Oceanside/Island Park Herald 10-16-2025

HERALD Oceanside/island park

Camps deliver more than fun

By KELSIE RADZISKI

kradziski@liherald.com

As it celebrates two decades of serving children affected by pediatric cancer, the Sunrise Association, based in Oceanside, is now backed by compelling new research highlighting the powerful impact of its programs. A recently released study from Tel Aviv University’s School of Public Health provides concrete evidence that Sunrise — which operates 14 day camps across the United States and Israel — offers significant emotional and social benefits to children with cancer

ConTInUed on pAge 11

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Longtime Oceanside resident Leonard “Lenny” Levine has chalked up many different accomplishments — from Korean War veteran to music teacher — and at age 90, he’s still proudly serving his community. Levine, who has lived in Oceanside for 55 years, served the country in the Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955.

“It was really a war,” Levine said. “We lost 54,000 men.”

After returning to his hometown of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, in 1955, Levine hung up his military gear and enrolled at

the Juilliard School, the prestigious performing arts conservatory in New York City.

Following years of pursuing a career playing the clarinet, he switched his major to delve into teaching, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1960.

“Unfortunately, my instrument was clarinet, and in every major orchestra, the most you’re going to have is three clarinets,” he said.

He continued his education just blocks away, at Columbia University, where he earned a master’s in 1961. He later taught music in several school districts across New York City and Long Island, including Oceanside.

“I took a lot of courses during the next four or five years, and I’m only six points away from a doctorate,” he added.

A chaplain for the Oceanside Jewish War Veterans post for the past 25 years, Levine is one of its longest-serving members.

“Unfortunately, through the years, we’ve lost many, many, many people, but I’m still a chaplain there,” he said.

He also served on the Oceanside Interfaith Council, representing the Jewish War Veterans.

“All the faiths are involved, all faiths represented,” he said, “and we would sit around and discuss what we can do to help people, organize charity events

like (around) Thanksgiving, giving out turkeys and maybe having a dinner.”

Though he officially retired from teaching in 1996, Levine remains active with the veterans, and on Sept. 27, the Oceanside High School Patriots Club honored him during halftime of the Oceanside Sailors’ football game.

“It must have been a couple

of thousand kids screaming, ranting and carrying on,” he said. “When they read my biography, you could hear a pin drop. The quiet was so intense, it was unnerving, and I can’t commend them enough.”

Levine grew up just a block from his future wife, Sandy, in Brooklyn. After marrying in 1961, they moved one block fur-

Senator Siela Bynoe hosts Senior Health Fair

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

New York State Senator Siela Bynoe, in partnership with Mayor Francis X. Murray, offered a Senior Health Fair at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center in Rockville Centre. This free event was created for connecting older residents with well-informed and healthy resources.

“Our seniors are the pillars of the community,” Bynoe said. “That’s why it is important that we create access and elevate awareness regarding important services related to senior health.”

Dozens visited the recreation center on Oct. 3 to take in all that was offered. Numerous vendors, including Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, came out to share their resources with the community. The Hospital provided Flu vaccines and health screenings such as cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, diabetes risk assessment and stroke risk assessment.

Abigail Fromm, Director of Community Education at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, discussed the importance of coming out into the community: “It’s really hard for other people to go to healthcare facilities. We know that access is really not that easy anymore, whether it’s something due to insurance, transportation or other reasons.”

A wide variety of organizations set

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Abigail Fromm, left, Valentino Griffiths and Regina Buckman of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital were at the senior health expo on Oct. 3 to provide vaccines and resources to attendees.

up tables within the center to offer information and resources connecting them to the healthcare and wellbeing residents may need. Among those was

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.

The Heritage Club at Bethpage

the Sandel Senior Center, which provides senior residents of Rockville Centre with essential services for them and their families.

“Our senior citizens in our community are very important,” Debbie Cuevas, a senior citizen program development aid at Sandel Senior Center, said. “They have a wealth of knowledge and I feel that to be around our seniors is something that you just can’t replace. It’s very crucial to our community and for our young people to learn from their experience and carry on their traditions.”

When it comes to legalities, Rhonda L. Maco, managing attorney, was there to help seniors with elder care and life estates services. “I assist with overall health and just making sure you have the appropriate documents and in place for your family,” she said. “That way you can protect your assets, understand what type of benefits you may be qualified for and just making sure that you have all the things in place so that way you and your next of kin will be protected.”

Attendees were able to take in all the provided information and resources offered to them for the four hours it ran at the center.

“We showcased information about medical alert systems, Able-Ride, and free health screenings and flu shots,” Bynoe said. “It’s wonderful that local healthcare providers like Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital and Nassau University Medical Center were able to offer their services.”

For more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Join Us!

HONORING

COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO

Luv Michael

FIRST RESPONDER HEROES

Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize

DISASTER HERO

Jennifer Keane

MILITARY HERO

Mel Cohen

YOUTH HEROES

Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein

The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon

For tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and to learn more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes

Spooky Fest returns for science and scares

The Center for Science is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the return of Spooky Fest, Long Island’s long-running, family-friendly Halloween celebration, opening this past weekend at the Tanglewood Preserve.

Running every weekend in October, Spooky Fest kicked off its 14th season with new attractions aimed at visitors of all ages.

This year introduces Pirate’s Cove, an expanded area within the popular Enchanted Walk, featuring a brightly lit pirate ship experience and colorful Halloween displays for younger children and those seeking a non-scary option. For thrill-seekers, the Haunted Woods offers a quarter-mile walk through the darkened preserve, filled with jump scares, monsters and animatronic zombie dinosaurs.

Hosted annually on the grounds of the Center’s Tanglewood Preserve, Spooky Fest has become one of Long Island’s longest-running continuous Halloween events. Unlike many seasonal attractions, all proceeds benefit a local nonprofit. Funds raised directly support the Center’s year-round youth STEM education programs, as well as its animal rescue efforts and permanent dinosaur exhibit.

The Center for Science, based in Rockville Centre, has served the Long Island community for 25 years through science-focused camps, school programs and hands-on learning experiences. Spooky Fest, their biggest annual fundraiser, is vital for sustaining those initiatives.

“We are celebrating our 25th anniversary with this year’s Spooky Fest,” said Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, Executive Director of the Center for Science. “This beloved tradition not only brings families and the community together for Halloween fun, but also generates crucial funding for our STEM education programs that inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. The new Pirate’s Cove

is just one example of how we continue to evolve and enhance the experience for our visitors year after year.”

The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., rain or shine, at Tanglewood Preserve, located at 1450 Tanglewood Rd. in Rockville Centre.

Tickets are available online, with pricing set at $22 for non-scary attractions and $27 for all-inclusive admission that includes the Haunted Woods experience. All visitors ages 2 and older must have a ticket.

To buy tickets or to learn more, visit CSTL.org/spooky-fest.

–Kelsie Radziski

Rhys Lewis, 7, Deucalion Davis, 3, Anthony Davis and Shae Julian worked on their arts and crafts at the annual festive fundraiser.

Christine Rivera/Herald photos Friends, families and neighbors came out for the opening weekend of Spooky Fest at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5.

Luke Schordine, Adeline, 4, Candice and Miles, 2, dressed up in their spookiest costumes and outfits.

Chloe Khachaturian, 4, and Calvin, 7, paid a visit to the witch, Isis Burgos, 16.

Violet Crocevera, 11, ran scared through the Haunted Woods.

Ettinger Law Firm’s New Guide for Families Coping with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

When the unfortunate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is made, the whole world shifts for the patient and their family. Uncertainty abounds. For this reason, Ettinger Law Firm has published a guide for families facing these dilemmas, available as a free download at our website, trustlaw.com.

Sections of interest are:

Communication Strategies: Adapting communication techniques to improve connection and reduce frustration.

Establishing Daily Routes: Predictability reduces anxiety, helps with orientation and promotes independence.

Creating a Safe Home Environment: Modifying the home to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.

Medical Care and Support: The importance and benefits of early diagnosis in slowing the progress of the disease and improving quality of life, as well as a list of questions to ask the doctor. Non-Medical Interventions: Different types of therapy, both physical and

mental to support physical and mental wellbeing. Building a Care Team: Who is on the team and avoiding caregiver burnout.

Coping with Behavioral Changes: Tips on managing new and challenging behaviors, such as agitation, depression, waking and sleep disturbances.

One of the biggest mistakes we see families make is the failure to connect with an elder law attorney upon learning of the illness. We understand that it is easy to overlook the legal where there are so many other social, emotional, psychological and medical issues in play. Early legal intervention, however, allows the family to obtain all the legal documents they will need later on, such as the “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney. The earlier the family moves to protect assets from being depleted for the cost of care, the more assets will be saved. Perhaps most important of all, the elder law attorney will be able to assure the family that caregiver services will be available when needed and the home and life savings will not all be lost for care.

LAW FIRM

HERALD SchoolS

O’side middle schoolers show off teamwork

Oceanside Middle School students tested their strength, smarts and teamwork last week as they took on a Grit N Wit obstacle course, which is designed to build communication skills and foster stronger peer connections.

The program, which combines physical challenges with brain-teasing puzzles, encourages collaboration, perseverance and social bonding — key components of student success and well-being. Students navigated a variety of stations, including monkey bars, memory games and team-based exercises, all set to the beat of a DJ who offered encouragement through rap.

“Some of us are more brawn than brain,” said Adele, a student on Team 8-3, as she watched a teammate rearrange blocks during a matching puzzle activity. “But he’s really good at this.”

Grit N Wit emphasizes the importance of “grit” — the resilience to push through obstacles — as well as communication, two traits widely recognized as predictors of

Courtesy Oceanside school district Oceanside Middle School students showed their strength and teamwork during the Grit N Wit obstacle course.

academic and personal success.

516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in Huntington

Melville

Francesca Wasserman, Director of English Language Arts and Libraries, K–12, for the Oceanside School District, has been named a 2025 Educator of Excellence by the New York State English Council.

Wasserman will be recognized at the NYSEC Annual Conference on Oct. 24 at the Albany Marriott Conference Hotel. The award honors educators across New York who demonstrate exemplary leadership and instructional excellence in English language arts.

Under Wasserman’s leadership, Oceanside has expanded literacy initiatives across all grade levels. She launched the district’s Summer Literacy Institute, a professional development program that connects educators with national literacy experts, and led the redesign of the high school’s Global Citizenship course to enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Students celebrated their accomplishments with ice pops after completing the course.

— Kelsie Radziski

Wasserman Named NYSEC Educator of Excellence

dents earlier access to college-level coursework. At the elementary level, Wasserman created the Digital Discoveries library program to promote foundational media literacy.

“When educators are supported in their professional growth and share a collective sense of purpose, student engagement and achievement naturally flourish,” Wasserman said.

The Educator of Excellence Award recognizes teachers and leaders who promote innovation, collaboration and highquality instruction in ELA classrooms throughout the state.

She also oversaw the transition of the sophomore English honors course to Advanced Placement Seminar, giving stu-

“Mrs. Wasserman’s leadership has truly elevated Oceanside’s English and Library programs, with opportunities that inspire both teachers and students. Her work embodies what we value as a district – innovation, collaboration, and a deep belief in every student’s potential,” said Diane Provvido, assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology.

— Kelsie Radziski

■ 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:

Francesca Wasserman

Levine continues to proudly serve his community

ther down — and eight years later, in 1969, they decided to “temporarily” relocate to Oceanside.

“My wife wanted a main road, not Long Beach Road, which had too many garages and so forth,” he said. “She wanted a beautiful road, so we were only going to stay for a short time. Well, 55 years later, we’re still here. What can I say? And we love every minute of it.”

Levine and his wife have now been married for 65 years. They’ve raised two children, Elliot, who married Lori, and Howard, who married Michelle. They have five grandchildren: Bradley, Adam, Jenna, Haden and Jamie.

“I’m very, very happy to be around my five grandchildren that I used to pick up and take to school, bring home and be with them all the time,” he said. “That in itself was a blessing.”

Levine is currently organizing a Veterans Day event, scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, and is inviting the community to attend. He’s also in the early stages of planning the 2026 Memorial Day Parade.

“I spend about two months on that, organizing it and doing different things, but it really goes off beautifully, not only the parade, but we then have something on the podium that lasts about 40 minutes, and it’s very impressive,” he said.

Reflecting on his long life, Levine said, “I took Social Security early because I never thought I’d make it to 65. Well, thank God, here I am. So I’m very honored.”

Eric Dunetz/Herald

The Oceanside High School Patriots Club honored Leonard “Lenny” Levine on Sept. 27 for his dedication to his country and community.

SARAH FLYNN

V.S. NORTH Senior SWIMMING

A KEY MEMBER OF Valley Stream Central High School District’s girls’ swim program since its inception in 2023, Flynn earned the coaches award as a sophomore and has served as a two-year captain. She has earned an appearance in the Nassau County championships in each season and reached the finals of the 100-yard butterfly as a junior. Her career-best time in the event is 1:07.02, and she also thrives in the 100 and 200 freestyle.

games to watch

Friday, Oct. 17

Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Clarke 5 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Westbury 5 p.m.

Football: Plainview at Oceanside 6 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at South Side 6 p.m.

Football: Elmont at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Bethpage at Wantagh 6 p.m.

Football: Locust Valley at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.

Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Football: V.S. South at Division 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Football: Carey at Clarke 11 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: E.Meadow at V.S. Central 11:45 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.

Football: Baldwin at Roosevelt 12 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Farmingdale 1 p.m.

Football: New Hyde Park at Mepham 2 p.m.

Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at East Meadow 2 p.m.

Football: Jericho at V.S. Central 2 p.m.

Football: Kennedy at Roslyn 2 p.m.

Football: Lynbrook at Seaford 2 p.m.

Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Malverne at Lawrence 2 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Oceanside duplicates 2024 success

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

Though it didn’t result in a playoff berth this time around, the Oceanside girls’ tennis team still recorded another winning season by going 8-6 for the second straight campaign while finishing third in the uber-competitive Conference 2B standings.

The senior-heavy Sailors finished two games behind second-place Massapequa in the standings and held the third-place tiebreaker by virtue of their two-game season sweep of Kennedy.

For her efforts, coach Heather Corriel was named Nassau County Coach of the Year last weekend by a committee of Section 8 coaches.

“It was another great season,” Corriel said. “The girls worked so hard. Even when we had setbacks, they played with heart and never gave up.”

Their resilience was tested midway through the season, when injuries and illness hit the roster hard. Oceanside was 6-2 entering its rematch against Massapequa on Sept. 29, but lost 6-1 and the setback triggered a 2-4 stretch to conclude the season.

“Unfortunately, when we went into the second half with Massapequa, I had half my team play,” Corriel recalled. “They were sick. That’s really the reason why we lost. We just didn’t have a full team.”

Despite the slump, the Sailors still managed to post consecutive 5-2 wins over Calhoun on Oct. 3 and Valley Stream Central three days later in the home finale. Four

of the team’s victories came by that score and two others produced a more-dominant 6-1 outcome.

“I love my girls very much,” Corriel said. “I would do anything for them. If you saw senior night, what I did for them — I couldn’t get through my speech, I cried the whole time. I made banners, balloons, a candy buffet table. I really feel like we’re a family, and these are my babies.”

No. 2 singles player Scarlett Rapha was a consistent and steady force throughout the season and finished 10-4 in her final season. She won her last four starts and four

of her wins overall came in grueling three-set battles.

“Scarlett really carried us,” Corriel said. “She was fantastic. I could always rely on her either on the court or off. She’d start us off with stretching, and I could count on her for a win. She was so consistent.”

First singles player Estelle Andrews and Mallory Fuchs in third singles each produced five victories in their final varsity seasons. Both went out on high notes with 8-1 wins over their South Side counterparts.

The doubles pairs proved to be Oceanside’s greatest strength. The third duo of

seniors Macie Bronner and Sophie Merrill won their first seven starts and finished 9-3 on the season, including another thrilling victory against Calhoun on Oct. 3 by rallying to win 3-6, 7-6, 6-1. At first doubles, freshman Eleni Smargadas and senior Lauren Young meshed well all year to post a 7-4 record, while the second doubles team of junior Katie Patton and senior Katie Lucero was just as successful at 7-5. Seniors Alyssa Galletta and Jaiya Ahmad lost their first two matches -- both in three sets -- to start the season, but went 6-3 the rest of the way.

Sue Grieco/Herald

Senior Estelle Andrews played first singles for the Sailors and closed her high school career on a winning note.

Mulé’s priorities: infrastructure, public space

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

From flooding fixes to affordable housing, County Legislator Debra Mulé says her priorities remain strengthening infrastructure and community spaces as she seeks a fifth term in office.

The Democrat, who currently represents the 6th Legislative District, which encompasses parts of Baldwin, Freeport and Oceanside, has served in the minority but has continued to find ways to deliver for residents, and plans to push for progress on long-delayed projects if she is re-elected in November.

“I was very proud, this term, to finally get Centennial Park finished for the Roosevelt community,” Mulé said during a recent roundtable with Herald reporters. “That project was a long time coming, and I really believe that park is a model for communities across the country. They pack a lot into less than three acres — it’s a crown jewel.”

Mulé said she was struggled to move forward with some Community Revitalization Program projects, as a result of what she described as a “political blockade” by County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration. Legislators, she explained, are each allotted district funding for local capital projects, but she claims that many of the projects overseen by Democrats have stalled.

“The score is now 56 to 2,” she said. “That means 56 Democratic projects

have been stopped at the county executive’s desk. My hope is that with a new county executive, we can get these projects going.”

Infrastructure, Mulé added, remains a central focus of hers. Baldwin continues to deal with aging sewer systems and sinkholes, including several along

Grand Avenue.

“The sinkholes happen because the sewer pipes are well past their useful life,” she said. “Cracks form, the dirt underneath the pavement goes into the pipes, and when there’s nothing left to hold the road up, you get sinkholes.”

The first phase of the Grand Avenue

Complete Streets Project — from Merrick Road to Stanton Avenue — was completed under Mulé’s leadership. There area plans to extend improvements north to the Southern State Parkway, representing more than $20 million in total investment.

She also pointed to Nassau’s housing crisis, citing the new Baldwin Commons development, which drew more than 6,000 applicants for 60 affordable units. “That shows you the need,” she said. “There’s clearly a hunger for affordable housing.”

Mulé praised similar redevelopment in Freeport, including the Moxey Rigby apartments, which reserve units for veterans and seniors.

If she is re-elected, she said, she will continue focusing on restoring Baldwin’s historic Kellogg House, environmental revitalization at Brookside Preserve, and finding a long-term solution for the Oakwood Beach Club property in Baldwin Harbor.

“That site could be something really special — ideally green space,” Mulé said. “My dream is to see something nice happen there.”

Smikle learned a lot from Assembly campaign

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Danielle Smikle, who first entered the political arena with a 2024 run for the State Assembly, is now seeking a seat in the Nassau County Legislature representing the 6th District, pledging to confront issues ranging from high property taxes to frequent flooding, the housing shortage and community safety in Baldwin, Freeport and Oceanside.

Smikle, a longtime resident of Freeport, said her Assembly bid gave her valuable insight into voters’ concerns and the barriers that keep so many people from engaging in local politics.

“It was eye-opening,” she said. “People didn’t always know they could vote for someone outside their party. It showed me how crucial it is to make government accessible and understandable for everyone.”

Born in St. Ann, Jamaica, and raised in Freeport since age 3, Smikle graduated from Freeport High School and earned a degree in political science and communications from Canisius College in Buffalo. She now works as a college and career counselor at the Academy Charter School in Uniondale, helping students chart their paths after high school.

“My work with students and small

businesses gives me a perspective on the day-to-day challenges families face,”

Smikle said. “Everyone wants a good job and a good education, but there are

many roadblocks in between.”

Smikle’s campaign is focused on reducing property taxes, supporting education, revitalizing small businesses

and improving infrastructure. When it comes to housing, she advocates redeveloping vacant and neglected properties to create opportunities for younger residents without building large new apartment complexes.

Flooding and storm preparedness are also key concerns in the coastal 6th District. Parts of Baldwin and Freeport are below sea level, and Smikle emphasized the importance of maintaining floodgates, repairing roads and ensuring that public facilities remain safe and accessible.

Public safety and community policing are two more of her priorities. Smikle said she hopes to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement, promote dialogue and address mental health challenges affecting both officers and community members.

“I want people to see government as a team effort, not a partisan fight,” she said. “Working together across differences is how we solve the problems that matter most to our towns.”

If elected, Smikle said, she plans to draw on her background in education, small business and community service to deliver tangible results for the district. “Even small changes can make a difference,” she said. “It’s about showing up for the community and making things better for everyone.”

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, the Democratic incumbent in the 6th District, is seeking her fifth term in the Legislature.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald After running for the Assembly last November, Freeport’s Danielle Smikle seeks to flip Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District seat as the Republican nominee.

things to know fall on long island

How to take advantage of the fall foliage

Although it’s mid-October, most trees across Long Island are still holding onto their green leaves, a sign that the region’s fall color is arriving later than usual this year. Unseasonably warm temperatures and above-average rainfall have slowed the transformation, but nature’s annual show is just beginning. Over the next few weeks, the Island’s parks, arboretums, and scenic byways will start to glow with yellows, oranges, and deep reds — and for those who know where and when to look, it’s one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the outdoors. — Brian Kacharaba

n Peak color hits in mid to late October

While the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks often burst into color weeks earlier, Long Island’s trees tend to turn later thanks to its coastal climate. Typically, the Island’s peak foliage arrives between Oct. 20 and Oct. 30, when cooler nights and bright, dry days combine to ignite the leaves into a fiery mix of red maples, golden oaks, and copper beeches. This year’s delayed transition means that the most striking colors may extend into early November — a rare treat for leaf-peepers. Watching the change unfold gradually across Nassau and Suffolk counties also allows residents to enjoy multiple weekends of fall beauty before the leaves drop for good.

State parks offer the best views

For those planning a fall outing, Long Island’s state parks provide some of the best opportunities to experience the season up close. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Harbor boasts miles of wooded trails, meadows, and saltwater vistas where gold and crimson leaves contrast against the blue of Long Island Sound. Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale offers wide fairways and walking paths that make for easy, colorful strolls. Out east, Caleb Smith State Park in Smithtown and Connetquot River State Park in Oakdale are ideal for spotting wildlife against the backdrop of changing trees. Even smaller gems like Sagamore Hill and Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay turn into painterly landscapes.

n Foliage reports help you plan your trip

If you’re wondering when to grab your camera or plan a weekend drive, the New York State “I LOVE NY” foliage tracker is your best resource. Updated every Wednesday through late October, it compiles on-the-ground reports from parks and tourism agencies statewide. The map highlights which regions are “just starting,” “near peak,” or “past peak,” helping travelers find the perfect timing for fall color. For Long Islanders, that might mean a scenic drive east along Route 25A through Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, and Huntington, or down the Long Island Expressway toward the North Fork wine trail. By keeping an eye on the tracker, residents can make the most of autumn’s brief but brilliant display.

Steps towards a cure: Hundreds gather for Alzheimer’s walk

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Purple, yellow, blue and orange flowers filled the Promise Garden at Eisenhower Park on Oct. 4, as hundreds came together for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The annual event is the organization’s largest fundraiser, fueling cutting-edge research while also giving families and caregivers a chance to honor loved ones and show solidarity in the fight against the disease.

Participants carried flowers of various colors — each one symbolizing a personal connection to Alzheimer’s — during the moving Promise Garden ceremony.

Tinamarie Hardekopf, the association’s director of development and director for walks in Babylon, Eisenhower Park and Fire Island, said this year’s event reflected the continued growth of the movement.

“We definitely grow every year, in numbers of attendees and as well as fundraising,” she said. “It’s really important for people to come out because it gives them an opportunity to show their support for a world without Alzheimer’s — they can also memorialize a loved one they’ve lost, or they can support someone that they’re caring for at this time.”

We consider our walks the largest support group.

TiNAmARiE HARDEkOPf Director of development, walks Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter

Post-walk, Hardekopf extended her thanks to this year’s walk participants, volunteers and sponsors.

“The funds raised will help fuel disease research while also providing critical care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” she said in a release shared with the Herald.

The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter not only raises money for research but also provides a vital support network for people with Alzheimer’s, their families, friends and caretakers.

“We consider our walks the largest support group,” Hardekopf added. “Everyone comes together and they each carry a flower that shows their connection to the disease.”

For Tanya Eldemeyer of Rockville Centre, the walk carried deep personal meaning. Her father passed away last year from dementia, and she continues to stand as a strong advocate for the cause.

“I basically was his sole caregiver,” she said. “It was such a difficult road… There are people out there that are in the same situation, and I felt like this was a way that I could continue my dad’s legacy and help those that may not have someone fighting and advocating for them.”

Eldemeyer carried a purple flower during the Promise Garden ceremony, symbolizing the loss of her father.

Courtney Henley, an advocate with the organization whose father died form early-onset Alzheimer’s said, “My family has been attending the Nassau Walk for more than 20 years and it has grown tremendously. The sense of community and enthusiasm is inspiring to see, motivating you to make a difference in your local community. It is such a fun walk with alot of incredible people.”

According to the Long Island Chapter, more than 426,500 New Yorkers aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s Dementia, and over 7 million across the country. While symptoms of the disease often appear later in life, the brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s can begin decades earlier — making early aware -

ness and intervention critical.

Ed Miller, vice chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter Board of Directors, has played a leading role in Nassau County’s walk for the past three years. He joined the chapter after his own father was diagnosed with dementia in 2019, and he said the community’s involvement provides real hope.

“There’s been a lot of breakthroughs that have come out in the news over the course of the last couple of years,” Miller previously told the Herald. “These are treatments that aren’t going to eradicate the disease at this point, but they are treatments, and there is hope.”

As of press time, this year’s walk has raised over $349,000 toward the chapter’s

$385,000 goal — already 84 percent of the way. For more on the organization and its efforts, visit Act.ALZ.org/Nassau. Donations are accepted through Dec. 31. Additional reporting by Jordan Vallone.

Stu Goldman/Herald

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Long Island Chapter hosted its annual walk in Eisenhower Park on Oct. 4. Volunteers Bella Leogas, Kelly Donegan, Holly Rubin, Kristin Leogas, Maxine Wardzower, Dave Manara, Evelyn Morales and Kate Leogas handed out flowers to represent a personal connection to the disease.

Walkers passed through the finish line arch in Eisenhower Park.

This year’s No. 1 fundraising team was ‘Nonno Sam.’

Tinamarie Hardekopf, director of development, delivered remarks ahead of this year’s walk.

Team Suarez, featuring walkers Adrianna Arguella, Doris Gomez, Gabriela Magalhaos and Alessandra Magalhaos.

Sunrise Association

the research, conducted by tel aviv university’s School of public Health, shows through questionnaires that the day camps benefit multiple facets of mental health.

Research highlights long-term benefits of Sunrise day camps

and their siblings.

“Sunrise Association partnered with the School of Public Health at Tel Aviv University to design and conduct this first-of-its-kind, IRB-approved study,” Chris Strom, the association’s chief marketing officer, said. “The research team, led by Deddy Paz, collaborated closely with Sunrise staff and our network of medical professionals to ensure the study design reflected both academic rigor and the unique realities of the Sunrise experience.”

According to Strom, the research teams spent months refining and testing the survey tools before launching the study across five U.S. Sunrise Day Camps in 2024. Sunrise staff members were trained to administer the surveys and support families throughout the process, ensuring that the evaluation was ethical, consistent and centered on children’s experiences. It used two standardized psychosocial questionnaires administered before camp, immediately after camp and again 12 weeks later. The questions assessed resilience, quality of life, stress and anxiety, sibling relationships, illness management, self-esteem and overall emotional well-being.

The children who attended the camps reported increased self-esteem, and confidence that continued to grow even after the summer. Their quality of life improved as well, with participants describing greater happiness, brighter moods and a more positive sense of well-being. The camps also had a measurable effect on sibling relationships, easing tensions and helping to build stronger family bonds.

Resilience, a key metric of emotional strength, rose sharply as children left camp feeling better equipped to manage life’s challenges. Those diagnosed with cancer also reported a better understanding of and ability to cope with their illness. Stress and anxiety levels dropped, with some children ending camp feeling less anxious than even their healthy siblings. Most notably, the emotional benefits did not fade quickly — resilience and emotional well-being remained strong 12 weeks after camp ended, especially among returning campers, who showed the most consis -

tent growth over time.

“Resilience sustained months after camp is extraordinarily rare in our field — an unusual outcome for short-term psychosocial interventions,” Paz, the lead Tel Aviv University researcher, said in response to the findings. “Sunrise Day Camps demonstrate a model of psychosocial support that is both joyful and clinically significant.”

Strom noted that the response from families and partner hospitals has been overwhelmingly positive. Hospital partners also viewed the research as validation of Sunrise not just as a fun summer program, but also as a credible and trusted psychosocial intervention.

This summer, Sunrise Association welcomed 2,600 children to its day camps in the U.S. and Israel — its largest total enrollment yet. Since its founding, Sunrise has served more than 69,000 children annually through its camps, in-hospital programs and virtual experiences. With this new data in hand, the organization is now focused on ensuring that every child who needs support can access it.

“Sunrise was founded on the belief that every child deserves a summer filled with joy, friendship and healing,” said Arnie Preminger, president and CEO of the association. “This study affirms that the magic of Sunrise goes far beyond the summer — it builds emotional strength that endures.”

One innovation already expanding Sunrise’s impact is Sunrise Virtual Adventures, a partnership with Wild Immersion. The program uses virtualreality headsets to bring immersive, joyful nature experiences to pediatric oncology units, Strom explained. Designed to provide children with moments of calm and wonder during hospital stays, the program is set to expand to 20 hospitals in 2026, following a successful pilot.

“We are focused on deepening impact through innovation,” Strom said. “Sunrise is also committed to building on the study’s insights to enhance camper care, strengthen resilience-building initiatives, and continue ensuring that every child facing cancer can experience the joys of childhood, free of charge.”

Courtesy

O’Connell seeks to build on 20-year record

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Maureen O’Connell, the Nassau County clerk since 2006, is seeking re-election, with a focus on continuing the modernization of county records and expanding services for senior citizens and non-English speakers.

A registered nurse and an attorney, O’Connell, 74, has served in public office for more than three decades, including a term in the Assembly and as deputy mayor of East Williston. In the clerk’s office, she says, she is committed to improving access and service for residents.

“When I walked into that office … there were about 2 million unprocessed documents,” she said. “We were not really modernized.”

Since then, O’Connell said, the office has undergone a significant transformation. Court and land records are now digitized and available online, allowing attorneys and members of the public to file and access documents without visiting the clerk’s office in a building on Old Country Road in Mineola that is notorious for its limited parking.

“We created an electronic database so that a lawyer who wants to start a lawsuit doesn’t have to drive over,” O’Connell said. “They can electronically file a lawsuit from their home office.”

In addition to overseeing deed and mortgage filings, the clerk also serves as the clerk of county Supreme Court. O’Connell said she implemented one of the state’s first Supreme Court filing databases, and added digital interfaces with local and state agencies to streamline access to records.

She has also led efforts to digitize historical documents, a process she refers to as “backfilling.” “The more we backfill, the better the public is served,” O’Connell said. She noted frequent visits from senior

citizens needing access to decades-old property records they have misplaced. “Sometimes that safe place is so safe they can never find it again,” she said.

To further assist homeowners, O’Connell created a Property Fraud Alert Program. Property owners can sign up to receive email alerts if any documents — such as deeds or mortgages — are filed relating to their property. The goal is to prevent fraud involving falsified documents.

“Fortunately, we have not seen a lot of it in Nassau — a very minimal amount,” O’Connell said. “But the county clerks statewide do see it in some counties.”

COUNTY CLERK

If she is re-elected, O’Connell said, she plans to focus on expanding parking at the Mineola complex and to continue efforts to digitize older records. She also hopes to expand the effort to adapting services to the growing population of residents for whom English is not their primary language. A language line, which translates conversations between clerk’s office employees and visitors in real time, has been implemented to aid communication.

O’Connell said that her dual background in nursing and law has shaped her approach to public service. “As a nurse, you like to help people,” she said. “Get the problem solved, and help them resolve whatever issues they’re in need of resolving.”

A lifelong Nassau County resident, O’Connell grew up in Mineola and now lives in East Williston. She trained at Flushing Hospital School of Nursing, and has a bachelor’s degree in health care management from St. Joseph’s College and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. She is an assistant professor of nursing at SUNY Farmingdale, and serves on several local boards, including the Farmingdale School of Nursing advisory board and Harbor Child Care in Mineola.

She remains passionate about her work for the county. “It’s just a wonderful job,” she said. “I love working, serving in public.”

Clerk must be more accessible,Williams says

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ

amartinez@liherald.com

Joylette E. Williams, a professor of English at Nassau Community College, is running for Nassau County clerk. A resident of the Village of Hempstead since 1993, she has built her career in education and local service, and in her campaign is emphasizing administrative experience, accessibility and modernization.

Williams has a Ph.D. in English, is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut and is in her second term on the Hempstead Board of Education. She was first elected in 2022, and re-elected in May after community members urged her to continue her service. Her current term runs through 2028.

“It helps me to understand not only the concerns that residents have throughout the county, but it’s very, very rewarding to actually participate in those advocacy roles,” Williams said.

Her academic background, she added, which includes several master’s degrees and over two decades of teaching, has prepared her for the administrative demands of the clerk’s office, which manages the county’s legal documents, property records and business filings. She noted her experience with recordkeeping, document management and organizational leadership in higher education.

Williams served as a Hempstead village trustee from 2021 to 2022, and sits on the Town of Hempstead’s Industrial Development Agency board. She is also the assistant secretary of the Hempstead chapter of the NAACP, is active in the Hempstead Community Land Trust, the Hempstead chapter of the AARP and the Long Island chapter of the National Coalition of 100

Tim Baker/Herald

Joylette Williams has a Ph.D. in English and is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut.

Black Women. She is a member of the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

A central goal of her campaign is to digitize county records and to modernize the operating systems of the clerk’s office. “Right now it’s running like it’s 1974,” she said.

Williams has spoken with title insurance companies and attorneys who frequent the clerk’s office, she said, and has identified inefficiencies, including a lack

of online access to court records that makes it necessary for paralegals to visit the office in person.

The clerk’s mobile outreach van is underutilized, she added, and she has proposed increasing its presence across the county, including at libraries and senior centers. She has also proposed extending the office’s hours to 7 p.m. one day a week to accommodate working residents.

“The clerk’s office needs to be more accessible to all residents of Nassau County, and not just a few areas,” Williams said.

If elected, she plans to propose to the Legislature that fees for deed transfers and property transactions be reduced, and has identified seniors, first responders, first-time homebuyers and veterans as populations that could benefit from fee reductions or waivers.

Williams also cited the need for translators in the clerk’s office, noting a range of languages, from Spanish to Urdu, that are spoken by residents who visit the office regularly. Increased language accessibility, she said, would ensure equitable service across the county’s diverse population.

Her work in civic organizations, Williams said, has helped her better understand residents’ needs and leadership strategies. She added that she plans to request a leave of absence from Nassau Community College if she is elected, because both positions are county-funded and cannot be held simultaneously.

Williams was invited to join the ticket by the Democratic Party leadership, and underwent a vetting process that included interviews, reference checks and social media review. Her commitment to public service and community advocacy, she said, motivated her to accept the nomination.

Tim Baker/Herald

A registered nurse and an attorney, Maureen O’Connell has served in public office for over three decades, including a term in the Assembly.

Phillips has led county’s drive into digital era

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips traces her drive for public service to a childhood defined by independence, perseverance and the generosity of mentors who opened doors. Born in western Pennsylvania, the youngest of four daughters, she was the first in her family to attend college — a milestone achieved without guidance or financial help after her father’s death when she was 12.

“I was kind of left on my own a lot,” Phillips recalled. “There was no guidance for college.” That changed when she became a Rotary exchange student in Brazil for 13 months — an experience she described as life-changing. “It allowed me to mature and figure out who I wanted to be in life,” she said, adding that she still speaks fluent Portuguese nearly five decades later.

Phillips went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA in finance from Penn State, working as a bartender to pay tuition. Her career began in finance — first at Metropolitan Life, later at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, where she helped build mortgage-backed securities departments. After taking time off to raise her three daughters, she negotiated a rare job-sharing arrangement at Goldman that allowed her to balance motherhood with highstakes finance work for nearly a decade.

Public service came later. After serving as mayor of Flower Hill during Superstorm Sandy, she was elected to the State Senate in 2016, where she championed legislation closing a loophole that had allowed those convicted of domestic violence to keep certain firearms. In 2021 she was elected Nassau County’s comptroller — a role she calls both humbling and demanding.

Her signature initiative, she said, has been modernizing the county’s outdated financial system, which dates back to 1999. “We do our accounting basically

using Excel files,” Phillips said. “Departments like DPW, purchasing and accounting all had different data — none of it lined up.”

Her office led a two-year process to select CGI to implement a cloud-based enterprise resource planning system, dubbed Nassau Forward, that will unify county financial operations and automatically update accounting standards. “It’s transformative,” Phillips said. “Our goal is to go live between 2027 and 2028.”

During her tenure, the comptroller’s office also digitized vendor claims, cutting payment times from four months to less than 10 days. “There used to be paper almost to the ceiling,” she said. “Now it’s all online

COUNTY COMPTROLLER

through e-claims.” Phillips also overhauled the audit process, emphasizing collaboration and corrective action rather than punitive reports that “collected dust.”

She credited her staff for the county’s recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association with its Triple Crown award for excellence in financial reporting — the only county in New York state to earn it. Nassau has also received seven bond-rating upgrades during her term.

Looking ahead, Phillips said her top priorities, if re-elected, would be completing the Nassau Forward project, hiring additional accountants and expanding electronic systems for retirees’ benefits. “We’re still sending out paper checks to some retirees,” she said. “We want to move to direct deposit — it’s safer and more efficient.”

She acknowledged ongoing challenges balancing employee wages and benefits with affordability for residents. “You want to pay your employees a fair wage and provide good health care,” Phillips said. “But you also want to make sure people can still afford to live here.”

Reflecting on her career, she credited her success to teamwork. “I’m as good as the people around me,” she said. “You always want to do more — to make government more efficient, save taxpayers money, and keep Nassau in strong fiscal shape.”

Wink: Comptroller must be ‘fiscal watchdog’

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Wayne Wink says Nassau County is once again standing on shaky financial ground — and he believes the comptroller’s office should be the first line of defense. The longtime public servant, attorney and former legislator is challenging incumbent Comptroller Elaine Phillips, arguing that the county needs more transparency, oversight and independence from the administration.

“I’ve always spoken truth to power,” said Wink, 58, who currently serves as minority counsel to the County Legislature. “What we need is a fiscal watchdog. What we have is a fiscal lapdog.”

A Hofstra University and St. John’s University School of Law graduate, Wink grew up in Uniondale, in what he describes as a “barely middle-class” household, and was the first in his family to go to college. He was elected to public office for the first time in the early 2000s and went on to serve 20 years in local government — including as a North Hempstead town councilman, county legislator and town clerk.

Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alert system but designed to locate missing seniors with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. “We’ve had a number of people saved because of that program,” he said. He also helped establish North Hempstead’s domestic partner registry before same-sex marriage was legalized in New York. and pushed for “right-sizing” government by transferring underused county assets to towns that could better manage them.

Jeff Bessen/Herald

Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alerts system.

Now, as he seeks to return to countywide office, Wink says that Nassau’s biggest problems aren’t new — they’re just unresolved. “When I left the Legislature in 2013, I came back 10 years later and found the same issues: the college, the medical center, the jail, assessments,” he said. “They’re all repackaged, but the same issues.”

One of his top concerns is the county’s ongoing fiscal oversight by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created more than 20 years ago amid

budget turmoil. “No county our size with our affluence and abilities should still be under a control board,” he said, adding that sustainable budgeting and stronger auditing practices could allow the county to regain autonomy.

Wink has been especially critical of the county’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to plug operating deficits. “The only way they’re balancing the 2025 budget is to take $120 million of Covid money,” he said. “We’re spending down reserves that were built up under Laura Curran,” he added, referring to the former county executive. “It’s unsustainable.” He said that Nassau faces a structural deficit of $200 million to $250 million per year in its four-year plan.

Wink argues that genuine transparency begins with full disclosure of how public money is spent — including vendor identities. “The county’s ‘open checkbook’ lists every transaction except who got the money,” he said. “That’s not transparency.”

If elected, he said, his first priority would be to restore field audits, which he claims have disappeared under the current administration. “The comptroller is there to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” Wink said. “We need to get back to real audits, in the weeds, to find waste, fraud and abuse.”

He also called for greater oversight of county contracts, jail operations and agencies such as the Nassau University Medical Center, which he says have faced mounting financial and management issues.

“The county is slowly fading into the fiscal abyss again,” Wink said. “We’ve been here before — and if we keep the status quo, we’ll be back there again. Nassau needs new eyes, real accountability, and leadership willing to tell the truth.”

Tim Baker/Herald

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips is seeking re-election.

Blakeman’s ban for transgender women in sports remains

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

After a long battle with the courts, a temporary block of a Nassau County law restricting sports teams at county facilities based on biological sex has been denied in court once again.

The County gave the announcement on Oct. 6 stating, “The Court has reviewed the Plaintiffs’ arguments and does not find that Local Law 121-24 excludes transgender women and girls from public facilities based on their gender identity. Furthermore, the Plaintiffs have not shown discrimination under the Human Rights Law or the Civil Rights Law.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman released in a statement, ““We are grateful that the court found our legislation to be valid and legal. We will continue to protect girls and women from unsafe and unfair competition.”

The county stated, “Although the Plaintiffs claim that scientific conclusions regarding distinctions between biological males and biological females are irrelevant, the Court finds otherwise. The purpose of Local Law 121-24 is to protect women and girls, and their physical protection is certainly relevant to the enactment of this law.”

Blakeman had signed the measure into law in July, which was followed by lawsuits from New York Civil Liberties

James on means of discrimination. This county law requires teams who seek permits to use public facilities that correspond with biological sex assigned at birth of each player. This specifically limits trans women and girls from com

civil rights law.

However, opposers of the ban still remain hopeful for change including the NEW Pride Agenda. “New York must remain a beacon of hope and safety for transgender and gender nonconforming people— especially as we face a coordinated national effort to erase our exis -

tence from public life,” the NEW Pride Agenda said in a statement, “Nassau County’s law is a disruptive, bullying policy intended to isolate and demonize those who already live at the margins. It denies transgender youth the simple freedom to play, to belong, and to thrive.”

The battle with Nassau County goes back to 2024 when Blakeman first introduced the bill and was passed in June of that year. This came after Blakeman responded with a federal lawsuit contesting the order which originally denied his bill in federal court and which was dismissed that April. Afterwards, the county Supreme Court struck down Blakeman’s executive order in May 2024, after a legal challenge by the NYCLU to which Blakeman planned to appeal.

Despite its original dismissal, Blakeman’s ban excluding sports teams at county facilities based on biological sex remains active in the county.

“If the freedom to participate is not protected in this state, it will only add to the rollbacks of freedoms seen across the country,” The NEW Pride Agenda said, “The NEW Pride Agenda urges our state’s elected leaders to rigorously enforce New York’s anti-discrimination laws and ensure that transgender New Yorkers can live, play, and exist freely and safely. We will continue to hold the line— because we know what is at stake if we do not.”

There are no updates on potential future court hearings or appeals.

Parker Schug/Herald Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signs Nassau County law restricting sports teams at county facilities based on biological sex in July 2024 alongside co-sponsor of bill, Legislator Samantha Goetz, with others who voted for its passing.

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN

HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12

One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.

Friday, October 31, 2025

Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.

Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.

• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.

Keegan to receive Literacy Luminary Award from Molloy University

Jessica Keegan, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning for the Oceanside School District, has been selected to receive the Literacy Luminary Award from Molloy University’s Literacy Conference Committee. The award honors educators who advance literacy instruction and create meaningful learning experiences for students and colleagues. Keegan will be recognized at Molloy University’s inaugural literacy conference on Oct. 17 in Rockville Centre.

“Literacy serves as the foundation for all learning,” Keegan said in a news release. “From supporting young learners as they acquire reading skills to helping students discover their identities through writing, this work opens doors for understanding the world.”

Jessica Keegan

Keegan works closely with reading specialists and classroom teachers to implement instructional strategies that support diverse learners. Her efforts focus on building students’ confidence and skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

“Jessica Keegan’s dedication to literacy instruction has strengthened our district’s ability to serve every student,” Provvido said in the news release.

“This recognition reflects the impact she has made on both educators and learners in our schools.”

According to the Literacy Conference Committee, the award takes its name from the Latin word for light and honors leaders who “illuminate the joys of reading, writing, speaking and listening.”

— Kelsie Radziski

Keegan was nominated by Diane Provvido, assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology, with letters of support from several administrators and colleagues. The nomination highlighted her collaboration with reading teachers and instructional coaches to bring evidence-based practices into classrooms districtwide.

STEPPING OUT

At the mock store modeled after Freeport’s Two Cousins Fish Market, kids role play as fishmongers and customers.

Visitors are introduced to the exhibit’s many components.

THE SEA IS CALLING

Children’s Museum’s ‘Saltwater Stories’ is rooted in local maritime traditions

By Abbey Salvemini

Long Island Children’s Museum sets sail on a bold new chapter with “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me,” its first new permanent exhibition in over a decade. The 1,900-square-foot immersive installation, which officially opened last week, invites families to explore Long Island’s rich nautical heritage, celebrating the people, traditions and cultures that have long relied on the sea.

Our coastal identity comes to life through storytelling, interactive play and local traditions. Kids (and grown-ups!) can climb into a full-size bay house, sort the day’s catch in a bustling fish market, explore the wonders under the sea and even hop inside a 500-pound hand-carved canoe. That canoe — a mishoon (Indigenous dugout canoe) commissioned by the museum — was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation. Welcomed by the museum in June, it now takes up residence within “Saltwater Stories.”

A culmination of more than 15 years of museum programming and partnerships with local fishermen, Indigenous communities and historians, it anchors Long Island’s past to its future with creativity and care. The concept first took shape several years ago, sparked by the museum’s long-running partnerships with tradition bearers and a desire to give families a more personal connection to the natural world around them.

Museum President Erika Floreska describes the exhibit as “authentic, playful and beautiful.”

Director of Exhibits Margo Malter traces its roots back to weekend programs begun in 2009, when local baymen and fishermen shared firsthand stories about life on the water. Over the years, those early conversations grew into a deeper exploration of Long Island’s maritime culture. The turning point came in 2019, when the museum received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That funding allowed the team to assemble a cohort of community advisors — fisherfolk, Indigenous leaders, historians, and educators — whose voices helped shape Saltwater’s foundation.

“We like to say the exhibit is informed by community, for the community,” Floreska adds.

From the stories of generations of baymen to the bustling fish markets of the Nautical Mile, the exhibit’s components are rooted in the everyday lives of Long

Anthony Rodia

Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. Born and raised in Westchester, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. With a background steeped in family traditions, Italian-American culture and the ups and downs of modern life, Anthony’s comedy feels like a conversation with your funniest friend. His blend of observational humor, self-deprecation and witty impressions has led him on his path as one of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy scene.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

16,

Islanders past and present. It also highlights the connections between the traditions of immigrant communities who share seaside cultures, offering opportunities for shared experiences and dialogue.

Visitors are welcomed by a nine-foot high immersive, stylized wave tunnel. Visible from the three entries to the museum’s second floor, this wow-moment hooks you into the gallery and recreates that first introduction to the sea for many of us — a day at the beach. Lighting and sound effects give a transportive transition into “Saltwater Stories.”

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Among the exhibit’s many features, young visitors can role-play life on the bay in a walkin replica of a bay house, where a “magic window” lets them observe real-time changes in weather, tides and marsh life. Nearby, in a classic Long Island fish market, you can sort, weigh and sell the day’s catch — mimicking the work of generations who lived off the sea. Also everyone will enjoy “Lifting the Ocean’s Lid,” an early learner area where kids can get a close-up look at what lives under the sea.

• View the events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

For Floreska, Saltwater’s heart lies in its ability to tell a local story while providing a playful, hands-on space that’s deeply connected to the real world — something she describes as both unique and meaningful.

“It gives visitors of all ages a chance to connect with a cultural richness that defines Long Island,” she says.

Integrating new technology felt like a natural next step in the evolution of the museum’s approach to storytelling, according to Malter. She highlights the bay house installation as a standout example, where digital features are used to make the environment feel dynamic and real.

To create the immersive “magic window,” the team hired a videographer to capture time-lapse footage of a local marsh over the course of several days, including scenes at night and during a storm. With the push of a button, kids can change the view outside the window — transforming from day to night or calm to stormy — making the experience both magical and grounded in the real world.

“Observing the natural world was a big educational goal for me,” Malter explains.

By blending real footage with playful interaction, young visitors notice environmental details they might otherwise overlook — fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity rooted in the rhythms of local life.

The phrase “we need the sea and the sea needs me” serves as the exhibit’s guiding inspiration.

Even the quintessential Long Island Islander — Billy Joel — has a place here. Everyone can watch a video of his “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’,” commercial fishing’s unofficial anthem.

To help families turn inspiration into action, a resource guide on the museum website provides ideas for local, family-friendly activities that extend the learning into the home. Floreska points to community programs like Freeport-based “Operation Splash,” where families can participate in cleaning up local shorelines.

As a permanent fixture now, “Saltwater Stories” continues the museum’s commitment to ignite curiosity, encourage stewardship and strengthen our bond with the environment — reminding us all that the sea’s story is deeply intertwined with our own.

$144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

Maestro Louis Panacciulli and the Nassau Pops Orchestra return to the Tilles Center for their annual gala supporting the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, joined again by Tony Danza and his band. Danza’s latest cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories,” blends personal anecdotes, humor and some classic tunes. He pays tribute to the music of ‘Ol Blue Eyes, whose music formed the soundtrack of his childhood. He brings his trademark charisma and storytelling — along with touch of soft shoe and ukulele-strumming — to his selection of Sinatra’s timeless classics. Swing into an afternoon of great tunes and fascinating stories — all to benefit this vital organization.

Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org.

Gala

Photos courtesy Kevin Chu/KCJP Everyone is welcomed into “Saltwater Stories” through a stylized wave tunnel.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

OCT

16

Kiwanis Club

Kiwanis Club of Oceanside 80th Anniversary Charter & Installation Dinner

Dance Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside at a special evening honoring Michael Puma and Dr. Allison Glickman-Rogers. With cocktails, dinner, program, dancing, and raffles. $100 per person.

• Where: Kombert Caterers at Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Road

• Time: 6:30 p.m. cocktails; 7:30 p.m. dinner, program and dancing

• Contact: (516) 972-8011 or email kiwanisfoundationoceanside@ gmail.com

OCT 18

Halloween Sugar Cookie Decorating Class

Oceanside Lutheran Church hosts a Halloween-themed cookie decorating class — perfect for beginners! Learn step-by-step icing techniques while decorating six cookies, and take your creations (and leftover icing) home. $35 per person (ages 12+).

• Where: 55 Fairview Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-0136

Enchanted Forest

Nassau County Museum of Art invites families to another Super Family Saturday program. This magical adventure includes hands-on art activities themed around transformation, fantasy, and discovery, plus a special trail through the site’s fall forest.. $20 non-member adults, $10 members and children.

• Where: Manes Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Session 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Session 2, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

Ghostly Gala

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. Enjoy the holiday in a fun, safe and spooky (not scary) way! Show off your costumes and dance moves in a Monster Mash Dance Party. Visit the Spooky Studio and meet mysterious underwater creatures. Also make some cool and creepy crafts. Start off your spooky night by decorating a bewitching trickor-treat bag, then collect ghostly goodies from the museum’s roaming staff. Also a special showing of “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch” in the LICM theater. $16, $14 members; show $5.

OCT 25

Little Feat

One of America’s most distinctive and longest-running rock bands, Little Feat is back in a big way with a revitalized lineup, a stellar new record — its first album of original material in over a decade The venerable six-piece is touring in support of ‘Strike Up the Band,” their first new studio album reliant on new material since 2012’s Rooster Rag. It’s Little Feat’s triumphant return to rock ‘n roll with plenty of swampy Southern soul. The band builds on a deep, over 50-year history. Little Feat used a combination of elite musicianship and brilliant, idiosyncratic songwriting to create a repertoire that transcends all boundaries. California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country and rockabilly mixed with New Orleans swamp boogie led to a powerful sound that has kept the audience dancing for decades. Their groove — in songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Spanish Moon,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” — was so infectious it allowed them to endure and press on even when losing their founder, Lowell George, and founding drummer, Richie Hayward. They’re in top form now with Scott Sharrard on lead/vox and Tony Leone on drums/vox, and with founder Bill Payne on keys/vox, Fred Tackett on guitars/vox, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on percussion/vox. Fifty years on, they’ve been up and they’ve been down and they know where they belong — standing or sitting behind their instruments, playing for you. And anything’s possible, because the end is not in sight. Tickets are $141.25, $120.25, $99.75, $77.75, $66.25

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 6-9 p.m.

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

Fall Festival

Enjoy a day of family fun. With food trucks, entertainment, face painting, a beverage garden, pumpkin patch, vendors, games, food-eating contests, and a kids’ corner.

• Where: Parking Field 6, Lawson Boulevard (between Weidner and Perkins Avenues

• Time: Noon-9 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidecommunitywarriors.org

OCT 21

Let’s Meet and Network on Long Island

Join in this free monthly community business networking dinner. Share advice, grow your business network, and enjoy a casual evening with separate checks.

• Where: IHOP, 2971 Long Beach Road

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

• Contact: Register at lmnoli. com or call Mark at (516) 993-0053

OCT

22

Voices needed The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members in all sections to sing in their next concerts: Veterans Day Concert (Nov. 8), Holiday Concert (Dec. 10) and Light up the Holidays (Dec. 14). Rehearsals are Wednesdays.

• Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave. Oceanside

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: Marie at (516)459-8513 or email oceansidechorale@gmail.com for further information

OCT 23

‘Brown Bag’ Art Conversation

Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23

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

‘Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch: Under New Management’

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to its latest theater production. Horrible news! The Mountain Boo Soda Company has their eyes on a piece of property for their new factory — Uncle Vlad’s pumpkin patch! Join Uncle Vlad, his nephew Chad, and their freakish friends as they team up to protect their Halloween home from the bony fingers of big business. The company is run by a skeleton, after all! With puppeteers and actors from LICM’s Theater, this musical adventure will tickle your funny bone as a Halloween treat for the whole family. $5 with museum admission ($4 members). $10 theater only.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., also Oct. 26

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Halloween Pet Parade

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

OCT

25

Long Beach Humane Society Halloween Costume Party Fundraiser

The Long Beach Humane Society invites all to its annual Halloween celebration,.With entertainment, food, drinks, raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and a best costume prize. A palm reader will also be on hand. $50 in advance; $55 at the door.

• Where: Dox, 10 Broadway, Island Park

• Time: 4-8 p.m.

Island Park Halloween Beach Bash

Families are invited to enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, pumpkin picking and decorating, and more at this festive Halloween celebration. A trunk-or-treat, presented by the Island Park Library, will follow, 12:30-2 p.m., at the Auxiliary Beach Way parking lot (gates open at 11:30 a.m. for registered cars).

• Where: Masone Beach, Waterford Road, Island Park

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Beach Bash); 12:30-2 p.m. (Trunk-or-Treat)

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for a parade of beloved costumed friends around the museum’s grounds. The event includes food, family art making, and more. Awards will be given for the most creative and inventive costumes! $25 per family, $20 members.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Dog Days Weekend

Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), With fall dog parade and costume contest on Sunday.Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury.

• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: also Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with costume parade/contest, 3-5 p.m.

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

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.

16,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices Public Notices

SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A TAX LIEN INDEX NO.: 608393/2025, ELM CAPITAL LLC, Plaintiff, vs. the unknown heirs, legatees, devisees and/or representatives of PAMELA S. MICHELS and the unknown heirs, legatees, devisees and/or representatives of STUART J. MICHELS and all persons that may claim an interest in the property referred to in the complaint by, through or under any of the foregoing (the aforesaid unknown heirs, legatees, devisees and/or representatives being all such heirs, legatees, devisees and/or representatives other than those specifically named as a defendant in the complaint-the identity and addresses of all the foregoing not being known to plaintiff), PREMISES

SUBJECT TO TAX LIEN:

40 Thompson Ave., Oceanside, NY, SBL# 43, 339, 51 (Group Lot 51-53). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff s attorney within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the date of service, and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect

your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: September 25, 2025. Joseph Ehrenreich, Attorney for Plaintiff, 33 South Service Road, Jericho, NY 11753, 833-993-0100. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON.

JEFFREY A. GOODSTEIN of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, entered September 23, 2025. Such order and the Complaint in this action are filed in the office of the Nassau County Clerk, in Mineola, NY. The object of this action is to foreclose a tax lien on the premises identified above. 155980

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

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 14, 2017, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7 is the Plaintiff and JENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on November 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 61

MONTGOMERY AVENUE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; tax map identification 43-332-349; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 019258/2009. Barton Slavin, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155998

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DAVID M. FRIEDMAN, Plaintiff - againstCONGREGATION

DARCHEI NOAM, Defendant.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 8, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on the 30th day of October, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York.

Premises known as 3432 Bayfield Blvd., Oceanside, NY 11572. (SBL#: 54-520-10)

Approximate amount of lien $1,013,750.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 612684/2024. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Bochner PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 15th FL

New York, NY 10018

Tel. 646-971-0685

Dated: September 15, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 155978

LEGAL NOTICE Island Park Union Free School District NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Island Park Union Free School District will be holding a public hearing on October 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., in the Lincoln Orens Middle Auditorium, 150 Trafalgar Blvd., Island Park, NY to consider appropriating a sum not to exceed Fifty Thousand dollars ($50,000.00) from the District’s General Municipal Law § 6-d Repair Reserve Fund for playground repairs at the Francis X. Hegarty School. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Salvatore Carambia, School Business Administrator, at (516) 434-2600.

Cindy Pastore District Clerk

Dated: October 9, 2025 156312

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff - againstKERRY SARWAN, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 3, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 13th day of November, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that

certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Island Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 3977 Long Beach Road, Island Park, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11558. (SBL#: 43-187-85) Approximate amount of lien $535,382.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 608704/2018.

Stephanie Stutman Goldstone, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: August 27, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 156256

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County. GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF GITSIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST BBPLC1, Plaintiff -against UNKNOWN HEIRS OF

THE ESTATE OF ROBERT A. LEFCOURT; MADELINE STEMPEL, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT A. LEFCOURT; BOARD OF MANAGERS OF SHERWOOD TOWN HOUSE CONDOMINIUM; MERRILL LYNCH CREDIT CORPORATION; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 64333/2025. Mortgaged Premises: 3000-1 Stevens Street, Unit 101 Oceanside, NY 11572 a/k/a 3000 Stevens Street, Unit 1 Oceanside, NY 11572 Section: 38 Block: L Lot: 347TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a reverse mortgage to secure $544,185.00

and interest, recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on April 12, 2006, in Book M 30338, Page 191, covering the premises known as 3000-1 Stevens Street, Unit 101, Oceanside, NY 11572 a/k/a 3000 Stevens Street, Unit 1, Oceanside, NY 11572. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above.. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 155912

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE

FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2018-HB1, PLAINTIFF, VS. DAVID LUSCHER A/K/A DAVID W. LUSCHER, IF HE BE LIVING AND IF HE BE DEAD, THE RESPECTIVE HEIRS-AT-LAW, NEXTOF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH SAID DEFENDANT WHO MAY BE DECEASED, ET AL., DEFENDANT(S). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 14, 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 October 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 3000 Roxbury Road, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at Oceanside, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 371 and Lots 171 & 172. Approximate amount of judgment is $460,829.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601205/2022. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 155903

Stunning Euro Chic Home

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TWhy can’t the architect and the contractor be friends?

Q. We’re trying to figure out how a mess started right at the beginning of our renovation. The plans were permitted, so we believe they were properly reviewed, but the mason and the contractor built something different than what was in the plans. The contractor is a friend who we trust. They have told us that the architect made mistakes, and they couldn’t build it the way the plans show, so they did something different.

We don’t want to stop the job, but the architect came by and said that there are many problems now, because the structure isn’t going to work the way the contractor made changes, and because the structure had to be a certain way. The contractor keeps sending us texts showing different ways to do the job, complete with sketches. The architect is saying that the work will be unsafe the way the contractor is proposing the changes. What should we do?

A. When plans aren’t followed, which happens all too frequently, the job has to stop while the design is reassessed by the architect. If you take that authority away from the architect, you set yourself up for a prolonged set of problems that can go on and on, delaying the work and possibly not even getting the outcome you were looking for.

The contractor is not given the authority to change the design or construction. Most construction plans have clauses stating that the contractor is not to deviate from them, and also instruct the contractor to contact the architect with questions, or to get clarification on any issues or discrepancies before any work starts. Once the work starts, the contractor will often begin to point fingers at the architect for anything not clear and misunderstood. I refer to this as “divide and conquer,” a common practice in which the contractor, empowered to run the construction job, alienates the architect from the owner, creating an often permanent rift.

Contractors and building inspectors have told me it is rare to see an architect on a construction site, but I recommend that the architect look at the work — especially foundation forms — before a concrete pour and also framing. During demolition is an important time to see previously hidden structure, especially because older homes were often built with bare-minimum beams — hence the explanation for sagging floors that people often point out before the architect starts redesigning. You need to listen to the architect before this problem becomes harder, and more expensive, to undo.

If you have doubts about the architect, especially about structure, bring in a structural engineer to meet with the architect. One of the biggest reasons these problems occur is because of a lack of communication. You, the owner, should have brought everyone, including the architect, contractor, subcontractors — especially the mason — together and had a team meeting. Letting everyone do their own thing with the assumption that everything would run smoothly was the first problem. But it’s not too late. Good luck!

© 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.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

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opInIons

We will remain the leader of the free world

American foreign policy is at a watershed moment, comparable to the critical years after World War II, when the United States and our allies were forced to accept that the euphoria of victory over Nazi Germany and imperial Japan had been supplanted by the reality of the Iron Curtain and the threat of Soviet expansion. The Cold War had begun.

The NATO alliance was formed to prevent Joseph Stalin from emulating Adolf Hitler’s march through Europe after the Munich Conference capitulation in 1938, which had given Hitler virtually free rein to invade and seize Czechoslovakia. A decadeslong struggle would continue through various iterations and crises until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 — a struggle that today’s isolationists would have labeled an “endless war.” Fortunately, neither American political party elected isolationists during those defining 45 years. Pre-World War II isolationism had long since been consigned to the ash heap of history.

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 created a sense of euphoria similar to

Staying

Ithat of 1945 and ’46. Eastern Europe was liberated from the yoke of Soviet communist rule, and the Soviet republics declared their independence from Moscow. One of them was Ukraine, which, tragically, had been brutalized for centuries by Russia.

TUkraine was also left with thousands of Soviet nuclear weapons. In 1994, in keeping with the spirit of the Soviet demise, Ukraine gave up those weapons in return for guarantees of security from the United States, Britain and Russia, in what was known as the Budapest Agreement. All indicators seemed to foresee a reformed Russia, and no aggression of the type that drew the U.S. into the two world wars of the 20th century.

rump’s turnabout with Zelensky and Putin sends a clear message to China.

There would be fits and starts with Russia during the later Bush years, including an incursion into Georgia, and then a promise by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009 that the Obama administration would “reset” the relationship with Russia. That reset never worked, and Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. There was no Russian aggression during the first Trump administration, but then, in February 2022, Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine — the first invasion of a sovereign European nation since the end of World War II.

defeating Russian aggression, having supplied more funding to Ukraine than the U.S. Unfortunately, President Trump has shown reluctance to stand with Ukraine, ascribing equal blame for the war to Zelensky — even berating him in the White House, telling him he had no cards to play.

I accompanied President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Moscow in September 1998 for meetings with Russian President Boris Yeltsin and other Russian officials to strengthen economic and cultural ties between our two nations. The dialogue between the leaders was extremely positive. Then, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the newly elected Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was among the first foreign leaders to pledge President George W. Bush his full support.

Ukraine, under its newly elected reform president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was expected to succumb in days or weeks. President Joseph Biden even offered to have American jets provide Zelensky safe passage out of Ukraine. But with the U.S. and NATO countries supplying weapons and logistical support, Zelensky and Ukraine have fought Russia to a stalemate for over three and a half years — longer than America’s war against Nazi Germany.

Russia has suffered more than a million casualties, and has had to resort to using North Korean troops. Its economy is in shambles. NATO has admitted two previously neutral nations, Sweden and Finland, and remains committed to

Trump met with Putin in Alaska, and implored him to meet with Zelensky to reach a compromise. Putin implied that he would, but reneged. Realizing he was being played, Trump denounced Putin in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month, and just hours later, met one on one with Zelensky. Then, going full circle, Trump released a statement hailing Zelensky’s leadership, saying that Ukraine was in a position to “fight and win,” and pledging to continue to supply weapons to NATO for Ukraine’s use against Russia.

Trump’s turnabout will prevent a catastrophic replay of Munich and halt Putin’s attempt to rebuild the Russian empire. This defeat of Russian aggression in Europe will simultaneously send a clear message to China not to move against Taiwan or other Pacific nations such as the Philippines and Japan. The United States will remain the leader of the free world.

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

sane in the age of information overload

’m tired. In fact, I’m exhausted. I’m overwhelmed. It’s not from going to the gym. It’s not from being glued to my TV, watching my favorite baseball team trying to survive the playoffs.

It’s the torrent of information that has been drowning me 24 hours a day, with no promise of abating. Is there any hope that the flood will end and that I’ll have a respite from information overload? Is there any hope that the barrage will shut down over the weekend, when we try to pay less attention to our laptops and cellphones? Or are we doomed to being perpetually overwhelmed by the greatest avalanche of facts, figures, news, emails, text messages and robocalls since the dawn of the high-tech era?

There is no one culprit that we can identify whose elimination would give us a reprieve from the onslaught. One of the biggest offenders of them all is,

Aof course, the White House, which engages in a strategy known as Flood the Zone. Every day, it releases so many “hot” news items that it would take you or me two or three days just to get through them. In addition to the media flood, President Trump holds freewheeling news conferences that can last well over an hour. Generally, those events generate other news stories on top of the daily pressroom output. Then there’s the smartphone app challenge. I checked my phone and found that I am attached to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X and have subscriptions to the Daily News, the New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsday, Newsday TV, the Huffington Post, Apple News, The Hill, CNN, The Weather Channel and some others that I’ve forgotten. I know that over the course of the day, I tap into every one of those outlets for some type of information.

imagine waiting at a bus stop for six hours. It’s a long time.

ll ‘breaking’ news all the time — and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget podcasts.

Beyond all these challenges is the introduction of artificial intelligence into our lives. No matter how hard you try, there’s no way to escape the onslaught of articles, studies, memos and office talk about AI. Just a few years ago, if someone had uttered the words artificial intelligence, they would have been largely ignored. These days, those words hover over us like a threatening storm cloud, with most of us having no idea whether it will help or harm us.

program. How many times in a halfhour can there be so much “breaking” news? And the repetition of the same stories can be head-splitting.

Last, but by far not least, is the introduction into our space of the podcast. Today, almost every media, political, religious, sports or entertainment personality has a podcast of some kind. They have rotating guests, and offer a mountain of opinions on the subjects of the moment. Many of them are interesting and informative, but how many hours in a day do we have to partake in this newest information vehicle?

Once a week, I get a text telling me that, on average, I’m on my phone for a minimum of six hours a week. That doesn’t sound like a lot of hours, but

Once upon a time, watching television was a respite from the pressures of the day. Today, watching TV can leave you dazed and confused by hour after hour of commercials for countless drugs, all of which, apparently, will save humanity. On top of the drug tsunami, there are countless other ads that dominate the time you would like to just sit back and watch your favorite show, uninterrupted.

To add to the desperation for some chill time, there’s today’s typical news

So that is my ongoing nightmare. It is mine, but it’s the nightmare that we all face. We’re just human beings; we’re not robots. At least for now, they can’t implant a chip in our brain to help us fend off the cascade of facts, figures, opinions, ideas, theories and concepts that flood our every waking hour. So we’ll have to find new ways to help ourselves live a normal life, and still be adequately informed people.

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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iHerald editorial

Real journalists, reporting real stories

n an age of uncertainty and skepticism toward the media, one mission has remained unwavering: to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity.

That mission defines Herald Community Media, publisher of 27 community weekly newspapers serving Nassau and Suffolk counties and a touch of New York City. It is the foundation of everything we do — every story we report, every question we ask and every issue we print.

The Herald’s purpose has never been clearer or more vital, especially now, during election season. Across the nation, trust in media has declined as misinformation spreads faster than facts and as social media platforms blur the line between opinion and truth. Yet despite this turbulence, the need for reliable local journalism has never been greater. We know you depend on us not only to tell you what’s happening, but also to help you understand why it matters — to your neighborhood, your family and your future.

This summer, the Pew Research Center published “How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age,” an indepth look at how the public perceives our profession. Pew surveyed nearly 9,400 U.S. adults and convened a number of focus groups, and found both optimism and concern. Most Americans still believe journalists are vital to our soci-

letters

There’s often been bias in journalism

To the Editor:

Re Nick Buglione’s column in the Oct. 2-8 issue, “I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed”: I, too, would like to put to rest the argument that Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok and other social media have any role in serious journalism. It’s indeed unfortunate that so many people rely on these geysers of rumor, gossip, misinformation and lies for their news.

But the journalism profession has never been as idealistic and innocent as Mr. Buglione seems to suggest it once was. In fact, long before social media invaded our world, the press’s coverage of important events was at times nakedly partisan, ignorant and dishonest.

In the 19th century, for example, some newspapers accepted hefty sums of money from politicians for favorable coverage of their campaigns. At least one paper from that era, William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal, ran sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba, which, many believe, helped drum up support for American involvement in the Span-

ety’s well-being — but many also express frustration, feeling that the media’s credibility and influence have declined amid political division and technological upheaval.

Yet within those findings lies a message of hope and direction. Americans say what they value most in their news providers is honesty, intelligence and authenticity — qualities that have guided the Herald’s reporting since its founding in 1964. Our journalists live by those values every day. We verify information carefully, we listen with compassion and we report with clarity and context. We are not distant observers; we are your neighbors, your fellow community members and your partners in truth.

At a time when the term “media” often evokes distrust, the Herald reaffirms its promise: to deliver accurate, objective and trustworthy local journalism. That means being transparent about how we report, being accountable when we err, and being authentic in how we connect with you.

Authenticity, as editors across the country have noted, may be the most powerful defense against today’s flood of misinformation and artificial intelligence-generated content. Real, local journalism can’t be practiced from behind a desk or from a distant city. It requires trained professionals who show up in the community, ask hard questions and share the stories of other real-life

people.

Every week, Herald journalists attend school board meetings, interview local business owners, chronicle civic debates, and celebrate the achievements of neighbors doing extraordinary things. We are not reporting on the community from afar — we are reporting within it, with care, empathy and purpose.

Readers deserve to know how stories come together — how sources are verified, why certain facts are included and how conclusions are drawn. We are committed to correcting mistakes quickly and publicly, because credibility is not earned by claiming perfection but by demonstrating honesty.

As Pew’s research highlights, Americans long for media that is clear, fair and accountable. The Herald’s commitment to those ideals has not wavered for more than six decades, and it will not waver now. Our mission — to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity — is our responsibility, our calling and our promise. As a locally owned family business, our commitment is to our communities, not to Wall Street.

In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and artificial noise, the Herald’s voice remains steady: local reporting by real journalists, telling real stories that matter. That is how we serve. That is how we strengthen our community. And that is how we continue.

A clearer view: understanding and treating cataracts

Have you noticed that your vision is becoming a little hazy, like you’re looking through a foggy window? If so, you might be experiencing the effects of cataracts.

contact lens prescription, or double vision in one eye.

What, exactly, is a cataract? Imagine the lens of your eye is like the lens of a camera. It’s a clear, natural part of your eye that focuses light onto the retina, which is at the back of your eye. The retina then sends signals to your brain, creating the images you see.

A cataract is simply the clouding of this natural lens. It’s a bit like a clear camera lens becoming frosted over. This clouding prevents light from passing through properly, leading to blurry, hazy or dim vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly, so you might not even notice a change in your vision at first. As they progress, however, you may experience cloudy or blurry vision, the fading or yellowing of colors, an increased sensitivity to light, difficulty with night vision, halos around lights, frequent changes in your eyeglass or

The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but other factors can also contribute to their development, including family history, medical conditions, previous eye injury or surgery, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.

When cataracts begin to interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to read, drive or watch TV, it’s time to consider cataract surgery. It’s one of the most common and routinely successful surgical procedures performed today.

Tdistance (i.e. driving, watching a Broadway show). You will likely still need glasses for reading, using a computer and other close-up tasks.

Toric lenses (astigmatism correction): Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a baseball, causing blurry or distorted vision. Toric IOLs have a special design that corrects both your cataract and your astigmatism in a single procedure.

hey’re a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision.

The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye, and then uses a special tool to break up and remove the cloudy natural lens. Then a new, clear artificial lens — called an intraocular lens, or IOL — is implanted in its place. The new lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no special care.

With modern cataract surgery, you have options for your new lens. Your doctor will help you choose the best one to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Monofocal IOL: This is the most common type of IOL. It provides clear vision at a single distance, usually for

LeTTers

ish-American War.

Closer to our time, the press remained curiously silent about the 1940s Levittown covenant restricting home ownership in that community to white people. And in 2002, when President George W. Bush justified our invasion of Iraq by insisting that the country’s weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to America, few newspapers questioned his claim.

I’m sure Mr. Buglione enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with his Herald colleagues 20 years ago. And while I’ve no reason to doubt his statement that Herald reporters were genuinely committed to presenting the news accurately, we’d be hard-pressed to find a time when the press — in general — has been entirely squeaky clean.

RICHARd J. COnWAY Massapequa

Koslow’s a better choice than Blakeman

To the Editor:

It can be an easy win for a candidate with name recognition who has enough money and government power to bombard us with fliers, signs and TV ads

each day. Bruce Blakeman, our current n assau County executive, has this power. We need to look beyond the hype. It’s time for a more centrist candidate. Blakeman and his team are entrenched in national politics, pleasing President Trump by doing such things as training a group of our county police officers to work in tandem with the president’s controversial ICE force, setting aside cells in our county jail for nonviolent ICE detainees, and creating a volunteer, private militia that Blakeman can use when and how he decides.

On the other hand, Seth Koslow is a centrist candidate for county executive with years of experience as a Queens district attorney, a private-practice lawyer and a current member of the nassau County Legislature. He has lived in n assau County his entire life, and is raising his family here. He is very concerned about our taxes in nassau, and has said that he would order a full, independent audit of county spending to see where our money is being spent.

Koslow has stated that he would share ideas with his Republican counterpart in Suffolk County, because he believes in the idea of people on both sides working together for the benefit of the county. He has said he would disband Blakeman’s private militia because he believes that our excellent

Extended depth of focus lenses: These lenses create a single, elongated focal point to provide a continuous range of vision. They offer excellent distance vision and a solid range of intermediate vision — great for computer work or seeing a car dashboard — with a lower chance of nighttime glare or halos than other multifocal designs. You may still need glasses for very fine print.

Light adjustable lenses: These are the only IOLs that can be customized after they have been implanted. The lenses are made of unique, photosensitive material. After a few weeks of healing, your surgeon uses a special light-delivery device to fine-tune the lenses’ power to your exact visual needs (distance, near or a blend), eliminating any small remaining prescription errors. Once

the optimal vision is achieved, the lens is “locked in” and the adjustments are permanent. This offers the highest level of precision and customization.

Femtosecond cataract surgery: precision with lasers: While traditional cataract surgery is very safe and effective, many surgeons now offer laser-assisted surgery. It uses a highly precise, computer-controlled laser to perform several key steps of the surgery that were traditionally done by hand with a blade. The laser creates the tiny incision, opens the lens capsule and even softens the cataract before it is removed. This allows for extraordinary accuracy and consistency, can lead to a more predictable outcome and a faster recovery, and is a safer procedure for certain patients.

Cataracts are a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision. With simple preventive measures and highly effective surgical options, you can look forward to a world that is once again clear, vibrant and full of light. If you have any concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to speak with your eye doctor.

Dr. Carolyn Shih is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and works at South Shore Eye Care, a member of the Northwell Health Eye Institute.

county police force is more than capable of handling our citizens’ safety.

The bottom line is that Seth Koslow is a highly qualified local resident who would concentrate solely on the needs

of our county. This makes him and his team best suited to run our county.

Framework by Jackie Adamo

Waiting to hail a gondola? — Castello, Venice

CaroLYn sHiH

ELAInE RAuCH Lynbrook