Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder presented Assistant Library Director Tony Iovino with a citation as the community prepared to bid farewell to the passionate community leader when he retires at the end of the month.
Oceanside Library set to
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
After more than a decade of helping to transform the Oceanside Library into a thriving community hub — and before that, a lifetime of public service — Tony Iovino will serve his last day as assistant library director on July 31.
“I have had the distinct honor and privilege to work with Tony for over 10 years, back when I was head of the Children’s Room,” library Director Chris Marra said. “He played a pivotal role in the design and construction of our beautiful new building and in bringing it to life. He’s made a lasting impact on our library and the entire Oceanside community. His vision, dedication and
tireless work has shaped the Oceanside library into what it is today. The beautiful library is a reflection of his passion and commitment, a dream he worked tirelessly to bring to life, and one that now stands as a lasting legacy in our community.”
Iovino, 67, has long been a familiar name in Oceanside. His career has touched nearly every corner of public life — law, education, literature and library leadership. Iovino, the first in his family to attend college, graduated from the University of Richmond in three years with a double major in economics and history. He married his childhood sweetheart, Angela at 21, that same summer before attending St. John’s University School of Law. After earning a law degree, he even-
All Iz Well will take the stage in I.P. July 29
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The rhythmic pulse of funk, the timeless charm of Motown, and the powerful harmonies of three lead vocalists will all come together when All Iz Well takes the stage at the Island Park Library, 176 Long Beach Road on July 29 at 7 p.m.
The nine-piece band — led by Queens native and drummer Cordell Brown — is preparing to bring its signature sound to the South Shore.
“We come to just bring joy,” Brown, 60, the band’s founder and leader, said.
Formed more than a decade ago, All Iz Well Band has played all along the Nautical Mile in Freeport and across New York, with appearances in Brooklyn, Co-op City in the Bronx, and even as far as Waldorf, Maryland. The group’s name is both a mantra and a mission — creating music that uplifts and unites people from all walks of life.
The band originally took shape after Brown’s previous group, 90 Proof, disbanded.
Brown, who got his start playing drums in church more than 40 years ago, decided to assemble a band that could cover every genre — from R&B to soft rock and pop. The lineup now includes two guitarists, two keyboardists, a bassist and three lead vocalists.
“This is the only (band) with three vocalists up front,” Brown said. “We’re able to blend our vocals very, very well. We bring a blend of voices, and it brings people back. You get nostalgia from all the old songs.”
The band, whose sound is tight and polished, is made up of everyday professionals with diverse careers. Brown works full-time in construction and was part of the rebuilding effort at the World Trade Center. Other members include a retired federal parole officer, a healthcare administrator, a former NYPD officer, and even a military base bookstore manager.
“We’re all hardworking people,” Brown said. “We got together with our talents, and ConTInueD on pAge 6
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Library to host local residents European watercolor exhibit
By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY
Correspondent
Oceanside Library will host watercolor artist and Oceanside resident Ilene PragerSmith on July 30. Prager-Smith, a watercolor artist from Oceanside, will feature art pieces, drawing inspiration from trips to Europe with her husband. Including paintings set in Venice, Italy, as well as an illustration of a calypso dancer in Spain.
“I just love the places that I went to,” Prager-Smith said. “I wanted to have my own personal experience recorded in color.”
Described by Pat Maraia, PragerSmith’s colleague, as a “very colorful person and spirit,” she said Prager-Smith is always aiming high. Maraia, who has attended art classes with Prager-Smith, mentioned that she would always partake in bigger projects.
“I was a beginner, and I was doing my little things, and then she’s doing these big things,” Piselli said, smiling.
Prager-Smith explained that she draws inspiration from her experiences, and then expresses it in her own art. Some of her artwork also includes matting, a process which adds a border to the artwork within a frame to make a piece of artwork more aesthetically pleasing. Her motives for matting, Prager-Smith said, are simply to make her pieces more pleasing to her eyes, rather than a specific vision she has for a
piece. “The way I see it as I frame it, I bring it to the custom framer and I tell her what I want,” she said.
Many patrons in attendance at her reception at the Elmont Memorial Library on May 25 highlighted her skills as an artist. Robin Donovan, who attends the same Town of Hempstead Cultural Arts classes as Prager-Smith, highlighted the attention and “sensitivity” to detail.
“Her color palette is very subtle but if you squint your eyes, you can really see what’s really popping out as a first read,” Donovan said. She also gave praise to Prager-Smith’s underpainting skillsthe application of a base layer of paint to a canvas or surfacehighlighting that the skill is “critical” for a painter.
Prager-Smith’s use of colors was also praised by attendees of the artist reception, including Veronica Piselli, a close friend of hers. “She loves to use colorsvery flamboyant and animated,” she said.
Prager-Smith started her career as a clothing designer, and manufactured under her own label, Prager Smith Designs. She then continued her career as a special education teacher at Benjamin Cardoza High School in Bayside Queens, teaching art and academic remediation to her students. Now retired, Prager-Smith has taken a keen interest in watercolor painting, and hopes to become more active in the art community.
Aidan Warshavsky/Herald photos
A painting of a calypso dancer in Spain adds rhythm and flair to Oceanside resident Ilene Prager-Smith’s European travel series.
Classic cars turn heads at Oceanside Library’s first-ever car show
The Oceanside Library revved up excitement on July 19, hosting its firstever car show, which drew auto enthusiasts and curious spectators from across the community.
The event transformed the library’s parking lot into a vintage showcase of chrome, horsepower, and nostalgia.
Organized as a celebration of classic and beloved vehicles, the event invited local car owners to register their rides and proudly display them for the public.
From polished hot rods to restored muscle cars and timeless cruisers, the lineup offered something for every gearhead to admire.
With the sun shining and families
strolling between rows of cars, attendees enjoyed not only the vehicles but also the conversations with passionate owners eager to share stories behind their wheels.
The event was free to the public, and participants registered their vehicles online ahead of time.
The Oceanside Library continues to expand its community programming, proving it’s more than just a place for books.
— Kepherd Daniel
Daniel Tommasino/Herald
The Oceanside Library’s inaugural car show brought out bold paint jobs, polished chrome, and a strong sense of community. From left, Joe with a 67’ Corvette, Chris alongside a 55’ Chevy Bel Air and Steve with a 28’ Chevy.
Vintage and custom cars lined the Oceanside Library parking lot as part of the library’s first-ever community car show.
Local residents stopped by to admire the unique vehicles and meet their passionate owners.
The hood of vintage cars looked great in the sunlight.
A 55’ Chevy Bel Air engine in full display.
Protecting Your Future with
In Elder Law Estate Planning There’s More Misinformation than Information
Recently, we came across an article by a syndicated columnist that claimed that if you put your house into an irrevocable trust you lose your exclusion from the capital gains tax on the sale of the primary residence — $500,000 for a couple and $250,000 for a single person. The writer, being a financial planner and not a trust and estates lawyer, and despite claiming to be an “expert”, was apparently unaware that there are many different types of irrevocable trusts. One of the most common irrevocable trusts, the Medicaid Asset Protect Trust (MAPT), is designed to preserve these exclusions. MAPT’s are “grantor trusts” which mean they remain in the grantor’s name for all income and capital gains tax purposes.
This leads into a very common problem. Too often, clients receive advice on trusts from financial advisors, accountants and family lawyers, believing they are getting a professional opinion. We say that what they are actually getting is a personal opinion coming out of a professional’s mouth.
We often make the analogy that if, unfortunately, you have cancer then you want to
get advice from an oncologist, not your family doctor. If you have an elder law estate planning problem, you want to talk to an elder law estate planning attorney, not your general lawyer, financial advisor or accountant. Well-meaning professionals often give incorrect information.
Here are the most common myths about the MAPT:
• Myth: You can’t sell the house - Reality: We have done it thousands of times. The money is paid to the trust and remains protected. The trust can purchase another house, a condominium or simply invest the money and pay you the income.
• Myth: You can’t change the trust - Reality: You may change the trustees, or who you are leaving it to, at any time.
• Myth: You can’t take money out of the trust - Reality: You get all the income (interest and dividends) and you may gift virtually any amount tax-free to your children.
• Myth: You cannot undo the trust - Reality: In New York you may revoke an irrevocable trust on the consent of all named parties. If one will not sign, we have a workaround.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com
Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com
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Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia
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Man arrested in Island Park jewelry store burglary
Nassau County Police arrested a 27-year-old undomiciled man in connection with two burglaries that took place in Island Park on June 16.
Jean Barroso pried open the rear door of Ananau Peruvian Cuisine at 4547 Austin Boulevard in an attempt to break into the neighboring business, Saatchi Jewelry, located at 4545 Austin Boulevard.
When he was unable to gain entry from the rear, Barroso allegedly climbed onto the roof and accessed Saatchi Jewelry from above.
mately $22,000 before lraving the scene.
Following an investigation, Barroso was identified and arrested without incident. He was charged with two counts of third-degree burglary and arraigned on July 10, at First District Court in Hempstead.
Police also confirmed that Barroso is not legally present in the United States. His last Immigration Court appearance was July 17.
Once inside, Barroso allegedly stole assorted jewelry valued at approxi-
crIMe waTcH
Larceny
On July 5, a victim reported that three unknown subjects removed assorted items from a business on Long Beach Road in Oceanside.
On July 8, two unknown male subjects reportedly stole six headsets from a business on Long Beach Road in Oceanside.
THeFT
On July 1, a victim reported that both the front and rear license plates were stolen from her vehicle while it was parked near Rockaway Avenue and Henry Street in Oceanside.
crIMInaL MIScHIeF
On June 21, a resident on 2nd Street in Oceanside reported that unknown subject(s) damaged electrical wiring on the property.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/oceanside ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: oceaneditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 265 E-mail: oceaneditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942
— Kepherd Daniel
Jean Barroso
‘All Iz Well’ will bring its signature sounds
hey, we’re making some beautiful music together.”
One of the newest voices in the group is Tanaa Dean, a vocalist who joined the band about a year and a half ago. She brings decades of musical experience — from singing in church choirs as a child to recording with her sisters in a girl group that once had a deal on the table with Atlantic Records.
“I was born with this talent,” Dean said. “Music is all around me. It’s part of who I am.”
Dean, who also works as a healthcare administrator for a cardiology practice in Queens, balances her fulltime job with rehearsals, gigs and personal vocal development. She practices daily and credits her growth to consistent dedication, drawing inspiration from vocal coaches like Seth Riggs.
“Each day, I gotta make sure I get in my meditation, rehearse, eat right and manage everything,” she said. “It’s a daily thing.”
She describes All Iz Well as “the only band I work with that has three lead vocalists,” a dynamic that allows for powerful harmonies and versatility on stage.
“Cordell takes pride in making our sound match the original recordings,” Dean said. “We blend strong voices and magical musicianship.”
Brown attributed the band’s cohesion to mutual respect and humility. With members ranging in age from 40s to 60s, the group functions like a second family. Disagreements are rare, rehearsals are regular — even without gigs — and everyone takes their craft seriously.
“It’s like a blessing, because we’re all on the same page, and everybody takes criticism,” Brown said. “We work out everything. You know, we could disagree, agree, but everybody’s levelheaded. That’s the main thing, and humble, that’s why it comes together.”
The band’s set lists are genre spanning and designed to stir memories and emotions, and get the feet dancing. Expect classics from The Temptations, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more — brought to life with tight instrumentation and interactive showmanship.
“The singers get the crowd up,” Brown said. “We interact. We want people to have a great time.”
The group’s upcoming show at the Island Park Library came about through a family connection — Brown’s cousin, Joe Ross, works with the Long Beach
Parks Department. After hearing the band perform, Ross helped the library gig take shape.
“We just have a really good time together,” Dean said. “We’re getting the crowd up and dancing.”
With their blend of professionalism, passion and positive energy, All Iz Well Band promises Island Park residents a show filled with groove, soul and community spirit.
“We come to bring joy to the people,” Dean said. “And we don’t leave until we get that.”
Courtesy Cordell Brown
The All Iz Well band will bring its unique energy to Island Park.
Robbie’s Law aims to bring AEDs to county fields
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County legislators are hoping to better protect youth athletes with Robbie’s Law — legislation that would make it mandatory for all county fields to be equipped with an automated external defibrillator to help victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat who represents parts of Merrick, Bellmore and Freeport, introduced the initiative for the portable electronic AED earlier this month at Eisenhower Park’s ball fields. There is currently no requirement for county fields to have an AED, although park offices, such as the one in Eisenhower Park, are normally equipped with one.
The legislation is named in honor of Robbie Levine, a 9-year-old Merrick boy who died from sudden cardiac arrest in 2005 while playing baseball. His parents, Jill and Craig Levine, founded Forever 9–The Robbie Levine Foundation, a nonprofit that provides AEDs and CPR training to youth athletic organizations and other community groups.
“Not only am I a legislator, but I’m also a dad and a Little League coach,” Koslow said at a July 7 news conference. “I’ve spent countless hours on fields, watching kids play — and just the thought of that one moment where a kid falls and they need help because they’re suffering a cardiac emergency, and the fact that there’s a chance they won’t get the help they need because there’s no defibrillator nearby, could mean a tragedy.”
Also attending the news conference were members of the legislature’s minority caucus and Jill Levine to advocate for the legislation, emphasizing that equipping county fields with AEDs could enhance safety for everyone — especially youth athletes.
“Twenty years ago, Jill Levine lived that tragedy,” Koslow said, in reference to her son’s death. “We’re here to make sure that no parent has to suffer the tragedy that Jill suffered.”
Most portable devices cost around $500, Koslow said, and Nassau County maintains roughly 200 fields, bringing the total cost of the initiative to around $100,000 — a small dent in the county’s $4.2 billion budget.
Other municipalities on Long Island, like Suffolk County, have AED legislation in place, Koslow explained, and a state law requires athletic leagues with five or more teams to have an emergency plan to respond to victims of cardiac arrest.
During the news conference, an adult softball game was taking place on one of the fields — and Koslow said there’s no way to know if they’re associated with a league, or if its participants are members of the public.
“These parks are open to the public,” he said. “If you don’t have a five-team league, you have no requirement to have an AED here.”
Jordan Vallone/Herald Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow held up an automated external defibrillator, or an AED, at a news conference July 7 in Eisenhower Park, where he introduced Robbie’s Law, legislation requiring all county-run fields to be equipped with the portable, lifesaving device.
During a cardiac emergency, accessing an AED in a Nassau County park’s office could be difficult — and the time it takes to call for help could mean the difference between life and death, he stressed. Robbie’s Law aims to eliminate that uncertainty, ensuring that no parent, athlete or member of the public has to worry about getting hold of the lifesaving device.
More than 350,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospitals every year in the United States, and survival rates plummet if defibrillation isn’t administered within the first few minutes, according to the minority caucus.
Legislator Olena Nicks, who’s also a member of the Uniondale Fire Department, emphasized the importance of having an AED in public locations.
“As a volunteer firefighter and first responder, I’ve seen firsthand the life-ordeath difference a few seconds can make,” Nicks said. “When someone’s heart stops, every moment counts. An AED on site can mean the difference between a tragedy and a second chance.”
The legislation, she said, is “proactive government,” which is what Nassau County residents want and deserve.
Over the foundation’s 20-year history, Levine said her organization has donated AEDs to every state in the country. Now they’re designed so that even a young child can administer care as the machine speaks to users and walks them through the steps needed to save a life.
“Robbie didn’t get a second chance,” she said. “This bill makes sure another child will.”
Robbie’s Law has been formally introduced in the Nassau County Legislature, and the Republican majority now has to bring it to vote, Koslow said. The legislature’s next meeting is slated for July 28 at 1 p.m. at the county’s headquarters in Mineola.
For more on the Robbie Levine Foundation and its work, as well as the importance of AEDs, visit RobbieLevineFoundation.org.
your business in
Assistant director retires on a high note
tually became lead litigation partner at Bondi Iovino & Fusco, in Garden City. But while practicing law brought professional success, it was in community service that Iovino found his joy. After he left his firm, he began working at the Oceanside Library in January 2015. He set up its first email list and social media presence to connect with a broader audience. His focus on accessibility, specialneeds programming and social connection helped the facility evolve.
“I’ve always believed that everyone has worth,” Iovino said. “The first program I put in here was a special-needs initiative. That was Day One. And now we have a flourishing special-needs program. We try to help everybody. We are now technologically at the forefront of the industry, and we have, without any question of doubt, the strongest marketing arm in the community.”
Today the library averages nearly 1,000 visitors a day — far beyond the 200 to 400 that are typical for a library serving a population of roughly 38,500. Iovino helped the facility expand its offerings beyond books, pushing for programs to foster social connections.
The library’s most significant project was its comprehensive building renovation, which was completed last October, . “I wanted the library to be enmeshed in the community and to be part of the community in a way that we weren’t,”
Iovino explained. “Libraries are not just about reading books anymore. We’re about being a safe place for people, providing information, entertainment and community support.”
Iovino is a persistent advocate of libraries, and says they need more than just monetary support.
“Every politician says they love libraries,” he said. “But very few back that up with funding or reform. We need help with cybersecurity, actual security, and civil service flexibility.”
L
ibraries are the last institution that works in America.
Iovino has been a vocal supporter of reforms that would help neighboring institutions hire and retain talented staff. And while he has been offered judgeships, and served on the Oceanside Board of Education from 1994 to 1997, he Iovino said he prefers community-building over politics.
Fire District, the sanitary district and the school board. He joined the Oceanside Kiwanis Club in 1993, later served as its president and was named Kiwanian of the Year in 2007. In 2008, the Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year. He has also been honored by the Long Island Writers Guild for his service, and he was named the Herald’s Person of the Year in 2013.
Tony IovIno Assistant library director
“He’s just extremely passionate about the arts, which I never really realized about him,” Oceanside school board Trustee Sandie Schoell said. “He served on the board of ballet (Long Island Ballet Theater), which was also very surprising to me. He loves comedy, and is always looking to educate himself to be even better.”
Beyond the library, Iovino served as pro bono legal counsel for the Oceanside
GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
“Tony has been a great friend to the school district for years,” Oceanside superintendent Phylliss Harrington said. “His commitment to lifelong learning is unprecedented. His largerthan-life presence in the community will surely be missed.”
Iovino’s most beloved creation is the Oceanside Summer Gazebo Reading Series, the weekly poetry readings at the Schoolhouse Green on Mondays during the summer, which he founded in 2007. The readings have grown into a tradition, regularly drawing large crowds to hear published authors, poets and neighbors read aloud. At his retirement party on July 11, the library made a surprise announcement: It would name its theater after Iovino.
“It was the only time I’ve ever been brought to tears by an accolade,” he said. “It was beyond anything that I ever
thought about or expected.”
He credits his upbringing — and one childhood lesson in particular — for shaping his approach to community service. As a kid, he once struggled to start his family’s lawn mower until a friend, whom he had underestimated because of his learning difficulties, casually told him to pull out the choke.
“I missed a whole day at the pool because I thought I knew better,” Iovino said. “That lesson stuck. You can learn something from everyone.”
Though he will officially retire, Iovino plans to remain on local boards, mentor young leaders, continue public speaking and — finally — travel more with, Angela.
“I still think I have probably the most energy of anybody in the building,” he said. “As long as my health holds up, I still think I have a lot to do. I have, over the course of my life, gone from what I call interests — my family calls them obsessions — and tried stuff, and I try to push myself. I like that feeling.”
His legacy will continue with the programs he launched, the values he modeled, and now with his name on the library theater.
“Libraries are the last institution that works in America,” Iovino said. “When you walk through that door, we don’t care about your background, education or political views. The doors are open for everybody.”
Diving into the life of Jaws actor Robert Shaw
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Oceanside Library hosted a captivating evening celebrating the legacy of Jaws star Robert Shaw, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster film.
Held in the library’s state-of-the-art auditorium on July 18, the event featured author Christopher Meyers—Shaw’s nephew—who discussed his new biography, Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond.
Carol Hoenig, co-owner of On the Road Book Events, introduced the speaker, calling Meyers’ book “lovingly but honestly written” and praising its exploration of Shaw’s full life, beyond his famous role as the grizzled shark hunter Quint.
Standing before a projected image of his uncle’s climactic scene in Jaws, Meyers delivered a presentation that was equal parts memoir, biography, and cultural history. He recalled how his mother, Shaw’s younger sister, had watched the scene being filmed from a nearby boat. Afterward, she told Robert that his screams “seemed so real.”
“And he said, ‘They were real. I was terrified,’” Meyers recounted.
The evening delved deeply into the making of the iconic Indianapolis speech.
“That scene wasn’t in the book or original script,” Meyers said. “Spielberg knew something was missing. Robert stepped in and delivered one of cinema’s most iconic soliloquies.”
While screenwriters had tried different versions, Shaw ultimately wrote the final monologue himself, combining elements from earlier drafts and his own instincts as a stage actor and novelist.
“I can’t think of many examples of something that iconic that was both written and performed by the same person,” Meyers added.
But Shaw was far more than one scene or one movie. Meyers spoke about the lesser-known aspects of his uncle’s life—his Celtic upbringing in remote corners of the British Isles, his formative years performing Shakespeare, and his career as a novelist and playwright.
“Robert Shaw was very much a Celt by background and demeanor,” Meyers said, referring to Shaw’s early life in the Orkney Islands, Cornwall, and later, western Ireland. “You won’t understand who Robert Shaw is without understanding some of these other people that were involved in his life.”
Those people included a lineage of strong women. Meyers spoke proudly of his great-grandmother, a suffragette; his aunt Elizabeth and mother, who attended Oxford and Cambridge; and his mother’s activism in South Africa, where she fought apartheid and met Nelson Mandela.
“She raised seven children while working full-time,” Meyers said. “And after 30 years, she learned the college
was paying the men more than the women—and she sued them. And won. Those are the kind of person Robert was surrounded by.”
He also described Shaw’s mother, whom the family called Oma but who insisted others address her as Mrs. Shaw. A regal, no-nonsense figure, she raised five children alone after her husband took his own life during World War II. Robert Shaw’s career began on the stage, training with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and working under legends like Alec Guinness and John Gielgud.
“For the first five years of his life [as an actor], he did nothing but Shakespeare,” Meyers said. “He used to say, no matter what your role, if you’re speaking, you have to consider yourself the star of the show.”
Though best known for films like The Sting, A Man for All Seasons, and From Russia with Love, Shaw was deeply committed to writing and was even nominated for a Tony Award. “He would have preferred that people thought more of him as a writer,” Meyers said.
The evening also addressed Shaw’s polarizing personality.
“I grew up absolutely adoring Robert Shaw,” Meyers said. “He was just laugh-out-loud funny. He was so loyal. But I later learned not everyone felt that way. Some people hated him. He had a very brash personality.”
Meyers believes that those who got along with Shaw were people “comfortable in their own skin,” like Steven Spielberg, Richard Dreyfuss, and Sean Connery. Others found his intensity harder to take.
Shaw died of a heart attack at age 51 near his home in Toormakeady, County Mayo, Ireland.
The evening concluded with a book signing and an optional screening of Jaws, allowing fans to experience the legendary film with new appreciation for the actor— and the man—who helped make it unforgettable.
Courtesy Oceanside Library
Christopher Meyers gave an author talk for his book at the Oceanside Library last week where discusses the life of his nephew and Jaws actor Robert Shaw.
Kids got creative with tie-dye and sidewalk chalk during a vibrant day of play.
South Shore kids enjoy colorful Summer Olympics
Laughter, teamwork, and splashes of color filled the grounds of the Island Park Public Library on Saturday as children from Island Park and Long Beach came together for the library’s Outdoor Summer Olympics event.
Part of the nationwide “Color Our World” summer reading initiative, the program featured a morning of highenergy games, intercommunity team competitions, sidewalk chalk art, and tiedye fun. Kids rotated through various activity stations designed to promote creativity, cooperation, and movement — all while getting a little messy and a lot of
smiles.
The library’s parking lot was transformed into a colorful play zone, and children were encouraged to ditch flip-flops for sneakers as they ran, skipped, and played their way through the Olympicstyle circuit.
With registration filling up fast, the event drew dozens of local families, helping to build friendships and summer memories. A rain date is scheduled for July 26, but the clear skies made for a perfect day of outdoor fun.
— Kepherd Daniel
Courtesy Island Park Library
The event brought together neighboring communities for a morning filled with laughter, teamwork and summer sunshine.
Children from Island Park and Long Beach teamed up for colorful competitions at the library’s Outdoor Summer Olympics.
Fleetwood Nash brings harmonies to Library concert
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Island Park Library’s outdoor concert series struck a nostalgic chord on July 15, as the band Fleetwood Nash delivered a soul-stirring tribute to the legendary sounds of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
Held on the library parking lot at 176 Long Beach Road, the free performance drew locals of all ages, many swaying along as the five-member group recreated the golden-era harmonies that made both bands iconic.
But beyond the music was a personal story rooted in Island Park itself — band member Marie Bluebello-Sambolin, who spent 36 years as a beloved music teacher and district music coordinator, returned to her second home not just as an educator, but as a performer.
“I taught over 2,000 children here and loved every minute,” she said. “It’s a joy to be back, sharing music in a new way.”
Fleetwood Nash is a relatively new act — just under a year old — but its foundation is solid. Four members, including Marie, are longtime performers in the group Acoustic Blue, a band with over two decades of experience. The fifth member is Marie’s daughter, Teressa Sambolin, making the band a rare multi-generational tribute act.
The band’s origin story is as harmonious as its sound. After a performance with Acoustic Blue, a fellow musician from a Bruce Springsteen tribute band suggested Marie’s voice
was reminiscent of Stevie Nicks. Inspired, they formed a new group — but with a twist.
“Since there are so many Fleetwood Mac tribute bands already, we decided to do both Fleetwood Mac and Crosby,
Stills, Nash & Young,” Marie said. “We love harmonies, and these two bands offer some of the best.”
The full lineup includes Tim Jansen, Matt Kagawada, John Asta, Marie, and Teressa Sambolin — ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s. None of the members are full-time musicians, but all share a deep passion for performing.
The band’s schedule is packed with upcoming performances across Long Island, upstate New York, and even North Carolina. This summer, they’ll appear at Amityville Beach and Sunken City Cider in Gilboa, NY. In the fall, they’ll take the stage at The Twisted Cow and Carney’s. Fans can follow their journey on Instagram at @fleetwood_nash or via their Facebook page.
For Marie, the music is more than a performance — it’s a lifelong calling. Her daughter, Teressa, continues the tradition as a music therapist, using music to help people heal and grow.
As the sun set over Island Park, the voices of Fleetwood Nash rose with warmth, precision, and unmistakable joy. For those in the crowd — and for one former music teacher — it was more than just a concert. It was a homecoming.
“We perform because we love it,” Marie explained. “It truly makes us happy, and we hope it makes others happy too.”
Daniel Tommasino/Herald
Marie Bluebello-Sambol taught in Island Park for decades and her band Fleetwood Nash, brought plenty of energy on July 15.
The benefits of acceptance and emotional renewal GUEST COLUMN
While sharing a conversation with a professional, the topic of acceptance was brought to the forefront. A topic, I never deeply contemplated before, but immediately found myself wanting to learn more about acceptance and began researching the multiple aspects relating to this human emotion. As it turns out, there are many benefits relating to cultivating personal acceptance and why I wish to share some of the basics.
Acceptance:
Acceptance in psychology is a person’s recognition and assent to the finality of a situation without attempting to change or protest it. This plays out at both the individual and societal level as people experience change. Self-acceptance is also thought to be necessary for good mental health.
Acceptance is a power move:
■ It is an intentional act. It is not passive. It is not a resignation to an inevitable outcome. It is simply a calm awareness of things as they seem to be right now, not an acknowledgment of a permanent state.
■ Acceptance recognizes that all things change. It is the nature of things to change. Acceptance understands this and chooses not to resist. The power move is in understanding this, and that this mindset will help you access more creative and potent mental, emotional, and spiritual resources.
■ Acceptance is a power tool for reducing stress. It does not imply that you are satisfied with the status quo or that you don’t want some improvement or change. It is simply a conscious choice to face reality with clarity and then using that clarity to guide your actions instead of being bogged down by resistance or denial.
judgment from others or focus on our own mistakes and shortcomings. And for many, being hard on yourself is thought to be the appropriate motivation for doing better. This and other myths keep us operating behind the eight ball, always trying to catch up to a fantasy. However, you can strive to be better, but in this moment, you cannot be anything other than who you are. Choosing to accept and love yourself seeds the path forward for personal transformation.
Why can self-acceptance be hard to achieve?
■ Acceptance is a conscious positive choice, not a passive resignation to a life that seems to be dictated by circumstances beyond our control.
Self-acceptance: The royal road to happiness and success
Most of us have difficulty accepting ourselves, whether we expect negative
Accepting yourself is easier said than done. We often receive messages from the world, the media, family members, teachers, religious teachings, and so on that imply our inferiority. This can make it hard to accept ourselves. However, it isn’t impossible to practice selfacceptance just because you’ve experienced trauma, neglect, or discrimination. It may take time, but practicing self-acceptance, can be helpful to you in
the long run.
Emotional renewal
Emotional renewal refers to the process of rejuvenating and revitalizing one’s emotional state, often after a period of stress, emotional strain, or emotional stagnation. It involves actively cultivating positive emotions, processing and releasing negative ones, and building resilience for future challenges. This can involve various strategies like mindfulness, gratitude practices, connecting with nature, or engaging in activities that promote joy and wellbeing.
On a personal note: Even though it can be challenging at times, I am learning how compassionate, self-acceptance can be an inner strength that works in our best interest as it helps us to see things from a more “neutral” non-judgmental perspective, which can create emotional flexibility and freedom in both in inner and outer world.
Donna Pisacano-Brown is a Point Lookout resident who has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 1996. She is a passionate advocate for drunken driving awareness, and shining a light on mental health topics.
D onna P isacano B rown
STEPPING OUT Forever ‘Wild about Harry’
The beat goes on in the annual tribute to the beloved musician
By Karen Bloom
Decades have passed since Harry Chapin’s tragic death, still his music and philanthropic initiatives remain at the heart of Long Island’s collective consciousness. Stuart Markus, the longtime mainstay of the local folk and acoustic scene, is committed to guardianship of the Chapin legacy, organizing what are now two memorial concerts each year.
Markus, based in Malverne, is clearly as fervent about Chapin’s music and humanitarian zeal as when he took on the role of organizing the tribute 22 years ago. From its start at Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead in 2004 to what became its longtime home at Chapin’s namesake theater in Eisenhower Park, and now in its second year at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Huntington’s Heckscher Park, the concert’s appeal continues to grow. So much so that a second show has been added — at the Landmark theater in Port Washington on Dec. 2.
“Sunday Morning Sunshine.”
Meanwhile over 30 musicians will gather with fans, on Sunday, to share in the joy of the man and his music.
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m still at this,” he reflects. “[After the first concert] I thought it would be cool to do this for a couple of years. Ultimately it became a cultural phenomenon.”
Folks livestream the event around the world, according Markus, who relates an unexpected email he received from a fan in Scotland.
“He wanted to plan a vacation around the concert, Markus says, chuckling, about the international response. “As long as there is enthusiasm, then I’ll keep doing it.”
Certainly that fervor shows no signs of waning.
“I’ve long thought it would be wonderful and extremely appropriate to do the show in Huntington, where Harry and Sandy lived and raised their family,” Markus says. “Harry is still held in such beloved regard by residents and public officials at all levels.”
Chapin’s shocking death on the Long Island Expressway en route to that ill-fated Eisenhower Park performance in July 1981 is very much rooted this tribute — for performers and the audience. In fact, several show regulars were among the crowd when what was supposed to be a joyous event turned into a vigil, according to Markus.
“Harry is so beloved in memory on Long Island,” Markus says. “You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who met him, whose school he did a benefit for, or someone who’s been helped by one of his charities. It’s so meaningful for the music community to come together and, in effect, do the concert he might have given.”
The troubadour’s catalogue always gets a creative interpretation by each act.
“I’ve always encouraged everyne to make the songs fresh and treat them as their own, however they imagine them. They’re not just reproducing them the way Harry did.”
Markus excited to include guitarist Gerald Bair, a longstanding member of Huntington’s folk scene, in this year’s lineup. Bair performs his rendition of
“A fan favorite, it’s an optimistic happy song about being in love,” Markus says.
Cantor Lisa Wharton, of Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, who performs with her husband Akiva Wharton, a percussionist, and Cantor Judy Merrick, of Plainview Jewish Center, return for their second appearance. They’ll do “I Wonder What Would Happen,” which Markus describes as an appropriately chosen “spiritual, gospel-feeling song.”
“They were a well-received addition last year and we’re glad to have them back, he adds.
The trio is, of course, joined by staples of the area’s music community. Returnees include Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg, Karen Bella, Roger Silverberg, Debra Lynne, Patricia Shih and Stephen Fricker, Roger Street Friedman, Media Crime, Christine Solimeno, Grand Folk Railroad, Robinson Treacher, Wonderous Stories, Toby Tobias, Mara Levine and Matthew Ponsot, in various ensembles.
As is their signature, Markus, with his trio Gathering Time, arrive on stage as the show nears its conclusion. Markus, with Christine Sweeney and Gerry McKeveny, perform their annual rendition of the iconic “Cat’s in the Cradle.” By then everyone is singing along.
Finally, as always, in the true spirit of Harry Chapin, all the musicians join together on stage for “Circle,” Chapin’s traditional closing.
“It’s such a philosophical but uplifting song and a fitting end,” Markus adds.
Just the way Chapin would want it.
More than just a concert, the free event, of course, involves a food drive. Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable items to support Long Island Cares, the regional food bank and humanitarian organization founded by Chapin in 1980. Long Island Cares’ staff and volunteers will collect donations at a tent near the entrance to the stage.
Bring seating to the show, which is held rain or shine. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook and the Harry Chapin Foundation YouTube channel.
Magical Mystery Doors
If you missed Magical Mystery Doors during the band’s spring visit to Long Island, now’s your chance to check out this unique tribute act. The tight bandmates blend and layer the music to create something new and unique. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors changed the face of music as we know it. Their melodies have moved people everywhere to “Come Together” in their love of music. And that’s what happens at an MMD concert. Throughout the concert, the band combines some of these classic tunes in ways that surprise and delight time and time again. The melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” The pounding beat of Zep’s “When The Levee Breaks” coupled with the serene strumming of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Also the thematic sequence of “The Rain Song” – “Riders On The Storm” – “Here Comes The Sun.” These arrangements take you on an unexpected and exhilarating journey. Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.
Best of Broadway
Sounds of the Great White Way return to Eisenhower Park with Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway.” Back for its annual celebration of the greatest songs from the finest shows, the acclaimed touring Broadway concert never disappoints. The lively musical revue, hosted by Neil Berg, on piano, brings performers to light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. He presents creatively revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from some of the newest hits, along with his fascinating commentary and historical notes in between songs. This gorgeous, guided tour of the American art form that is musical theater, is a production both hypnotic and historical. The dazzling new edition is sure to have everyone humming along. Berg, an awardwinning composer-lyricist-producer, and his cast of vocal powerhouses brings everyone to their feet time and again.
Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny.gov for more.
• Sunday, July 27, 8 p.m.
• Admission is free
• Heckscher Park, located off Main Street (Route 25A) and Prime Avenue, Huntington
Photos courtesy Keith Rossin
Everyone gathers to salute Harry Chapin during the rousing finale that closes the concert.
Cantors Judy Merrick, left, Lisa Ann Wharton and Akiva Wharton are all in for Harry.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JULY 24
‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.
•Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
JULY
25
Summer Luau at Masone Beach
Get ready to party Island-style! The Masone Beach Summer Luau promises a night of tropical fun with Hawaiian-inspired food,
AUG 3
Magic Rocks!
JULY
29
Acrylic Painting with Eva Berger
Learn painting techniques, color theory, and composition in a warm and welcoming setting with Eva Berger, a trained fine artist, at Friedberg JCC.
•Where: 15 Neil Court
•Time: 1:30–3:30 p.m., through Aug. 19.
•Contact: (516) 766-4341 or Lisa Charschan at lcharschan@ friedbergjcc.org
JULY
30
Family movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “Transformers One,” the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives on Long Island with his jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. You’ve seen him on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, “Masters of Illusion,” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Hailed by critics as “America’s Rock Illusionist,” Leon is a worldwide hit with audiences, critics and producers. He’s recognized for his onstage charisma, a fast-paced, high energy, rock n’ roll performance style — and his no-nonsense approach to magic. This interactive, family-friendly spectacular showcases mind-blowing tricks, award-winning sleight of hand and non-stop laughter. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it’s an immersive experience filled with wonder, laughter and jaw-dropping moments you won’t soon forget. From Radio City Music Hall to Planet Hollywood Casino and from Studio City Casino in Macau to his very own theater on the beautiful island waters of Saipan, Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention. Join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25.
tropical drinks, raffles, contests, merchandise, and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best tropical attire for this vibrant 21+ event. Tickets are $40 (includes all activities, food and drinks).
Proceeds benefit the Island Park Fire Department Water Rescue Squad. Hosted by Department Chief Eric Gorton.
•Where: Masone Beach 1 Waterford Road, Island Park
•Time: 6-9 p.m.
•Contact: islandparkfd.org
Mindful Morning
View Nassau County Museum of Art’s galleries in a small group session. Take time to observe, question and reflect without hurry, distraction, or judgment. Explore one or two works of art in the galleries, with intention as you focus on color, texture, form and personal connections during the series of three sessions. Join for as many sessions as you like. Each will be a different opportunity to enjoy art together. Program is capped at 12 people. $20 per session, $10 members. Registration required.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: 10-11 a.m., also Aug. 8 and Aug. 22
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Tuneful notes
Dean Karahalis and the Concert
Pops visit Eisenhower Park for their popular annual summer concert. Their vivacious style appeals to all ages, drawing everyone into their performance with their intense energy and dynamic musicality. Hear a variety of rousing tunes, including the music of Broadway and Hollywood.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY
Oceanside High School 50th Reunion
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Children’s Museum’s “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” gallery. She plans to unveil a never-before-seen dinosaur, if she can find a way to open its crate. Join her in the LICM Theater for this highly interactive show, when the audience will assist Dr. Patti in this “scientific” comedy. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 30
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
26 Music for Sunday Afternoon
Catch up with classmates and friends at Oceanside High School’s Class of 1975 50th Reunion at Knights of Columbus Hall. Reserve your spot now! Cost is $70 per person.
•Where: Knights of Columbus Hall, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside
•Time: 6-11 p.m.
•Contact: Purchase tickets at oceanside-high-school-class-of1975-50th-reunion
Unbox A-Saurus
Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists from Long Island
JULY
27
The Cambiata Cello Duo, Suzanne Mueller and Paul Lawrence Finkelstein, close out the series with a program spanning centuries and styles. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery at the lawn at The Barn. Concert is included with admission and reservations are not required.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
•Time: 3-4 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
•Time: Movie begins at dusk •Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
JULY
31
Little Learners
Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week, experiment painting with ice.. $4 with museum admission.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
News brief
Man arrested in Oceanside for DWI
A Hempstead man was arrested in the early hours of July 17, after Nassau County police said he was caught driving under the influence with a 3-month-old child in the vehicle.
Officers observed a silver 2005 Jeep commit a traffic violation around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of West Windsor Parkway and Long Beach Road in Oceanside. Officers initiated a traffic stop and found the driver, 38-year-old Denis Peraza Martinez of 565 Fulton Ave, showing signs of intoxication.
under arrest without incident.
A 3-month-old girl was in the vehicle at the time. She was unharmed and released into the care of a family member who was also a passenger in the car. No injuries were reported.
Police said Martinez had glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol. After administering a Standard Field Sobriety Test, which he failed, officers placed him
Martinez is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated (Child Under 16) under Leandra’s Law, Endangering the welfare of a Child, Driving while intoxicated, and a vehicle and traffic Law infraction. He was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at First District Court in Hempstead.
–Kepherd Daniel
Contest ends July 27 at midnight with the winner chosen on July 28
Denis Martinez Peraza
July 24, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST
Stella M. Matles a/k/a Stella Matles; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 12, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 2689 Cedar Court, 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 in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 38 Block 540 Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment $1,030,782.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 002074/2011. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.
Matthew Vishnick, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: July 1, 2025 154536
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CVI CGS MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST I, Plaintiff, vs. FRANK MORIZIO, JR.
A/K/A FRANK MORIZIO, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 3, 2018 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on February 9, 2022, 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 21, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 84 Virginia Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 387 and Lot 21. Approximate amount of judgment is $636,601.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 007051/2015.
Thomas McNamara, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 213045-2 154631
legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 5th day of August, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE and REPEAL “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following location:
ELMONT
MURRAY HILL STREET
(TH 167B/25) North Section 202-19
Side NO PARKING 12
Section 202-28 1
HOUR PARKING 8 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT
SATURDAYS,
SUNDAYS, HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 30 feet south of the south curbline of California Place North, south to a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of California Place South.
NORTH MERRICK
MERRICK AVENUE (TH 282/25) East SideSection 202-11 90
MINUTE PARKING
BETWEEN SIGNS 7 AM to 7 PM - starting at a point 213 feet south of the south curbline of Larkspur Avenue, south for a distance of 108 feet.
MERRICK AVENUE (TH 282/25) East Side - 15
MINUTE PARKING
BETWEEN SIGNSstarting at a point 321 feet south of the south curbline of Larkspur Avenue, south for a distance of 16 feet.
MERRICK AVENUE (TH 282/25) East Side - 90
MINUTE PARKING
BETWEEN SIGNS 7 AM to 7 PM - starting at a point 337 feet south of the south curbline of Larkspur Avenue, south for a distance of 68 feet.
MERRICK AVENUE (TH 282/25) East Side -15
MINUTE PARKING
BETWEEN SIGNSstarting at a point 405 feet south of the south curbline of Larkspur Avenue, south for a distance of 43 feet.
SEAFORD
WAVERLY AVENUE (TH 211B/25) North SideSection 202-4 2
HOUR PARKING
EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYS - starting at point 30 feet west of the west curbline of Jackson Avenue, west for a distance of 113 feet.
WAVERLY AVENUE (TH 211B/25) South Side2 HOUR PARKING
225/17) West SideTHREE HOUR Section 202-28
PARKING 8 AM - 4 PM
EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS
- start at a point 30 feet south of the south curbline of California Place North, south to a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of California Place South. (Adopted 9/5/17)
NORTH MERRICK MERRICK AVENUE (TH 541/06) East Side - 90
Section 202-11
MINUTE PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS 7 AM to 7 PM - starting at a 140 feet north of the north curbline of Jerusalem Avenue, north for a distance of 263 feet.
(Adopted 1/23/07) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: July 1, 2025, Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 154749
a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JACK T. REICH, ET AL., Defendant(s).
OBITUARY
Front Street Bakery co-owner
Jeffrey Wohlfarth died at 69
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Jeffrey John Wohlfarth, longtime co-owner of Front Street Bakery and a dedicated volunteer firefighter, died at the age of 69 at his home in Baldwin.
Born and raised in Rockville Centre, he later fulfilled his dream of living on the water by moving to Baldwin, where he rebuilt his home after Superstorm Sandy to create a place for his family to gather.
Front Street Bakery is a family-run bakery selling cakes, cookies, pastries and breads for over 50 years, and Lisa Acerno, co-owner and sister of Wohlfarth, said it also gets a lot of business from Baldwin and Oceanside.
“Thank you for the continued support from our Baldwin and Oceanside customers,” she said.
Wohlfarth was a third-generation owner of Front Street Bakery in Rockville Centre, which he operated alongside Acerno after it was passed down from their parents, John and Arlene Wohlfarth. Known for his tireless work ethic, he often rose as early as 2 a.m. to prepare the bakery for customers. He treated the bakery staff as family and hosted annual barbecues at his home for the entire team.
Wohlfarth was a longtime volunteer firefighter with the Reliance Firehouse in Rockville Centre and served on several committees. He formed lasting friendships through his years of service.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Wohlfarth was known as the life of every party, a passionate fisherman and a proud family man, according to his niece, Jackie Hanley. His boat, affectionately named “Hot Buns,” was a nod to both his love of fishing and his bakery roots. He cherished time on his back deck, enjoying a cigar and a drink while watching his grandchildren swim in the pool.
in which he would playfully encourage someone to smell a cake before gently pushing their face into it — a family custom that will carry on in his memory.
Wohlfarth had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just over a year ago and faced his illness with “dignity and grace,” Hanley said, and he died on June 20 surrounded by family.
AM to 7 AM - starting at a point 43 feet east of the east curbline of Biltmore Avenue, east for a distance of 22 feet.
EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYS - starting at point 30 feet west of the west curbline of Jackson Avenue, west for a distance of 150 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Chapter 202 “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” from the following locations:
MURRAY HILL STREET (TH 167B/25) North Side - THREE HOUR
PARKING 7 AM to 12
AM - starting at a point 43 feet east of the east curbline of Biltmore Avenue, east for a distance of 22 feet.
(NR)ISLAND PARK
IOWA PLACE (TH 259/25) West Side -
ELMONT
MURRAY HILL STREET (TH 167/25) North Side Section 202-19THREE HOUR PARKING - starting at a point 43 feet east of the east curbline of Biltmore Avenue, east for a distance of 22 feet.
(Adopted 5/27/25)
(NR)ISLAND PARK IOWA PLACE (TH
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 22, 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 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2 Redfield Road, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Island Park, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 9 and Lot 197. Approximate amount of judgment is $260,522.74 plus interest and costs.
He was also known for his sense of humor and the infamous “cake smash” tradition, according to Hanley,
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612970/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Francis X. McQuade, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154722
Survivors include his wife, Angela Wohlfarth; five children, Cliff LoSasso, Nicole Wohlfarth, Christina LoSasso, Jeffrey John “JJ” Wohlfarth and his wife, Leigh, and Johnny Wohlfarth and his wife, Danielle. He is also lived on by his eight grandchildren, William, Sophia, Kailyn, Lucas, Kelsey, Leo, Tyler and Gianni, who lovingly called him “Pop Pop,” as well as his two sisters, Lisa Acerno and Gwen Cooleen and her husband, John, and many nieces and nephews.
“Jeff was loved and will be missed by all who knew him,” Hanley said.
Public Notices Public Notices
Courtesy Lisa Acerno
Jeffrey John Wohlfarth, longtime co-owner of Front Street Bakery and a dedicated volunteer firefighter, died on June 20 at the age of 69.
Help Wanted
DRIVERS 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
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$22 - $27/ Hour
Bell Auto School
516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
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Welcome to 156 Lefferts Road, a beautiful residence nestled in one of Woodmere’s most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on an expansive 0.35acre lot, this home offers over 3,500 square feet of living space, perfect for comfortable family living and entertaining. Featuring 6 generously sized bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home provides ample space for a growing family or hosting guests. The layout is both functional and inviting, with bright, open living areas and well-proportioned rooms throughout. Located in an ideal, central location, this property offers convenient access to houses of worship, schools, shopping, and public transportation—all while maintaining a quiet, suburban charm. With its generous proportions, gracious layout, and prime location, 156 Lefferts Road is a rare offering—perfect for the discerning buyer seeking elegance, space, and timeless appeal in Old Woodmere .
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In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation
Q. We live in Israel and, yes, we read your column. Our apartment building is just blocks from where a missile strike hit another apartment building and our hospital. Strange times we live in, when we have to run to our bomb shelter on the sixth floor when we hear sirens, just like you would run to the basement if a tornado siren went off. I was wondering, after neighbors were killed by missiles, is it possible to build a stronger safe room, because we need it and don’t want to die just because of where we live?
A. Fascinating question. I follow the news, and see the damage and fear from the sense of vulnerability you feel. When I received your question, I was, ironically, touring the behind-the-scenes research and testing facilities at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, just two days before bomber jets, like the B-2 stealth bomber I was standing under the wings of, were deployed to take out Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The massive impact of a missile is hard to resist, and although there are many military and non-military studies on bomb-proofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all scenario. The key to building a shelter that can resist a bomb is based on two basic premises. One principle of survival is to repel a bomb, and the other is to absorb the impact.
It’s interesting that engineers, whom I believe have played a strong role in our freedom over the centuries, studied, and succeeded in creating, designs that saved the lives of sailors on vulnerable P.T. boats. Those boat hulls were made of the same construction as concrete (gunite) pools. Gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength achievable, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch.
The pools and P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, they ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact. In some cases, torpedoes survived, embedded in the boats’ hulls, so the boats had to be abandoned rather than return to port, and then the torpedoes were detonated. Most important, the sailors survived.
Missiles are another matter, however. I’m not aware of any building that sustains a direct hit being able to survive, so the important principle is to sacrifice the building for the sake of the occupants — just like sacrificing those P.T. boats. In the case of a bomb shelter, engineers have to approach the design by developing several feet of redundant shells, layered with shock-absorbing gel layers of material. The inner shell needs to be extremely strong steel or gunite — reinforced concrete — to resist the shock. I employed impact design when developing a high-security station for our military in Saudi Arabia, and then for a gun range project. You would need the area and money for such a lifesaving project. I hope you remain safe!
© 2025 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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Admiration of a former president from across the aisle
When I was elected to Congress in 1992, I certainly didn’t anticipate the close working relationship I would have with Bill Clinton, who was elected president that year. I was a lifelong Republican from New York, elected with strong Conservative Party support. Clinton was a staunch Democrat from Arkansas with roots in the anti-war movement.
I had met him in Manhattan in April 1992, two days before New York’s Democratic presidential primary. I was still the Nassau County comptroller, and had not yet announced my candidacy for Congress. A group of New York Irish-American Democrats led by elder statesman Paul O’Dwyer had scheduled a meeting with Clinton and his remaining challenger, Jerry Brown, the former California governor. Though we were far apart on the political spectrum, O’Dwyer and I were good friends.
When Clinton arrived, I was standing in the rear of the room. He made a brief opening statement before answering questions from a panel of four. What I
quickly noted was his relaxed familiarity with Ireland’s 800-year struggle with Britain and its most recent iteration, the more than two decades of war being waged in the streets and hills of Northern Ireland, euphemistically labeled “the Troubles.” There were no pandering references to green beer or shamrocks. Nor did he make the ritualistic denunciation of terrorism.
HIn an answer to a burning issue that would have lasting consequences later, Clinton said he would grant a visa to Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, the political party affiliated with the Irish Republican Army. He also said the United States had the obligation to speak out against human rights violations even if the offending nation was Britain, our closest ally. More than what he said was his ease in dealing with an issue that rendered most politicians tongue-tied or made them fall back on timeworn clichés.
comptroller was — and with both of us being entirely unaware how much our lives would be interlocked over the next several years, and not just on the Irish issue.
onoring Carolyn McCarthy recently, Bill Clinton was as eloquent as ever.
Remaining in the back of the room while photos were being taken near the front, I waited until Clinton was leaving the room by the rear door. I shook his hand, and said, “Good job, Governor.” He smiled, thanked me and walked on, not having the slightest idea or caring in the least who the Nassau County
iClinton went on to become the 42nd president, and just a year later kept his campaign promise when he granted Adams a visa to enter the United States, which was followed by meetings with Adams in the White House and Congress, which caused seismic reactions throughout the British government and the American State Department as well. But Clinton’s leadership and determination, which included unprecedented presidential visits to the most dangerous locations in Northern Ireland, on which I accompanied him, as well as the diplomatic alliances he forged with British and Irish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, ending that brutal 800-year-long struggle.
There was more to the Clinton years than Ireland. There was also his decisive action that successfully ended the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Domestically, he worked across the aisle with Newt Gingrich to achieve welfare reform as well as the only balanced bud-
get in the more than three decades since.
While all this was happening, of course, Clinton faced the first presidential impeachment in more than 130 years, and until then only the second in American history. While he had made serious mistakes in judgment, I strongly believed that what he was accused of did not meet the Constitution’s requirements for impeachment, or for removing from office the duly elected president, and would set a dangerous precedent for future presidencies. I was proud to stand with Clinton as one of only two Republicans who voted against all four articles of impeachment. And I have never questioned that decision.
All this and more came rushing back to me several weeks ago, when I joined Clinton as one of the speakers at the Celebration of Life for former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who died last month. Though he had been out of office for almost 25 years, the former president was as eloquent as ever, movingly describing his admiration and affection for McCarthy’s heroism and strength of character in overcoming horrific personal tragedy to achieve so much good for America. Once again, President Clinton came through.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
It’s long past time to shut down the cellphone
am a person of infinite patience. My friends compliment me on my ability to patiently listen to ideas from both sides of the aisle. I love watching the daily news on my laptop and on my cellphone. I read opinion columns, and occasionally get to read a nonfiction book on some current topic. But I must confess that I am now in a state of news overload.
I’m not quite sure when this illness kicked in, but if you think about all of the news events in recent weeks, you’ll easily understand why I, or anyone, could easily fall into a state of media-nausea. I think the first story that engulfed my ability to digest facts was President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Shortly after it passed in the House of Representatives, my phone began ringing off the hook with calls from important clients, asking about the impact of the budget cuts on Medicaid, SNAP and
other significant programs.
Alerted to the terms of the bill, I began a line-by-line review, and became more horrified once I understood the scope of the cuts. I couldn’t understand how the House could find billions of dollars to cut from Medicaid and claim that they were all related to rooting out “waste, fraud and abuse.”
Taking food away from children isn’t the way to save taxpayers real money. By mid-June I was wilting under the barrage of calls asking for advice on how to get the attention of the region’s federal officials.
F
irst the bill, then the primary, then Epstein. It’s time to escape, and to ditch the device.
Come July, the Senate bill was ready for a formal vote, and its contents were even uglier. Rather than scale back the Medicaid cuts, the Senate found ways to increase them. The promised expansion of the SALT cap was altered to providing three years of an expanded credit and then reducing it to the old $10,000 cap. The elimination of taxes on Social Security disappeared, and the no-taxes-on-tips provision is scheduled to expire after 2028.
Now, weeks later, I’m being asked who I favor in the contest between Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams. I have no preference between the two, but there appears to be no way to beat Mamdani unless there is one independent candidate. At this point, neither Adams nor Cuomo shows any signs of getting out of the race in the interest of harmony. If both stay in, there’s no chance that Mamdani can be stopped.
Always looking on the bright side, I was pleased that the bill included such items as raising the state-and-local-taxes deduction cap to $40,000, and reduced taxes on tips and Social Security and many other goodies that were consistent with promises Trump made. I assumed that the Senate would support many provisions of the House bill and trim the Medicaid cuts. I assured many of my callers that there was hope that cooler heads would prevail, and the Senate bill would be palatable.
The torrent of calls asking for my opinion had just about ended when New York City Democrats chose the inexperienced Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as their nominee for mayor. When the final results came in on primary night, I shut down my cellphone. Dozens of friends and neighbors wanted to know how to stop Mamdani. Ironically, many of them didn’t vote in the primary because they were registered Republicans or independents, and in some cases they were registered Democrats who failed to vote. I refused to console any qualified voter who failed to vote.
Burdened by all of these panicked calls, I decided that the best thing I can do for my wife, Suzan, and I is to go away for a week or so and maybe shut down my phone. I can check messages from time to time, but that’s it. We’re leaving in search of a change of scenery.
No sooner I had made our airline reservations than the Jeffrey Epstein saga erupted. I told callers that we weren’t interested in visiting Epstein’s island or anywhere else attached to his name. My cellphone is now in the freezer, so don’t bother calling.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
JERRY KREMER
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Long Island’s water needs to be protected
long Island water users just won a major legal battle — but we are still far from winning the war for clean water.
A $10.5 billion national settlement with the multinational chemical manufacturer 3M over the widespread contamination of drinking water with PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — includes over $250 million for public water providers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This hard-fought-for financial relief will help cover the staggering cost of removing toxic substances from our drinking water. But it will be payment for damage already done, not a fix for what still threatens our sole-source aquifer every day.
Long Islanders rely entirely on a single underground water source, an aquifer that provides drinking water to more than 2.8 million people. It has been under assault for decades by chemical pollutants that seep through soil, spill into drainage systems and leach from landfills and industrial sites.
Among the most dangerous threats are PFAS compounds, man-made chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware that do not break down over time and accumulate in both the environment and our bodies. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health problems such as decreased fertility, developmental complications in children and an increased risk of some cancers and immune system issues.
In more than a few of our communities, these pollutants have created brownfields — usually industrial or commercial sites that are abandoned,
letters
Lights of Hope against cancer
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the Herald for its support of the first annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Lights of Hope celebration at Glen Cove’s Morgan Memorial Park on July 12. The evening was a celebration of cancer survivors as well as a remembrance of those who have passed. By adding the event to your calendar, and printing a well-thoughtout story, you helped to raise awareness of the event.
I would also like to thank the City of Glen Cove and the wonderful people in the area for their support. And I would like to thank Loggia 1016 of the Sons and Daughters of Italy for their sponsorship. The event would not have been possible without the community support.
I’m happy to report that donations exceeded expectations, and we will definitely be back
vacant or under-used, and where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of at least one, if not more, contaminants.
The settlement is a victory for local water providers, many of whom have led the charge in holding chemical companies accountable. But it also shines a light on an uncomfortable truth: Long Island is already paying dearly for decades of environmental neglect.
Since 2017, more than $1 billion has been spent on installing and maintaining sophisticated water-treatment systems, according to federal estimates. And even with this financial award, residents and ratepayers will continue to bear the burden of ongoing operating costs.
So, while restitution is essential, it is not enough. The fight for clean water cannot begin at the filtration plant. It must begin at the source — with laws, oversight and habits that will keep our groundwater clean in the first place.
To policymakers: This is your moment to act. Strengthen oversight of chemical manufacturing, storage and disposal. Expand groundwater protection zones, especially near vulnerable recharge areas. Invest in forward-thinking, sustainable water infrastructure that protects our aquifer before contaminants reach it. Laws must reflect the seriousness of the threat, the indispensability of the resource and the fact that the water cannot be replaced.
To state and local agencies and appointed officials: It’s time to audit the regulatory framework governing industrial, agricultural and even residential activities that affect water quality. Permitting and enforcement must be rigor-
ous. No project, permit or loophole should be allowed to jeopardize our only supply of drinking water.
Long Island residents and business owners are part of the solution. Everyday actions matter — from how you dispose of household chemicals to the fertilizers and cleaning agents you use. Learn about the long-term impact of routine habits. Information is available from a variety of sources, beginning with local and state health departments. Support local clean-water initiatives. Vote for leaders who prioritize the environment. And above all, treat water conservation not as a suggestion, but as a shared responsibility.
This is not alarmism. It’s realism. The aquifer beneath Long Island cannot be replaced, rerouted or remade. We have no second source to draw from if it becomes too polluted or depleted. Every gallon of water pumped from below is a gallon we must protect with vigilance, policy and foresight.
Yes, the 3M settlement is a victory — but it should also be a warning. We cannot afford to celebrate a payout while the source of our water remains under threat. Financial settlements help heal wounds, but they do not prevent the next injury. That requires a cultural shift — from passive reliance to proactive stewardship.
Clean water is the foundation of our health, our economy and our communities. Long Island must now recommit — urgently, and collectively — to safeguarding the aquifer that sustains us all. Let’s make sure that in the future, headlines about our water celebrate prevention, not just compensation.
opinions
Nassau County has a partisan grant fund blockade
each of Nassau County’s 19 legislative districts is allocated an equal sum in capital infrastructure funds to be applied toward hyperlocal initiatives through the Community Revitalization Program. This empowers each legislator to meet the needs of his or her school districts and communities by supporting projects for local schools, libraries, parks and first responder agencies.
The process for accessing those funds — which have already been allocated through approval of the capital plan — should be simple.
After a legislator completes an application, CRPs go to the county executive’s office. There it should be reviewed to ensure that it is complete, and that the project is suitable for county funding with a CRP. The completed item should then be sent to the County Legislature, where it should be placed on the calendar and approved. I say “should” because, since the
start of this legislative term, County Executive Bruce Blakeman has been fulfilling requests for the Republican majority, and stonewalling the Democratic minority.
tThe numbers speak for themselves. Since January 2024, Republicans have had 46 of their grant requests approved, while Democrats have seen none of their pending requests approved or considered in regular order. The only grants we received came after we drew a line in the sand with the county executive and forced his hand. This spring, we successfully leveraged our votes for the 2025 capital plan — which requires a 13-vote supermajority to pass — and secured funding for 14 pending CRP grants for first responders, totaling $1.3 million, as part of the 2025 capital plan bond ordinance.
um, in Glen Cove; and $100,000 for a local history center at Port Washington Library.
he county executive is blocking the use of funds OK’d for Democratic districts.
Beyond the individual projects, what does all this mean for you? Simply put, County Executive Blakeman is blocking Democratic legislators from using funding that has already been accounted for and allocated for improving their districts. Not only is this grossly inequitable, but by failing to complete his ministerial role in the CRP process, Blakeman is once again ignoring the job he was elected to do and bringing his exclusionary approach to governing into sharp focus.
The most galling part of all of this is how little sense it makes. Shouldn’t the county executive — who serves all 1.4 million residents of Nassau County, and is elected by the voters in all 19 districts — want to see projects move forward in every district? District 11 has a nearly even split of registered Democrats and Republicans, and this community is well aware of how Blakeman has been the biggest obstacle to progress on initiatives they care deeply about.
Still, more than 30 Democratic CRPs remain caught in the partisan blockade, and in District 11, that includes grants for $350,000 to improve Pascucci Field, in Glen Cove; $275,000 for an allability playground in Port Washington; $110,000 to upgrade Maccarone Stadi-
Letters
next year. Proceeds from Lights of Hope go toward cancer prevention, education and advocacy.
PETER O’CONNOR American Cancer Society volunteer
Editors’ note: The American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island walk will take place on Oct. 19, from 7 to 10:30 a.m., at Jones Beach’s Field 5. For more information, go to MakingStridesWalk.org/ LongIsland.
We’re safeguarding wildlife and waterways
To the Editor:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of the state’s Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.
Last year, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 105,700 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators across the state responding to more than 30,000 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal min-
ing, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions.
On July 7, three officers partnered with the Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard for a boat patrol on the Long Island Sound. The officers checked boats and anglers for compliance with state fishing regulations, navigation law and overall boater safety. They inspected a vessel north of Glen Cove, and discovered an expired fire extinguisher, expired flares, and only four personal flotation devices for the five people on board. The officers issued a ticket and warning to the boat captain, terminated the voyage, followed the vessel back to a nearby marina and advised the captain that they could take the boat back out if they brought another PFD on board.
In separate incidents that day across the Sound, officers ticketed anglers for possessing undersized porgy and fluke, including one angler who had more than two dozen undersized porgy, the smallest measuring 8.5 inches. Porgy must be at least 11 inches to be kept when fishing from a vessel.
DEC officers are on patrol to safeguard the state’s air, water, wildlife and public safety. To report an environmental violation or incident, call (844) 332-3267 for 24-hour dispatch, or report nonurgent violations at dec.ny.gov.
Since joining the Legislature in 2012, I have never witnessed this level of blatant partisanship in the handling of the CRP program. These funds belong to county taxpayers, and they cannot be used for any other purpose. With the refusal to process Democratic projects, many worthwhile endeavors are being held up, and the taxpayers in the districts we serve — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike — are the ones who are harmed.
As the leader of the Democratic minority delegation in the Legislature, I, along with my colleagues, will continue to call out this inequitable and, frankly, incompetent approach to governing that Blakeman has employed for the past three and a half years. As we continue fighting for resources that our communities demand and deserve, I encourage you to contact the county executive’s office, at (516) 571-3131, or bab@nassaucountyny.gov, and respectfully implore him to serve every community in the county equitably and fully.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
Framework by Tim Baker
CorreCtion
A story on Page 16 of last week’s issue, “Oceanside gathers for annual barbecue,” which also appeared online, incorrectly credited the Chamber of Commerce with hosting the event. The Oceanside kiwanis Club and the Friends of the Oceanside Library were the official hosts.
In the Marine Nature Study Area — Oceanside
DeLia DeriGGi-wHitton
Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
