A tropical time in Island Park
Friends and neighbors gathered in their best tropical attire, showcasing the vibrant energy and community pride that made the Masone Summer Luau a night to remember on July 25. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Sunrise Association celebrates 20 years helping kids with cancer
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Sunrise Association–Long Island, headquartered on Neil Court in Oceanside, beside the Friedberg JCC, has burst into its 20th summer with a flurry of celebrations and gifts and ambitious expansion plans — solidifying its role as a national leader in providing free camp experiences for children battling cancer and their siblings. From ribbon-cuttings to gala fundraisers, milestones have shaped the summer. The Sunrise Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings through free
programs like summer day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities. Campers, families and donors gathered at the association’s Wheatley Heights campus on July 15, when Chief Marketing Officer Chris Strom snipped the ribbon on the new Sunrise train. Dubbed “Nicky’s Sunrise Express” in honor of young Nicholas Pedone, the $150,000 gift from the Nicholas Pedone Foundation replaces the original “Sunrise Choo-Choo,” which served campers faithfully from 2006 to 2024. The Nicholas Pedone Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in memory of 7-year-old Nicholas Pedone who lost his life to childhood cancer in
3286 Long Beach Road, Oceanside • 516-208-5549 @sizzleandscoop
Propel project moves forward after hearing
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
A public hearing in Mineola on July 23 marked another milestone for the Propel NY Energy transmission project as it advances through New York state’s permitting process.
More than two dozen community members, elected officials, environmental advocates and business owners spoke before administrative law judges Ashley Moreno and Nicholas Planty at the Nassau County Legislature chambers, voicing both staunch support and fierce opposition. With a targeted construction start of mid-2026, the project team and regulators continue refining route details, planning environmental protections and fine-tuning outreach to address lingering misconceptions about the venture.
and the New York Power Authority, proposes roughly 90 miles of new 345 kilovolt underground cables spanning Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, as well as direct interconnections to nine substations from the Bronx through Westchester.
e’re still trying to get past the confusion about what this project is, and what it isn’t.
SHANNoN BAxEVANIS Director, NY Transco public affairs
Propel NY Energy, a joint initiative of New York Transco
Before construction can begin, the developers must secure a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the State Public Service Commission, which will issue a decision based on the full case record, including last Wednesday’s testimony.
Proponents argued that the project is critical for Long Island’s energy future.
“The underground transmission cables that are to be built are nothing new,” Island Park resident Jim Brown, of the South Shore Audubon Society, said. “We especially support Propel’s use of underground cables as par-
Continued on page 8
Tim Baker/Herald
VoL.
The Oceanside Chamber helped celebrate the grand opening of Kid Strong, a sciencebased training center empowering kids to build confidence, strength, and character through movement and mindset coaching.
Chamber hosts three ribbon cuttings on Long Beach Road
The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce celebrated local business growth with a lively ribbon-cutting event on Saturday. The morning kicked off at 9:30 a.m. with a grand opening for Kid Strong at 2816 Long Beach Road, followed by ceremonies for Springs Pilates X Strength at 2838 Long Beach Road at 9:50 a.m., and Sunset Play Cafe at 2848 Long Beach Road at 10:10 a.m.
Chamber members, Town of Hempstead and Nassau County elected officials
came together to mark the openings, with each location welcoming guests and showcasing its services. The community continues to grow the small business landscape and the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship and familyfriendly development in the area.
For more information about upcoming events, contact the Chamber at info at oceansidenychamber.org.
—
Kepherd Daniel
Springs Pilates X Strength officially opened its doors, welcoming the community to experience a powerful fusion of pilates and functional strength training in a sleek, supportive studio environment.
Courtesy Oceanside Chamber of Commerce
IDF soldiers share stories at Friedberg JCC
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Friedberg Jewish Community Center hosted three wounded veterans of the Israel Defense Forces on July 24th— the Amir couple, Dan and Einav, and retired Staff Sergeant Reuven Mag nage— who all shared firsthand accounts of service, injury, and resilience.
Presented by El Ami–Together for Them and co‑sponsored by the JCC Asso‑ ciation of North America and the UJA Federation of New York, the “Summer Delegation 2025” event drew community members eager to hear firsthand how war extends far beyond the battlefield.
Though officially discharged twelve years earlier, Dan felt compelled to re‑enlist after October 7 2023. Within months he and a small night‑vision res‑ cue team were extracting wounded under fire in Gaza, then redeployed to fight Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Octo‑ ber 24, a rocket strike killed five com‑ rades and cost Dan his right foot and severely injured his hand. Even on the helicopter out, he found himself instinc‑ tively organizing his own rescue.
Drawing on decades of Ironman and ultra‑marathon training, Dan refused to see his amputation as an end. With the encouragement of his surgeon, he set his sights on the 2028 Paralympics.
“My mindset has always been ‘today is the best day of your life—and tomor‑ row will be better,’” he said. “Rehab is torture, but every little gain—another step, another workout—is a victory.”
Behind Dan’s courage stands Einav Amir, his wife and “CEO” of the
Amir household. From day one of the war, Einav balanced caring for elderly parents—one living under rocket fire just half a mile from Lebanon—with tending to their daughter finishing high school and an 18‑year‑old son also serv‑ ing in Gaza.
“I felt I had no choice but to be strong—there was no handbook for man‑ aging your spouse’s redeployment, your son in combat, your daughter worried for her parents, and your own exhaus‑ tion,” she said. “But I made a rule: look at the full cup, not the empty one.”
When Dan called to say he’d been crit‑ ically wounded, Einav dropped every‑ thing to rush to his bedside. The eight‑month arc of surgeries, sleepless nights, and small triumphs in therapy has forged a new normal—one defined by grit, routines, and shared optimism.
Wounded first in 2002 during the Sec‑ ond Intifada, Reuven volunteered again this past year despite being beyond reserve age. He survived rocket barrages in Gaza and an ambush in a Jenin refu‑ gee camp that claimed his comrades and left him fighting for life.
“In that chaos, I lay wounded, count‑ ing shells instead of buddies,” Reuven recalled. “I thought: if I die here, I’ll die fighting.”
Recruited into Israel’s Paralympic rowing team after his first injury, Reuven went on to compete in Beijing, London, and Rio—and now coaches Israel’s national squad. Yet he insisted his true mission is spreading these stories abroad.
By bringing these testimonies to the U.S., the El Ami delegation seeks not
only donations of equipment and funds but also enduring alliances of empathy and education. Audience members were urged to “be our ambassadors”—to coun‑ ter lies, uplift wounded heroes, and spread a message of unity and light.
“Every invitation you extend, every dollar you give, every story you share— that is how you stand with us on the front lines of democracy,” Reuven reminded the crowd.
Tim Baker/Herald
Wounded IDF soldiers Dan Amir and Reuven Magnagey sat together after sharing emotional testimonies with the Oceanside community.
Einav Amir, whose husband was wounded in Gaza, joined him in sharing their story of resilience and survival with the Friedberg JCC.
Cashing in Your Life Insurance Policy
Everyone knows that you may surrender a life insurance policy at any time for the “cash surrender value”. However, a better option may be a “life settlement” which pays more than the cash surrender value.
In a life settlement, you sell the policy to a third party instead of cashing it in. Here, the payment will be something greater than the cash surrender value but less than the death benefit. The buyer assumes the policy, pays the premiums and receives the death benefit.
There are many reasons why people want to cash in their policy. Paying the premiums have become a burden, they no longer need or want the death benefit or the money is needed for some other purpose.
There are some tax advantages to cashing in as well. Any money paid into the policy as premiums comes back to the seller tax-free (since the money used to pay the premiums was already taxed).
The purchaser of the policy will
determine the amount they are willing to pay for the policy based on the amount, if any, of the cash surrender value and the age and health of the seller. Since there are numerous companies out there you may “shop around” for the best offering. Some companies offer a “life settlement calculator” where you may go online, plug in all your information, and receive a quote within twenty-four hours.
You may hear of the term “viatical settlement” when exploring the issue of whether or not to cash in your policy. Viatical settlements generally pay more than life settlements but are limited to terminally ill policy holders with less than two years of life expectancy as determined by a medical professional.
Finally, if you want to do the best you can with your policy, but do not have the time or inclination to shop around, there are “life settlement brokers” who, for a fee, will do the shopping for you.
News briefs
celebrates O’Side student intern
As National Intern Day arrives on July 31, 2025, PSEG Long Island is celebrating its summer interns, including Anthony Capellan of Oceanside. He is among 24 local college students who began 12-week paid internships at PSEG Long Island on June 2.
The 24 students are rising sophomores, juniors, seniors and master’s degree students studying disciplines that include engineering, accounting, economics and cybersecurity, at schools across Long Island, New York State and beyond.
junior majoring in mechanical engineering at SUNY Stony Brook University. He says he’s getting real life experiences this summer.
Throughout the summer, the group is exploring utility careers and getting hands-on experience in various PSEG Long Island departments, including Distribution Operations, Overhead and Underground Construction, Cybersecurity, Finance and Accounting, Customer Operations, Customer Experience, Real Estate, Human Resources and several engineering groups. PSEG Long Island may also offer opportunities for future internship in Corporate Communications, Customer Advocacy, Surveying, Energy Efficiency and more.
Capellan of Oceanside is a rising
“So far in my internship, I have learned that PSEG places a heavy emphasis on safety and reliability with the work culture as well as in the design of power lines,” said Capellan. “In addition, I can see that there are many opportunities for a person to grow and develop within the company, with the only limiting factor is your motivation. Overall, I am having a great experience with the planners, engineers, as well as the other interns.”
PSEG Long Island internship positions are available to college students who are rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. The company posts its internship opportunities for summer 2026 on its website at psegliny.com/careers between October 2025 and February 2026, and recommends interested students set up a keyword alert on the website to be notified of postings.
–Kepherd Daniel
I.P. enacts moratorium law on B.E.S.S
Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty and the Village Board of Trustees passed a local law imposing a moratorium on Battery Energy Storage System facilities within village boundaries. The decision was made at the June 26 Village Board meeting and formalized through Local Law 4 of 2025.
The moratorium prohibits the Village from accepting, reviewing, or approving any applications related to the development of BESS infrastructure. The pause allows the Village time to conduct a comprehensive safety assessment of the technology, and to ensure that local emergency responders are prepared to address any potential hazards.Deputy Mayor Matthew Graci called the moratorium “just the beginning,” affirming that the Village will
continue to use every tool available to guard against developments that could compromise quality of life. The moratorium also responds to mounting public concerns and what the Board describes as a lack of proven safety standards for BESS and offshore wind projects—particularly those located near residential areas.
“We don’t gamble with safety, and we don’t experiment with our residents’ way of life,: McGinty said. “Battery storage facilities and offshore wind infrastructure present unacceptable risks. This Village is not a testing ground for dangerous energy experiments. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.”
–Kepherd Daniel
Anthony CApellAn
Bethpage Black preps for Ryder Cup
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The Ryder Cup is coming to Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale Sept. 26 to 28 and preparations are in full swing for one of golf’s premier international events.
After three years of planning, work to install viewing stands, including two triple-deckers and eight double-deckers, with some flanking the first and 18th fairways, bleachers, hospitality tents and a large merchandise area began May 19 and will continue up until the first practice round Sept. 23.
“We’re expecting 50,000 fans per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” 2025 Ryder Cup Director Bryan Karns said during a press conference held at Bethpage Black July 24. “Living in New York for the past few years and attending Jets, Yankees and Mets games, it’s an incredibly passionate fan base. Any time a major championship has come to Bethpage, the crowds have been remarkable. Fans are going to understand this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and they’re really going to value what it means to attend a Ryder Cup.”
Half a million fans registered for a lottery system used to purchase tickets said Evan Crowder, PGA of America Operations Manager. Tickets for the three scoring rounds of the tournament are sold out, though a handful remain for the Sept. 23 and 24 practice rounds.
Renowned for its degree of difficulty and rich history that includes hosting the U.S. Open (2002 and 2009) and PGA Championship (2019), Bethpage Black will have a slightly different look for the Ryder Cup with the tee box of the first hole — a 430-yard, par-4 — moving 30 yards closer to the pin and about 20 yards to the north for a clearer path to the green.
“The five most important holes at the Ryder Cup are the first, and 15 through 18 where the majority of matches are decided is set up incredibly well,” Karns said.
Added Kenny Kurzendoerfer, 2025 Ryder Cup Operations Manager: “This is where you want to be as a fan, where the first tee box and 18th green are in close proximity. It’s definitely a bucketlist moment to experience the first tee at a Ryder Cup. It’s truly unlike anything you’ve seen before in golf. I’ve been lucky to be a part of a few of them now and it still gives me chills.”
In terms of transportation to and from the course for fans, Jones Beach lots 4 and 5 will serve as the main public parking areas where shuttle service will be provided to Bethpage. Shuttles will also run from both the north and south side of the Farmingdale LIRR station, Crowder said. There will also be a ride-
share lot on site at Yellow Course No. 11.
The Ryder Cup dates back to 1927, when the inaugural matchup was held at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. Initially a contest between the United States and Great Britain, the format expanded in 1979 to include players from continental Europe. The U.S. played host to the event in 2016 and most recently in 2021.
The event features 28 matches across three formats – foursomes, fourballs, and singles. Teamwork and strategy are essential to winning.
Although the 12-player rosters for both teams have yet to be announced,
some of the top U.S. players include Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, and Collin Morikawa, with Europe featuring Rory McIlroy, Rasmus Hojgaard, Matt Wallace and Tyrrell Hatton.
The U.S. team selection is based on a points system, where points are awarded based on performance in PGA Tour events and major championships. Automatic qualifiers, with Scheffler already being one, will be the top six in points after the BMW Championship on Aug. 17. Captain Keegan Bradley will select the remainder of the roster Aug. 27, Karns noted.
Jeff Bessen/Herald Evan Crowder, 2025 Ryder Cup Operations manager at PGA of America, explains tournament ground operations at Bethpage State Park on July 24.
The new first tee box created for the 2025 Ryder Cup match.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos Building the grandstand by the first tee and behind the 18th green on the Bethpage Black is in full swing.
Sunrise’s 20th summer making an impact
May 2013.
“We’ve had a train in the past, and it’s been a staple of Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island,” Strom said. “We were in need of a new one, and the Nicholas Pedone Foundation made such an incredible and generous gift to bring this new train back for the next 20 years.”
Campers cheered as the gleaming green-and-gold engine rumbled its first circuit, pulling into “Nicky’s Smile Station,” the new boarding platform festooned with bright murals.
“This gift to Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island is more than a donation—it’s a reflection of Nicholas’s enduring spirit and our unwavering mission to deliver smiles to courageous kids fighting cancer,” said Josephine Pedone, co-founder and Board President of the Nicholas Pedone Foundation in a release.
The following day, Sunrise hosted a second ceremony to unveil an upgraded pool-side changing station, funded by the Garden of Dreams Foundation and other generous partners. Artist Corey Page, known for high-profile commercial work, painted a mural across the facility’s façade, transforming a long-needed amenity into a joyful gateway for campers heading into the pool.
“Swimming with friends is a camp rite of passage.,” Strom said. “We’ve needed upgraded changing stations for years, and thanks to the Garden of
Dreams Foundation, the new facility is both safe and beautifully welcoming.”
In May, Sunrise was the surprise beneficiary of the American Amusement Machine Operators Association’s annual gala in Manhattan. When longtime Sunrise supporter Scott Avery accepted the 2025 Man of the Year honor, he and fellow industry leaders spontaneously pledged three $25,000 gifts, collecting $75,000 on the spot, with additional donations still pending.
Chief Development Officer Beth Fetner traced the roots of this partnership back a decade, when Apple Industries founder Allen Weisberg first introduced Sunrise to the American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation charitable committee.
“When our video played at that gala and the emcee asked who wanted to help send children to camp, three completely unexpected guests each stood and pledged $25,000,” Fetner recounted. “We all just fell off our seats.”
Also in May, Sunrise turned its signature Walk–Long Island into a 20th anniversary celebration. Over 3,000 participants wound through Wheatley Heights raising more than $700,000 to kick off the camp season. Local business leaders also stepped up, as Flushing Bank’s Gary Raising rallied colleagues for a month-long “Banking Your Time” campaign, netting roughly $66,000 to support camp operations.
“It’s a beautiful story of an individual mobilizing his entire organization to make a difference,” said Josh Krinick, associate director of development at Sunrise.
Sunrise’s Long Island campus in Wheatley Heights will host its annual American Amusement Machine Association Carnival on Aug. 12, drawing about 100 volunteers, including 20 industry guests, to entertain campers with games, rides and photo-booth fun.
“This carnival is a perfect snapshot of our decade-long partnership, and it’s just pure joy,” Fetner said.
Also, a series of high-profile golf outings are on the calendar. June’s Pearl River event shattered records by bringing in $650,000, and an Aug. 4 tournament at the Seawane, Rockaway Hunting & Hempstead golf and county clubs seeks to surpass last year’s $1.5 million haul.
On Nov. 13, the “Dare to Dream Benefit” will be held, honoring Jane and David Cohen, a Bank of America executive, and young philanthropist Alana Berlin, a former Sunrise counselor. Sunrise is also expanding beyond Long Island. This summer saw the launch of camp number 14 in South Florida, alongside 80+ weekly in-hospital Sunrise on Wheels programs in 36 hospitals across the United States and Israel. Plans for camp number 15 are already in motion, and virtual programs continue to reach
children unable to travel. In addition, Sunrise has partnered with Tel Aviv University on a study, set for publication later this year, to measure the camp’s effects on resilience, health and outlook among participants. In total, Sunrise Association touches thousands of young lives annually through camp, hospital and virtual programs.
“This all started here—in our backyard in Oceanside,” Fetner said. “With 96 children in 2006. Now we’re serving over 3,000 campers this summer and touching 60,000 kids annually through camps, hospitals, and virtual programs.”
Courtesy Sunrise Association
The first train ride of the day departs as campers laugh and wave from the colorful new cars.
Oceanside cable route remains unchanged
ticularly bird-friendly, creating significantly less impact on alien species than overhead transmission lines. If a transition to clean energy is not accomplished, and soon, not only will many birds and wildlife species face extinction, but the planet will become unlivable for humanity as well.”
The proposed transmission project comprises multiple sections, including the Barrett-to-Uniondale Hub segment, which would extend 8.75 miles from a new Barrett substation, in Oceanside, to the existing Uniondale Hub. The segment’s preliminary route runs through Oceanside, primarily along Long Beach Road and North Long Beach Road, and then continues north.
Oceanside residents have questioned why Long Beach Road remains the preferred corridor, despite suggestions to shift the line to less congested streets like Lawson Boulevard.
Transco’s director of public affairs, Shannon Baxevanis, confirmed that, despite public statements to the contrary, “nothing has been approved other than our survey work,” and that the docket remains open to comments indefinitely — even into construction. She emphasized that “we’re still working on viable alternatives” in several northern jurisdictions, though Oceanside’s preferred routing along Long Beach Road stands firm.
“We’re working closely with local municipalities, emergency responders and community stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption and maximum transparency,” Baxevanis said.
She explained that engineering analyses showed that existing utilities along Lawson Boulevard would increase the environmental and construction impact — and costs — compared with the current alignment.
TThe project, slated to begin construction in mid2026, would add a new substation on Daily Boulevard as well. Long Island’s power grid has seen minimal updates since the 1950s.
Jeff Greenfield, a Rockville Centre resident and a former LIPA board trustee, spoke in favor of upgraded cables. “I served four years (on the LIPA board) and we had three major cable failures,” he recalled. “I was an advocate while on the LIPA board that we needed additional transmission capacity to power Long Island. The power demand on Long Island has only increased with more electric vehicles. We’re isolated here, and we need this additional cable — a reliable, safe cable — to help us power Long Island and maintain the power, especially during the peak season,
when the power is readily available.”
Opponents of the project offered equally passionate arguments, focusing on potential health risks and community disruption. County Legislator Patrick Mullaney called the project “a risk to communities,” and criticized the lack of independent environmental review.
“Burying high-voltage cables in this environment isn’t just short-sighted, it’s dangerous,” Mullaney said.
“Instead of addressing these risks, New York state issued the RAPID Act, which attempted to fast-track and bypass any environmental review, and there’s been no independent engineering review, no transparent costbenefit comparison with above-ground alternatives, and no serious response to these very real safety concerns. Instead we’re just being asked to trust private developers who benefit from pushing this project through while giving us all the risk. This project treats Nassau County as a corridor, not as a community.”
Legislator Samantha Goetz echoed Mullaney’s concerns. “Albany does not know Glen head better than the people of Glen Head,” Goetz said. “And Governor (Kathy) Hochul does not know Glenwood
Landing like the residents do. This isn’t about being anti-renewable energy, it’s about being pro-community, pro-transparency and pro-democracy.”
Project representatives identified what they describe as a recurring misunderstanding: Propel NY installs only the “highways” for electricity — underground cables, buried under layers of backfill and concrete, protection from electric-field exposure. It does not build wind turbines, solar farms or batterystorage facilities.
“We’re still trying to get past the confusion about what this project is, and what it isn’t,” Baxevanis said. “Transmission is backbone infrastructure, like roads; it doesn’t produce or store power.”
Draft environmental management and construction pland will be filed later in the permitting process, triggering another round of public review and comment. Baxevanis confirmed that, assuming the project’s approval, its start date remains mid-2026, with multiple construction crews working simultaneously across segments to accelerate completion.
To bolster transparency, Transco plans additional webinars and neighborhood workshops, building on a recent online session that drew 120 participants.
“We’ll keep people engaged at their convenience,” Baxevanis said, “and we welcome ideas for new outreach formats.”
By Herald Staff
Queenette Karikari Freeport
I actually love vacationing. And so when I think of summer, I think of traveling outside of Freeport, even if it’s a road trip, right? Like, sometimes we drive down far out east.
What’s your favorite aspect of summer on Long Island?
Charles Gilreath Freeport
I spend most of my time during the summer vacationing with my wife Donna.
Jana Rodriguez Freeport
I would have to say it would be the movie night at the end of free outdoor movie nights at Cow Meadow Park with my grandpa.
Leah Silvestri
Rockville Centre
There’s nothing like golden hour in the Hamptons when the sky turns to gold and the ocean glows. My favorite Long Island summer moments are spent with music in the air, a light breeze off the water, and that peaceful feeling as the day winds down.
Travis and Jaxson Fatscher, age 4
Rockville Centre
Our favorite thing to do on Long Island during the summer is to go to our cabana at Nickerson beach and play in the pool and sand all day!
Island vibes shine at Masone Beach Luau
Masone Beach transformed into a tropical paradise on July 25 for the highly anticipated Summer Luau, a 21 and over beach bash that mixed fun and fundraising.
Hosted by Island Park Fire Department Chief Eric Gorton, the event supported the department’s Water Rescue Squad, drawing dozens of residents and supporters for a lively night by the bay.
Attendees enjoyed Hawaiianstyle food, refreshing tropical drinks, and beachside entertainment. Raffles, contests, and themed merchandise tables added extra flair, while the sound of island music set the mood for dancing and mingling. Many came dressed in their best tropical attire, from grass skirts to aloha shirts, helping bring the “island” to Island Park.
With $40 tickets covering all activities, food, and drinks, every dollar raised supported vital local emergency services.
— Kepherd Daniel
Tim Baker/Herald Danielle and Paul Marquardt of the Steel Drum Band perform in floral shirts near the shoreline, celebrating community and summer fun on Masone Beach.
Evan Davis, Point Lookout Fire Department Chief Chris Guerin, ex-Island Park Chief Ed Madden and Baldwin Fire Department Chief Doug Eberhart in their colorful luau themed attire at sunset, embracing the island theme in full spirit.
Long Beach residents Michael and Jackie Gaffney and Island Park resident Chris Beckett came down to the beach for summer Hawaian theme fun.
Mike Mardsen, Island Park Chief Eric Gorton, Chris Guerin and Ed Madden got together for some community fun.
The evening closes with a golden view of Masone Beach, as ex Island Park Fire Department Chief Rob Dexter, Julie and Sarah Harnisher and Carolyn Barwicki relax and reflect on a fun night for a worthy cause.
Island Park youth take part in arts ceremony
Marysol Alvarado, Andy Demange and Justin Frangella, all seniors from Island Park attending Long Beach High School and majoring in Performing Arts, took part in the Long Island High School for the Arts Certificate Ceremony, which celebrates stu -
dents’ accomplishments and growth throughout their time in the program. The students attended LIHSA for half the school day while continuing academic studies at their home high school.
— Kepherd Daniel
Andy Demange, a senior from Island Park, took part in the Long Island for the Arts Certificate Ceremony, which celebrates students’ accomplishments and growth throughout their time in the program.
Justin Frangella, a graduating senior from Island Park, took part in the LIHSA Certificate Ceremony, which celebrates the growth and creativity of students completing the program.
Courtesy Nassau BOCES
Marysol Alvarado, a senior from Island Park, was honored at the LIHSA Certificate Ceremony for her commitment to the arts and time spent balancing academic studies with specialized training.
County’s only LGBTQ club closes doors
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Just one month after hosting a vibrant Pride celebration, Halo Night club on Long Beach Road in Oceans ide—one of the only LGBTQ+–focused nightlife venues in Nassau County— officially closed its doors on June 15. Long Beach resident and co‑owner Kyle Savage cited an untenable financial standoff with the building’s landlord, whose unwillingness to negotiate pay ment plans left the club no choice but to cease operations. The landlord’s demands weren’t unique to Halo, Savage said.
“Out of six storefronts in the build‑ ing, five are now vacant,” he noted. “He’d rather keep the spaces empty than work with tenants on realistic payment arrangements.”
The previous month, Halo had tallied nearly $20,000 in back rent. Despite court efforts to delay eviction proceed ings and a GoFundMe campaign that raised roughly $3,000, Savage says it became clear the matter couldn’t be delayed anymore.
“Once I started talking with neigh‑ boring businesses,” Savage recalled, “I realized we weren’t going to win this fight with him. It just wasn’t worth con tinuing to sink money and time into it.”
Halo opened its doors in January 2024 following an eight‑month delay in securing its liquor license—time during which Savage still paid full rent. The space quickly became a sanctuary: host ing drag shows, community fundraisers (including collaborations with the Long Island Pride Lions Club, and HIV/AIDS awareness events. Savage believes other factors dampened consistent atten dance.
He points to vandalism, social‑media impersonation campaigns, and broader societal fears around hate crimes as bar riers that discouraged patrons from ven turing out. He also notes that online dat ing apps can tempt the community to socialize digitally rather than in person.
“A space like Halo only survives when the community shows up consis tently,” he said. “We created magic here, but the turnout ultimately wasn’t enough to cover our costs.”
Savage remains committed to the mission of queer‑owned nightlife on Long Island. He’s optimistic that the Allegria partnership can serve as a blueprint for future permanent venues.
Savage is pivoting to a series of pop‑up LGBTQ+ events across Long Beach and beyond. He plans to leverage his experience designing large‑scale dance and drag shows under his private event production company, By the House Collective.
specifically for the LGBTQ+ community.”
“I’m in talks with the Allegria Hotel on the water,” Savage said. “They’re interested in hosting a monthly pop‑up
These itinerant parties will feature many of the same performers, DJs, and aerial acts that made Halo’s Pride Music Festival a success, allowing Savage to continue fostering safe, celebratory spaces without the overhead of a per‑ manent venue.
“I’ll always fight for my community,” Savage affirmed. “If the right opportu nity presents itself, I’d love to pursue another brick‑and‑mortar space. But for now, these pop‑ups will keep the spirit of Halo alive.”
Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m. Contest ends August 10th midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
Christine Rivera/Herald
Shortly after celebrating it’s Pride Month celeberation, Halo Nightclub had to close it’s door in Oceanside. Engaged in a trivia game was Ruben Fernandez, Bella Noche, Matt Randy and Gia Donayre.
STEPPING OUT A instoryevery step
Celebrate culture and community at the Gold Coast Dance Festival
By Roksana Amid
As sundown takes hold at Morgan Memorial Park on Aug. 2, artists representing a rich spectrum of dance styles — from classical ballet and folklorico to tap, contemporary and hip-hop — take to a stage. The fifth annual Gold Coast Dance Festival — set against the backdrop of the Long Island Sound — is a grand celebration of culture, movement and community connection.
Hosted by New York Dance Theatre, the free event attracts folks to see a varied lineup of dancers from Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem, New York City Ballet, Broadway, and more. This year’s edition also includes Ballet Nepantla, a returning favorite known for blending traditional Mexican folklorico with contemporary dance.
“Ballet Nepantla are an astounding company,” Festival Executive Producer Nicole Loizides Albruzzese says. “They’ve been noted as embodying the in-between-ness of those who live on the borderland, mixing in cultures and gaining a little bit from either side.”
Founded in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, this began as an informal gathering of dancers organized by Albruzzese, a professional performer and Glen Cove resident. She invited a few colleagues to Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay as a way to decompress from the emotional toll of the lockdown. This experience inspired her to bring a professional dance festival to Glen Cove the following year.
“Because the world just stopped talking to one another, stopped dining together, we wanted to create something that brought people together without the need for words,” Albruzzese says. “Dance can do that.”
Since then, the festival has grown to involve dozens of performers and companies, including John Manzari, a renowned Broadway tap dancer and featured artist from “So You Think You Can Dance,” and MorDance, a contemporary ballet company based in Yonkers. This will be MorDance’s first appearance here.
For those inspired to dance themselves, join Jamie Shannon of Kilowatt Dance Theater for an introductory Lindy Hop class on the beach at 4:30 p.m., open to all ages and skill levels, before performances begin.
“Lindy Hop is one of America’s beloved early social dances, stemming from jazz and Harlem and a beautiful social era,” Albruzzese explains. “Bring your dinner down, enjoy a class, and go see a show. You get a more intimate look at the artists beforehand, and then you get to see them on stage.”
New York Dance Theatre, which is celebrating its 51st year, produces the festival through its nonprofit mission to make high-level dance accessible to all audiences.
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The company also runs the Développé program, a a scholarship initiative that provides free yearlong dance education to atrisk youth, foster families and English-language learners across Long Island.
Développé partners with community organizations, including Options for Community Living, which supports families experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. One of the newest scholarship recipients is an 11-year-old girl who had never taken a dance class before this summer.
“She leaves the studio glowing,” Albruzzese says. “She’s one of the most graceful dancers in the class. Starting classical dance between the ages of 11 and 14 can be intimidating, but she’s handling it so beautifully.”
A suggested festival donation of $20 supports the Développé program. Contributions help fund workshops, lectures, performances and scholarships provided by NYDT throughout the year.
Albruzzese says the festival is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities.
“A woman came up to me last year and said, ‘It’s not so often I find something to do with my mom or my grandmother,’” she recalls. “Her grandmother was 92 and squealing with excitement watching the performances. That’s what this is about. You can just grab a park bench, sit on the grass and stay for five minutes or the entire evening.”
‘So in love with you am I’
Last year’s featured performers represented Haiti, China, Iraq, and Mexico. Each year’s lineup is curated to reflect global traditions and storytelling through movement, according to Albruzzese.
“I think because we offer such a huge, diverse array of cultural programming, everyone leaves loving something. We birthed a star, and it’s shining everywhere. It’s benefiting the artists, the audience and our local cultural institutions,” she adds enthusiastically.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs and picnic dinners.
Check out a stylized concert version of the classic golden age musical. Egotistical leading man-directorproducer Fred Graham (Broadway’s Charlie Marcus) is reunited with his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi (Broadway talent Christina DeCicco, of Rockville Centre) when the two are forced to play opposite one another in a new production of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” The battle of the sexes continues onstage and off, as it becomes clear that, as much as this couple profess to hate each other, they are also still in love. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, the mob, and comedic routines into the mix and you get “Kiss Me, Kate” — a dazzling Broadway classic that earned the very first Tony award for Best Musical. A cast of 30 brings this “concert” production to life with limited costumes and scenic elements. The dynamic performers include Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students and also alumni.
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-3, 3 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.
Magic Rocks!
Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives here 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. Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention; join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why.
Sunday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25,
• Saturday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m.; rain date is Aug.
Morgan Memorial Park, Germaine Street, Glen Cove
Festival updates and class announcements available on New York Dance Theatre’s social media platforms
Photos courtesy Nicole Albruzzese
Last year, Wendi Weng, a Chinese immigrant and resident of Huntington, wowed the festival audience.
Graceanne Pierce, a Queens resident and New York Dance Theatre artist, takes the stage this year.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JUly
‘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
Summer tunes
Enjoy a soulful evening of R&B and funk music with All iz Well band at Island Park Library.
•Where: 176 Long Beach Road
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 432-0122 or islandparklibrary.org
‘The Rocketman Show’
Remember when rock was young? You will after this enthralling show, on the Paramount stage. Blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist that’ll take you right back to when rock was young, this is a must-see for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself.
Materials provided. Adults only.
•Where: Masone Beach (weather permitting; will move to Island Park Library if needed)
•Time: 6:30 p.m.
•Contact: islandparklibrary.org or call (516) 432-0122
Bubble Magic
Check out Long Island Children’s Museum’s Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun. Through playful, hands-on experiments explore what makes a bubble form, what makes them pop and discover new creative ways to make bubbles. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to participate.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Family movie night
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics come to life again as Anderson recreates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. He storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. This is a detailed re-creation of Elton John’s ‘70s shows that’s not to be missed. Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing gorgeous, colorful and spectacular costumes, including Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $35.
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Island Park Kiwanis Steak and Lobster Dinner
Feast by the water with lobster or steak, plus sides, drinks, and dessert. A community favorite!
•Where: Masone Beach, Waterford Road
•Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
•Contact: Zelle (516) 343-6144 or mail check to IP Kiwanis, c/o K. Davis, 2847 Willard Ave., Oceanside, NY 11572
Summertime vibes
Rock on with Half Step’s tribute to the Grateful Dead at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
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the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
•Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
In concert
The annual Salute to Veterans concert, returns to Eisenhower Park, featuring American Bombshells and Rolling Stones tribute band Streetfighter.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 6:45 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG
3 Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Eva Moore’s “Lucky Ducklings.”
With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at
Unbox A-Saurus for Us!
Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologistsin-training at Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join eccentric paleontologist Dr. Patricia Osiris (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a never-before-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can
figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking laughter and exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 6
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Summer sounds
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Set more than three decades after the first film, it follows Lydia Deetz, now a mother, struggling to keep her family together in the wake of a loss as Betelgeuse returns to haunt her. Starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: Movie begins at dusk
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Summer sounds
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Enjoy Lady Supreme, a Diana Ross Experience, at Eisenhower Park.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
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Long Beach’s Steve Adelson brings his Jazz Trio, featuring guitarist Kerry Kearney, to Island Park Library
•Where: 176 Long Beach Road
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 432-0122 or islandparklibrary.org
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Paint with Frank Caprino
Paint a beautiful
coastal scene with Frank Caprino, hosted by Island Park Library.
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Public Notices
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
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
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 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).
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. 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
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Town Law Section 181-a (1) and pursuant to General Municipal Law Section 35, (2a) the fiscal affairs of the Oceanside Fire District in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, for the period beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2024, have been examined by Independent Certified Public Accounting firm of Craig, Fitzsimmons & Meyer, LLPSmithtown, NY. A copy of their independent audit report has been filed with the New York Office of the State Comptroller where it is available as a public record for inspection by all interested persons. In accordance with Town Law Section 181-a(4) the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Oceanside Fire District in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, has made this audit available for inspection by all interested persons at the Oceanside Fire District Office, 65 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, New York, 11572. Tricia Schields Secretary For the Board of Fire Commissioners Oceanside Fire District 154830
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE 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 Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 08/06/2025 at 9:30
A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
412/25. - 415/25. OCEANSIDE - Steven Quadrino, Maintain senior residence each separate dwelling area exceeding 800 sq. ft. in total floor area; Special exception to maintain accessory structure (shed) higher than permitted, not permitted in side yard & with lot area occupied variance; Special exception to maintain 2nd accessory structure (gazebo) higher than permitted, exceeding horizontal maximum & with lot area occupied variance; Maintain hot tub with less than required side & rear yard setbacks., S/s Frank St., 170’ W/o Weidner Ave., a/k/a 441 Frank St. 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. 154822
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
Oceanside’s forgotten school board candidate GUEST COLUMN
The Oceanside community has long celebrated a tradition of civically active women shaping its School Board of Education, a history that began when Clementina O’Brien narrowly defeated Ralph Klein in 1962. However, this tradition may have had earlier roots, reaching back to a largely forgotten figure: Ella Smith.
While Mrs. J.B. Campbell may have been the first woman to run for the Oceanside School Board in 1928, records suggest Ella Smith was the true pioneer, briefly capturing the town’s attention in 1882. But who was Ella Smith? Despite her notable achievement, little is known about her life, and her time in the spotlight was fleeting.
Oceanside’s educational landscape in 1882
In the early 1800s, Oceanside was established as one of the region’s original school districts. By 1882, the district was organized as a Common School District, encompassing not only its current boundaries but also Island Park and the Long Beach barrier island. Governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, the district operated a single, deteriorating one-room schoolhouse located at the northwest corner of present-day Oceanside and Foxhurst Roads.Debates about the district’s future swirled that year. Converting to a Union Free School District was a hot topic, as this would enable the district to confer high school degrees. Compounding tensions, the northwestern portion of Rockville Centre had recently broken away to form its own school district, and there were murmurs of discontent from Long Beach residents. Amid this backdrop of uncertainty, the annual school district meeting in October 1882 took on heightened significance.
■ Walter Bond: 7 votes
■ Thomas Powell: 1 vote
Smith became the first woman elected to the district’s Board of Trustees.
Controversy and resignation
Smith’s victory, however, was immediately met with controversy. Rumors spread that she was not yet 21 years old, the minimum age required to hold the position of Trustee. The may have claim originated from the school’s principal, who based his assertion on his recollection of Smith’s time as a student.
Critics pointed out that the principal had a clear conflict of interest: he would now be accountable to his former pupil and risked his employment being influenced by someone he once disciplined in the classroom. His allegations were viewed as potentially biased, rooted in resentment rather than fact. At the time, recordkeeping was notoriously poor. Local municipalities lacked reliable birth records, and both of Smith’s parents were deceased, leaving no one to verify her exact birth year. Adding to the confusion, Smith herself was deemed incapable of recalling her precise age as no person can independently remember their actual birth.
After a brief period of deliberation, Smith made the difficult decision to step aside. She declined to act as Trustee, stating that others in the community were better equipped to understand the district’s needs. Her resignation ended her short-lived tenure and left the community questioning what might have been.
Ella Smith’s surprise candidacy
When lifelong resident and incumbent Trustee Townsend F. Southard declined to run for another term, three prominent local men—William Mott, Walter Bond, and Thomas Powell—were nominated for the open seat. They were joined by a fourth candidate: a young woman named Ella Smith. Smith, a lifelong resident of Oceanside, declared her willingness to take on the responsibilities of a Trustee. She promised to work collaboratively with the board and focused her campaign on practical improvements. Her platform emphasized repairing the schoolhouse at minimal cost, including painting the classroom, patching leaks, fixing holes, and cleaning up the grounds. The votes results were stunning:
■ Ella Smith: 22 votes
■ William Mott: 14 votes
Despite her brief time in the public eye, Smith’s story offers a glimpse into Oceanside’s past. Her candidacy highlighted issues of gender, power, and societal expectations in a rapidly changing era. It also underscored the challenges faced by women seeking to break into civic leadership roles long before they universally gained the right to vote. Would her election results have been challenged had she been a man?
Today, Smith remains a forgotten figure, her name absent from all historical accounts. Yet her willingness to step forward and challenge the status quo serves as a reminder of the quiet but significant contributions made by women in Oceanside’s history.
Seth J. Blau is an Oceanside resident and trustee on the Oceanside School Board since 2012. He has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 2010 and has a passion for discovering, preserving and displaying the history of the Oceanside community.
S eth J. B lau
EMPLOYMENT
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
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 fromo $16.50 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 $34,320 + 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
OUTSIDE SALES
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 $34,320 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
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• Monday-Friday; 10:50am-1:30pm Daily Substitute Teachers $125/day
8:15am-3:15pm
Is a doorbell camera enough?
Where Style Meets Drama
WREALESTATE
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Apartments For Rent
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
MERRICK: 1 BR, 2nd Floor, No Pets. $1500/ Monthly. 2 Months Security Plus Electric. By Owner. 516-486-6139
Q. We have a doorbell camera, and understand that it’s a deterrent to would-be burglars, but as we’re renovating our home, are there other ways we can “design” in ways to keep people from robbing it? We keep seeing reports on the neighbor app of our door camera about people checking out houses in the area, and we’re very concerned. Any ideas would are appreciated.
A. People often plan the latest technology items into renovations, and I learn from my clients, all the time, about ideas they’ve researched, from locations for hidden cameras to sensor devices that tell them when people are approaching. Some clients ask about electronically controlled driveway gates, and I advise them that unless the fencing is also monitored, all they’re stopping is a vehicle.
When you have a very long driveway to the house, gates make sense, even if just to give the impression that the property is more secure, but when you can see the entrance from the street from the front door or windows, it’s a moot point to have a controlled driveway gate, because 80 percent of the time, burglars approach a home on foot, slipping around a gate, or over a short fence, to get to a more secluded spot to enter without being seen. With that in mind, outside areas of buildings that create hidden corners should be planned out of the design.
According to the National Center for Policing Innovation, the average burglar will spend no more than 60 seconds breaking in. If you can delay a break-in for 90 seconds or longer, a burglar may get nervous and leave. A hiding spot gives them extra time.
Fortify exterior doors with deadbolts that extend at least an inch and a half into the door frame. Glass doors in the front or back of a dwelling can be fortified by installing “hurricane”-strength glass instead of standard glazed doors, and sliding doors with a metal track rod can be effective. Hurricaneglass windows are much more costly than regular windows, but protect your home from burglars as well as storms.
Remember that even with an alarm system, which can be a deterrent, if a burglar has already had a look at the interior of your home and knows where to go, they will be in and out before any law enforcement gets there.
I was impressed that the police came to my home quickly when a door accidentally blew open, and checked every closet and potential hiding place before pronouncing the home secure. So if you come home to an open door or window, it’s advisable not to enter without calling the police for a safety check. It could save you from injury or worse, confronting a burglar.
Pet doors measuring more than six inches across should be avoided. Silly as it sounds, some burglars actually use a child to squeeze through a pet door and open the doors from the inside. More to come.
MarketPlace HERALD
Stuff HERALD
ANNOUNCEMENTS Garage Sales
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8/3/25 10am-4pm. 1028 Thomas Avenue. (Off Milburn Avenue). Rain Date following weekend. No Early Birds Please.
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Why I care about immigration —
and why all of us should
people often ask me why I care so much about immigration.
Of course, my constituents care about it; they want to stop the chaos at the southern border and fix the asylum system, and they want to see people treated like human beings.
I agree with them. More than that, though, immigration is personal for me.
I look at America through the lens of the immigrant story — the story of my family, and the story of the American dream. My father came to this country as an infant. His parents — my grandparents — came from Italy with nothing. And yet, through hard work and devotion to family, they built a life here. Their son went to law school on the GI bill after serving in World War II, rising to become a mayor and a State Supreme Court justice. Their grandson is a member of the United States Congress.
An article that hung in my grandfather’s home, from Nov. 10, 1960, is titled “Success Story.” A segment reads:
“Glen Cove can be proud of its Mayor
Joseph A. Suozzi, who was elected to the State Supreme Court on Tuesday . . .
“Judge Suozzi came to these shores as an infant, the son of immigrant parents. Their lot was not an easy one, in a strange land, but Mr. and Mrs. Michael Suozzi raised a fine family, and while they lived comfortably, they did not gain great material wealth. But they did gain another kind of wealth which no Depression, no misfortune can ever take away from them. They devoted their lives to their family and their success of their children is their great fortune.
ieven wrote to the president, asking him to work with me on comprehensive reform.
“Now their boy, Joe, will soon be a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. How proud they must be! And we who know them share their pride.
“Mike and Rosa Suozzi certainly made good in America. God bless them.”
That’s why I care about immigration. Through my own family, I’ve seen the promise of America fulfilled. But I also see how that promise is at risk — because our immigration system is broken, and Congress has failed to fix it. It’s painful for me that this issue by which I define my American experience has become such a negative, controversial force in our politics.
Congress has failed for decades to pass comprehensive immigration reform because too many politicians have weaponized immigration policy for political gain without doing a thing to fix it. Even when bipartisan solutions emerge, they’re often derailed by political forces more interested in scoring points than solving problems.
Reasonable people should agree that violent criminals who are here illegally should be deported. But what’s happening now is far more chaotic. Parents who’ve lived here for years, send their kids to school with my kids, work six days a week and go to church on Sunday are living in fear. We need to figure out a way for people who work, pay taxes and follow the rules to stop having to look over their shoulder. Families that have been here for decades deserve legal status so they can build lives for their children and grandchildren, like our family did.
We must secure the border, fix the broken asylum system, and create legal pathways for Dreamers, farm workers, TPS holders, essential workers in fields like health care and hospitality, and residents who’ve been here for over a
decade.
Democrats and Republicans must come together. While President Trump has had remarkable success securing the border, he has done so through executive orders, which can easily be overturned. Real progress must come from Congress.
I’ll continue to do my part. I’ve worked toward comprehensive immigration reform as co-chair of the Democrats for Border Security Taskforce, as co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and through the bipartisan coalition I built of “business, badges and the Bible” — members of the business, law enforcement and religious communities who have longstanding stakes in American immigration policy.
I even wrote a letter to the president, asking him to work with me and make a deal on comprehensive reform. I’ve reached out, and I hope he reaches back.
We can uphold the law and our values. We can protect our borders and treat people with dignity. We can be safe and fair.
That’s the America my grandparents believed in when they arrived in this country. It’s the America I still believe in. And it’s the one we have to keep fighting for — together.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
How will the summer of ’25 be remembered?
it is said that each of us, if we’re lucky, gets 80 summers. Some folks prefer winter or the rebirth vibe of spring, but for most, it is summer, the short season of our years, that seems sweetest.
Summers have telescoped lives of their own. Whatever our age, summer begins in our minds as hopes and expectations, is realized in the days from June 21 to Sept. 21 and is remembered ever after.
The very first summer I remember was 1951, at Rockaway Beach, where we rented a bungalow on 54th Street. That was the Summer of My Sister, who had recently been born and, for some reason, expected to come along on our vacation. The fireworks on the boardwalk every Wednesday night were my big-sister treat, and best memory. There was the Summer of New Hampshire, when our parents took us on a much-hyped car trip to the Granite State. I was 8, my sister was 4 and our
grandmother, who sat in the back seat, was ancient, I guess in her 50s. My father had made all the arrangements via mail, writing to Stonybrook Farms to set up our holiday. We drove 10 hours, pumped with excitement. When we drove through the broken gates, the moment collapsed on itself like a black hole. The cabins were like chicken coops. My mother started to sob. But Dad had a plan. We stayed one night, skipped out in the predawn hours and drove all the way to Canada. That summer I learned to have a Plan B, and how to skip out under cover of darkness.
i lived through the Summer of Love, but this summer is not feeling like love.
The Summer of Robert English was a doozie. I was about 15, living in Cedarhurst, and my mother’s best friend invited her nephew, 16, to visit for the summer from New Mexico. I fell wildly in love with Robert the second I saw him. Which was also how he felt when I introduced him to my best friend, Jackie. I barely survived their romance.
The Summer of Working for Dad was like pinning a golden moment in time. My dad was a dentist, and after my
freshman year in college, I worked in his office in Brooklyn. Chairside assistant. Holder of hands. But it wasn’t the work that made the summer remarkable; it was getting to know my father. We went out to lunch every day and we talked. Without the context of our regular family life, he became a real person to me.
Also, one of his patients gave me a $10 tip.
I remember the Summer of the Diet Doctor, when I answered an ad for an assistant in a diet-pill practice. The doctor was 48 and his wife was 18, my age. I remember that summer because I lied to get the job, not revealing that I was going back to college in the fall.
By July I couldn’t stand it; I told them the truth. They asked me to stay on. That was the good part. The bad part was that the doctor was a groper. Quite a few life lessons were learned.
Our best summers were the Montana Summers, the five years we traveled the state, from Missoula to Glacier Park, from Flathead Lake to White Fish to Helena. We hiked and learned to fly fish and, as a family and for the first time,
leaped out of our comfort zone and found footing in new terrain.
More recently, the Summer of Covid was, for us, not deadly, but frightening. We stayed at our place in Florida through the summer, hidden away inside, except for late afternoon, when we went down to the beach and into the Gulf. Every day, the same routine. We didn’t see our children and grandchildren for months. We think of that summer with gratitude, for our family surviving, and even for the endless open expanses of time to think and read and test ourselves against the unknown.
What will the Summer of ’25 be remembered for? I lived through the Summer of Love in 1967, high on freedom and music and just being young. We protested the war in Vietnam and sat in on sit-ins and danced to the Dead. But this summer is not feeling like love. Political strife ramped up by bad actors has supercharged the atmosphere.
I’ll keep calling out the threats to our freedoms and democracy, but that’s not a full-time job. I will also find the joyful moments, hold on to them and try not to let go.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
ToM sUoZZi
RAnDi KREiss
Oceanside/island park
Established 1966
Incorporating the Oceanside Beacon and Record of Oceanside in 2001
Kepherd daniel
Senior Reporter
ellen frisch
Multi Media Marketing Consultant Office
2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000
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iHERALD
Become a rescuer, not a bystander
t happened in an instant. One moment, 9-year-old Robbie Levine, of Merrick, was rounding the bases in a 2005 Little League game; the next, he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest.
Teammates, coaches and parents could only watch in horror. There was no automated external defibrillator available on the field, no trained bystander able to keep the boy’s heart beating until help arrived. Robbie never made it home.
Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t wait — not for an ambulance, and not for advanced age. It strikes without warning, even in children and young athletes who seem perfectly healthy. That’s why learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and ensuring rapid access to an AED, can mean the difference between life and death.
Every minute without intervention in a cardiac emergency decreases survival by 10 percent, according to the American Heart Association, yet far too many public athletic fields — so many of them used by kids — remain unprepared for the worst.
Nassau County is taking a critical step with the proposed Robbie’s Law, legislation that would require AEDs at all county-run athletic fields. Named in memory of Robbie Levine, the measure underscores the urgent need to equip public spaces with lifesaving tools. It is unclear when the Legislature will vote on it.
This effort shouldn’t be controversial: AEDs are relatively easy to use, with clear voice instructions, designed for anyone — even those without medical training — to operate. When paired with immediate CPR, a defibrillator can increase a victim’s survival rate by more than 70 percent, according to the American Red Cross.
The American Heart Association estimates that nearly 90 percent of cardiac arrests that occur outside hospitals are fatal, often because bystanders don’t act quickly enough. Every second matters, because emergency medical services often take six to eight minutes to arrive in heavily populated areas. Brain death begins in as little as four minutes. Those first critical minutes belong to those on the scene and whatever tools they have on hand. Without AEDs, families lose loved ones not because paramedics were late, but because no one nearby was ready.
The AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers campaign aims to change that by making CPR training a more regular part of American life. Members of Duke University’s men’s basketball and football teams were recently trained in handsonly CPR — a streamlined method that doesn’t involve mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and can be mastered in under an hour. If elite college athletes can take the time to learn this lifesaving skill, so can
letters
Nassau County is showing signs of becoming a police state
Editors’ note: This letter was sent on Monday to the Nassau County Legislature.
Nassau County’s government structure mirrors that of the federal government, with three equal branches: the county executive, the Legislature and the judicial branch. Like Congress, the Nassau Legislature crafts laws, controls the county’s purse strings, and oversees the county executive and various government entities. Therefore, it’s up to you to hold the reins on a county executive who overspends and writes policies that put your constituents in danger.
A police state is characterized by an overwhelming government control that permeates civil society and liberties. There is typically little distinction between the law and the exercise of political power by the executive, and the deployment of internal security and police forces play a heightened role in governance. A police state is a characteristic of an authoritarian government, typically in one-party governments. Nassau County is showing signs of becoming such a state.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman took the safest county in the nation, with a police force that is beyond reproach, and decided that it is not good
the rest of us.
Nassau’s Robbie’s Law must be just the beginning. CPR training should be as universal as learning to swim, or drive. Schools should make it a part of health class curriculums. Community centers, youth sports leagues and workplaces can host free or low-cost training sessions. The more people who know what to do when a heart stops, the more likely it is that bystanders will become confident rescuers.
AEDs should be as common as fire extinguishers — not just in gyms and schools, but also in parks, libraries, shopping centers and other places where people gather. They must be easy to locate, clearly marked, and regularly maintained. Nassau should follow the lead of Suffolk County, where at least 135 AEDs have been deployed across the county. The cost is modest; the value of a saved life is immeasurable.
We teach children to look both ways before crossing the street, to buckle their seat belts and to wear helmets when they ride bikes. CPR and AED familiarity deserve the same emphasis. No family should endure the heartbreak the Levines carry to this day.
Call your county legislator and tell them to support Robbie’s Law. To find your legislator, go to NassauCountyNy. gov/489/County-Legislature. And to find out where you can be trained in CPR and the use of an AED, go to RedCross.org.
enough. With the establishment of a personal militia, Blakeman’s authoritarian tendencies have raised significant concerns about public safety and accountability.
It is imperative for the Legislature to illuminate the financial implications of this decision, not only in terms of direct costs associated with maintaining such a force, but also the potential
As ticks thrive on L.I., Lyme disease is on the rise
nearly three decades ago, after reporting on severe Lyme disease cases on Long Island, I chose to receive a series of newly available vaccinations designed to prevent the illness following a tick bite.
In 1998, SmithKline Beecham introduced LYMErix, the first vaccine to help protect against Lyme disease. I received three doses from my family physician. I experienced no side effects, and although I was bitten by ticks in the years that followed, I never contracted Lyme disease.
In 2002, however, LYMErix was withdrawn from the market following a class-action lawsuit filed by 121 people who claimed they experienced adverse reactions, including arthritis, after being vaccinated.
Since then, Lyme disease has continued to surge across Long Island.
Testing now shows that about half of all deer ticks in the region carry the disease. Many physicians no longer wait for the telltale bull’s-eye rash before starting treatment — instead, they prescribe antibiotics immediately when they confirm a tick bite.
Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme, have also spread worldwide. Climate change has contributed to the problem, with warmer winters leading to fewer cold days that might otherwise reduce tick populations.
a
borne diseases in the U.S. has more than doubled.”
While no Lyme vaccine is currently available in the United States, several are under development. One candidate uses OspC protein antigens to provoke an immune response, and could be released in the coming years.
nd my experience helps make the case that a vaccine can work.
An article published last month in New Scientist, titled “Ticking Time Bomb,” described the global rise of tick-borne illnesses. It stated that ticks “represent a vast and growing reservoir of viral, parasitic and bacterial pathogens” and currently “carry more human-infecting pathogens than any other disease-carrying organism.”
The report noted that tick populations are expanding rapidly, and bringing a growing number of diseases with them. “In the past 20 years,” it said, “the annual number of cases of tick-
Letters
human and monetary liabilities that could arise from trigger-happy citizens who enjoy playing cop. The community deserves transparency regarding how taxpayer dollars are being allocated, especially when it comes to the exorbitant fees paid to politically connected attorneys defending unconstitutional policies. And the Legislature must investigate whether using our tax dollars to pay outside attorneys has been the purpose all along.
The Nassau County Police Department has long been regarded as a model of integrity and excellence in law enforcement, earning the trust and respect of the community it serves. However, there is a shortage of detectives on our streets. Knowing this, it is unconscionable that the Legislature permitted Blakeman to reassign 10 detectives from their vital roles to serve as ICE officers, compromising the safety of your constituents.
How much is this costing taxpayers? When will our Legislature take the initiative to hold hearings and investigate the repercussions of such decisions on our community’s safety? It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our neighborhoods and ensure that our law enforcement resources are effectively deployed to protect and serve all residents.
The NCPD’s mission statement promises to “strengthen and expand the partnerships between the police and the communities we serve.” Yet Blakeman’s cozy collaboration with ICE has thrown
a wrench into the NCPD partnership with the communities it serves. Parents are gripped by fear, hesitating to send their children to school or venture out for basic necessities like food or health care. The irony is inescapable: The very people who are supposed to protect us are now viewed with suspicion. Immigrants are hesitant to call for help in times of need.
Your constituents need to know where the money is going from the 1,400 immigrants detained in Blakeman’s mini-internment camp. With each staying for three days at $195 a day, Nassau is reaping profits from the deportation of primarily hardworking, taxpaying residents, many of whom have been contributing to the community for years and have no criminal record. If you intended to go into the prison business, shouldn’t it have been brought to a vote? The county should not be making money off deporting our immigrant neighbors and then turning a blind eye to the needs of the families left behind.
Out of an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, only 3 percent have criminal records, with 20 percent of those records consisting of minor traffic violations. Immigrants contribute 21 percent to the overall economy. Yet amid their tireless efforts as house cleaners, landscapers and restaurant workers, many are being suddenly swept away while their children — who may or may not be citizens — are left in school, wondering where their parents have gone.
A June article in Newsday reported that New York-based Pfizer Inc. and the French pharmaceutical company Valneva have developed a Lyme vaccine called VLA15. It is in latestage clinical trials, and could be submitted for Food and Drug Administration approval as early as 2026.
Still, the article noted that vaccine hesitancy may pose a barrier to widespread acceptance. “If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is,” the article stated, referencing the public pushback that followed LYMErix’s release in the late 1990s.
“A new shot for Lyme could face pushback,” the Newsday article’s headline, featured mixed public opinions. A retired police detective from East
Yaphank said, “I don’t get any shots.”
A woman from Bay Shore, however, said she would “for sure” get the new vaccine if it is approved by the FDA.
Additional resources on tick safety and disease prevention are available on Suffolk County’s Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory website, under the section “Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases.”
Meanwhile, the State Legislature recently passed a resolution unanimously requiring the state Department of Health and other agencies to publish a report detailing tick populations and tick-borne illnesses by county. The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., with co-sponsorship by Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, of Sag Harbor.
“We need to fight this, and the only way to do so is to have timely and correct information at our fingertips,” Schiavoni said.
Carl 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 whose courses include investigative reporting and environmental journalism.
Framework by Tim Baker
This is happening in Nassau County. The Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club is calling on the Legislature to fulfill its responsibilities of oversight and hold the reins on Blakeman’s authoritarian tendencies for a police state; investigate whether forming a private militia, taking detectives off the street, creating an internment camp and
masking law enforcement make us safer. Further, the Legislature must disclose to the public how tax dollars are being allocated to fund these unconstitutional initiatives and their defense.
CLAUDIA BOrECKY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club
Yacht Rock Revue performing at the Great South Bay Music Festival — Patchogue
karL grossman
mountsinai.org/southnassau