Participants in Cornerstone Behavioral Services’ teen social-skills group interacted with animals during a community outing. The program helps teens build friendships, develop social skills and gain real-world experiences in supportive community settings.
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
As Elizabeth Reyes prepares to watch her son, Jason, graduate from Hicksville High School and head off to college, she often thinks back to the uncertainty her family faced years ago.
Jason, now 18, was struggling with social and emotional challenges despite receiving academic support in school. His family searched for help, but found few options that fit his needs.
Today he has his driver’s license, volunteers at Cornerstone twice a week working with younger children, maintains close friendships and is preparing for the next chapter of his life.
“I credit Cornerstone with giving Jason the quality of life that he has today,” Reyes said. “He learned skills and strategies to deal with socializing, life and even being more comfortable with family.”
For Reyes and many other Long Island families, that support came from Nicole Iannarone, founder and president of Cornerstone Behavioral Services.
The Wantagh resident and board-certified behavior analyst has been recognized as a Hometown Hero by the New York Red Bulls for her work supporting children with autism and their families across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Her Seaford-based agency has also been named Best Applied Behavior Analysis Provider in the Best of Long Island
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By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Crowds packed the beachfront and boardwalk at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh on Memorial Day for the park’s first-ever patriotic drone light show, a new attraction introduced as part of New York’s summer-long celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
The roughly 20-minute aerial display began at 9 p.m. over the Atlantic Ocean near the Central Mall area of the park, drawing spectators lining the sand and boardwalk with phones in hand to capture the historic event.
The founding of America
up and down, the excitement among the attendees’ voices rose. Hundreds of illuminated drones transformed the dark sky above the ocean into a moving canvas. The performance featured a variety of patriotic images and symbols, including a soaring bald eagle, “1776” and military-themed scenes to patriotic music.
250 years ago cannot be told without including New York’s pivotal role in the American Revolution.
KATHY HOCHUL Governor
As the 1,000 drones, which were synchronized to patriotic music, rose into the night sky, the atmosphere shifted from conversation to focused attention on the awe-inspiring aerial show.
As each of the drones went
The drone show was one of several Memorial Day weekend events organized by New York State Parks as part of the America250 initiative, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Additional attractions included colonial-era cooking demonstrations, period music, family games and military encampments representing Revolutionary War regiments.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced earlier this year that Jones Beach would host a
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For nearly 50 years, Mutts & Butts has been a trusted, family-run staple in Merrick, growing from humble beginnings into one of the community’s go-to destinations for pet care. Founded in 1976 as a small shop selling pet food alongside beverages and cigarettes, the business quickly recognized the rising demand for quality pet products. Over time, the founders shifted their focus entirely to pet supplies, expanding their offerings and building a loyal customer base. By the mid-2000s, Mutts & Butts had transformed into an impressive 8,000-square-foot pet superstore, serving generations of local pet owners with dedication and expertise. As they celebrate 50 years in business, the team at Mutts & Butts extends heartfelt gratitude to their customers and community for decades of support and looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional service for many years to come.
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Members of the Jerusalem Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered May 16 at the Old Jackson Family Cemetery to honor Revolutionary War veteran Thomas Jackson, linking a local piece of history to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The ceremony took place at the historic cemetery on Wantagh Avenue, next to St. Frances de Chantal Church, where Jackson — a resident of the community when Wantagh was still known as Jerusalem — is buried.
The event also marked the 50th anniversary of a similar tribute held during the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976, when members of the Jerusalem Chapter DAR placed a bronze Revolutionary War veteran marker on Jackson’s grave.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to remember a local patriot and connect our community’s history with America’s founding,” said Alison Cook-Lorch, historian and publicity chairwoman for the Jerusalem Chapter DAR.
The ceremony was organized by Cook-Lorch, chapter Vice Regent Jennifer Turcinovic, Registrar Valerie D’Aguanno, and Regent Kay Kenney. The chapter decided to revisit Jackson’s gravesite as communities across the country begin commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Participants included members of the Jerusalem Chapter DAR, the Wantagh Preservation Society, Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 and the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band. Reenactors from the Long
Island Military Preservation Association also took part. Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while State Sen. Steve Rhoads and Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider attended the ceremony. Legislator Michael Giangregorio was also invited.
A floral arrangement was placed on Jackson’s grave by Scout Allesandro C. of Troop 96, and an American flag was presented in tribute to the veteran’s service. Anthony T., the son of Turcinovic, performed taps. For Cook-Lorch, the event carried special signifi-
cance. She also attended the original 1976 ceremony as a 9-year-old alongside her mother, Ellen Cook, one of the Jerusalem Chapter’s founding members and a former regent and vice regent.
Founded in 1968, the Jerusalem Chapter DAR was named for Wantagh’s original name and has spent decades preserving local history. Organizers said the ceremony served as a reminder that the story of the American Revolution remains alive in communities like Wantagh, where local patriots such as Jackson are remembered even generations later.
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Seaford residents gathered at American Legion Post 1132 on Sunday to honor the nation’s fallen service members during the community’s Memorial Day observance, which was relocated due to inclement weather.
The annual ceremony had originally been planned as a parade and service beginning at Verity Plaza and concluding at the Four Chaplains Memorial at Seaford Middle School. Weather concerns forced organizers to cancel the outdoor march the night before and move the event indoors to the American Legion hall.
Despite the change in plans, organizers said the ceremony drew strong participation from veterans, local organizations, scouts and residents. Representatives from numerous community groups took part in a wreath-laying ceremony, with each organization recognized during the program.
American Legion members also paid tribute to veterans from past generations. During the Legion’s wreath presentation, two of the organization’s
Scouts, veterans and community members bow their heads during a moment of reflection at Seaford’s rescheduled Memorial Day observance, held indoors at American Legion Post 1132 because of inclement weather.
oldest Korean War veterans participated in the ceremony.
The observance included traditional Memorial Day elements such as a firing volley and the playing of taps in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. Attendees also honored each branch of the U.S. military as service songs were played.
The ceremony concluded with a patriotic sing-along of “God Bless America,” led by the event’s chaplain. Organizers also encouraged residents
to visit local memorial sites throughout Seaford, including the Four Chaplains Memorial at the middle school and the World War I memorial near the Wantagh Long Island Rail Road station.
While the weather prevented the community’s traditional parade route, the ceremony preserved the spirit of Memorial Day, bringing together veterans, families and residents to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served and gave their lives in defense of the nation.
On May 28, Levittown Public Schools hosted the Long Island Language Teachers Summit for World Language Educators, which was attended by more than 90 educators from across the region. Organized by Director of World Languages and ENL Michele Ortiz, attendees received important updates on World Language Standards, the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, and the Portrait of a Graduate initiative, including its connection to World Language education.
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Guest speakers included Candace Black, associate in the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, NYSED; Dr. Jordan Gonzalez, administrative coordinator for the Long Island Regional Bilingual Education Resource
Network; Wendy Mercado, president of NYSAFLT; Will Anderson, associate dean for external relations and field placement at Hofstra University’s School of Education; and Brittany Cirrone, Levittown’s educational technology and career exploration coach. Levittown teacher Dana Mazzella received the Kathleen Ann Lyons Memorial Excellence in Teaching Award. Wisdom Lane Middle School Principal John Avena was recognized as a Friend of World Languages, and student Riley Cunningham earned the Lucille DiPietro Lambert Student Award for Excellence in World Language Studies Award.
—Hunter Fenollol
At Ettinger Law Firm, we are fond of saying “trusts create order out of chaos” — for three major reasons: First, an ever-increasing number of Americans suffer a period of legal disability later in life. Without your own private plan for disability, consisting of a trust and a “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney, you run the risk of a state appointed legal guardian. Do you want the people you choose to be in charge in the event of your disability, with the freedom to act immediately in your best interests, or do you want the state to appoint someone, often a stranger, who will require court permission to protect your assets and your family — which permission is sometimes denied. A guardianship proceeding is expensive, timeconsuming and stressful — in other words, chaotic. Trusts create an orderly process whereby your appointed trustees consult with your elder law attorney and are free to act immediately without court interference. Secondly, trusts avoid probate court proceedings on death whereby wills, even though supervised by an attorney, with
two witnesses and a notary, must first be proven to be valid in court proceedings. The client has no control over probate court proceedings — the time they will take or the amount they will cost. Typically, it takes months and, not unusually, one to two years or more. Meantime, property cannot be sold and assets cannot be reached to pay bills. In other words, chaos. With a trust, the trustee may act immediately upon death, list property for sale and access investments and bank accounts.
Thirdly, wills provide no plan for protecting your home and life savings either from the cost of in-home care or nursing home care. Nothing is more chaotic then seeing one’s home and life savings used up in a few short years to pay for the high cost of long-term care. A properly drafted Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) protects your assets from long-term care costs and allows you to leave a legacy to your children and grandchildren. When the time comes, your MAPT will allow you to qualify for Medicaid benefits for your care at home or in a facility.
A Lindenhurst man was arrested after allegedly striking another man in the head with a metal bat during a dispute at a recreational softball game in Seaford on May 31, Nassau County police said.
According to detectives, officers responded to Cedar Creek Park on Merrick Road at about 2 p.m. after receiving a 911 call. Police said an argument between two softball teams escalated, and Brian Polanco, 32, allegedly
struck a 34-year-old man with a metal bat.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. His condition was not immediately available.
Polanco was charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was scheduled to be arraigned June 1 at First District Court in Hempstead.
—Hunter Fenollol
competition for six consecutive years, from 2021 through 2026, while also receiving a number of Best of Nassau County and Long Island Choice Awards.
But her work, Iannarone said, has never been about recognition. “Understanding that it can quickly become about things outside of the children, I wanted to do this the right way,” she said. “I wanted to make it about the children.”
Cornerstone provides Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, services through in-home therapy, school-based support, parent training and social-skills programs. The agency opened a center in Seaford two years ago, after years of primarily serving families in their homes.
According to Iannarone, one of the organization’s core principles is to treat every child as an individual while involving parents and caregivers throughout the process. “We prioritize integrating the families and making sure everyone is supported in every aspect of their life,” she said. “We don’t just work with the student in a center and send them home.”
That approach has resonated with families like Anastasia Rodriguez’s. When her son, Abel, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, Rodriguez, of Merrick, said she felt overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn. After interviewing
more than a dozen providers, she found something different in Iannarone’s approach.
“None took the time, care and patience that Nicole did,” Rodriguez recalled. “From the very beginning, Nicole answered every question thoughtfully and thoroughly.”
At the time, Abel struggled with communication and sensory challenges, and had frequent behavioral meltdowns. His mother remembers difficult moments in public spaces when strangers often misunderstood what her family was experiencing.
“Nicole and her team consistently helped us maintain dignity during those moments,” she said. “They reminded us that progress, not perfection, was the goal.”
behaviorally, academically, socially and emotionally.”
Reyes shared a similar story. After meeting with Jason and his family for over two hours in their home, Iannarone developed a plan for him that included therapy, parent training and social skills development.
“It was one of the best decisions we ever made,” Reyes said.
The results, she said, have been life-changing. Abel, now 10, regularly attends Cornerstone’s social skills group, and has traveled internationally with his family, participates in general education classes for part of the day, tells jokes and makes friends.
“What makes Cornerstone different isn’t just the progress my son has made, but the integrity behind the work,” Rodriguez said. “Nicole has become a true partner in my son’s development —
In the years since, Jason has developed stronger coping skills, become more independent and gained confidence navigating everyday situations. Through Cornerstone’s social skills groups and volunteer opportunities, he has built friendships and learned practical life skills that have helped prepare him for adulthood.
While success stories like Jason’s and Abel’s are rewarding, Iannarone said that many families continue to face significant obstacles when seeking services.
“There is a tremendous demand for these services,” she said, noting that waitlists at some agencies can stretch for six months or longer.
And financial barriers remain one of the biggest challenges. “When you have a child that needs services six days a
week, every day is a co-pay,” Iannarone explained. “I had a family paying $500 to $700 a month in co-pays. That’s something many families simply can’t afford.”
She also believes that older children and young adults with autism need more opportunities to become active participants in their communities. “These kids are our community,” she said. “They need a place where they can feel safe and work and really be contributing members of society, but in order to do that they need opportunity.”
Despite the challenges, Iannarone said, moments of progress continue to motivate her and her staff. Whether it’s hearing a child’s first words, helping a student learn to communicate their feelings or watching a young adult achieve a major milestone, the work, she said, remains deeply rewarding.
Looking ahead, she hopes greater awareness will help families access services earlier and reduce the stigma that can still surround autism support. “I want families to understand that support is available, and it should be celebrated,” she said. “It shouldn’t stigmatize them.”
For Jason Reyes, Abel Rodriguez and their families, the impact of that support is already evident — not in awards or accolades, but in the everyday milestones that once seemed out of reach.
By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com
Junior Alexa Coppola caught a pass through the heavy rainfall from junior quarterback Gina Iannuzzi and toetapped in the back of the end zone to secure MacArthur’s first flag football county title May 23 at LIU Post over Plainedge, 13-9, in the Class B championship game.
On fourth and goal from the 9-yard line, Iannuzzi rolled right and found a leaping Coppola, who got one foot down with just a few turf pellets between her toe and the white out-of-bounds line. Jubilation from the Generals’ bench followed.
“The focus on catching it was everything, because that was all or nothing,” Coppola said. “I was jaw-dropped. I was shocked I just did that.”
After the celebration brawl in the end zone, Iannuzzi went to Madison Heaney for the one-point conversion to give MacArthur a 4-point lead over Plainedge with 34 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.
To set up Iannuzzi’s game-winner, Coppola intercepted a pass with just under 4:30 left, while the Red Devils were looking to close out the game, just 16 yards from paydirt.
“We were in possession and we knew we could drive down the field and get a touchdown,” Iannuzzi said.
The second meeting between these two programs didn’t disappoint, as the first came on April 25, which resulted in a 14-14 tie. No. 1 MacArthur (17-0-1) finished undefeated against Nassau competition and will face Hauppauge or Deer Park for the Long Island crown this Saturday at LIU Post at noon.
“I told everyone these were the two best teams in Nassau County,” MacArthur head coach Steve Fazzolari said. “I told the girls it was going to be 48 minutes and the game was going to come down to the end. Last time we played them, we scored with 12 seconds left to tie the game, so going down there at the end I told the girls, ‘We’ve got time. Don’t worry about it. Stay calm.”
In the first quarter, MacArthur dropped the snap in the end zone, resulting in a safety and two points for Plainedge. The Generals responded, capping off a 76-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Iannuzzi to senior Meaghan Campbell to take a 6-2 lead into halftime.
Early in the fourth quarter, sophomore Charlotte Norbury reached up with one hand and snagged a pass out of the air from junior Gia Ponticello, bringing the Plainedge offense to the 1-yard line. Ponticello crossed the goal line on a scamper to give the Red Devils the lead with 9:55 left. Norbury hauled in the one-point conversion, which put
them in the driver’s seat up 9-6.
Norbury finished with four catches for 69 yards and two crucial interceptions. Ponticello went 11-of-28 for 131 yards through the air and four carries for 22 yards and a touchdown.
“Charlotte’s a great player on both sides of the ball,” Plainedge head coach Adam Hovorka said of Norbury. “It’s kind of what we expected from her and by the end of the game, they were throwing away from her.”
Senior Kate Franks and junior Ava Renzo swarmed for the Red Devils (14-21) on defense, combining for three sacks.
As for MacArthur, Iannuzzi was stellar under center, completing 23 of her 35 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Campbell finished with 50 yards on eight catches, Coppola added 50 yards on six catches and senior Taylor Garro contributed with 76 yards on six grabs. She also had one carry for 23 yards.
“We were here three years ago,” Fazzolari said. “We lost to Plainview in our first year, and none of these girls are here, but it’s just a thanks to the girls who started this. The girls who made MacArthur legitimate. So many girls are a part of this.”
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
For the second time in three years, top-seeded Wantagh and No. 2 Seaford needed a third game to decided Nassau County’s Class A softball champion.
The local rivals traded shutout victories in Games 1 and 2, setting up a winner-take-all battle May 28 under the lights at Farmingdale State College.
Once again, it was all about the pitching.
Wantagh’s Lucy Olore and Seaford’s Rylie Betz, as they’ve done throughout the season and series, starred in the circle and it took some magical “small ball” for the Warriors to claim their first county title since 1990 thanks to a 3-0 victory.
All three Wantagh runs were scored on squeeze bunts from its No. 3, 4 and 5 hitters.
“You’re going to do whatever you have to do to score against a pitcher as good as Rylie,” Wantagh coach Christine Moran said. “Our girls executed very well. We wanted to get runners
on, steal and put the pressure on them.
“I’ve got all the confidence in the world with Lucy out there if we go up early,” she added. “She has ice in her veins and she comes to win.”
Olore, who threw a perfect game with 10 strikeouts in a series-opening 1-0 victory on Memorial Day, allowed just two hits in the clincher and fanned three. She was staked to an early lead in the bottom of the first when Scarlett Bartilucci squeezed home Megan Martone.
“We’ve worked so hard all year and I’m so proud of our team,” Olore said. “It was nice to score in the first inning and pitch with a lead all game. I feel like having that little bit of breathing room is a huge weight off my shoulders. Seaford beat us here two years ago and we didn’t want it to happen again,” she added.
Olore allowed hits in the first and seventh innings and faced the minimum Seaford batters from the second through sixth. She and Savannah Gandini had bunt RBIs in the fifth to provide the 3-0 cushion.
The final out was a grounder to
Gandini at shortstop. She fired to Hailey Kissinger at first and the celebration was on.
“We stayed confident all the way through,” Gandini said. “We’ve been chasing the championship since March. This was our goal and we stayed locked in.”
Wantagh (17-6) will face Miller Place or Kings Park for the Long Island Class A crown June 6 at 11 a.m. at Martha Avenue Field in Bellport. The season isn’t over for Seaford (1410), which has an at-large bid to the state playoffs and will play the Section IV champion June 2 at 4 p.m. in Binghamton.
“We have such a great rivalry with Wantagh and we hope it continues,” Seaford coach Joe Nastasi said. “We battled the entire series and I can’t say enough about our girls as well as theirs.”
Seaford’s battery of pitcher Rylie Betz, right, and catcher Madelyn Burgess celebrated after the Vikings topped Wantagh in Game 2.
Reworld recently honored many of Long Island’s leading sustainability advocates, municipal leaders, students, organizations and community partners during the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island Presented by Reworld, on May 14 at The Heritage Club at Bethpage.
The event recognized those making meaningful contributions to environmental policy, conservation, education, municipal sustainability and community-driven programs across Long Island. Reworld also awarded local students with $2,500 in prizes for their efforts to inspire sustainability and encourage the next generation of environmental leadership.
“Environmental progress depends on people and organizations who are willing to lead with purpose and take action in their own communities,” said James Regan, Reworld’s market area director. “Through our work across Long Island, Reworld helps communities reduce landfill reliance, recover valuable resources and create more sustainable solutions for managing waste. We are proud to support and recognize the leaders, students and community partners who are helping move Long Island toward a cleaner, stronger and more sustainable future.”
Twenty honorees were recognized across six award categories throughout the evening celebrating leaders, organizations and students who are driving meaningful environmental progress across Long Island:
• Environmental Policy Leaders: Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and New York State Senator Siela Bynoe (District 6), recognized for their leadership on environmental protection, responsible growth and long-term sustainability across Long Island.
• Community Impact for Sustainability: Devon Giordano (Long Island Conservancy); Derek Betts (Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District); Corey Humphrey, C.P.E.S.C. (Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District); Cynthia Seibold (Balloon Mission Inc.); Eileen Minogue (Book Fairies); Julie Tighe (NY League of Conservation Voters and Education Fund); Maxine Montello (New York Marine Rescue Center); and Robyn Silvestri (Save the Great South Bay).
• Environmental Leaders: National Grid Ventures, UBS Arena and Tritec Real Estate Company, honored for incorporating sustainability into ener-
gy, infrastructure, development and large-scale operations.
• Municipal Leaders for the Environment: Marty Bellew (Town of Islip Department of Environmental Control and Islip Resource Recovery Agency); and Nicholas Krupski (Southold Town Department of Solid Waste).
• College Student Champion for Sustainability: Vienna De Lombaerde (Senior, Hofstra University).
• Student Champion for Sustainability: Zoe Lazarus and Emma Klein (9th grade, Sayville High School); Charles Metzger (10th grade, Roslyn High School); and Matias Kalaitzis (12th grade, Hauppauge High School).
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld continues to support those at the forefront of environmental progress on Long Island. With facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport and Ronkonkoma, Reworld processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycles 60,000 tons of metals and generates enough electricity to power 100,000 homes each year. Through its work, Reworld helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and support local communities in adopting more sustainable waste solutions. Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and community partners. From educational initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns to local cleanups and community programming, Reworld
continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s commit-
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Transgender, gender non-binary and intersex residents, joined by family members, friends and allies, gathered outside the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola on Saturday for a rally celebrating identity, resilience and community solidarity while drawing attention to legislative and social issues affecting transgender people.
The event, hosted by Gender Equality New York, brought together advocates and supporters from across Long Island amid what organizers described as a period of increasing anti-transgender rhetoric and legislation affecting transgender rights.
“This gathering is more than a rally. It is a declaration of our pride and a reminder of the collective power we hold when we rise together,” Juli GreyOwens, executive director of GENY, said. “Our voices matter. Our lives matter. And we refuse to be silenced, erased or pushed back into the shadows.”
Participants emphasized visibility, equality and the protection of civil rights for transgender, nonbinary and intersex people, with several organizations coming from across the Island, including the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Rockville Centre Pride and Freeport Pride.
Karin Johnson, co-founder of Rockville Centre Pride, thanked the ralliers for continuing their fight for equal rights.
“You make the world more beautiful, more interesting and more amazing,” Johnson said. “I am filled with gratitude for your magnificent resistance, and the world will be, too.”
Throughout the afternoon, attendees listened to speeches from advocates, joined in songs celebrating community and resilience, and joined in chants call-
ing for transgender rights and equality, saying, “We are here! We will not disappear!”
Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, spoke about his own experience with a close friend who reached out to him for help to navigate her transition years ago.
“Twenty years later, I stand here today with you, not just as an ally, but a spirit knowing that all of us are on journeys,” Sackman said. “Some of us have
had head starts, some of us have had harder struggles and bigger hurdles to continue, and we all need help on this journey.”
Ralliers voiced their opposition to discrimination and discussed challenges the members of the transgender community face. Speakers highlighted the experiences of people who they said cannot safely live openly as their authentic selves, and called for continued advocacy to ensure equal opportunities and protections.
“Remember this moment, remember this feeling, remember this truth,” Grey-Owens said in concluding the rally. “We are visible, we are united and we’re not going anywhere. Our futures are not up for debate.”
Gender Equality New York advocates for the rights of transgender, gender non-binary and intersex people throughout New York state. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organization works to increase public understanding, address discrimination and promote equal rights.
GENY’s work is centered on four core pillars — advocacy, education, connection and empowerment — and focuses on addressing barriers to economic, educational, racial and social equity while promoting a more inclusive society, according to the organization. For more information, visit GenderEqualityNY.org.
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
A large turtle wandering toward traffic on Wantagh Parkway was safely rescued last week thanks to the efforts of a local veterans advocate, a New York State trooper and animal rescue personnel.
John Scalesi, senior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of New York State and a longtime volunteer with the Bellmore Fire Department, was driving southbound on Wantagh Parkway near the pedestrian bridge by Wantagh High School at about 1:25 p.m. on May 22 when he noticed something unusual along the roadside.
“As an EMS person, you never know if there’s going to be an emergency,” Scalesi said.
At first, he wasn’t sure exactly what he had seen. After passing the area, he continued south before turning around and heading back north to investigate.
Scalesi said he contacted a friend involved in animal rescue efforts to alert him about the turtle’s location and then returned to the scene.
By the time he arrived, a New York State Police trooper had also spotted the animal.
The turtle was approaching the right lane of traffic when responders reached it.
“The turtle was just about to go into the right lane,” Scalesi recalled.
According to Scalesi, the responding trooper, later identified as Trooper Sotiris Kalodukas, put on protective gloves and carefully guided the turtle away from the roadway while animal rescue personnel responded.
A volunteer from an animal rescue organization based in Freeport also arrived at the scene to assist.
Scalesi estimated the turtle weighed roughly 15 pounds.
Courtesy John Scalesi
John Scalesi, senior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of New York State, and State Trooper Sotiris Kalodukas with a turtle rescued from the side of Wantagh Parkway, near Wantagh High School, on May 22.
While responders were initially concerned that the turtle may have been injured, no obvious injuries were visible.
“The woman from the rescue said she didn’t see anything,” Scalesi said. “She didn’t know if it was injured, but she didn’t see any signs of that.”
No traffic disruptions were reported during the rescue.
Photographs taken at the scene show Scalesi and Kalodukas posing beside a pet carrier containing the turtle beneath the Wantagh High School pedestrian
bridge. The turtle was later secured by the animal rescue volunteer, though Scalesi said he was unsure where it was ultimately relocated.
New York State Police officials praised the collaborative effort between residents and law enforcement.
“This incident was a great example of Troopers and the community working together toward a positive outcome,” Trooper Brittany Burton, public information officer for New York State Police Troop L, said in a statement. “No call is too big or too small and we are always happy to help however we can. It is especially a good day when everyone comes together and works toward a safe and positive outcome like this one.”
Burton added that Kalodukas reported an “outstanding citizen” located the turtle and remained with it until help arrived.
“Just goes to drive home the positive outcomes that can occur when the community and Troopers work together,” Burton said.
For Scalesi, who frequently travels throughout Long Island attending veterans events and community functions, helping keep the animal safe was simply the right thing to do.
The rescue also served as a reminder that wildlife often crosses Long Island roadways during the warmer months, creating dangers for both animals and motorists.
Scalesi said this was not the first time he had encountered a turtle near a busy roadway. He recalled seeing an even larger turtle near an entrance ramp to the Southern State Parkway in the past.
This time, however, the outcome was a happy one.
With the help of an observant passerby, responding state troopers and animal rescue personnel, the turtle avoided traffic and was safely removed from harm’s way.
series of Revolutionary War-themed programs and special events throughout 2026, highlighting New York’s role in the nation’s founding.
“The founding of America 250 years ago cannot be told without including New York’s pivotal role in the American Revolution,” Hochul said in a statement announcing the festivities.
The Memorial Day drone show also filled a temporary gap left by the rescheduling of the annual FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach, one of Long Island’s largest annual summer events.
Traditionally held on Memorial Day weekend, the air show has been moved this year to the July Fourth weekend.
State officials announced that the Air Show and Fireworks: Celebrating America250 will take place July 4 to 6, and feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and several military and civilian aviation performers.
This scheduling change aligns the event with Fleet Week New York and other America250 festivities planned across the state.
While the air show’s absence left Memorial Day weekend without the roar of jet engines overhead, the impressive drone display offered a different kind of spectacle, replacing aircraft with synchronized lights and patriotic imagery.
The FourLeaf Air Show is expected to return to its traditional Memorial Day weekend schedule in 2027.
• Fitness with purpose: Fuel. Move.Thrive.
• The power of sleep
• Mind over stigma: No more silent struggles
June is Men’s Health Month, an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the health challenges men face and the everyday choices that can lead to healthier, longer lives. Among the most important of those choices are staying active and maintaining habits that support overall well-being.
For some, fitness is already part of the daily routine. For others, busy schedules, setbacks or lost momentum may have pushed those goals aside. Wherever you are on the journey, the message is the same: every step toward better health matters.
If you’re sticking with a routine — great! If you’ve gotten sidetracked — get back on target!
There is no denying that exercise requires effort. Workouts can leave you sweaty, sore and sometimes frustrated by progress that feels slow to appear. Results often take weeks or months of consistency, making it easy to lose motivation along the way.
But lasting health is rarely built overnight. While personal goals and motivation provide direction, long-term success often comes down to the daily small decisions — choosing movement over inactivity, consistency over excuses and progress over perfection.
It’s often said that any workout routine (or goal) is 30 percent of actual physical activity, leaving 70 percent in the realm of diet.
These percentages aren’t exact, and they’ll change with the goals and body type of every individual, but they serve to highlight an important point. Every single general fitness goal will come down to what you’re putting into your body—not what you’re taking out.
This is easier to see if you’re aiming for fat loss, since essentially every diet boils down to calories in, calories out (CICO). But even if you’re trying to bulk up and build muscle, it’ll also come down to how you’re fueling your body. You’re not going to be putting on any weight if you’re killing yourself in the gym and not supporting the exertion with enough food
Have you drank enough water today?As a guy, you should be on track to have gulped down 3.7 liters of water by the end of today. This is your reminder.
Everyone’s probably sick of hearing that they should
be drinking more water, but it’s an important enough of a point to keep bringing up. Water is what makes up most of our bodies, and it can’t go ignored. Especially when we talk about fitness.
The advice found in gyms ranges everywhere from bro-science to the latest medical studies, so it’s difficult to sometimes parse the information and apply appropriate changes to your own fitness journey.
First off, warm up. Doing some light activity before a workout will pay out dividends when it comes to lifting those heavy weights. Increasing your heart rate and your blood flow will allow you to perform on a higher level than you otherwise would. Not to mention that warming up will help you avoid injuries by loosening up your muscles beforehand.
A cool-down activity is also complementary to a preexercise warm-up. Cooling down will get your heart rate and blood pressure down to pre-exercise levels.
Adding onto the above point, stretching is a great way to warm yourself up for a workout, while also increasing your flexibility. A key difference between men and women is that men tend to be less flexible than women. Being limber is a useful thing when it comes to both working out and doing functional tasks.
You’ll be able to move more efficiently, increasing your range of motion in your lifts and therefore making sure you’re getting all the gains possible. By relaxing your muscles, you can also stay injury-free (or at least less prone to injury) and feel a reduction in stress.
It’s also advised that you pay closer attention to your less-stretchy muscles. Muscle groups such as shoulders, lower back, and hamstrings are in particular need of close attention when trying to become more flexible. Focusing on your weaknesses will improve the functionality of your whole body.
And if you’re getting up there in terms of age, it’s more important than ever to start stretching. Anyone over the age of 40 should be holding their stretches for significantly longer (up to a minute), than younger people, since muscles become less limber with age.
When it comes to nutrition, guys often view healthy eating as a tradeoff — something that means giving up hearty meals and settling for bland, restrictive foods. But good nutrition is not about sacrificing satisfaction. It is about fueling the body with foods that support energy, strength and long-term health while helping reduce the risk of chronic disease.
The good news is that eating healthier does not mean abandoning favorite meals or eliminating flavor. In many cases, small changes — from smarter portions to better balance and ingredients — can make a meaningful difference. A healthy diet can be both satisfying and flavorful, proving that better nutrition and enjoyable eating can go hand in hand.
Go lean. Eating too much meat has been linked to heart disease, but that doesn’t mean men have to give up steak entirely. Instead, choose lean cuts of beef when eating meat. The United States Department of Agriculture defines a lean cut of beef as a 3.5-ounce serving that has less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol.
While it’s good to choose lean or extra lean cuts of beef, it’s still best to avoid overdoing it with regard to red meat. Eating less red meat makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure down.
Embrace whole grains. Bread is a beloved food for many guys, and, if chosen wisely, it can even be healthy and help prevent disease. Whole-grain bread, for instance, can boost energy levels while helping men maintain healthy weights.
The American Society for Clinical Nutrition notes that studies dating back several decades have provided strong support that whole grains play a beneficial role in reducing risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. And it’s now easier than ever before for men to include whole grains in their diets, as whole-grain pastas and cereals are available at more and more grocery stores.
Minimize saturated fat. It’s been well documented that a diet heavy in saturated fat is likely to increase the cholesterol in your blood, which increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis, a potentially deadly condition where the body’s medium and large arteries become clogged.
Saturated fat is in a host of foods as we well know. Many that we’ve come to rely on, including butter, whole milk, hard cheeses, and fatty meats or meat products such as sausage. But foods such as beans, fish and skinless poultry, each of which provide lots of protein, are not heavy in saturated fat, and can be just as delicious if not more so.
By Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD
If you’re a man over 50, it’s probably more difficult for you to rebound from a bucket of wings, a doughnut binge or a six-pack of beer than in your younger days. Bad habits take more of a toll as you age. Don’t wait until you have high blood pressure or gain 50 pounds to make a change.
Here’s a shocker: One in 10 deaths in U.S. adults are connected to eating too much salt. Sixty percent of those deaths occur in men. Too much sodium and too little potassium raise your blood pressure, a major contributor to heart disease. Cutting back on sodium bombs such as bread, cheese and processed foods can lower your risk. Add more heart-healthy leafy greens to your diet, and get more potassium through foods such as bananas. As a bonus, you’ll get fewer wrinkles.
Staying mentally sharp is just as important as maintaining physical strength after 50 — and nutrition can play a powerful role in supporting brain health. A
cognitive health and the risk of dementia and memory-related conditions later on. One approach frequently linked to better brain function is the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes healthy unsaturated fats while limiting saturated fats. Foods such as fish, nuts, olive oil and other plant-based oils may help support long-term cognitive wellness, proving that smart eating habits can benefit both body and mind as the years go by.
Osteoporosis is not just a woman’s disease. Men lose bone mass after age 50, too. You may benefit from supplemental calcium and probiotics in the diet.
A recent study in The Journal of Cellular Physiology found a connection between probiotic supplements and increased bone density in male mice. Researchers from the study commented that probiotics may help treat osteoporosis in the future, in addition to aiding digestive health.
When it comes to satisfying your taste buds, most men prefer soda over water. But the consequences to your future
deaths per year may be related to sugary soft drinks.
If you think red meat is manly and vegetables are wimpy, forget it — especially if you want a healthy love life. Eating too much red meat can clog your
erectile dysfunction. For better performance, get more protein from plants and powerhouses such as black and red kidney beans, and cut back on red meat, refined sugars and trans fat.
Photo: Aging will happen no matter what you do, but
Many men experience challenges in the bedroom but are loathe to talk about it with anyone, including their partners.
Reproductive and sexual health disorders weaken the physical, emotional and social well-being of millions of American men and damage their relationships.
Infertility, erectile dysfunction (ED), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and low testosterone are among the conditions that can be very troubling to men. And many suffer in silence.
Nearly 40 percent of U.S. men prefer to skip discussing prostate health with their doctors, 33 percent decline to be screened for prostate cancer, and approximately 39 percent of men with ED refuse to seek treatment, according to recent surveys.
Michael Herman,MD,Director of Urology at Mount Sinai South Nassau, leads an expert team dedicated to treating male reproductive and sexual health disorders.
Urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau, led by Michael Herman, MD, Director of Urology, have a message for men: “Have no fear, the help you need is here.”
“We take the worry, stress and apprehension out of the diagnosis to focus on providing our patients with the treatments as well as the positive reinforcement they need to address the condition,” said Dr. Herman, a specialist in robotic and laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer.
Dr. Herman and his team, including Mahyar Kashani, MD, Director of Male Sexual Health, and Raymond Sultan, MD, offer advanced, confidential and specialized care for male reproductive and sexual health disorders, emphasizing minimally invasive procedures to ensure faster recovery and improved outcomes. Here are some common male reproductive health disorders and the advanced treatment options the Mount Sinai South Nassau urology team uses to correct them:
1. BPH/enlarged prostate causes urinary issues including urgency, frequency, and weak stream, affecting a man’s quality of life and sexual health. Dr. Herman and Dr. Sultan are Long Island’s leaders in Aquablation therapy to shrink the enlarged prostate or remove prostate tissue without traditional open surgery. Other minimally invasive solutions include Rezum water vapor therapy and the UroLift system.
2. ED, defined as difficulty obtaining or sustaining an erection, affects both fertility and confidence. Medical and surgical solutions include oral medication management, penile injections and penile prosthesis (implant) surgery to restore function.
3. Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature) is caused by a plaque buildup inside the penis, leading to significant curvature and pain. Dr. Kashani can prescribe nonsurgical treatment options like Xiaflex® injection to break down the plaque or recommend penile reconstruction surgery to correct the curvature and restore function.
4. Low testosterone (Low-T or male hypogonadism) causes a range of physical, sexual, and emotional symptoms, including reduced sex drive, ED, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat or depression. It is primarily treated through Testosterone Replacement Therapy alongside lifestyle modifications and addressing any underlying medical conditions.
Dr. Herman and urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau also specialize in vasectomy male sterilization, where the tubes carrying sperm (vas deferens) are cut or sealed and microsurgical vasectomy reversal to reconnect the tubes to restore the flow of sperm back into the semen.
All treatment plans are complemented by comprehensive education and counseling so that patients may achieve maximal outcomes. For more information or to contact the hospital’s urologic specialists, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit https://www. mountsinai.org/ locations/south-nassau.
One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Good sleep It matters more than you think
For many men, sleep often falls to the bottom of the priority list viewed as downtime that gets in the way of work, responsibilities and productivity. Late nights and early mornings may feel like the price of getting more done, but these misconceptions about sleep can come at a cost, preventing you from unlocking the full potential of a healthy mind and body.
In truth, sleep is one of the most important investments you can make in your overall well-being. Far from being wasted time, sleep is when the body works hardest behind the scenes restoring energy, repairing tissues and preparing both mind and body for the day ahead.
Many guys simply don’t realize that they need more sleep. They view sleepiness as a part of the “bro code.” It’s a positive sign that they’re working hard and on the road to success. It’s a badge of honor not to sleep for more than three to four hours for many guys. Wrong!
Quality sleep is a game-changer for your overall health and well-being. Every person has their own need for sleep. This need varies from one person to another. On average, most adults need
seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested. Many men do not get this much sleep on a regular basis. As a result, they are not able to function at a maximum level of energy and concentration.
Here’s why you should prioritize getting good, quality sleep for your overall health.
Muscle recovery: Sleep plays a crucial role in repairing and rebuilding your muscles after workouts. It aids in muscle growth, increases strength, and helps you perform at your best.
Mental sharpness: Want to stay sharp, focused, and productive? Quality sleep enhances cognitive function, memory, and decision-making skills, giving you that mental edge you need.
Hormonal balance: Adequate sleep helps regulate testosterone levels, which are essential for men’s vitality, muscle mass, bone density, and overall energy levels. Get your Zzz’s to keep those hormones in check!
Heart health: Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Prioritizing quality sleep can contribute to a healthier heart and cardiovascular system.
Stress buster: Sleep is nature’s ultimate
stress buster! Getting enough restful sleep can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance your overall mental well-being.
So guys, lose the thinking that it’s “cool” not to sleep. Check out these healthy sleep habits provided by the experts at American Academy of Sleep Medicine to get the sleep you need for a productive and healthy life.
√ Be consistent. Go to bed when you are sleepy and try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
√ Limit time in bed. Don’t use your bed for other non-sleep activities, such as watching television or checking email or
monitoring social media.
√ Make your bedroom a sleep haven. A quiet and relaxing bedroom environment will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature but slightly cool.
√ Limit the caffeine if need be. Avoid coffee, tea, soda and other caffeine sources in the evening hours.
√ Also avoid alcohol and heavy meals close to bedtime.
√ Get at least those seven hours.
Your sleep is too important for you to ignore the signs of bad sleep hygiene. It will affect the quality of every other area of your life.
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau
By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent
With a celebration of history and patriotism, the “birthplace of American Naval aviation,” on Nassau County’s North Shore, was honored two weeks ago by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other area officials as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration.
One of the earliest naval aviation programs was created at the Peacock Point Estate, in Lattingtown. In 1916, a group of 28 students from Yale University formed the First Yale Unit, which was the first naval air reserve unit to enter service in World War I.
“We are known as the Cradle of Aviation,” Blakeman said of Nassau County on May 21, “but not that many people know about what happened here at Peacock Point.”
Nicknamed the Millionaires’ Unit due to the privileged upbringing of its members, the group took part in war battles and daring rescues. Descendants of its members who attended the ceremony included Henry P. Davison II, grandson of founding member F. Trubee Davison, on whose property the ceremony take place.
“We are, in this generation, extremely fortunate to have had members of all of our families play such an important
role in giving us the gift of liberty that we enjoy today,” Davison said. “We never take it for granted, and we are very grateful for their efforts.”
The families of the unit’s members
used their financial resources to bolster the U.S. Naval Reserves, which was in its infancy at the time. The stories from the First Yale Unit made it clear that no matter their social status, these young
men would potentially sacrifice their lives in order to defend America and its values.
“My grandparents could have used their social status to be able to avoid being drawn into the conflict, and yet they decided that they were going to lead the way into battle,” Davison said. “In their mind, there was an explicit understanding that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’”
The event included a ceremonial flyover of U.S. Naval aircraft, as a T-45 Goshawk flew across the Long Island Sound. Navy Lt. Raven Shanmugam and Lt. Luke O’Sullivan, both pilots in the Training Squadron 9 Tigers of the Naval Air Station Meridian, in Mississippi, orchestrated the flyover. After the pilots arrived at the event, Blakeman thanked each one for their service to the country.
“We’re incredibly proud that you’re with us to join in this celebration on the 250th anniversary of America,” Blakeman said.
Local officials echoed the importance of the nation’s servicemen, women and veterans. “From the Revolutionary War to the present day, generations of Americans have answered the call to serve and protect our freedom,” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We’re proud of our veterans, and truly proud of all America has to offer.”
By Karen Bloom
June brings one of the region’s most anticipated harvests — strawberry season.
For a few fleeting weeks, local fields burst with rows of bright red berries, offering the unmistakable sweetness and flavor that only fresh-picked fruit can deliver. It’s a seasonal tradition that invites families outdoors to enjoy sunny days and fill baskets at nearby U-Pick farms.
While spring fades into summer, strawberries reach their peak here, ripening throughout June and rewarding pickers with fruit far sweeter than supermarket varieties shipped from afar. The short harvest season makes each bite feel like a celebration of early summer.
And the enjoyment doesn’t end at the farm. Back home, those ruby-red berries can take center stage in everything from simple snacks to homemade desserts and refreshing seasonal recipes, bringing a taste of our Long Island summer to every table.
Classic Strawberry Shortcake
The quintessential treat is always in style.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 package (16 ounces) strawberries
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cups milk
Hull strawberries and cut each in half. Combine half of strawberries in a bowl with 2 tablespoons sugar. Combine cream and vanilla with remaining sugar and set aside. Stir cream occasionally to dissolve sugar.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and trace outline of an 8-inch circle. Set aside.
Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. With a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut in 4 tablespoons butter until
mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until dough just comes together. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle using outline on parchment paper as a guide. Bake about 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes on pan. Using a serrated knife, slice crosswise in half and carefully separate. Spread insides with remaining room temperature butter. Combine strawberries and cover bottom shortcake layer with half of the strawberry mixture. Replace top cake layer on bottom layer and cover with remaining strawberries. Serve warm, cut into wedges and drizzled with sweetened cream.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
This colorful salad makes a healthy, flavorful statement on your summer table.
• 5 ounces arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion (about ½ small onion)
• 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta, or 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup halved and thinly sliced radish (about 3 medium)
• 1 medium jalapeño, very thinly sliced (omit if sensitive to spice)
Balsamic vinaigrette:
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1
½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
Pinch of fine sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter or in a large serving bowl, layer the ingredients as listed.
Prepare the vinaigrette: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and whisk until fully blended. Taste, and add more salt or pepper if needed. The dressing should be nice and tangy, but you can add more maple syrup for balance if desired.
When ready to serve the salad, drizzle vinaigrette on top, and toss to combine. Serve promptly. (If you’re planning to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately and toss before serving.) Stored separately, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days.
Strawberry-Ricotta Pastry
Perfect for a party or simply indulging yourself, these addictive pastry puffs make it hard to stop at one.
• 2 sheets puff pastry
• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 basket fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup homemade, part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 400 F.
Cut both puff pastry sheets into nine squares. Make slit in corner of each square toward middle of pastry. Fold corners to other corners to create pinwheel shape. Brush pastry with 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle on each puff pastry.
Bake 12-15 minutes until pastry is golden brown and raised.
In medium saucepan on medium to high heat, pour in remaining granulated sugar and water. Once sugar is dissolved, pour in fresh strawberries. Bring mixture to boil then simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are broken apart and semi-thick sauce is created. Let chill in refrigerator 2 hours. To chill faster, put in freezer 45 minutes.
In medium bowl, using mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In separate medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy. Return whipped cream to ricotta mixture and whip 1-2 minutes until mixture is light and fluffy.
Spoon ricotta cream into center of each puff pastry pinwheel. Spoon strawberry compote in middle of ricotta mixture.
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the majestic backdrop for a lively musical afternoon. Northwinds Symphonic Band returns with “Broadway, Movies, and Light Classics.” The concert (indoors) features treasured tunes from the big screen to the Broadway stage. Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey’s entertaining program of instrumental and vocal selections from popular movies and Broadway shows, as well as familiar classics., with music music from “Cyberworld 3D,” favorites from “Star Wars” and much more. The concert also pays tribute to Louis Armstrong with Satchmo! A special appearance by Broadway performer Karen Murphy and tenor Joe Stroppel are among the highlights. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the majestic grounds prior to the concert.
Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. $10. 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
David Lee Roth
Get ready to jump! Diamond Dave is back! The iconic, high-flying frontman of Van Halen is bringing his legendary swagger and a massive arsenal of rock anthems to the Paramount stage. Fans can expect a high-octane night packed with timeless hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
This tour marks a massive return for the rock legend, who officially ended a five-year hiatus from the stage last May with a triumphant, headline-making debut at the M3 Rock Festival. Far from a strippeddown nostalgic act, Roth backs up his signature showmanship with a powerhouse new eight-piece band to perfectly replicates those massive, classic Van Halen harmonies. Between the fresh musical muscle and Roth’s undiminished, charismatic stage presence, this promises to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll.
Sunday, June 7, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Storybook Stroll. Little listeners are invited to participate in a guided stroll through the Gardens, with a reading of “The Secret Garden” by Callista Brill (based on Frances Hodgson Burnett) Along the way, discover nature’s wonders, in the formal gardens. The tour ends at the Thatched Cottage with a story and hands-on craft for each child to take home.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Razzle Dazzle!’
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance. In this latest production, the cast of 35, plus special guests, keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers perform the greatest tunes from Broadway and popular favorites. Enjoy the Cabaret Theatre’s take on Broadway’s best, including “Les Miserables,” “Something Rotten,” “Chicago,” and more, and hits from The Beatles, Doobie Brothers, CSN&Y, Carpenters, Billy Joel, and more. Call or text to reserve a table.
• Where: St. Frances de Chantal R.C. Church, 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 7:30 p.m
• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207
7
• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 221-2370
David Lerner Associates Police Appreciation Run
Runners hit the pavement in Eisenhower Park, demonstrating appreciation for local police.
• Where: Field 2, Eisenhower Park
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: Events.EliteFeats. com/26appreciation
Thursday Night Live
Miss Wantagh Flag Retirement Mailbox
Project
Miss Wantagh 2025 Isabella Simon, in partnership with the American Legion unveils a hand-painted mailbox where tattered American flags can be placed for proper retirement. With a demonstration on the proper way to retire a flag.
• Where: Wantagh Preservation Society, 1620 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 12:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 783-2519
Rockin’ the park
Eisenhower Parks’s Concert Series is back and welcomes Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Blessid Union of Souls bands.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 76 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy visits the Paramount ready to cut loose. Since their formation in the early ‘90s in Ventura, Calif., the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s original horn-infused music and legendary high energy show introduces the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music’s rich legacy. Together for over 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in movies and television shows. With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country’s finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Super Bowl XXXIII, the band continues its decades long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America’s original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.
Antique Car Show
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes everyone to step back in time and experience the charm of classic automobiles at the most elegant antique car show on Long Island, proudly presented by the Greater New York Region, Antique Automobile Club of America. Enjoy a day of stunning vintage vehicles, captivating history, and friendly competition, with awards ceremony at 2-3 p.m.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
Harmonize with Long Island Harmonizers
Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if
you’d like — join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 5214779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
Narcan Training
Attend the free Narcan training in Wantagh at Wantagh Public Library, in partnership with the Town of Hempstead. Participants learn how to identify an overdose and properly administer a Narcan kit as well as receive one
• Where: 3285 Park Ave.
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: wantaghlibrary.org or (516) 812-3285
time
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.
• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantaghw
• Time: Noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Blood Drive
Seaford Public Library, in cooperation with Long Island Blood Services, hosts a blood drive in the Valentine Meehan Meeting Room. Anyone in good health between the ages of 17 and 75 may donate. The donation procedure generally takes seven to 10 minutes, followed by refreshments. Appointments are preferred and you can register at donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/332261.
• Time: 1:30-7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 221-1334 or 1-800-933-BLOOD
Grooves with Amber Ferrari Band
Eisenhower Park’s Concert Series welcomes the Amber Ferrari Band. The nine-piece band plays tunes from the ‘60s through the ‘90s.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Bingo at Temple B’Nai
Torah
Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.
Thursday Night Live returns to Wantagh with an evening of entertainment, local vendors, family activities, and community fun. The popular outdoor event series transforms the downtown area into a lively gathering space featuring music performances, bounce houses, food and dessert trucks, shopping opportunities, and activities for all ages. Residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a festive summer atmosphere while supporting local businesses and vendors. It’s part of the 2026 Thursday Night Live summer schedule, which continues on select evenings continuing in July (2, 16, and 30), and August (13, 27).
• Where: Railroad Avenue and Wantagh Avenue, just north of the LIRR station, Wantagh
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Contact: Wantagh Chamber of Commerce at (516) 679-0100
Having an event?
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AGENDA:
x273
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 9th day of June 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following location(s):
FRANKLIN SQUARE
ROOSEVELT AVENUE (TH 184/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Delmar Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.
MERRICK
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 182/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Thorne Court, north for a distance of 68 feet.
LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 182/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 68 feet north of the north curbline of Thorne Court, north for a distance of 870 feet.
RUGBY ROAD (TH 188/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Dobson Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.
RUGBY ROAD (TH 188/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Dobson Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.
DOBSON AVENUE (TH 188/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Rugby Road, north for a distance of 30 feet.
DOBSON AVENUE (TH 188/26) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Rugby Road, south for a distance of 45 feet.
OCEANSIDE OAK COURT (TH 59/26) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 50 feet east of the east curbline of Harvey Avenue, southeast for a distance 52 feet.
POINT LOOKOUT
OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 180/26) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 877 feet east of the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east for a distance of 56 feet.
OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 180/26) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 959 feet east of the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east to its termination.
SEAFORD
TONOPAH STREET (TH 157/26) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 68 feet west of the west curbline of Neptune Avenue, west for a distance of 41 feet.
WANTAGH
WEST SEAMANS NECK ROAD (TH 187/26) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 105 feet south of the south curbline of Demott Avenue, south for a distance of 615 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD NASSAU BOULEVARD (TH 176/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Guildford Court, north for a distance of 40 feet.
GUILDFORD COURT (TH 176/26) North Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Nassau Boulevard, west for a distance of 20 feet.
GUILDFORD COURT (TH 176/26) South Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Nassau Boulevard, west for a distance of 25 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL
from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s):
NORTH MERRICK LITTLE WHALENECK
ROAD (TH 239/79) West Side - NO
PARKING ANYTIMEstarting from the north curbline of Thorne Court, north to the north property line of the north school.
(Adopted 11/27/79)
POINT LOOKOUT
OCEAN BOULEVARD (TH 63/10) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 877 feet east of a point opposite the east curbline of Parkside Drive, east to its termination.
(Adopted 5/25/10)
WEST HEMPSTEAD
NASSAU BOULEVARD
(TH 60/96) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Guildford Court, north for a distance of 30 feet.
(Adopted 7/9/96)
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: May 27, 2026
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160550
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 49-2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of May 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 49-2026, and following the close of the hearing the
Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 49-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: May 27, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Hempstead, New York OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160539
LEGAL NOTICE
Special Meeting Notice Notice is hereby given that the Seaford Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, will hold a Special Meeting on the Second Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 7:00 P.M., at the Seaford Fire Headquarters, 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York 11783-2544.
All meetings of the Seaford Fire District are open to the public.
===============
By order of: Board of Fire Commissioners Seaford Fire District
Dated: May 27, 2026
Michael R. Foran, Secretary 160551
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
LEGAL NOTICE Notice
June 2026 Meeting Date Change Notice is hereby given that the Seaford Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, will hold its regular Monthly Meeting for the month of June 2026, on the Fifth Monday, June 29, 2026, 7:00 P.M., at the Seaford Fire Headquarters, 2170 Southard Avenue, Seaford, New York 11783-2544.
All meetings of the Seaford Fire District are open to the public.
===============
By order of:
Board of Fire Commissioners
Seaford Fire District
Dated: May 27, 2026
Michael R. Foran, Secretary 160549
By JONATHAN PADILLA Intern
Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Art has been recognized as an Exemplary School from the Arts Schools Network for 2026 to 2031.
The recognition is presented to art schools across the country that perform excellent work in the fields of art, theatre and the like.
LIHSA is dedicated to culminating artistic excellence and academic achievement through an engaging educational environment that supports creativity, innovation and student growth.
LIHSA Principal, Lindsay Rogan, said that the school is thankful to all of their students and staff for working hard to win the recognition. “The entire faculty worked together to submit this lengthy document with evidence of student growth, of our vision, our mission, our values,” Rogan said.
ASN, the nation’s largest professional membership organization of specialized arts schools, awards Exemplary School Designations to members that follow A Guide to Assessing Your Arts School in strategically evaluating their school’s purpose, operations, and educational programs. The guide is a collaborative effort between ASN and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-Collegiate Art School.
“We offer guidance, inspiration and incentives to art school leaders who strive for excellence in their schools,” said Nicole Michel, managing director for ASN. “When they demonstrate outstanding efforts towards this goal, as they do following ‘A Guide to Assessing Your Arts School,’ we recognize and reward their achievements with this
designation.”
LIHSA students engage in various arts programming that encourages collaboration, creative expression and interdisciplinary learning in areas including visual arts, music theatre, dance, and media arts. Through performance opportunities, exhibitions, community partnerships, and mentorship from experienced educators and artists, LIHSA builds confident, imaginative, and socially engaged learners prepared to thrive in higher education, professional artistic pursuits and an evolving global community.
“This recognition is a meaningful reflection of the culture of creativity, passion and possibility that defines Long Island High School of the Arts. LIHSA is a community where students are empowered to discover their voice, refine their talent and grow into confident artists and individuals,” said Larry Leaven, Nassau BOCES district superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of Principal Lindsay Rogan, the faculty, staff, students and alumni whose dedication and vision continue to create transformative opportunities for young people through the power of the arts.”
When asked if LIHSA will be aiming for more recognition or awards in the future, Rogan said, “maybe in the next few years, but for right now, this national distinction is really incredible and really helps to remind our community that students in high school have access to incredible arts education without having to leave Long Island.”
ASN will honor the school at the awards ceremony during the ASN 2026 Annual conference on October 20 to 22, 2026, in San Diego, California.
L et us K now
News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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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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Recently Joe Cairo, former St. John’s basketball great Frank Alagia and I had the chance to meet Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the cult classic film “Rudy,” based on Ruettiger’s improbable football “career” at Notre Dame. Ruettiger was in town to speak at Nassau Community College’s graduation.
Cairo and I are graduates of Notre Dame, and Alagia was heavily recruited by Notre Dame before deciding on St. John’s. We’re all longtime followers of college sports, and no collegiate sports program has had a more storied tradition than Notre Dame football.
The Fighting Irish have had, by last count, 94 All-Americans, 50 College Hall of Famers and seven Heisman Trophy winners.
Ruettiger was none of these. He played for a total of less than 40 seconds, and made one tackle in Notre Dame’s final home game of the 1975 season, his senior year, against Georgia Tech. Because the Irish were leading 24-3 when Coach Dan Devine put Ruettiger
in the game, that tackle had zero impact on the game or the season.
Yet Rudy’s is one of the first names millions of sports fans will raise in a conversation not just about Notre Dame football, but college football in general. More than 50 years after his single moment of gridiron glory and 33 years after the film premiered, “Rudy” remains a cable television mainstay. Why?
Because Ruettiger’s story is what so many consider college sports, Notre Dame and the American Dream to be all about: hard work and a fighting spirit overcoming the odds.
The tale of his brief moment in the spotlight at Notre Dame is a cult classic.
Raised with 13 siblings in the very-blue-collar steel mill town of Joliet, Ill., Ruettiger demonstrated neither the academic nor the athletic skills to be accepted, let alone play football, at Notre Dame. He was dyslexic and underweight, a poor high school student and a mediocre football player. But his lifelong dream, like that of so many Catholic ethnic kids of his generation, was to play football at Notre Dame.
After serving in the Navy in the Vietnam War, Ruettiger began his quixotic quest to be admitted to Notre Dame. As the film recounts, after personal entreat-
ies to university priests and officials, he was admitted to its affiliate, Holy Cross Junior College, adjacent to the big school’s campus. He got a janitorial job and a place to sleep in the bowels of Notre Dame’s football facilities while studying at Holy Cross. Then, after several rejections and much tutoring, he was admitted to Notre Dame as a junior, and set out to make the football team as a walk-on.
He played on the practice team, going up against the varsity as it prepared for upcoming games but receiving no assurance that he would ever take the field at Notre Dame Stadium himself. But in that final game in 1975, he did.
As Ruettiger is the first to tell you, his story isn’t about football heroics. It’s about the American Dream of working hard to overcome hard times and disappointments without complaint or selfpity. It’s about Notre Dame’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence while staying loyal to lasting beliefs and principles. Its athletes had to measure up to the same academic requirements as other students, and experience the same living conditions. The players who were on the field on
Saturdays were in the classrooms, dining halls and dorms with other students during the week.
The day after our meeting, as I was writing this, Ruettiger called to continue our conversation. He and I are both concerned about how much things are changing in college sports. While college athletes are entitled to fair compensation, now, with the transfer portal, players sign lucrative contracts and can move from college to college one year to the next, season to season. Star players can transfer to play for a college team for one year, after barely setting foot on that school’s campus, and then play for a rival college the following year. This takes away the sense of identifying with players who share your experience — even so many Notre Dame “subway alumni” who have never attended the school but share its aspirations.
As a guy who has been through so much, however, Ruettiger has confidence that college sports will prevail, and he will continue to believe in his inspirational film and message. Whether the odds are great or small, whether in life or on the gridiron, old Notre Dame will win over all. Go, Irish!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Ihave just celebrated another birthday, and there is no denying that I am up there in years on this planet. I take every birthday seriously, but in my case they’re a reminder that none of us are going to be around forever, and some of us have only a short time left to share our experiences with our friends and family.
The world around us is moving at such a rapid pace that it’s impossible to keep up with the blizzard of news that we endure each day. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our wonderful country, I often think about the Founding Fathers and the challenges they faced to tell the nation about their vision of what they wanted America to become, and about our responsibilities as its citizens.
Benjamin Franklin offered us many words of wisdom during the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention. He famously remarked, on leaving the
convention, that he and his colleagues had given us “a republic, if you can keep it.” He further offered, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
WFranklin argued that self-governance relies directly on the moral character of its citizens. And lastly, he stated, “This Constitution can only end in despotism … when the people shall become so corrupted.” Those remarks were a warning that the system would fail if the people lost their capacity for self-governance. That’s a lot of wisdom to digest, and it takes time to unpack all of it.
advance his personal agenda.
hat would he think of our Congress, and a slush fund, and unapproved wars?
If I had to choose one example of how we have failed to heed Franklin’s words, it is the U.S. Congress. Starting around the fourth grade, history teachers tell us that we have three “equal” branches of government. That used to refer to Congress, the Supreme Court and the president. But today we have a neutered Congress, a feuding Supreme Court and a president who has successfully taken control of the levers of government to
I rarely comment about the happenings in the Republican Party, because I have enough issues with my fractured Democratic Party. But watching television the other night, I felt some sadness about Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s primary defeat. I relate to Cornyn because of my 23 years in the State Legislature. Government is only as good as the people who serve in it, and Cornyn, a Republican, was a hardworking, productive senator. I feel the same way about Louisiana’s Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who incurred the ire of President Trump for voting to impeach him after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, contributed much to the Senate, but also lost a primary last month.
What would Franklin think about the $1.776 billion slush fund created by Trump to reward the Jan. 6 rioters for their misdeeds? A number of Republican senators who have been silent on so many issues have spoken out against this money grab. Think of the significance of this concept. All of the money
given out will remain confidential. There are no restrictions on who can apply. People who assaulted Capitol policemen could walk away with taxpayer money.
The people who crafted our Constitution did so with the hope that we would avoid future wars, and only start them with the consent of Congress. The president has called the Iran war a “military operation” and a “skirmish,” but it has dramatically depleted our supply of sophisticated weapons. Depriving Iran of a nuclear weapon is important, but when the conflict is over, Iran will be better off, and capable of waging terror in the region for years to come.
Benjamin Frankin, and the many other signatories to the Constitution, hoped that we would, in time, become a better nation. These are the thoughts that occupy me as I enjoy another birthday. I worry not for me. I worry for my children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. We owe them a more perfect union.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
We all know the dangers of leaving your child in a parked car, especially in the summer. But what most people don’t realize is the deadly consequences that can result from leaving your pet in a parked car, too.
This danger is not exaggerated; it’s science.
A parked car acts like a greenhouse, trapping heat inside that builds with alarming speed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside a vehicle parked on an 85-degree day can reach 104 degrees in just 10 minutes, and within an hour can soar more than 40 degrees above the outdoor temperature.
Even on days that feel merely warm — not scorching — the heat in a sealed vehicle can become lethal.
Many pet owners still cling to dangerous myths. Parking in the shade isn’t enough. Cracking the windows doesn’t offer meaningful relief. Leaving water in the car changes little. Once heat becomes trapped, the temperature rises rapidly and relentlessly.
What makes the situation even more dangerous is that animals can’t cool
To the Editor:
I have lived on Long Island for many years, and it’s part of my DNA. I was shocked to read the op-ed in the May 14-20 issue, “Battery energy storage isn’t just an experiment. It works,” by Nick Guariglia, the advocacy manager of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance. It was a completely one-sided commentary by an insider to the battery storage proposals floating around Long Island.
One basic, and most important, concern Mr. Guariglia didn’t mention is the lack of technology for avoiding lithium battery fires. The fires that have occurred in the U.S. and around the world caused by overheating energy-storage batteries are well documented. Fire departments, and fire marshals, across the U.S. acknowledge the lack of knowledge, appropriate tools and training of volunteer firefighters that’s necessary to manage these fires. Firefighters simply depend on hours of watering the batteries until the fire is extinguished.
This archaic process of putting out a fire costs thousands of gallons of expensive water, and the chemicals that burning lithium-based batteries release into our communities, and our Long Island waterways, are a key concern in the towns where these bat-
themselves the way humans do. People sweat efficiently. Dogs and cats rely primarily on panting. But when the air surrounding them is already hotter than their bodies, panting can actually worsen the problem by drawing in even hotter air. Heatstroke can occur in just minutes.
Certain kinds of pets face even greater risks. Older and overweight animals, and short-muzzled breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, struggle to regulate body temperature under normal conditions. Inside a hot car, they can quickly suffer brain damage, organ failure or death.
The warning signs of heatstroke are often easy to spot: heavy panting, frantic behavior and excessive drooling are early signs of distress. Bright red gums, vomiting, stumbling or collapse signal a medical emergency. At that point, every second matters.
If a pet appears to be overheating, it should immediately be moved to a cooler area and relieved with cool — not icecold — water while emergency veterinary care is sought. Ice water can shock the body and worsen the situation.
Unfortunately, many tragedies occur because owners convince themselves they will “only be gone a minute.” But a
quick stop in a store, coffee shop or pharmacy can turn deadly if a line forms or there’s another distraction.
If you see a pet left in a car, call 911. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
The issue is serious enough that New York, and many other states, have laws addressing animals left in dangerous conditions inside vehicles.
New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353-d prohibits confining a companion animal in a vehicle during extreme heat or cold when doing so puts the animal in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury. The law authorizes police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and humane officers to remove the endangered animal if necessary. A pet owner can also face criminal cruelty charges if an animal is injured or dies after being left in a hot car.
But laws alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness and personal responsibility matter most. The safest choice is also the simplest: If your pet can’t come inside with you, leave it at home. No errand, appointment or convenience is worth risking your four-legged best friend’s life.
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Remember “snap decisions”?
They’re now DOA. I sit down to write about the epidemic of obsessive overthinking that grips many of us as we try to get through the day, decision by decision. Should I set the alarm for 7:15 a.m. and have time for coffee, or 7:25 and sleep 10 more minutes?
Should I wear the boots to work?
And how long should I think about this? You take my point.
The problem isn’t just that the process of “choosing” is overwhelming. It’s that we can’t think fluidly. Our thoughts are fragmented by our screen life.
This has led to a kind of decision paralysis.
I need wallpaper. There must be thousands of choices, so why don’t I go online and look at all of them? Or I’m studying a menu: blackened tuna or chicken parm? I stare. Others are waiting for me.
teries are proposed to be installed.
My own process is a little like fishing. I cast a line, like “What should I write about this week?” and if something bites, I go with it — except for recent times, when I sometimes lose the fish, or drop the rod, or forget why I’m standing on a riverbank in my brain, trying to land an idea.
So I was on the riverbank a minute ago, planning to explore more productive decision-making techniques, when my phone beeped, and told me there was an “audacious” recipe for cucumber salad waiting for me online. Who could resist?
Tagainst institutionalized cruelty unworthy of a great country.
So that’s always a compelling topic, I thought, as I was looking up the details of the new $1.8 billion fund to “deliver payouts to people who say they were harmed by the justice system,” according to The Washington Post. That would include the people charged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
he task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? No.
After saving it to my online file of never-to-be-used recipes, I came back to my task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? Wrong.
I am so riven by the political threats to our democracy that I believe I should use my space to resist, to support the integrity of the Constitution and to summon the help of people in power to stop the madness that is Trump. It’s my little bit. Maybe a reader or two will join me in pushing back
Let’s be clear: Our communities are not opposed to innovative ideas for generating much-needed added energy, but that shouldn’t come with a high risk of exposing our children and families to lithium batteries that have not yet proven to be manageable, but have proven to be fire-prone when they overheat. Let’s not ignore these facts and offer one-sided comments to the public.
Mr. Guariglia also failed to mention the critical nature of base-load generation, the foundation of consistent and reliable energy production. Before considering additional supplementary energy sources such as wind and solar, we must strengthen our existing power generation structure by repowering the E.F. Barrett, Northport and Port Jefferson power plants, and increasing their efficiency by converting them to combined-cycle-generation capacity from existing single-cycle generation. This will almost double their power output.
We must expand the capacity of the upstate Nine Mile Point nuclear power plants 1 and 2. Utilize the availability of clean natural gas to New York state via the new pipeline known as the North East Supply Enhancement project to supply Long Island plants. Take full advantage of the existing cross-Sound cables that transport energy to and from Long Island, as well as the Neptune cable, from Sayreville, N.J., that transmits electricity generated in the Midwest to Long Island.
Funding the above must take precedence over expending resources on inconsistent power generation from wind and solar projects or risky battery energy storage systems.
Paying the perpetrators? And as part of the deal, according to The New York Times, the Trumps, senior and junior, might not ever be subject to audits, like every other United States citizen. Basically, if they were so inclined — and I’m not suggesting they would cook the books — they would never have to pay a tax bill again. No one would be looking. My friends, conservative or liberal, how is that possibly OK?
I took a lunch break last hour, and while I was chowing down on a hamburger, I got a news alert that I could be dead by the time I finished my meal due to the risks of fatty meats and overprocessed hamburger rolls. And
the energy drink I was swilling could trigger a heart attack from the caffeine content alone.
Well, that could make a good topic for a column, but by the time I returned to the computer, my weather app was screaming at me to take shelter, from “tornadic” activity in the area. Turned out to be a false alarm, but it did make me lose my train of thought…
Oh, yes. Deciding on what to write about today. I can’t choose just any topic, because a gene for obsessive rumination is part of my DNA, and I must believe that I have made the perfect decision for readers, for our moment and for me.
No need to rush and tell me I missed the mark. We all know, intellectually, that perfection is the enemy of the good. The quote is frequently attributed to Voltaire, but I’ve heard many writers offer a version. It’s so apt today, as we scroll day and night, trying to decide on the best all-night car wash or strapless bra or Korean barbecue. We can be consumed by the process or make peace with “good enough.” Good enough may keep us sane as we live through destabilizing times.
Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
Landing-Greenvale Civic Council
GEORGE P. POMBAR President, Glen Head-Glenwood
Editors’ note: Nick Guariglia’s op-ed did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald.com.
