebrate his birthday. His message: As the national bird, this party will be happening throughout the whole month of
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
July. Come to think of it, I did hear something about a birthday for the United States of America as well. Hmm... must be a coincidence! I’ll be throwing a parade through LICM’s galleries and a celebratory spectacle in the Theater. Come ready to party!” Keep an eye out 30 minutes before each show for a special interactive pre-show! For ages 3+. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 15
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with Disco Unlimited. When Sista Soul, Sparkle Sista, Joe Cool, Strat Cat Ricky Smooth and The MacDaddy, all hit the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. And dance you will – when you experience the magic created when the boogie begins.
• Where: Harry Chapin
• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: LICS.org
The World Goes Round: Songs of Kander & Ebb
Filled with humor, romance, drama and nonstop melody, Plaza Theatrical stages a thrilling celebration of life and the fighting spirit that keeps us all going. Five individuals find themselves careening through the world of love, babies and coffee. From Cabaret to Chicago, the nonstop hit parade features unforgettable gems, including “Mr. Cellophane,” “Maybe This Time,” “Cabaret” and “New York, New York,” seamlessly woven into a passionate, harmonious, up-tempo performance of musical theater.
• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 2:30 p.m.
• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870
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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of VERDI HOLDINGS, LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/28/26. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 203 Sunnyside Road OCEANSIDE, NY 11572. Purpose: any lawful act. 160558
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-CF2, Plaintiff, vs. ALAN MICHAEL BAER AND LESLIE DANA BAER, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF STELLA ANN BAER, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on June 16, 2022, and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee entered on September 11, 2025, 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 August 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 103 Knight Street, 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 54, Block 452 and Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $285,512.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004462/2009. Robert John Aiello, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160991
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 07/22/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
375/26. OCEANSIDEKonstantinos & Kalliopi Kollias, Renewal of grant to maintain 2family dwelling., W/s Magee Pl., 250’ N/o Silver La., a/k/a 2696 Magee Pl.
ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Oceanside within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 161087
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU NEWREZ LLC DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING (FKA SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC), Plaintiff - againstEMILIA SHAFRANSKI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 20, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 30th day of June, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Nearly 600 Nassau County residents turned out for Mount Sinai South Nassau’s sixth annual Long Beach Boardwalk Health Fair, taking advantage of free health screenings, safety training and wellness education during the hospital’s largest community outreach event of the summer.
Hosted by the hospital’s Department of Community Education on June 20, the annual fair combined health services with family-friendly activities, giving visitors access to medical professionals, educational resources and preventive care in an outdoor setting along the boardwalk.
thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 3254 Judith Lane, Oceanside, NY 11572. (Section: 54, Block: 527, Lot: 20)
Approximate amount of lien $888,668.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 007787/2013. Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: April 29, 2026
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. The above sale has been postponed, the new sale date is July 15, 2026 at 2:00 pm. at the same place. Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee.
Dated: June 22, 2026 161040
Throughout the day, healthcare providers conducted a total of 329 free health screenings. Services included balance testing, sleep assessments, limited podiatry exams, head and neck cancer screenings, body mass index measurements, blood pressure checks and cholesterol risk assessments.
The event also emphasized emergency preparedness and lifesaving skills. Thirty-five residents received handsonly CPR training, while 55 people completed Stop the Bleed training, which teaches participants how to control severe bleeding in emergencies. An additional 10 residents received Narcan administration training and were provided with Narcan kits to help respond to opioid overdoses.
More than 25 health and wellness information tables were staffed by physician specialists, nurses, nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals. Demonstrations and educational materials covered a range of topics aimed at helping residents better understand their health and connect with available community resources.
The health fair is one of many outreach initiatives offered by Mount Sinai
South Nassau’s Department of Community Education, which serves more than 56,000 Long Islanders each year through preventive health programs and services.
The department provides a variety of free or low-cost community health resources throughout the year, including screenings for anxiety, depression, blood pressure and skin cancer, as well as prostate-specific antigen testing. It also offers COVID-19, influenza, pneumonia and shingles vaccinations, community lectures and seminars, CPR instruction and services through its Community Health Mobile, also known as the Vaxmobile.
In addition to the annual boardwalk fair, the department operates its Community Wellness Center at 106 Boardwalk in Long Beach, where residents can access health education and screenings throughout the summer and early fall.
The center offers a rotating weekly schedule of services, including EKG screenings for student athletes, diabetes and cholesterol testing, prostate-specific antigen screenings, diabetes risk assessments, lung health education, blood pressure programs, Narcan and Stop the Bleed training, CPR certification classes, healthy eating education and a teddy bear clinic designed for children.
Many of the programs are offered at no cost, with certain services requiring advance registration. Sessions generally last between 30 and 60 minutes, making it easy for residents to take advantage of preventive care and health education close to home.
Hospital officials said the annual health fair reflects Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ongoing commitment to promoting wellness, increasing access to preventive care and equipping community members with the knowledge and skills to protect their health and respond during emergencies.
Help Wanted
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City
is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Operations/ Office Coordinator Full-Time. Cedarhurst. $25–$30/hour. Seeking person with strong communication, organizational, computer skills. Resume: info@purebitessnacks.com
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per
Q. We have large cracks in our concrete driveway and garage floor, and want to make sure they are repaired correctly, since they appear to be recently done, possibly within a year before we purchased the house. In particular, there is a nearly round hole that turned to gravel, kind of, and we want to know why it happened and avoid having it happen again. What can you tell us?
A. Concrete reacts to extreme weather changes. That is a given to designers of concrete structures, even though most people think concrete is the “immovable object.”
Nature moves mountains, so your driveway was no challenge for the forces of nature.
Extreme cold causes concrete to contract, push in on itself, while the heat has the effect of stretching this fairly rigid material to its limits. In the heat of summer, as you may have heard, the beautifully engineered Autobahn in Germany just buckled in various places. I’ve seen cars going nearly 200 miles per hour on that roadway, but with a buckled road, sections were shut down.
The key to any material selection is understanding its reaction to two major factors in nature, namely, water and movement. Throw in other factors, like chemical reaction and deterioration rates, and you realize that concrete is vulnerable. You have to work with its basic properties to have it adapt and cooperate with your intended use.
All that being said, the hole is basically like a zit, a buildup of pressure in a weaker place across the surface. Concrete develops strength as a chemical reaction to the specific combination of materials it is made from. With too much water in the mix, it will be weaker, especially in a particular spot. If it has no way to expand over a large area, as a thin sheet, only 4 to 6 inches thick over 10 to 20 feet, its strength is reduced because of a strengthto-distance ratio. So, to relieve the intensity of the expansion or contraction, separations, or “joints,” are made so the slabs can spread the forces of shrinking or expanding, a little.
Concrete is known to be very strong in compression, meaning you can press it together, to an extreme, before it crushes. On the other hand, it has very little ability to resist being stretched or pulled apart. To counteract the problem, steel, which is very elastic (stretchable) is spaced within formed concrete to increase the resistance to cracking apart. The combination of steel, in the right ratio and strength, and expansion joints, to let the concrete separate without unsightly cracks, makes the concrete more stable. Even just a depressed joint, not through and through, helps, by basically letting the concrete crack in a controlled way, where the crack runs in a straight depression instead of looking like a big rip.
I recommend having a professional make the repairs, with caution. You want an experienced company that works from a calculated solution, not just a quick fix. More next week. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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At a time when many Americans feel that common sense is increasingly under attack, the Town of Hempstead has taken a stand.
Last month the Town Board voted to approve my resolution to protect mothers and fathers, making our township the first municipality in New York state to formally preserve the terms “mother” and “father” throughout our municipal code, forms and official documents.
For many residents, this may seem like something that shouldn’t require government action. After all, mothers and fathers have been the foundation of families and communities since the beginning of our nation. Yet recent actions in Albany have made it clear that what once seemed self-evident can no longer be taken for granted.
Legislation recently passed by the State Legislature would replace longstanding family terminology in state law with terms such as “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.” Many
parents across Long Island see something much larger at stake than mere terminology. They see an effort to remove language that has reflected the reality of family life for generations.
The language we use shapes how we understand our institutions, our traditions and our values. When government begins replacing universally understood terms like “mother” and “father” with bureaucratic alternatives, it sends a message that these roles are somehow outdated or unworthy of recognition. I reject that notion, and so does the Town Board.
Wnot deserve to be erased.
The Town of Hempstead has always been a place where families come first. Our residents choose to live here because of our neighborhoods, schools, parks, houses of worship and sense of community. These are the institutions that make suburban life possible and help families thrive.
e don’t want any part of terms like ‘gestating’ and ‘non-gestating parent.’
This resolution is not about excluding anyone. It is not about judging how people choose to live their lives. Rather, it is about affirming a simple truth that mothers and fathers play unique and indispensable roles in raising children and building strong families.
As a husband and father, I know firsthand the importance of family. I know what it means to hear children call out for their mom or dad. I know the sacrifices parents make every day to provide for their families, teach their children values and prepare the next generation for success. Those roles deserve respect, recognition and preservation. They do
TThat’s why our local government has consistently focused on policies that improve quality of life. We have worked to keep taxes affordable, strengthen public safety, invest in parks and infrastructure, and deliver essential services efficiently. But protecting our community also means defending the values that unite us. When Albany extremists advance policies that touch on fundamental aspects of family and community life, local governments have a responsibility to speak up on behalf of the people they represent.
Hempstead is America’s largest township. With that distinction comes a responsibility to lead. We cannot simply sit on the sidelines and hope someone else will defend the principles that matter to our residents.
Our resolution sends a clear message that the mothers and fathers of Hemp-
The administration just won’t let up
here was an especially poignant happening on Long Island recently, amid the Trump administration’s campaign against immigrants, when honor student Sara Lopez Garcia returned — virtually — for graduation ceremonies at Suffolk County Community College and gave a video presentation.
A year earlier, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had raided Garcia’s home in Mastic and arrested her.
As Bart Jones reported in Newsday, Garcia, who had a 3.9 GPA, “told the crowd … that while she joined in celebrating their new degrees, including hers, the day was bittersweet, as she was forced to watch from 2,500 miles away in South America.”
“This day brings really difficult memories for me,” Garcia, dressed in graduation regalia, said from Colombia. Of her arrest, she added, “It was one of the moments of my life when I felt fear. I was so scared, and everything was uncertain. I didn’t know what would
happen to me, to my family, to my future.”
She was sent to an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. She had been brought to the United States by her mother, who was also arrested, and has no criminal record.
Jones wrote that SCCC English Professor Cynthia Eaton had nominated Garcia to speak at graduation because “she was a model of determination in the face of adversity.” Said Eaton: “She is a good thinker. She’s a good learner. She’s a good person … Everybody on our campus knew Sara’s smile. They all loved Sara. She was like a magnet … upbeat, positive.”
stead will not be ignored. It tells families that their local government hears their concerns and shares their belief that traditional parental roles remain worthy of recognition. And it demonstrates that local communities still have a voice, even when they disagree with the direction coming from Albany.
As we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, we should reflect on the values that have sustained this country through its greatest challenges. Family is one of those values. Strong families create strong neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods create strong communities. And strong communities create a strong nation. This simple principle is as true today as it was generations ago.
The town’s resolution to protect mothers and fathers is about preserving that foundation for future generations. It is about ensuring that common-sense language remains part of our public institutions. And it is about standing up for the families who make our township such a special place to live.
I’m proud that Hempstead has led the way. My hope is that other communities across New York will join us in affirming the importance of mothers, fathers and the families they help build. These are values worth defending.
John Ferretti is supervisor of the Town of Hempstead.
tests. The Town of East Hampton and, before that, East Hampton Village passed laws blocking their participation with ICE.
A former Border Patrol chief talks of deporting over 100 million people.
Jim Morgo, ex-chief deputy Suffolk County executive, a former vice chair of the college’s board of trustees and a teacher, said that Garcia “is the perfect example of everything that’s wrong with mass deportation. There’s no distinguishing the honor students from the rapist.”
On Long Island, as is the case in the rest of the nation, there’s opposition to President Trump’s deportation program. For months there have been pro-
The town and village actions were followed by laws enacted by New York state that prohibit “local governments, state and local police, and state and local corrections” from entering into “agreements with the federal government that allow for state and local enforcement personnel and facilities to be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes” — and that also ban “state, local and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public.”
But Tom Homan, the ex-director of ICE who was given the title of “border czar” by Trump, has vowed that if New York passed “this ridiculous legislation,” ICE would “flood the zone. You’re going to see more ICE agents than you ever seen before.”
And in a party-line vote in the U.S. Senate, Republicans passed $70 billion in new funding for ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol, in addition to $150 billion the agencies received last year.
Meanwhile, Greg Bovino, the former Border Patrol chief who was removed in January after Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, has announced that he is running for president, and said, “My one and only priority is deporting the 106 million illegal immigrants who are here.”
The website Mediaite commented that this is one-third of the nation’s population, and “the true number of illegal immigrants peaked at 14 million in 2023, according to Pew [Research Center].” Back to earth and Long Island, the Bridgehampton Museum recently held an exhibition titled, “What We Carry: Memory & Migration.” “Rooted in themes central to the East End and beyond, What We Carry underscores how migration stories are embedded in local history while resonating on a global scale,” the museum wrote, and was co-curated by Jeremy Dennis, a Shinnecock Native American; Mark Wilson, who has roots in Australia; and Darius Yektai, who has an Iranian and Greek background.
Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
Fax: (516) 569-4942
ummer has a way of reminding us about the simple pleasures in life. For many, that means relaxing on the beach with a good book, spending time with family or finding fun ways to stay cool during the hottest days of the year.
But while a great novel may be the perfect beach companion, the local public library offers so much more than books. It is one of the smartest and most valuable investments any community can make.
Libraries have evolved far beyond quiet reading rooms lined with shelves full of books. They are vibrant community centers that welcome residents of every age and every background. They’re places where curiosity is encouraged, lifelong learning is celebrated and neighbors come together at author readings, musical performances and movie screenings.
Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for libraries. Children who might otherwise lose valuable academic skills during the school break can take part in summer reading programs intended to keep their minds engaged while making learning fun.
Teens can explore new interests through workshops, volunteer opportunities and technology programs.
Adults can attend lectures, careerdevelopment seminars, financial-literacy classes and cultural events. Seniors can take part in social gatherings, edu-
To the Editor:
Re Robert A. Scott’s column, “What it means to be a college graduate,” in the June 24-30 issue: At a time when some are questioning the value of a college education, Dr. Scott offers a thoughtful perspective on this important issue. Drawing on his own experiences at Bucknell University as well as research that demonstrates the many positive outcomes of college, he makes a strong case for post-secondary education. At its best, Scott notes, college can not only improve students’ writing and speaking skills and boost graduates’ earning power, but also foster personal growth and enhance one’s outlook on the world. “College is, or should be,” he writes, “as much about character development and active citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and advancement in commerce.”
cational presentations and wellness activities that help combat isolation while strengthening community connections.
Libraries are free public spaces open to everyone. They provide safe, air-conditioned environments in which families can spend time together, students can study, remote workers can focus and anyone can simply enjoy a quiet place to read, learn or reflect.
These services don’t disappear when summer ends. Throughout the year, libraries host civic meetings, support groups, educational workshops, cultural performances, technology training, tax-preparation assistance, job search resources and countless other programs that strengthen the social fabric of our communities. They serve as gathering places where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed and local organizations find a home.
Elected officials deserve recognition when they prioritize funding for public libraries. Public investments often bring to mind roads, bridges or major construction projects, and those investments certainly matter. But investments in libraries produce returns that cannot always be measured in dollars. Whether funding is for the renovation of a community room to expand programs and services or a much larger capital project that overhauls the entire building, libraries aim to improve educational outcomes, encour-
age civic engagement, reduce social isolation, create stronger, more connected communities, and make their facilities more welcoming, accessible and functional for everyone who walks through their doors.
These projects also reflect a broader truth: Investments in libraries are investments in people. Every renovated classroom, meeting space or children’s area creates opportunities for learning, connection and growth that extend well beyond the life of the construction project itself.
At a time when many people worry about loneliness, educational gaps and divisions in society, libraries quietly address each of those challenges every day. They remain one of the few places where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, income or background, and where the only requirement for entry is a willingness to learn.
As summer unfolds, residents should take full advantage of everything their local libraries have to offer. Borrow that next beach read. Sign a child up for a reading challenge. Attend a lecture, explore a new hobby, join a community group or simply spend an afternoon discovering something new.
Every library card opened, every book borrowed and every program attended is a reminder that one of the greatest investments we can make is in institutions that educate, inspire and bring us together.
Most Long Islanders believe antisemitism is somebody else’s problem. We watch what’s happening in New York City and tell ourselves it can’t happen here.
We watch Democratic Socialists take control of the conversation. We watch politicians refuse to condemn chants like “Globalize the intifada!” We see Jewish students harassed on college campuses. We watch antiIsrael mobs shut down streets, disrupt public events and intimidate anyone who dares support the Jewish state. We watch elected officials excuse it, justify it or pretend not to see it.
And we tell ourselves, that’s Manhattan. That’s Brooklyn. That’s somebody else’s problem. It isn’t.
And if you’re not Jewish, you may be tempted to think this has nothing to do with you. It does.
Because history teaches us the same lesson over and over again: It always starts with the Jews, but it never ends with the Jews. As the son of a Holocaust survivor and as a Long Islander of Italian descent,
I understand that lesson all too well.
A couple of weeks ago, New Yorkers witnessed another warning sign. A liberal Jewish Democratic congressman walked into a coffee shop in Brooklyn with his 7-year-old daughter. Not a Republican. Not a conservative. Not someone from the political right. It was Rep. Dan Goldman, one of the most liberal members of Congress.
LThe coffee shop publicly posted surveillance photos of Goldman online, labeled him a “genocide enabler,” refunded his money and told him he was no longer welcome. Days later, his congressional office was vandalized with antiIsrael graffiti.
al members of Congress. Yet he was publicly humiliated, ostracized and targeted anyway.
And he’s not alone. The political left keeps moving further and further left. Yesterday’s progressives become today’s moderates. Today’s moderates become tomorrow’s enemies.
iberal U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman was targeted for being a ‘genocide enabler.’
Think about that. Goldman didn’t become a Republican. He didn’t move to the right. He didn’t abandon progressive causes. Yet even someone as liberal as Goldman wasn’t liberal enough. That’s the point.
For years, many Jewish Democrats persuaded themselves that their politics would protect them. They believed that because they supported progressive causes, those same movements would stand with them.
They were wrong. Goldman isn’t a conservative who wandered into the wrong crowd. He’s one of the most liber-
Scott’s column should be required reading for every new college student, especially those entering with the misguided notion that college is little more than a quick ticket to a job. While finding a career that’s a good fit should certainly be part of everyone’s college years, students should also use this time to learn about themselves, to engage ideas, to come to grips with life’s complexities, and to develop a deeper understanding of the world that’s waiting for them after graduation.
Colleges themselves would also do well to pay attention to Scott’s advice. Too many schools present themselves as career factories, highlighting their programs’ “real world” skill development while paying only minimal attention to the transformative experiences that a college education can (and should) provide. Graduating thoughtful, knowledgeable and insightful human beings — people capable of seeing life’s big picture and acting on behalf of the greater good — should be a primary goal of higher education. Given the cost of college, as well as our collective anxiety about the future of America’s workforce, I can understand many students’ wish to choose a major that will help them make their way. But preparing for a career needn’t preclude being open to activities and experiences, both in and out of the classroom, that will invite students to stretch intellectually, socially and emotionally. There are indeed many valuable lessons to be learned here; students should not miss out on them.
RICHARD J. CONWAY Massapequa
Imagine spending your entire political career supporting progressive causes only to discover that supporting Israel is enough to get you cast out. Imagine being one of the most liberal members of Congress and still being treated as the enemy. That’s where we are today.
Some people will say that there are extremists on both sides. No. There are bad people everywhere, but let’s stop pretending that the Democratic Party doesn’t have a serious problem. This is the party that once fought to preserve slavery. The party of segregation. The party of the Dixiecrats.
We recently celebrated Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in America. The historical reality is that Republicans fought to end slavery while Democrats fought to preserve it. History matters. Political parties can lose their way. And today’s Democratic Party has increasingly become a home for people who excuse, rationalize and remain
by Tim Baker
silent in the face of antisemitism. My message isn’t just to Jews. My message is to everyone. Stop voting for people who are helping normalize this. Stop pretending that antisemitism is acceptable as long as it comes wrapped in the language of activism. Stop believing that political labels matter more than reality.
And to my fellow Jews who continue supporting politicians and movements that tolerate anti-Israel extremism, I ask you to honestly look at what is happening. The people who targeted Dan Goldman don’t care how he voted. They don’t care how progressive he is. They don’t care how loyal he has been. All they see is a Jew who supports Israel.
The warning signs are no longer subtle. And Long Island should be paying attention. Many people still believe this hatred stops at the city line. It doesn’t. Ideas travel. Movements spread. What begins in Brooklyn today can arrive in Nassau County tomorrow.
Every generation asks how ordinary people failed to recognize the warning signs. The answer is always the same. They convinced themselves it couldn’t happen where they lived.
Long Island shouldn’t make the same mistake. Even liberal Dan Goldman wasn’t liberal enough. Long Island should pay attention.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels arrive at Republic Airport to prepare for their performances at Jones Beach — Farmingdale
