Five graduating seniors from Seaford High School were honored with the annual Patriot Award for exemplifying service, character and commitment. This year’s award recipients are, from left, Jayne Singleton, Ava Caruso, Emily Richardson, Anastasia Perlegis and Skyler Secondino.
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee recently honored five graduating seniors from Seaford High School with the Patriot Award for their service, character and commitment — values that reflect the legacy of alumni lost on Sept. 11.
This year’s recipients — Valedictorian Anastasia Perlegis, Salutatorian Ava Caruso, Emily Richardson, Jayne Singleton and Skyler Secondino — were announced at the graduation ceremony on June 13. They were each presented with the award and a $2,000 stipend at the June 23 dinner at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
The nonprofit memorial committee was established in 2002 to honor the memory of the high school’s five alumni who died in
the attacks on the World Trade Center: brothers Thomas and Timothy Haskell, John Perry, Robert Sliwak and Michael Wittenstein. Perry was a New York City police officer; the Haskells were firefighters; and Sliwak and Wittenstein both worked for Cantor Fitzgerald at the World Trade Center.
Memorial committee chairman Tom Condon, who started his teaching career at the high school in 1969, knew all five when they were students. He was a social studies teacher for Sliwak and Thomas Haskell, a guidance counselor for Perry, and knew Wittenstein through student activities.
After the events of 9/11, Condon met with their families to figure out how best to honor their memory.
“All five guys loved their experience at ConTinuEd on PAgE 20
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Nearly a decade after Mount Sinai South Nassau purchased property in Wantagh, a new multi-specialty medical care facility is set to open this month, bringing expanded access to health services for Long Islanders.
TThe 63,000square-foot, fourstory facility, at 2020 Wantagh Ave., will offer specialty services including infusion, cardiology, women’s health, digestive health and orthopedics. The building, a $70 million investment by Mount Sinai South Nassau — a nonprofit teaching hospital in Oceanside with regional facilities across Long Island — is expected to serve roughly 1,200 to 1,500 patients a day, according to hospital officials.
Greenlawn, in Suffolk County.
Dr. Adhi Sharma, president and CEO of Mount Sinai South Nassau, said the facility will provide comprehensive and collaborative care, making it possible for patients to receive all the services they need under one roof while enabling physicians to work closely together.
his space is a healing space, a welcoming space, a warm space for patients to come, oftentimes at a point of despair in their care journey.
DR. ADHi SHARmA President and CEO, Mount Sinai South
The medical director will be Dr. Sunil George, who served as associate medical director at Mount Sinai’s location in
“This space is a healing space, a welcoming space, a warm space for patients to come, oftentimes at a point of despair in their care journey,” Dr. Sharma said during a preview tour of the facility on June 25. “So, hopefully, they’ll feel the love and energy that was put into this space by our architects and designers.”
The hospital’s board of directors purchased the property in 2016, intending to convert an office building into a state-of-the-art medical facility. Mount Sinai
ConTinuEd on PAgE 10
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, second from left, recently honored Felicia Garramone, of Levittwon, for her musical talent. A pianist since the age of four, Felicia’s hard work and dedication recently took her all the way to Bulgaria, where she competed in the prestigious Andrey Stoyanov International Piano Competition—and won first place. This remarkable achievement on the world stage, according to Rhoads, is a testament to her passion and perseverance. Rhoads added that he is proud of Garramone’s success.
of
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, right, visited the Wantagh Kiwanis Club’s food drive at King Kullen on June 14, supporting their efforts to collect donations for local families in need. Rhoads’s office said the club’s continued commitment to service uplifts neighbors in need and reflects the best of the Wantagh community.
With an energy that lit up the school and a contagious enthusiasm, Wantagh High School’s Class of 2025 will never be forgotten. That was the message from Principal Paul Guzzone to the 200 graduates during the 70th annual commencement ceremony on June 21 on the turf field.
The graduates are leaving with undeniable achievements and a record of compassion and support. Guzzone, reflecting on a scene from the Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises,” reminded the graduates that sometimes in order to achieve success, they have to “jump without the rope.”
“Because only then, when there’s no fallback, no easy way out, will you fight with everything you have to make it,” he said. “Removing the rope isn’t just about eliminating a backup plan, it’s about unlocking something even more powerful within yourself. It’s about believing.”
The graduates believed as they marched onto the field to “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the band’s underclassmen. They believed as the large crowd cheered their entrance and as they received their diploma folders and medals.
Superintendent John McNamara noted their remarkable journey from uncertain freshmen to confident leaders. The Class of 2025 didn’t just grow up, they grew together.
“When I look out at the sea of graduates, I see more than just caps and gowns,” he said. “I see a story, a story of profound growth and powerful accomplishment.”
Board of Education President Tara Cassidy noted that the gradu-
Skylar Mondelli and Gabriel Avitabile were this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
ates are part of a long tradition of excellence in the community spanning seven decades. While a lot has changed since first class to graduate, there are also many commonalities.
“What has stayed the same is the value of a Wantagh education, and the pride our graduates feel receiving a diploma from high school that has always prioritized student success,” she said. “You are now part of the rich and vibrant history of Wantagh High School. The contributions you made to this school and to this community will be remembered for a long time.”
Student speakers included valedictorian Skylar Mondelli, salutatorian Gabriel Avitabile and senior class co-presidents Madeline Lehrer and Julianna Tsempelis.
“We all sit here today as Warriors, ready to embark on our next great adventure, eager to see
where our paths will lead us next,” Skylar said. “And we are ready. We are ready for whatever comes our way.”
Gabriel’s piece of advice to his fellow graduates was to “go with the flow.”
“Be open to change and new opportunities,” he said. “Along the way, you will be molded by your surroundings and experiences.”
Madeline and Julianna reflected on the memories the class has made together over the last four years, the legacy they leave behind and the strength they have gained from the challenges faced together. Perhaps the toughest challenge was the loss of a classmate two years ago. Before diplomas were awarded, Guzzone paid tribute to William Desroches, one of their classmates who died in a jet ski accident while on vacation. He honored the student who was sweet, funny and full of life, left an indelible mark on everyone who
Scientific studies show that we have a “set point” that determines our happiness in life. Once we get accustomed to a new situation we inevitably return to our general state of happiness. However, only about 50% of our happiness is determined by “set point.” The other half is determined by our attitudes and actions, over which we have a great deal of control. According to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, and affirmed by the Dalai Lama, “the three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.
“The Archbishop says that “ultimately our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others… we are wired to be caring for the other and generous to one another.” He refers to the African concept of Ubuntu “ A person is a person through other persons.
“The goal is not just to create joy for
ourselves but, as the Archbishop phrased it “To be a reservoir of joy, an oasis of peace, a pool of serenity that can ripple out to all those around you.” Joy, love, compassion and generosity are all contagious.
Concerning forgiveness, while it may be necessary to counter wrong action, you may choose not to develop anger and hatred towards the actor — not losing sight of the humanity of the person.
Forgiveness frees us from the past. Without it, we remain tethered to the person who harmed us. Until we can forgive them, they hold the keys to our happiness and remain our jailor, Tutu explains. When we forgive, we take back control of our own fate and feelings, we become our own liberator. Studies show that remembering grudges stimulates all of our stress responses while empathizing with our offenders and imagining forgiving them returns the stress responses to normal. Forgiveness, then, is essential to our own health and well-being.
Kelly Vanacore, 48, of South Farmingdale, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Target on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on June 23.
Dwi
Jemina Valle, 41, of Roosevelt, was arrested for an allegedly driving while intoxicated on the Southern State Parkway in Wantagh on June 22.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
A 20-year-old woman sustained minor injuries in a suspected shark encounter while swimming at Jones Beach State Park on June 25.
According to New York State Parks officials, the swimmer was waist-deep in the surf at the Central Mall beachfront around 4:15 p.m. when she reported being bitten by an unknown marine animal. Lifeguards and EMTs responded immediately, and she was taken to Nassau University Medical Center with non-life-threatening lacerations to her left foot and leg.
Although the swimmer did not see what caused the injury, experts from the state Department of Environmental
Conservation reviewed the scene and photos and concluded it was most likely caused by a juvenile sand tiger shark.
Swimming was temporarily suspended while drones and lifeguards searched the water for marine life. No dangerous activity was observed, and swimming resumed the following morning with ongoing aerial and boat patrols.
Officials remind beachgoers to avoid swimming near schools of fish or seals, stay in groups, and follow lifeguard instructions to minimize the risk of shark interactions.
— Charles Shaw
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
It was a banner season for many high school athletic programs in the Herald’s coverage area. Listed are the Top 20 team accomplishments, in chronological order.
1. Oceanside girls soccer
With one overtime in the books and penalty kicks looming in the Nov. 4 Nassau Class AAA girls’ soccer championship game, Oceanside’s Kaylin Harrington had one thing in mind when she settled a pass from Chloe Polito about 20 yards from the Massapequa net. “My first instinct was to shoot,” Harrington said. “I knew we were getting close to PKs and I had a little space, so I just shot it.” It turned out to be the shot heard ‘round Oceanside. Harrington’s goal 5:35 into the second 15-minute sudden victory OT period gave the Sailors a 2-1 win over the three-time defending champion Chiefs and their first county title since 1978.
2. Wantagh girls soccer
Wantagh entered the Nassau Class A girls’ soccer playoffs riding a five-game winning streak and bursting with confidence. And on Nov. 7, the Warriors made history by capturing their firstever county championship with a 1-0 victory over top-seeded North Shore, which defeated them twice during the regular season.Kayla Mannix continued a storybook postseason by netting the lone goal of the night in the 65th minute off a feed from Shannon Udell. Goalkeeper Gabriella Astaiza, who missed a large portion of the season with an injury, made five saves to shut out a talented Vikings team that scored six goals against Wantagh in two previous meetings.
3. Mepham girls volleyball
Mepham’s girls’ volleyball made history Nov. 11. It took four sets for the Pirates to secure the Nassau Class AA championship in a revenge-match rematch of last year’s county title game against Long Beach, winning 25-21, 17-25, 25-17, 25-20. “They just came together and played incredibly, supporting each other, never got down, had the momentum most of the game; blocking was outrageous, serve receive was best I’ve seen all year,” Mepham coach Tom Wildeman said. Captains Sam Raikos (18 kills and 10 digs) and Makayla Daube (19 assists and 6 kills) led the way for the Pirates, who captured their first-ever county crown.
4. South Side girls volleyball
Wantagh entered the Nassau Class A girls’ volleyball championship stage rid-
ing a 10-match win streak dating back to an Oct. 7 five-set victory over South Side, which captured its first seven matches and eight more since. So something had to give with the county title on the line Nov. 11 as the top two seeds went to battle before a jam-packed crowd at East Meadow. However, the matchup didn’t live up to the hype and unlike both regular-season meetings failed to go the full five sets. Cate Cammalleri (18 kills) and Abby Magness (13) and Amy Berenbroick (37 assists) led No. 1 South Side to a convincing 25-18, 25-19, 25-10 victory over No. 2 Wantagh. It marked the Cyclones’ first county crown since 2019.
5. Massapequa boys volleyball
Coach Elissa DiSalvo didn’t exactly have a royal flush in-hand with the Massapequa boys’ volleyball roster this year: a good chunk of the 2023 team graduated, multiple positions needed to be changed and the influx of new players meant they had to be brought up to speed. It was only a matter of time before the Chiefs starting jelling together, with practices or games Monday-Saturday, followed by Sunday brunches. It was all by design, because DiSalvo knew that chemistry would be make or break. It all paid off Nov. 12 when Massapequa defeated pesky East Meadow in four sets to capture the Nassau County Division I title.
6. Carey football
There was nothing fake about Carey’s dominant run to the Nassau Conference II football championship. Well, actually, there was. Deadlocked with Mepham early in the second half of the Nov. 22 title game, the Seahawks pulled a fake punt on fourth-and-6 from their own 47 that saw Billy Koutsoumbaris gain 29 yards. Five plays later, Justin DePietro scored his second of three touchdowns and Carey eventually pulled away for a 28-7 victory and its first county championship since 2014. The Seahawks went on to complete a perfect 12-0 season with a victory over Half Hollow Hills East in the LIC.
7. Wantagh football
A 13-yard run from Dylan Martini on the first play from scrimmage was a precursor for Wantagh’s explosive ground game in the Nassau County Conference IV football championship Nov. 22. Led by 232 yards rushing from Martini and 108 by John Gendels, the Warriors rolled to a 48-21 win over Plainedge for the program’s first county crown since the spring of 2021. The convincing victory also avenged the only regular season loss for Wantagh, which dropped a 33-27 overtime thriller to the Red Devils Oct. 10.
8. Massapequa football
Tyler Villalta called it a “just in case” play, one practiced about three times a week for three weeks but never used in a game. And fourth down in overtime of the Nassau Conference I football championship game with the season on the line proved to be the best time to debut that for Massapequa. The call came from Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Mike Ambury, and Villalta, the star running back, put it into motion. Operating out of a Wildcat set, which debuted in the semifinals against Oceanside last week, Villalta rolled left and connected with quarterback-turned-wide receiver Joey Diesso for a 17-yard touchdown. Chris Bascetta kicked the extra point to seal Massapequa’s thrilling 35-34 win over Farmingdale Nov. 23. The Chiefs went on to beat William Floyd for the L.I. crown.
9. Wantagh girls basketball
Trailing Lynbrook by a point in the waning moments of the Nassau Class A girls’ basketball championship game March 10, Wantagh’s designed play off a
timeout resulted in a good look but no basket. But in one fell swoop, Kayla Mannix not only saved the ball from landing out of bounds but found Riley Forthofer open in the paint. Forthofer banked in a layup with 7.7 seconds remaining to give Wantagh a thrilling 44-43 victory over top-seeded Lynbrook. Juliana Cerasi had 12 points and freshmen Isabelle Ferraro (10) and Makayla McNeil combined for 19 as second-seeded Wantagh avenged a pair of regularseason defeats to the Owls and captured its first county title since the 2005-06 campaign.
On the heels of winning a fifth straight Nassau County boys’ basketball title, as the No. 5 seed in the tournament no loess, Baldwin was determined to end a two-game drought in the Long Island championship stage. The Bruins did just that March 11 against a familiar foe.
Mical Saint Jean scored a career-high 19 points, point guard Ethan Sainsbury
Continued FRoM PReViouS Page
added a career-high 17 and dished out 10 assists, Chase Timberlake chipped in 12 with 8 steals, Vaughdrea Johnson had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Gabe Phillips ripped down 16 boards as Baldwin never trailed in its 75-56 victory over Amityville in the AA LIC.
11. Baldwin girls basketball
The ultimate goal of Baldwin’s girls’ basketball team was made clear on the opening day of practice Nov. 17 and that was to win the final game of the season. On the morning of March 23 at Hudson Valley Community College in upstate Troy, the Bruins turned a dream into reality with a thrilling 50-48 roller coaster victory over Aquinas Institute for the New York State Class AA title. Monique Echols scored the game’s final five points, including the go-ahead layup off a bounce pass from Payton Dulin with 1:35 remaining. It was Baldwin’s first state championship in seven years and third all-time.
12. Massapequa girls lacrosse
Paige Garguilo scored twice in the fourth quarter and came up with a critical interception to help topseeded Massapequa defeat No. 2 Port Washington, 11-9, and capture a fifth straight girls’ lacrosse county title May 27. Garguilo, who scored five times, wasn’t the only clutch player for the Chiefs. In the waning seconds of the third quarter, Port Washington’s Catherine Karman beat the buzzer with a low shot on frame. But Massapequa goalie Emily Fitzgerald made the massive save, one of seven for the freshman. Isabella Grosso had a hat trick. Also playing a pivotal role was Reilly Cereghino, who held Violet Ortenzi, who scored 35 goals heading into the final, without a goal.
13.
For a second straight season, the Plainedge and East Rockaway girls’ flag football teams met with a Nassau County title on the line. And it was Plainedge
repeating last year’s championship accomplishment in rainy conditions May 28 as quarterback Gianna Ponticello and receiver Amanda Martone hooked up for a touchdown in each half and the defense stood tall to lead the Red Devils over the Rocks, 12-0, in the Conference C final. Kate Franks (nine flag pulls), Sarah Abdul-Rassoul (eight) and Jennifer Larwood were relentless on defense, and Rebecca Reiter sealed the deal with an interception.
After heartbreaking semifinal playoff defeats in each of the past three seasons including two by one goal, South Side’s girls’ lacrosse team wasn’t satisfied with just reaching the championship stage this spring.
The top-seeded Cyclones made the most of their opportunity and also program history in a driving rainstorm May 28, knocking off defending Nassau Class C champion Wantagh, 14-8, for their first-ever county title. Bobbie Creo exploded for five goals, Charlotte Rathjen had three goals and two assists, Sienna Connolly had three goals and Skye Korten added a pair to back the goaltending of Tara Cody.
The flame was ignited for Michael Jannotte two years ago following a loss to Port Washington in the Nassau Class A boys’ lacrosse semifinals.
It was a slow burn for the Massapequa goalie. And on May 31, on the same field, the senior got his revenge, helping lead the top-seeded Chiefs to a 9-7 win over Port Washington in the Nassau Class A final. The Stevens Tech commit, who made 14 saves in a 9-7 semifinal win over Syosset, remained hot in the county final. He made five of his eight saves in the fourth quarter to help secure the Chiefs’ 12th county championship and first since 2019. Nolan Wieczorek had two goals and one assist, eighth-grader Jake Byrnes had a pair of goals, Braden Tucker and Sean Durnin had a goal and an assist each.
16. Wantagh baseball
Wantagh pitcher Dominick Cusamano entered the June 1 winner-take-all Nassau Class A baseball finals Game 3 against Seaford determined to not have it be the last time he would take the mound in his high school career. Cusamano, following strong performances from teammates Christian Danzilo and Gavin Diegnan, delivered under the brought lights tossing 6 1/3 innings with five strikeouts to propel top-seeded Wantagh to a 6-1 win for its first county title since 2018. The bats gave Cusamano all the run support he needed in the second inning starting with Frank McNally drawing a bases loaded walk that scored Ryan Tullo. The Warriors extended the lead when Cole Spinelli and Michael Avitabile scored on an error from a hard grounder off the bat of Cusumano.
17. Massapequa baseball
After a heartbreaking loss to start its best-of-three Nassau Class AAA championship baseball series with Farmingdale, Massapequa went on to dominate the final two games and re-claim bragging rights between the crosstown rivals. Jack Scannapieco tossed five scoreless innings and Mikey Smar had a clutch five RBIs in three at-bats with the bases loaded as the second-seeded Chiefs knocked the top-seeded Dalers off their throne with a winner-take-all 12-0 triumph June 1. Massapequa went on to defeat Connetquot for the L.I. crown, 7-0, a week later behind the battery of
Derrick Dingle/Herald photos glen Cove’s battery mates, pitcher Brianna Simmons, left, and catcher isabella damiano, embraced after the softball team’s first title in 40 years.
senior southpaw pitcher Thomas Harding and junior catcher Anthony DiNello.
18. Glen Cove softball
With its season hanging in the balance, trailing MacArthur by one run through six innings of the decisive third game of the Nassau Class AA softball championship series June 2, Glen Cove produced a rally for the history books. The Big Red scored twice in the top of the seventh and pitcher Brooke Simmons stranded the potential tying run on third base in the bottom of the frame for a 2-1 victory and the program’s first county title in 40 years. Siena Scagliola doubled home Mia Lupinski with the eventual championship-winning run. Lupinski singled home Sommons with the tying run.
19. Wantagh boys lacrosse
The Wantagh boys’ lacrosse team made the spectacular look routine. For a second consecutive championship game, the Warriors rallied from a significant deficit to earn a dramatic win, coming back from five goals down to defeat Kings Park 16-15 in the Long Island Class C final June 4. Wantagh, which erased a four-goal deficit in an 11-10 overtime win over South Side in the county final May 31 on a Luke Martini goal, saw Devin Paccione, Dylan Martini, Carter Loughman and Joe Nicholson star in the LIC.
The Long Island Class AAA softball championship between Massapequa and Riverhead June 6 did not disappoint. There was no shortage of excellent pitching, clutch defensive plays, and some timely hitting with the title on the line. In a game that went to extra innings, Massapequa put together a couple of two-out hits in the bottom of the eighth, and with the winning run at third base in the form of Sienna Perino, who tripled, Annalisa Kohn slapped a base hit to walk it off, giving the Chiefs a thrilling 2-1 victory.
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. representative from Long Island who transformed personal tragedy into a two-decade-long crusade for gun control in Congress, died on June 26. She was 81.
Born Carolyn Cook on Jan. 5, 1944, in Brooklyn, and raised in Mineola, McCarthy wanted to become a physical education teacher. Instead she became a nurse, inspired to do so after caring for an injured boyfriend. Her life was forever changed on Dec. 7, 1993, when Colin Ferguson opened fire on a Long Island Rail Road car, killing six people, including McCarthy’s husband, Dennis, critically wounding their son, Kevin, and injuring 18 others.
McCarthy became a symbol of resilience nationwide, and entered public service. Her story was dramatized in the 1998 television movie “The Long Island Incident,” with actress Laurie Metcalf portraying her.
“Long Island lost a giant today,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said in a statement last Thursday. “As a woman representing Long Island in elected office today, I walked through doors Carolyn helped open. Her work on behalf of survivors, her courage to speak out when others stayed silent, and her focus on protecting families and communities are just a few parts of a legacy that will live on for generations.”
McCarthy, a former Republican, ran for Congress as a Democrat in 1996, defeating Republican incumbent Dan Frisa in a stunning upset. She represented New York’s 4th Congressional District, which covers a large swath of Nassau County’s South Shore, from 1997 until her retirement in 2015.
During her 18 years in the House, she was widely regarded as one of the nation’s most tenacious and outspoken champions of gun reform.
“I was privileged to serve with Carolyn in Congress for almost two decades,” former U.S. Rep. Peter King
wrote, “and was proud to call her a friend. She was a fighter and staunch advocate for New York and Long Island who used her family tragedy as an opportunity to do so much good for so many others.”
McCarthy often referred to herself as “the gun lady,” though she also worked on education and local constituent issues.
“I recently spoke with her about the 125th anniversary of Nassau County and invited her to attend the county’s gala as an honored guest,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement. “Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling up to it, but she expressed her best wishes and love for Nassau County. Carolyn was a true leader and a very decent person. She will be sorely missed.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen called McCarthy “a tireless advocate for Long Island.”
“Carolyn turned her pain into action, running for Congress and advocating for common sense gun reform, including comprehensive background checks,” Gillen said in a statement. “We must honor her legacy by continuing her life’s work to keep our communities and our children safe from the scourge of gun violence.”
McCarthy announced her decision not to seek reelection in 2014, citing health reasons, and stepped down in January 2015. Fellow Democrat Kathleen Rice succeeded her.
“Carolyn fought for safer communities, and stronger laws to prevent gun violence,” Jay Jacobs, Nassau County’s Democratic committee chairman, said in a statement. “She leaves behind a legacy of action, resilience, and public service. We will continue to honor her memory, as we vow to carry on her fight.”
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Ashlee Fucarino, a senior at Wantagh High School and musical theatre major at Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts, also known as LIHSA, has been recognized with a prestigious honor celebrating her achievements in academics and the arts.
This spring, Fucarino was named a 2025 Nassau BOCES Education Partner, a distinction awarded to just 15 individuals and organizations who have made a significant impact on education in Nassau County. The award was presented by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation at a gala on April 30. Fucarino was described as an academic leader, gifted artist, and exemplary student who embodies the mission of Nassau BOCES by contributing to a safe and successful learning environment for students of all abilities.
“Ashlee has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and a remarkable commitment to both her academic and artistic pursuits,” her award nominator wrote. “She is kind, mature and thoughtful, embodying all the qualities of a true role model.”
Fucarino balanced a full courseload at Wantagh High School, where she had a 105 weighted average across seven Advanced Placement classes, with her studies at LIHSA, where she has flourished as a musical theatre student. She
was actively involved in extracurriculars including Student Government, Drama Club, Jazz Ensemble, A Capella Club, and several honors societies.
While at LIHSA, Fucarino performed at Radio City Music Hall, shared the stage with Broadway professionals, and was part of the opening act for the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Her major roles included Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, Cady Heron in Mean Girls, and Little Red in Into the Woods.
Last year, Fucarino also received a Merit Award in the Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar-Artist competition, which recognizes talented student-artists across the region. For her performance submission, she sang “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” from Songs for a New World and performed a monologue from Christopher Durang’s Dentity Crisis.
“I think it’s so special to be able to be recognized for the work that we put in,” Fucarino said to the Herald last year, “because we’re sharing our art and our talent with people, hoping to make an impact and make people feel represented and make them feel something.”
Since childhood, Fucarino has nurtured a love of performance, starting with shows at her church, St. Frances de Chantal in Wantagh, and continuing through Wantagh Middle School and into her high school years. In 2024, she won the Roger Rees Award for Outstanding Performer
addressed concerns about parking and traffic before finally receiving zoning approval from the Town of Hempstead in 2022.
Joseph Fennessy, a hospital board member and a Wantagh resident, said the board recognized the need for the facility. The vision, he said, was to replicate the level of care found in Manhattan hospitals while offering Long Island residents shorter commutes.
“We have a magnificent, beautiful facility,” Fennessy said. “Great specialties are going to be in here. Lots of people are going to be able to access great care.”
The facility features more than 70 patient consultation and examination rooms, as well as a hospital-grade air-filtration system to maintain a hygienic environment.
The fourth floor houses the infusion center for chemotherapy, along with labs for blood tests and a pharmacy. The infusion rooms are open spaces — by design, according to Kenneth Long, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Mount Sinai Health System.
“Patients don’t like to be isolated — they don’t want to be in a room by themselves.” Long said. “So they actually, functionally, form their own support group for each other as they come in, because they often come in a couple times a week over some cadence of time, and they get to know each other.”
According to Long, 22 percent of Mount Sinai’s infusion patients come from east of the Wantagh facility. It will be Mount Sinai’s third infusion center on Long Island, joining locations in Greenlawn and Oceanside.
Examination rooms for surgery, endocrinology, rheumatology, hematolo-
during a preview tour of the new Wantagh facility, dr. adhi Sharma, president and Ceo of mount Sinai South nassau, spoke of the center’s goal to provide compassionate, collaborative care in a welcoming environment.
gy and oncology are also on the fourth floor.
The third floor will house the cardiac suite, which will offer imaging services including CT scans, nuclear imaging and echocardiograms, along with care in neurology, urology and gastroenterology.
The second floor will focus on women’s services, offering mammography, densitometry and ultrasound. It will also include orthopedic pain management and neurosurgery examinations, as well as OB-GYN and gynecologic oncology care, while imaging and radiology services will be located on the first floor.
Geri Barish, founder of Hewlett
House, a nonprofit community learning resource center for cancer patients and their families in Hewlett, said it was “phenomenal” to have a facility nearby to support early detection through mammography screenings.
“What Mount Sinai has brought into the community — education, understanding, the relationship — they remove the fear,” Barish said.
The facility will open in phases, with the fourth floor set to open first on July 15, followed by the third floor the following week and the second floor the week after that. The first floor is expected to open Sept. 9, at which point the facility will be fully operational.
The Wantagh location will be the fifth Mount Sinai ambulatory multi-specialty center of its kind on Long Island, joining sites in Long Beach, Carle Place, Manhasset and Greenlawn. Hospital officials expect the new center to bring roughly 200 jobs to the community.
Hours of operation are expected to be
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with expanded weekday hours phased in over time based on patient demand, Long said. The facility is not an urgentcare center. It is by appointment only, with no hospital beds for overnight stays and no emergency services offered.
Dr. Rajiv Datta, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s surgery department chair and the medical director of its cancer program, said that, years ago, patients had to travel to Manhattan for cancer care, often spending an entire day getting to and from appointments. The new facility, Datta noted, will enhance collaboration among physicians while creating a welcoming environment for commuting patients.
“Cancer care has completely changed,” Datta said. “Now it’s coming back to the community, and this is what the center can provide. Most of the patients can be seen here.”
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
SUNNY KANG
Co-Founder and COO Earth Therapeutics
RISING STAR
ADRIANA LANE
Miss Long Island Teen 2025
KRISTEN ROSARIO
Miss Long Island 2025
ACHIEVER
ATUL BHATARA
Founder & CEO
Atul Skincare
GEORGIA & THOMAS AMIGDALOS
Registered Nurse & President PureCare Pharmacy and Wellness
AESTHETIC EXCELLENCE
ALI ARTZ
Salon and Spa Owner/ Beauty Entrepreneur
Ambiance Salon and Spa
BATOOL F. RIZVI, DDS
Practice Owner Holistic Dental Wellness Group
DR. HOWARD GOODMAN, DC
Best Weight Loss Doctor Long Island Weight Loss Doctor
MICHAEL ABRAMS, DDS
Owner
Manhasset Dental Arts
NIKKI CESTARO
Author of “SuperHairo”, Hairstylist/Owner
Karma Beauty Studio Inc.
RACHEL LOZINA
Founder Blue Water Spa
BEAUTY INFLUENCER
JO MARIE
Master Hairstylist & Beauty Expert
Jo Marie Hair & Beauty
5:00-9:00PM EMCEE
KRISTA BENNETT DEMAIO
Founder
Pretty Local
BEAUTY & BALANCE
ANGELA CUI
Owner
Tranquility 3 Spa & Salt Cave
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
ENTREPRENEUR
LINDA MASHKABOVA, FNP
Owner The Beauty Cellar NYC
SAMI STANTON
Body Sculpting Expert Sculpted by Sami
GAME CHANGER
MAE CAIME
CEO & Transformational Architect aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond
SHARON GRASSO, LME, CLT
DANA PERSICO
INGRID DODD
Rebranding Menopause Podcast HEALTH & WELLNESS
LUIS FANDOS, MD, FAAAM, FABAPM
Founder and CEO
Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center
SARAH K. GIRARDI, MD FACS
Associate Professor of Urology
Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics
NEETA MITCHELL, RN & MATTHEW RUTMAN, MD
Founders
Balanced Health & Wellness
HOLISTIC INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
CONSTANCE KOROL
CEO Meta 180
IMPACT
KARLA WALDRON
Executive Director
Mondays Cancer Care
ALYSSA GREINER
Assistant Executive Director Mondays Cancer Care
SUZANNE CHIMERA
Co-Founder
Hair We Share
HELEN HSIEH, MD CACOG Founder, Medical Director Vibrance 360
LETICIA HUTSON
Entrepreneur & Beauty Industry Leader HER Spa Room, Benefit Cosmetics/ LVMH
MARISA RUSSELL
Founder & Chief Alchemist Meadow & Bark
LEADERSHIP IN BEAUTY
LARISSA JENSEN
Senior Vice President, Global Beauty Industry Advisor Circana
LEGACY
JOAN CALIENDO
Miss New York Senior America
MEDICAL AESTHETICS & MEDSPA
ALICE KHALKAD, LME
Skin Specialist House Of Skin
PRECISION & PURPOSE
KRISTA BENNETT DEMAIO
Founder
Pretty Local
& Beyond
JIM WANG
Owner Spa 505
SCIENCE & SKIN
ANGELICA SOLOMON
Founder Best Skin & Body Aesthetics Spa
LINDA HARKAVY, MD
President/Medical Director Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness
SKINCARE BRAND VISIONARY
DONNA ARIGO
Account Executive New York ISDIN USA
SURGICAL INNOVATOR
STEPHEN T. GREENBERG, MD, FACS
Founder and Plastic Surgeon Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery
DANA PERSICO
CEO & Executive Director Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute
ALICIA GATTI, NP
Nurse Practitioner, CEO Modern Dose
SHARON GRASSO, LEM, CLT
Founder Permanent Touch Cosmetics
WELLNESS & LONGEVITY
CATHERINE CANADEO
CEO & Founder Health and Wellness Corp
formation
Seniors from Levittown and Seaford were among more than 80 students inducted this spring into the National
The honor recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, service, character and academic success in career and
n A prestigious honor for future professionals
Membership in the National Technical Honor Society is the highest award for career and technical students in the country. Inductees receive benefits such as personalized recommendation letters and official seals on diplomas and training certificates.
n Levittown students recognized in technology and business
Six students from the Levittown School District earned the distinction: James Carr (Computer Game Design & Programming Skills I); Robert Freilich, Matthew Nesci and Edwin Shin (Computer Game Design & Programming Skills II); Victoria Lang (Culinary Arts I); and Parvati Singh (Retail & Business Skills I).
n Seaford students pursue trades in cosmetology and automotive
Seaford seniors Valentina Kalischer (Cosmetology I) and Frank Padavan Jr. (Automotive Technology I) were also inducted. Their programs prepare students with hands-on skills for careers in personal services and the automotive industry.
Several of the Nassau BOCES Barry Tech students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society this spring. The honor recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, service, character and academic success in career and technical education.
By Karen Bloom
Barbecue season is heating up! Whether fireworks are part of your holiday weekend plans, certainly some time at the grill will be very much on the agenda. There’s no better way to celebrate than with good food, great company and a sizzling grill. Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or a cozy cookout, make this year’s Fourth of July feast one to remember.
Sure, burgers and hot dogs are always a hit — and a holiday standard — but why not kick things up a notch? Impress your guests with flavorful additions like chorizo sausages, ribs, or maybe some spice-up marinated chicken. If that’s a bit too exciting for you, then you can always spruce up the classics by going for unique flavors. Jalapeño hotdogs, anyone?
Make sure to marinade: Don’t underestimate the power of a good marinade. Prepping your meat a day or two ahead lets those bold flavors soak in — and yes, even hot dogs and burgers can benefit from a tasty soak. Marinating your meat before you grill can seriously enhance its flavors. Don’t forget your vegetarian friends and family: Got vegetarian friends or just want to lighten things up? Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers and asparagus add vibrant color and bold flavor to your spread. Try veggie kebabs or marinated portobello mushrooms as hearty meatless options.
Keep it healthy (but delicious): Unlike the other holidays that we associate with eating (such as Thanksgiving), it’s totally possible to keep your feast healthy. Fourth of July doesn’t have to mean food coma. Use clean ingredients and simple swaps — think avocado-oil mayo in your coleslaw or a touch of honey instead of sugar in cornbread. Add a big salad, fresh fruit and grilled corn for balance.
Put a twist on the standards: Whatever you choose, you can seriously wow your guests by putting a modern take on a traditional recipe. For instance, if you’re making coleslaw this time around, then you can experiment with different flavors, such as jalapeño, apple, or even spicy Thai peanut. You can add the same variation to different dishes, such as baked beans, mac and cheese, and even your condiments.
Turn your grill into a flavor playground — and serve up a celebration your guests won’t forget.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak Seasoning (or any spicy season of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 pounds boneless beef sirloin or flank steak
turn to coat well.
Refrigerate 1 hour or longer for extra flavor. Remove steak from marinade. Discard any remaining marinade.
Grill over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
For added flavor, try a tasty topper on your meat.
Dijon Mustard Aioli: Blend Dijon and whole-grain mustard with creamy Greek yogurt, garlic, tarragon and white pepper for a rich, tangy topping.
Mushrooms and Blue Cheese: Mix hearty mushrooms and full-flavored blue cheese with your favorite savory spices and a splash of sherry wine
Smoky Bacon Jam: Start with the finest cuts of bacon browned to crispy perfection then add caramelized onion and an accent like brown sugar or balsamic vinegar.
Tomato Jam: Experiment with your favorite varieties to find the perfect balance of crushed tomatoes, sweet gherkins and seasonings.
Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Skewers with Lemon-Cucumber Salsa
• 8 skewers
• 1 pineapple
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
Lemon-Cucumber Salsa
• 1 lemon, supremed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon wildflower honey
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Soak wooden skewers for 15 minutes prior to grilling. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Remove rind from pineapple and dice into 1-inch pieces. In small bowl, combine oil, salt and pepper. Add chicken and pineapple; toss to coat.
Alternating chicken and pineapple, pierce onto skewers. Grill skewers 8 minutes each side, or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
To make Lemon-Cucumber Salsa: In medium bowl, combine lemon, cucumber, onion, honey and pepper. Serve lemon-cucumber salsa over cooked chicken skewers
Rick Springfield
We’re gonna party like it’s 19801989! Rocker (and ageless heartthrob) Rick Springfield gave us the soundtrack of our glory days: “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart,” “Love Somebody,” “Human Touch,” “On the Dark Side,” and many more of the most iconic songs of that era. The Grammy-winning musician is back on the road this summer with the 2025 edition of his I Want My 80s Tour. This time around he brings along special guests John Waite, Wang Chung and Paul Young. Over the past four decades, he’s worn many hats as an entertainer and performer. The creator of some of the finest ‘80s power-pop, he’s sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits. Also an accomplished actor and an author, both his candid 2010 memoir “Late, Late at Night” (which Rolling Stone named one of the 25 greatest rock memoirs of all time) and his 2014 comedic novel “Magnificent Vibration” earned rave reviews and spots on the New York Times Best Sellers’ list.
Thursday, July 10, 7:30 p.m. $40, $30. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.Tickets at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444. Welcome the nation’s birthday in good taste
Wednesday, July 9, 7 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at livenation.com.
He said, she said
Share in some lively repartee when four comedians — two men, two women — sling barbs at one another in The Ivy League of Comedy’s “Skirmish of the Sexes.”Laugh the night away with tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams. Check out this take on the age-old dichotomy of who’s right and who’s wrong. The lineup features Tony Deyo, known for his sharp, quick material and near-perfect timing; Calise Hawkins, a single mom who stands out with her hair, but also her smile and onstage likability. Also Shaun Eli, rightfully called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun shows you hilarity in the ordinary. And Ophira Eisenberg, who delivers a unique blend of smart irreverent standup and storytelling.
Mix soy sauce, honey, orange juice, steak seasoning and ginger in small bowl. Place steak in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade;
Tip: Supreme citrus fruit by cutting off top and bottom of fruit then cut away peel and pith, leaving no white on outside of fruit. Slice each segment into wedges by cutting toward center of fruit along membrane.
Thursday Night
Live Wantagh Chamber of Commerce presents a free summer block party series featuring live music, food trucks, and local vendors. Join in the fun on Railroad Avenue outside Mulcahy’s and in the parking lot behind The Irish Poet.
• Where: Railroad Avenue, Wantagh (outside Mulcahy’s)
• Time: Thursdays at 5 p.m.
• Dates: July 3, 17 and 31; Aug. 14 and 28
• Contact: Visit wantaghchamber. com for details
Nassau County Museum of Art’s unveils its new exhibition, “At Play,” a survey of artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Splish Splash… Animal Baths
Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to observe animal bath time and learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animals.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City.
• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JULY
7
Long Island Scale Model Society
Join the Long Island Scale Model Society
Check out classic cars from the 1960s and earlier at the Wantagh Museum’s Antique Car Show. Enjoy music, a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments. Museum sites, including the 1885 train station and 1912 parlor car, will be open for tours. Rain date is July 20. Admission is $1.
• Where: 1700 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Contact: wantagh.li/ calendar/2025-07-19.pdf
Summer concert series
Seaford Public Library’s summer outdoor concert series returns with performances spanning Beatles covers, doo-wop, pop, and classic rock. Concerts are free and held in the Town of Hempstead parking lot behind the library. Bring a chair and enjoy the music!
• Where: Town of Hempstead parking lot behind Seaford Public Library, 2234 Jackson Ave., Seaford
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Take a trip down memory lane with Gin Blossoms when their highly anticipated 2025 tour visits Long Island. With their timeless hits, infectious melodies, and nostalgic vibes, Gin Blossoms promises to deliver a concert experience that will transport fans back to the heyday of ‘90s alternative rock. The band rose to fame in the ‘90s with hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Til I Hear It from You,” that still resonate today. Their jangly guitars, catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics captured the spirit of the decade and earned them a dedicated following that continues to grow. With their dynamic stage presence and infectious energy, Gin Blossoms knows how to keep the crowd on their feet and singing along to every word. Their latest tour is a nostalgic journey through the band’s greatest hits, as well as new songs that are sure to captivate. Whether you’re reliving the memories of the ‘90s or discovering Gin Blossoms for the first time, their music will leave a lasting impression. And, of course, one of the highlights of any Gin Blossoms concert is the connection they share with their fans. Whether it’s through their heartfelt lyrics or their engaging stage banter, Gin Blossoms creates a sense of camaraderie that makes every concert feel like a reunion with old friends. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25.
for its monthly gathering, open to hobbyists and enthusiasts of all ages.
• Where: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 731-5728
Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah
Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.
• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.–
1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15–10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 221-2370
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “Despicable Me 4,” the fourth main installment and sixth overall entry in the Despicable Me franchise. With the arrival of a new baby, Gru’s life is great — until an old rival comes back for revenge and forces Gru to uproot his family and Minions! Starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell. Bring seating.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
‘Where it began…’ Broadway’s Robert Neary, also a star of TV and film, visits Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre with his Neil Diamond showcase “So Good.” He creates an unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest recording artists in history. Two hours packed with 24 classic hit songs, nostalgia, stories, multimedia, and trivia, and a finale that is pure Broadway caliber. This is a true immersion into the life and career of Neil Diamond.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.
• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Thursdays, noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: mahjonggCBT@ yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week design jewelry! $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Join Congregation Beth Tikvah for a musical Pre-Shabbat singalong at Jones Beach Field 6. Services are free, open to all Long Islanders, and follow traditional Jewish Shabbat rituals. Bring seating; no parking fee after 4 p.m.
• Where: Jones Beach Field 6, 1 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh (meet on the boardwalk west of the comfort station).
• Time: 6-6:45 p.m.; also Aug. 15
• Contact: Call (516) 785-2445 for more information
• Time: Saturdays, July 19, Aug. 23 and Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: Visit seafordlibrary. org for more details
Darlene Graham’s ‘Singing at the Beach!’
The Town of Hempstead invites families to enjoy an interactive summertime show at Forest City Park. Join beloved kids entertainer Darlene for a singalong, including “Pool Time,” “Going to the Beach” and “Sunny Day.” Wear comfortable “dancing shoes” since this concert will keep everyone on their fee.
• Where: 3099 Morgan Drive, Wantagh
• Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Contact: darlenegrahammusic. com for more
Having an event? Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
The Town of Hempstead presented its “Salute to Veterans Firework Spectacular” on June 28, although it was much more than just a bunch of pretty colors lighting up the skies.
Point Lookout’s Town Park was packed with massive bouncy houses and slides for fast-paced fun, and pop-up tents and tables for people to shop for all sorts of goods from fellow community members.
“The summer fun is just getting started and there’s no better way to soak up some sun than by joining us at the Town of Hempstead’s Annual Salute to Veterans Concert and Fireworks Show,” Town Clerk Kate Murray said. “We’re heating up with excitement here in America’s
largest township, come on down and celebrate our veterans with a day full of fun!”
To honor the men and women who serve the nation, a video tribute of seven outstanding Town of Hempstead veterans was shown prior to the concert. What’s more, veterans were invited to attend a complimentary BBQ during the day, where Hempstead Town Officials recognized the seven special honorees of the evening.
For those who were looking for a little more competitive fun, this year’s celebration surely didn’t disappoint. There were volleyball and cornhole tournaments, both which drew substantial crowds. There was also a sandcastle building contest, which saw a wide range of sizes
and layouts.
Also, for the second straight year, the celebration featured a hot dog eating contest. The mouth-stuffing competition, which was made famous by Nathan’s, brought the mouth-stuffing spectacle from Coney Island to Point Lookout yet again.
The true meaning of the day wasn’t overshadowed, though. The eventful Saturday closed with a meaningful salute to veterans. Starship brought the tunes, playing a live concert and the day was topped off with, of course, fireworks.
— Brendan Carpenter
July 3,
Seaford High School,” Condon said, “and they loved the Seaford community, and (the families) wanted to do something positive to always remember their lost sons and brothers.”
During the committee’s inaugural year, ground was broken on a memorial outside the high school, with five plaques dedicated to the alumni who had died — and the annual Patriot Award was created.
We’ve just had so many incredible memories together.
Nicole
SchNabel
Principal, Seaford High School
The committee, working with the PTA, selects five students for the award, with each of them receiving a $2,000 stipend. Students apply anonymously and are chosen based on questions they answer on an application. The questions include how involved they are in activities in the school and the community, and how service, character and commitment factor into their lives, according to Condon.
Since 2002, Condon said, the committee has handed out more than 100 awards and around $250,000 in scholarship money.
Perlegis, who will attend Molloy University in Rockville Centre to pursue a career as a pediatric physical therapist, said she was surprised to receive the Patriot Award.
“Everything I did, I wanted to give back, and so it brought me here, and I’m so grateful for it,” Perlegis said. “I know that it’ll take me wherever I need to go.”
Caruso, who plans to study ocean engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology, called it an honor to receive the award.
Perlegis and Caruso stood out at Seaford High School for their academic excellence, leadership and dedication. They each enrolled in more than a dozen AP and college-level courses and graduated with AP Capstone diplomas.
Perlegis, president of the National
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF TIKI SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ERROL THOMPSON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment
Art Honor Society and the 2024 Homecoming queen, is active in her church and several school clubs. Caruso, vice president of the senior class, was a three-sport captain and member of Mathletes and Science Club. Both attributed their success to hard work, their teachers, and a willingness to make sacrifices.
“I’m very grateful for everyone because we’re so tight-knit,” Caruso said. “I feel like everyone in the community has had such a big impact on me, especially our teachers and guidance counselors.”
Singleton, who moved to Seaford in sixth grade, said she had aspired to earn the Patriot Award after attending the district’s annual 9/11 remembrance events. Last August, she joined Caruso and Richardson on the Soaring Valor trip — a four-day visit to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, where students listened to stories from veterans. Still undecided what her major will be, she will attend Binghamton University, where she hopes to find her career path.
“I was super scared when I moved here in sixth grade, so I was super nervous,” Singleton said. “Seaford is just
like one big family. I made friends within seconds because everybody is so nice, so Seaford really set me up for great success.”
Secondino, a varsity athlete in volleyball, basketball and softball, also plans to attend Molloy University, where she will play softball and major in communications. She said Seaford’s close-knit community has always been a source of strength and support for her.
“It’s such an honor,” she said. “I’ve known about this award since I was a freshman. Just going to the memorial and participating in all the 9/11 events in Seaford is such an important part of our community.”
Richardson, who was active in Student Council and Book Club, earned the Patriot Award for her strong academics and leadership. She also received the prestigious Rensselaer Medal for excellence in math and science. Planning to study mechanical engineering at Purdue University, Richardson credited the district for her success.
“It’s a really helpful and encouraging environment to be in,” she said.
Patriot Award recipients also received citations from Town of Hemp -
stead Councilman Christopher Schneider and State Sen. Steve Rhoads.
This year, the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee presented the Honorary Patriot Award to three community role models — Lisa Garcia, Shari Raduazzo and Peter Ruffner — who have collectively contributed 77 years of service to the community, according to Condon. Garcia is active in the PTA, Lions Club, and Seaford Wellness Council. Ruffner is involved with those groups, as well as the Seaford Historical Society. Raduazzo, retiring after 26 years as a Seaford High School English teacher, has supported Student Council, charity drives and mentorship programs.
Seaford High School Principal Nicole Schnabel said this year was especially meaningful to her, having known each of the Patriot Award recipients and honorary patriots. She had joined Caruso, Singleton and Richardson on the Soaring Valor trip and accompanied all five honorees on a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Manhattan last year.
“We’ve just had so many incredible memories together,” Schnabel said. “They’re all very special to me in a lot of different ways.”
of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 5, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 26 Crescent Cove Drive, Seaford, NY
11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Seaford, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 65, Block 276 and Lot 26. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,108,847.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616602/2018. Keith Corbett, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 213711-1 154250
the patriot awards honor five Seaford High School alumni who died in the Sept. 11 attacks: brothers thomas and timothy Haskell, John perry, robert Sliwak, and michael Wittenstein.
Q. I met with an architect whom my contractor recommended, and I’m now very upset and confused. We need to get our job done by the end of the summer, and the building department said I should speak to an architect, get plans and they could process my permit. It sounded a lot simpler than the architect said. What seemed like a simple job — to do plans for a small bump-out back dormer to match the front one — has been made to sound like a major project. Why is there such exaggeration of the things the architect says need to be done? This shouldn’t take so long, and the cost is a lot more than we planned. What should I expect, minimally, to get plans and a permit?
A. I’m not sure if your building department still has the posted signs showing a person bent over, laughing, with the caption, “You want it when?” Or the one that says, “Your failure to plan ahead does not constitute an emergency on our part.”
As if that wasn’t enough of an explanation, I usually have to spend an hour or so — with a consultation fee, since I’m not a public service (and they are) — to explain, as fully as I can, what you didn’t get from your building department. Smaller building departments, I find, have a better track record at going over things with you, but bigger ones don’t have the time, so they refer you to an architect to lay the groundwork, often creating friction about what you’ll need.
The architect’s outline of what you can encounter is rarely an exaggeration, but most people are dazed and in disbelief, often saying that the building department made it sound a lot simpler, and the full explanation sounds like a con job.
Unfortunately, most people — including the first people you speak to at a building department, your contractor or a friend — are not producing or responding to the myriad code requirements, so they may not be fully aware of the big picture. For example, when you read a book, it can take several days to get through it, but that doesn’t mean it only took several days to write.
Someone showed me photos they rushed to take of a home they want to buy. I immediately spotted five violations in the pictures. Two of the violations were ceiling height (too low) and an electric panel next to a bathroom sink. Just the ceiling height could cause a six- to nine-month delay in filing documents and applying to the State Code Board for a hearing or review.
Then there was the fact that the dormer had a nearly flat roof and the wrong kind of roofing. Add in the under-minimum distance in front of the toilet and the lack of ceiling height in the shower with the wrong kind of sink trap, and you realize that just that one bathroom creates great time and expense. More to come next week.
“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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on a somber April day, thousands gathered in my hometown of Plainview for a ceremony that should never have taken place. We renamed Manetto Hill Road Captain Omer Neutra Way, a permanent tribute to a brave young man who lost his life defending his homeland, and whose body is still being held hostage by terrorists.
I had the solemn honor of sponsoring the legislation that made this tribute possible. And while it passed unanimously, this wasn’t just a moment of legislative action; it was a moral obligation. As antisemitism continues to rise across America and around the world, we cannot allow the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, to be whitewashed, minimized or forgotten.
Omer Neutra was a son of Plainview, a proud American and a commander in the Israel Defense Forces. He was murdered in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas near Nir Oz, one of the Israeli communities most devastated by the assault. His senseless death shook our
How does what we read every day affect our lives?
Daily newspapers and TV news drown us with torrents of repetitive and sometimes conflicting accounts of events across America and the world. The best of them are stanchions of democracy, and we need these dailies to offer a wide-angle lens, to see what we cannot see from our own front yards.
We need our weeklies to bring us stories about people we know in our communities, a narrower lens that focuses on local events and individuals. Weeklies are the lifeblood of community life — the pages where our neighbors are hailed as heroes, and school athletes have their moment in the sun.
Newspapers in this country struck their roots in liberty, and until the Trump era, citizens could rely on the accounts of events they read in the paper. Today, with overt threats against freedom of the press and news outlets co-opted by political power players, we
community, but the pain deepens with every day his body remains in captivity.
This act of violence, this war crime, should have rallied universal condemnation. But instead, we are seeing something deeply disturbing: a surge of antisemitism so virulent that even those marching peacefully to honor Neutra and to advocate for the return of hostages have themselves become targets.
Just weeks ago, in Boulder, Colorado, peaceful demonstrators with the Run For Their Lives campaign were attacked with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flamethrower. Their supposed crime?
Wcessfully to secure $950,000 in American Rescue Plan Act grant funding for the Mid Island Y JCC. That’s why I speak out — and that’s why I urge every elected official, regardless of party or position, to do the same.
e can’t allow the atrocities of Oct. 7, 2023, to be minimized or forgotten.
Calling for the return of hostages. This was not an isolated act of hate; it was the latest in an escalating pattern of antisemitic violence.
As a Jewish American, as a father and as a public official, I cannot and will not remain silent.
Jewish communities today are navigating a landscape of fear that is unlike anything I have experienced in my lifetime. We must respond not with fear or silence, but with resolve, unity and a firm commitment to truth and justice. That’s why I sponsored the legislation to honor Neutra. That’s why I fought suc-
We must call out antisemitism wherever it festers, whether it wears the mask of political activism or the cloak of conspiracy. This is not a matter of left or right. It is a matter of right and wrong.
But the work of governing isn’t just about remembrance; it’s also about results. That’s why I fought to unlock long-stalled funding for first responders in our community, securing nearly $91,000 for a new Muttontown police vehicle and supporting drainage, streetscape and public-safety projects throughout Syosset, Woodbury and Plainview.
It’s why I co-sponsored legislation to cut excessive small business fees that are choking entrepreneurs in Nassau County — fees that run three to five times higher than in neighboring Suffolk.
I’ve backed efforts that meet our neighbors where they are, supporting local food pantries, organizing “Shed the Meds” events to safely dispose of
expired medications, and honoring the heroism of Plainview firefighters who risked their lives during a devastating apartment fire.
I also stood alongside my Democratic colleagues in taking legal action against County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s reckless attempt to create a taxpayerfunded armed civilian militia, a program that lacks oversight, violates state law and endangers public trust.
At its core, public service isn’t about grandstanding or grabbing headlines. It’s about people. It’s about principle. It’s about doing the hard, necessary work to protect the vulnerable, uphold the law and deliver results for the communities we represent.
So I am renewing my pledge to honor Omer Neutra not just with words, but with action — to preserve the memory of those we’ve lost, protect the freedoms we cherish, and fight against hate in all its forms.
To those who feel alone in this moment, know that you are not. To those calling for justice, know that I am with you. And to those who think this moment will pass, I promise you: We will not forget, we will not back down and we will not be silent.
Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.
need to double down on the demand for honest and unbiased reporting. (It’s useful to note here that my column is by definition an opinion piece, my own views, not the policies of the Herald).
So we push, push for our free press against an incoming tide of political pressure. We need journalists to challenge the leaders in whom we put our faith and trust. We need the pragmatists and the idealists and the investigators to keep our newspapers relevant and alive.
How did these values become dirty words?
p u t down the phone.
Pick up a book. Stand in someone else’s shoes.
From my perch, an even greater need is for more people to read books, any books, all books, nothing banned. The impulse to ban a book comes from a place of intolerance and ignorance. No one ever became gay or trans or hypersexual because they read a book on the subject. Book banning comes from a small place, fear of someone different or a way of life that doesn’t conform to the majority.
Why are school libraries being thinned and censored? Why was a reference to Jackie Robinson’s military service temporarily removed from the U.S. Department of State website? Apparently, part of a sweep to remove any references to diversity, equity and inclusion.
These days, various media compete for our attention. Teenagers, especially, are vulnerable to the sound and light shows coming from their phones. It’s hard to curl up with a book when the phone gives you games and shocking fake news and social media to keep you jacked up. Parents who used to read to their young children are often distracted themselves by their phones and other devices.
As our political world spirals into confusion and mistrust, and as our president and his minions draw the country in and out of real and threatened violence here and overseas, where can a thinking person turn for comfort? What can help keep us grounded and hopeful as we celebrate our democracy on the Fourth of July?
Put down the phone. Pick up a book. Stand in someone else’s shoes, in another time and place. Escape the political convulsions of this moment and feel buoyed by a character’s life and loves; feel grounded by the universal values humans share.
I’m not sure how you become a reader of books if you never have been, but I
do know it’s possible. I know folks in their adulthood who finally found the peace and the time to start reading. It’s comforting, it’s edifying, and the connection between reader and character can be profound.
The books I’m reading this summer fall under the banner of “repairing the world,” which comes from the concept in Judaism to work toward making the world better. John Steinbeck wove the theme of repairing the world into his great novel “East of Eden,” exploring the tension between free will and destiny in human experience. Gorgeous stuff.
The books on my list are “Twist,” by Colum McCann, a story about a team of seamen who fix underwater internet cables around the globe; “Prophet Song,” by Paul Lynch, a novel about a fight against a totalitarian takeover in Ireland; “The Return,” by Hisham Matar, a man’s search for his father, who was “disappeared” by the Qaddafi regime; and “Western Lane” by Chetna Maroo, a debut story of summoning strength while moving through grief. These books explore the boundary places in our lives, the broken places, and offer visions for doing good in a fractured world.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
The Declaration of Independence was first published on July 6, 1776, in a newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post. We are proud to commemorate that high point in American journalism by reprinting that historic document.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at
places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Government:
For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.
The Declaration was signed first by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, and then by 55 others representing the 13 original states.
more than 32 million Americans live with life-threatening food allergies and other severe allergic conditions. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by food, insect stings or medications — things we come into contact with every day. In the event of life-threatening allergic reactions, families should not have to worry about access to life-saving epinephrine.
Last month, I proudly introduced the bipartisan legislation Gio’s Law alongside my Republican Long Island colleague Rep. Andrew Garbarino. Congress should come together and pass Gio’s Law, which would equip America’s brave law enforcement officers with lifesaving EpiPens and provide the training to administer care when responding to allergy-related emergencies.
Epinephrine is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis, the only medication that can fully reverse the severe, life-threatening symptoms of anaphylactic shock. Benadryl or other allergy medications will not reverse those symptoms; only epinephrine can do that. Putting EpiPens in the hands of
our first responders could be the difference of life or death for members of our community.
I introduced Gio’s Law in honor of Giovanni Cipriano, a Lynbrook native who died from a severe allergic reaction at age 14. Giovanni, who was known as Gio to his friends and loved ones, was a beloved son, brother, teammate and honor student who had just begun his freshman year at Holy Trinity High School when he suffered a fatal response to a food allergen. His life was tragically cut short because of this reaction. We must do everything we can to prevent other families from suffering such a heartbreaking loss.
vent future tragedies and keep other families from enduring this pain is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Over the past decade, Georgina has succeeded in passing New York state’s version of Gio’s Law and worked to boost access here on Long Island.
m y bipartisan legislation would equip law enforcement with EpiPens.
Gio’s Law would establish the firstever federal grant program at the U.S. Department of Justice to equip law enforcement across the country with EpiPens and train officers on how to recognize the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and administer epinephrine.
I was honored to develop this legislation with Gio’s mother, Georgina Cornago, a Long Island native and the founder of the Love for Giovanni Foundation. Georgina has been a tireless advocate for this policy at the local and state level. Her commitment to honoring Gio’s memory by working to pre-
To the Editor:
Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected and resounding victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary holds some important lessons for Long Island.
But for them to be learned, it is first necessary to discard stereotypes and appraise Mamdani’s views with an open mind. Automatic negative reactions are unhelpful and unthinking. Such is the case with South Shore Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen’s contention that Mamdani “is too extreme to lead New York City. His entire campaign has been built on unachievable promises and higher taxes…” Gillen also detects “a disturbing pattern of unacceptable antisemitic comments” on Mamdani’s part.
If they look past the scary label of “democratic socialist,” Long Islanders may find that Mamdani bears some resemblance to … Donald Trump! The Queens assemblyman began his long-shot campaign by soliciting the views of New York
City voters who had supported Trump in 2024. The top reason many expressed was Trump’s emphasis on affordability. And so Mamdani made that the centerpiece of his effort to forge the broadest possible electoral coalition.
“Both Donald Trump and our campaign can see the disillusionment in politics, the inability for so many to celebrate crumbs that cannot feed themselves and their families,” Mamdani told The New York Times in a post-primary interview.
The presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee offered solutions for unaffordability — a rent freeze, accelerated housing construction, reduced-price public transport, free day care — that would likely appeal to many Long Islanders. As Herald readers know, Nassau and Suffolk are becoming wildly unaffordable for middle-income families, with the result that many are moving away. Maybe suburban politicians should consider adopting versions of what Mamdani proposes. They might find future election results to be surprisingly favorable.
On the issue of antisemitism, it’s essential to acknowledge that criticism of the Israeli government’s pol-
With this bill, we are expanding this effort nationwide and working to make epinephrine available and accessible to police departments on Long Island and across the country.
State and local law enforcement officers are our nation’s first responders, and they are often the first on the scene for calls for medical emergencies. It is vital that officers are given the resources and training to ensure they can effectively respond to these emergencies.
During a severe anaphylactic reaction, every second counts. We’ve seen firsthand here in Nassau County that equipping first responders with EpiPens can make the difference in these emergency situations.
As we introduced Gio’s Law, I was proud to be joined by Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach and members of the Lynbrook Police Department. The village was a trailblazer in deploying EpiPens with first responders. Beach and Lynbrook police officers shared how their
officers have saved multiple lives in our community by stocking and administering EpiPens.
This is a nonpartisan public safety issue: Gio’s Law is about making sure first responders have what they need to save lives. By expanding access and awareness, we are making our communities safer for all those who are at risk of experiencing severe allergic reactions. This could be anyone, since many allergies do not manifest themselves until adulthood.
I am honored that the National Association of Police Organizations and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America have endorsed the bipartisan bill, and I’m proud to support our brave law enforcement officers who work each day to keep us safe.
Since taking office in January, I have worked every day to find compromise and to deliver on the priorities that matter most to my constituents in Nassau County, such as keeping our communities safe. I am proud to honor Gio’s memory alongside Representative Garbarino, and we will continue to push to advance this bipartisan legislation. Congress should come together to carry on Gio’s legacy and pass this common-sense bill to prevent tragedies and equip our law enforcement with the tools to save lives in life-threatening medical emergencies.
Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
icies does not, a priori, equate with disrespect for Jews. Mamdani has in fact called Hamas’s Oct 7, 2023, murders of Jews “a horrific war crime.” And he has indeed condemned the Netanyahu government’s conduct of its war on Gaza.
It is to be hoped that Long Islanders of
good will can take advantage of the opportunity Mamdani presents for an overdue and respectful discussion of Israel’s military actions.
