Connecting families to city programs
Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched “Summer in N.Y.C.”on May 27, a new interactive website designed to connect young New Yorkers with free and low-cost summer programming in their neighborhoods and across the city.
New Yorkers can access the website at NYC.gov/Summer.
The website allows users to search by age, ZIP code, interests and travel distance, helping families find activities ranging from painting classes to basketball leagues, soccer programs, and other extracurricular opportunities. It also includes information about free summer meals and free citywide FIFA World Cup watch parties and celebrations.
“Too often, we tell young people what not to do, but don’t tell them what they should do. This website is about connecting kids and teens to programs they’ll actually be excited about — whether that’s basketball, photography, music or art — and making it easy for families to find opportunities close to home. With summer fast approaching, we are using every tool available to keep young New Yorkers safe, listened to rather than lectured at, and surrounded by community,” Mamdani said in a news release.
The launch is part of the administration’s broader, whole-of-government approach to keep young New Yorkers safe and engaged during the summer months.
When school lets out and temperatures rise, access to structured activities and community spaces become even more important.
Earlier in May, Mamdani released a video conversation with three members of True 2 Life, a Staten Island-based organization within the City's Crisis Management System, which uses evidence-based interven -
tion and peer mentorship to prevent violence and address its root causes. The conversation highlighted the stories of New Yorkers impacted by gun violence, who are now working to protect the next generation.
This summer, the Office of Neighborhood Safety in partnership with DYCD and community-based organizations across the city, is implementing a coordinated Summer Safety Plan focused on preventing youth violence and expanding opportunities for young people.
“Summer is a time for making the core memories that shape us,” Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Renita Francois said in the release.
“It’s a time for exploration, growth and fun for every young person in our city.”
“Delivering that means providing safe, meaningful, and free opportunities in all corners of the five boroughs and making them accessible,” Francois added. “We created Summer in NYC to put young people just a click away from favorite and new hobbies, experiences, and connections along with critical life skills such as conflict management and emotional regulation. More importantly, we’re going to be listening to young people themselves throughout the summer, centering them in the decisions we make about how to support them and their development.”
Through the City’s Crisis Management System, credible messengers and outreach teams will increase engagement in neighborhoods most impacted by violence, with enhanced mediation efforts, extended evening programming, youth listening events, and rapid-response activations during high-risk periods and large gatherings.
The plan also expands access to safe spaces, mentorship, recreation, and workforce opportu-
Courtesy Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
The city ‘Summer in N.Y.C., , a new interactive website to connect young New Yorkers with free and lowcost summer programming. Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussing a new housing plan on May 28.
nities to ensure young New Yorkers are connected to positive supports throughout the summer months.
“Keeping our kids safe, healthy, and engaged is a priority for the Mamdani administration this summer,” Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga said in the release. “Today's launch presents youth and teens across New York City with an easy-touse tool that will help identify youth-centered programs that
promote fitness, spur creativity, and even offer spaces to explore self-care and prioritize their mental health. This innovative resource is just one of several steps we're taking to ensure the safety and well-being of New
York's youngest—and making sure they have a fun summer in the process.”
–Jeffrey Bessen
Y.I. of North Woodmere dinner set for June 10
By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
More than a half-dozen members of the North Woodmere community will be honored at the 37th annual Young Israel of North Woodmere dinner on June 10.
The synagogue, at 634 Hungry Harbor Road in Valley Stream, is recognizing congregants who have found a home in the community and whose involvement has shaped the congregation over the years.
“Our honorees were chosen because they are shining examples of the very best our community has to offer — devotion, leadership, generosity and a deep commitment to the life of our shul,” its president, Daniel Torcynzer, said in a statement to the Herald.
Rabbi Yehuda and Lisa Septimus
The Septimuses joined the Five Towns community in September 2008, when they became the rabbi and rebbetzin of
Young Israel of North Woodmere. The rabbi said he worked to expand communitywide programming for the Five Towns and Rockaways while also establishing adult education programs focused on Torah study, prayer and mental health.
“We tried to put North Woodmere at the center of the Five Towns with these programs and bring vibrant new programs to the shul,” Lisa Septimus said.
After stepping down last year, the pair pursued other interests. Yehuda developed a Long Islandbased psychotherapy practice specializing in trauma recovery and relationships while also teaching at Yale and Columbia.
Lisa, the director of student life at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School, teaches women halacha and Talmud and works as a yoetzet halacha for Five Towns and Scarsdale.
“Yehuda and Lisa Septimus helped build our shul with heart, humility and
purpose,” Torcynzer said, “all while shaping the broader North Woodmere and Five Towns community.”
Irving J. Kaminetsky
Soon to be honored with a community service
Government
in North Woodmere in 2010.
As a member of Young Israel, Kenneth has chaired the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur seating committee twice, in the early 2010s and in 2025. He also helps organize shul kiddushes and fundraiser efforts, including a fantasy football league, with half the proceeds benefiting community members hoping to offset membership fees. Since 2018, the 12-person league has helped save $5,000.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized alongside my fellow honorees,” Kenneth said.
Bea and Jaime Ackerman
award from Young Israel, Kaminetsky grew up in the East New York section of Brooklyn. He moved to North Woodmere with his late wife, Sylvia Kaminetsky, in 1963.
Kaminetsky served as chairman of the nowdefunct North Woodmere Civic Association’s board of governors during the 1980s. He was also involved in efforts to construct North Woodmere Park in 1962.
Kaminetsky later joined the Inwood-Atlantic Beach Republican Club and said his role in the park’s construction fueled his resolve to help others. In 1978 he was elected as a commissioner of the Town of Hempstead’s Sanitary District 1. He served as board chairman from the 1980s until 2021 before becoming vice chairman.
Kaminetsky, an active board member of Temple Hillel, in Valley Stream, said he enjoys attending services at other synagogues, including Young Israel of North Woodmere.
“Young Israel North Woodmere is a great atmosphere,” he said. “I enjoy the camaraderie and love going to synagogue on Saturdays.”
Shani and Kenneth feldhammer
Born in Brooklyn, Shani and Kenneth Feldhammer grew up on Long Island before marrying in Pittsburgh in 2005. Shani, an orthodontist, and Kenneth, an internist, settled
Jaime Ackerman, whose family helped found the Jewish community in Caracas, Venezuela was involved in Hashomer Hatzair — a Labor Zionist Jewish youth movement founded in 1913. After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a chemical engineering degree, he managed his family’s textile factory in Caracas.
During her time in Venezuela, Bea Ackerman taught Tanach — the Hebrew Bible — at elementary and high schools. She got involved in community organizations in Venezuela and the United States, including the boards of La Union Israelita de Caracas, the Caracas Jewish Community Moral y Luces/Hebraica school system and the National Council of Young Israel.
After moving to North Woodmere from Venezuela in 2000, the Ackermans joined Young Israel. Since 2020, Bea has taught a weekly online Chumash Shiur in Spanish focused on Torah study. The couple has also taken part in Young Israel initiatives, including the synagogue’s recent rabbinic search committee.
“Both the Feldhammers and Ackermans have given so much of themselves to helping strengthen and sustain our shul in meaningful ways that contribute in making the Young Israel of North Woodmere a truly special place,” Torcynzer said.
To reserve a dinner reservation, email dinner@ yinw.org
Courtesy Irving Kaminetsky
Irving Kaminetsky will be honored for his community service at Young Israel of North Woodmere’s annual dinner on June 10.
Israeli Elite hockey comes to UBS arena
With late third-period rally, Jerusalem Capitals capture Challenge Cup, defeating HC Tel Aviv 6-5
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
No matter who scored, fans throughout UBS Arena jumped to their feet, waving Israeli flags, proudly cheering on competitors from the Israeli Elite Hockey League last week during the Challenge Cup championship between the Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv. In a thrilling game, the Capitals mounted a late comeback to win 6-5.
The Challenge Cup, originally scheduled for February but postponed because of a blizzard, finally brought the two teams together on the ice in Elmont for a hard-fought game.
The atmosphere inside the arena on May 17 felt like more than just a hockey game. Families packed the stands dressed in blue and red, and there was loud chanting and spirited flag-waving throughout the crowd, creating a strong sense of pride and unity among fans celebrating both the sport and Israeli culture.
“It’s nice when you get to see support a lot for Jews and the country,” said spectator Hillel Kober, who was rooting for HC Tel Aviv.
Brooklyn resident David Silverberman said the game provided a comforting atmosphere amid a culture of rising antisemitism. “It’s a good game,” he said.” It’s very competitive scoring, but not too much. The fans are into it. It’s an exciting day, and you know, if you’re Jewish, there’s so much antisemitism going on right now, it feels very comfortable to be here. It’s nice to see the families too.”
The IEHL, founded in 2020 and approaching its sixth season this summer, was founded by Marc Brunengraber, a former goaltender for the Israeli national team. Brunengraber said the league was created not only to develop hockey talent in Israel, but also to highlight another side of the country.
“The goal is to raise Israel from the world championship Division II level to Division I,” Brunengraber said. He added that the league aims to positively represent Israel beyond the conflict-focused narratives that often dominate coverage of the country, emphasizing that its citizens continue to live everyday lives as ordinary people.
The championship game was intense from start to finish, marked by heavy physical play, shifting momentum and a UBS Arena crowd that fed off every moment of drama. Tel Aviv controlled play for much of the first two periods, keeping Jerusalem players on their heels and forcing them to fight just to stay within reach heading into the third.
Capitals player Nathanel Peretz described the surreal feeling of stepping onto the ice at UBS Arena.
“There’s kids growing up dreaming of this moment, and you’re seeing Jerusalem against Tel Aviv, and a bunch of Jewish people just playing the sport they love,” he said.
Peretz admitted that the locker room atmosphere was tense after the second period with Jerusalem trailing by two goals. “It’s the second year that we [were down by] two goals going into the third,” he said. “We trusted our coaches, we trusted our captain, we trusted our players, and we got out there in the third.”
Late in the third period, the Capitals suddenly took over. Two goals came just seconds apart, and suddenly Tel Aviv was scrambling to keep up. The energy in the arena flipped instantly as fans rose to their feet, and the game intensified dramatically in the final minutes.
Capitals head coach Craig Brunengraber said the team had to manage intense emotions to complete the comeback. “You have a lot of strong personalities,” he said. “At the end of the day, we won the game, and that’s the hardest part about being a coach.”
He also praised Peretz’s performance, saying, “Peretz is all heart and soul. He shows the world he can do this on a world stage.”
Despite the loss, Tel Aviv captain Mike Gennello reflected on the broader meaning of the game. “Guys can get on the ice and it can be an absolute war out there, and then we get off and it’s all smiles,” he said.
As Jerusalem celebrated its comeback victory on the ice, fans throughout the arena remained standing, waving Israeli flags, giving the scene a powerful sense of pride in their country — and the game of hockey.
HC Tel Aviv’s Johnny Lazarus controlled the puck, with Jerusalem’s Zach Sprung on his heels.
Erik Lee/Herald photos
The Jerusalem Capitals and goaltender Yonatan Reisinger pulled out a win over HC Tel Aviv on May 17 at UBS Arena.
HC Tel Aviv’s Zach Freeman, right, collided with Jerusalem’s Jeremy Sprung.
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Q. I’m trying to figure out what to do about the old construction on my house that I am being told needs permits before I can finish selling. First, I understand that I may have to pay a penalty, and second, I’m wondering why my buyer says they will take over and get permits after we close but their attorney says it’s a lot more complicated because we didn’t get a flood repair permit after Hurricane Sandy. What can you tell me about this? It seems much more complicated than it needs to be.
A. This is a typical case of “you snooze, you lose.” I regularly hear from people who tell me that their friends, contractors, even their attorneys, in some cases, give them “off the record” advice not to make waves, not to do anything. But the issues and requirements don’t just go away, and design professionals are held back from what you really wanted them to do, like an addition or a home makeover, many years later.
Waiting and ignoring the requirements has put you in a much more difficult situation. Since Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has required that people who received funding, whether directly from the federal agency or through public funds like New York Rising, had to confirm that the funds were put toward the repairs they were meant for. It’s just like providing your car insurance company the receipts and/or an inspection to confirm that the money they gave you for repairs was spent on the car, and not on some fraudulent luxury expense.
In 2013, your municipality required a repair permit, and instead of repeatedly contacting you, they opted to say that they notified you (once or twice), and now it’s your problem that you didn’t respond. The friction this created has lasted long after the memory of the flood turmoil has diminished. People feel ambushed, but arguing or passing on the requirement doesn’t make it go away.
In fact, one of the requirements is a “proof of loss” letter issued to the property owner, preferably the person who owned the property at the time of the flood. Switching to the next owner just complicates the process. Even though repair permits do not have a permit fee, most people made improvements during repairs, and your municipality recently doubled the fees for property improvements. So putting off the repair is now going to cost even more, which your buyer’s attorney might also realize while protecting the buyer.
When it comes to building department fees, one of the biggest municipalities, whose fees were more lenient, just raised them substantially. A couple who applied for permits in 2019, later hampered by the pandemic, saw their projected fees go from $2,000 to $4,600 this past month. Yes, it really did take that long, due to the pandemic and the stages of approval they had to go through, and they weren’t snoozing. Listen to the buyer’s attorney and follow through. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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