Courtesy the Office of Councilman Chris Schneider
Local officials joined veterans onstage at the Town of Hempstead’s annual Salute to Veterans event. Charles Wroblewski, center right, was the recipient of the Veterans Service Award.
Seaford veteran’s lifetime of service
earns Town of Hempstead honor
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
For nearly six decades, Charles Wroblewski has answered the call to serve.
Whether wearing the uniform of a U.S. Army soldier, investigating cases as an FBI agent or comforting fellow veterans as chaplain of American Legion Post 1132, the lifelong Seaford resident has built a life centered on helping others. Earlier this month, the Town of Hempstead recognized that commitment by presenting Wroblewski with its Veterans Service Award at the town’s annual Salute to Veterans event at Town Park in Point Lookout.
“I was surprised,” Wroblewski, 84, said. “It means that maybe I did accomplish what I wanted to do, and that is helping others.”
Town Councilman Chris Schneider, who nominated Wroblewski for the award, said the choice was an easy one. “Charlie never stops serving others,” Schneider said. “He’s heavily involved with the Seaford American Legion and devoted countless hours to helping his fellow veterans, raising awareness and educating the community, and other important service projects. He was a natural choice for me.”
Although the award recognizes his
decades of volunteer work, Wroblewski said he had a desire to serve long before he returned to Seaford after retiring from the FBI in 2005.
Drafted into the Army in 1966, he served with the Staff Judge Advocate’s Office at Camp Red Cloud, in South Korea, during the Vietnam War. While stationed overseas, he said, he volunteered at local orphanages, which opened his eyes to the hardships many people faced.
“We used to go and visit the orphanages with the little kids,” he recalled. “It was an exposure to life that I never had before. I think it gave me a sense of what a great country we live in. Maybe that’s one of the reasons when I came back, I wanted to help others, because I saw how bad it was.”
Following his military service, Wroblewski spent nearly four decades with the FBI, serving in field offices across the country before finishing his career overseeing hiring for the bureau. Each assignment, he said, reinforced the value of compassion and public service.
“My whole life experience made me care for others,” he said. “I’d rather do something for others than for myself.”
When he retired, Wroblewski returned to
Honor Flight
L.I. vets are set to reunite
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
More than five decades after many Vietnam veterans returned home without the recognition and appreciation given to earlier generations of service members, Honor Flight Long Island is continuing its mission to provide them with the welcome they deserved.
On Aug. 1, 46 Long Island veterans who participated in the organization’s May 2 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., will reunite at the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale to reflect on their experience and receive commemorative Tribute Journals documenting their journey.
Tans, their guardians and families may attend at no cost, while members of the public may attend for free from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The May 2 flight included 41 Vietnam veterans, along with one World War II veteran and four Korean War veterans. During the one-day trip, veterans visited the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial, Navy Memorial and other landmarks in Washington.
hat’s incredibly meaningful for our Vietnam veterans, who were not welcomed home back in the ’60s and ’70s.
BILL JONES
President, Honor Flight Long Island
Among those who took part was Levittown resident John Strong, a Vietnam War Army veteran who served as a Specialist 4th Class.
The free reunion event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hangar 3 at the museum, located at 1230 New Highway. Veter-
According to Honor Flight Long Island President Bill Jones, the trip was about more than visiting monuments — it was about honoring veterans whose service was not always recognized when they returned home.
“What this flight really represented was a ‘big hug’ to all our veterans from Honor Flight, their families and supporters,” Jones said.
Jones said one of the most
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Always answering the call to help others
his childhood home in Seaford. “I think it goes back to giving back to the community where I was educated and where I will always call home,” he said.
Since then, he has become one of Seaford’s most recognizable volunteers. In addition to serving as an American Legion chaplain, he is active with the Seaford Lions Club, the Historical Society and a number of other community organizations. He estimates that he volunteers at least 10 hours a week.
At Post 1132, Wroblewski helps ensure that veterans and their families remain connected to the organization, visiting aging members, coordinating memorial services for veterans who die, and organizes donations in their memory.
One recent visit, he said, reminded him why the work matters. After learning that a longtime legion member had reached a milestone anniversary with the organization, Wroblewski had his membership certificate framed and delivered it to his home.
“He was so happy that somebody had gone to visit him,” Wroblewski said. “I walked out of there and I felt so great. It’s the little things like that.”
“Charlie is one of the most visible people in Seaford because he’s involved in so many service organizations,” Schneider said. “However, what those who never met him may not know is that he is a walking history book about Seaford. He has so much knowledge about the community and how it’s grown over the years.”
His generosity also extends beyond his time. During the pandemic, when the post’s rental income disappeared almost overnight, Wroblewski made a critical donation to help keep the building
operating.
“If it didn’t survive, there wouldn’t be an American Legion,” he said. “We couldn’t pay the electric and gas bills. We had no rentals. We had no source of income. We were dead.”
Schneider described the contribution as “a very generous gift from a very generous man who did what he always does — lent a helping hand.”
Despite the long list of his contributions, Wroblewski downplays them, saying he never sought recognition. “Self-praise stinks,” he said with a laugh. “You’re not looking for the honor, but it’s nice to understand that people recognize you’re helping. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.”
These days, Wroblewski continues organizing veterans’ programs, judging student essay contests, honoring local teachers and helping bring veterans from the Northport VA Medical Center and Stony Brook Veterans Home to community events. If you’ve served you can find him on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 2301 Penatiquit Avenue which is the address of Seaford’s American Legion.
This role model hopes younger veterans will eventually follow his example. “I would say get involved,” he said. “You’ve got to learn about service somehow, and you’ve got to get in there in the trenches.”
Wroblewski is quick to remind us that veterans provided the freedoms we have today and should always be remembered, with a little extra appreciation for the 250th anniversary of the United States this year. Asked what he hopes people remember most about him, Wroblewski paused before offering a simple answer. “That I was kind and always did what I thought was right.”
Courtesy Charles Wroblewski Charles Wroblewski was nominated for the Veterans Service Award by Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider.
Wantagh foundation’s school drive returns
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
For over three decades, every summer has looked much the same for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation in Wantagh. Backpacks line the shelves, volunteers sort pencils, notebooks and glue sticks, and referrals begin pouring in from schools, hospitals and shelters across Long Island.
By the time the foundation’s annual back-to-school program wraps up in early September, thousands of children facing illness or financial hardship will head back to class with new backpacks, school supplies and, for many, gift cards to buy new clothes.
For founder John Theissen, the program has always been about more than checking items off a school supply list.
“It’s not only helping a family financially,” Theissen, 54, said. “It helps a child feel like a regular kid with their self-esteem. Every child should have the same opportunity to learn.”
The foundation, now beginning its 35th year, was created after Theissen survived a brain tumor as a teenager. While recovering at Schneider Children’s Hospital, he met young patients who had little or no family support, an experience that changed his outlook and reshaped his future.
“I told my mom I’d be back to help out kids like this,” Theissen recalled. “I knew from that point on it was going to be a new life for me. I’ve been given so many chances at life that I’d feel like a coward if I didn’t start a foundation to make a better world and help these kids.”
What started as a holiday toy drive has evolved into a year-round nonprofit that helps sick and underprivileged children with everything from medical expenses and transportation to therapy programs, birthday parties and seasonal initiatives like the back-to-school drive.
Families don’t apply directly. Instead, social workers, case managers, schools, hospitals and shelters refer children to the foundation, allowing staff to verify each family’s needs. Once they are approved, children receive backpacks filled with items on their specific school supply lists. Depending on available funding, many also receive $100 gift cards for stores such as Target or Old Navy so they can buy new clothes before classes begin.
The gift cards were added after an encounter that has stayed with Theissen for years. Early in the program’s history, he met a family whose child arrived wearing sneakers that had been cut open to make room for growing toes. The child admitted being embarrassed to return to school because classmates would have new clothes while they had outgrown nearly everything they owned.
“We ended up getting them what they needed,” Theissen said. “That’s really why we started giving gift cards. It helps them feel like any other kid.”
The need continues to grow. The foundation received requests beginning in June, and expects another busy season before the Sept. 6 conclusion of the drive. Last year it distributed roughly 2,500 fully stocked backpacks, and included gift cards for as many families as funding allowed.
“We always see a higher demand every year,” Theissen said. “As long as they’re legitimate requests, we try to help as many kids as we can.”
The foundation relies heavily on donations from residents, businesses and community groups. Monetary donations allow volunteers to purchase supplies that run short, while donated backpacks and new school supplies are distributed directly to children.
“The community has been incredible since day one,” Theissen said. “Without the community and the support of every single person who comes through our doors, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
That community support was recognized again this
summer, when the Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative selected the Theissen Foundation as one of two local charities to receive a grant at its annual Philanthropy Luncheon.
“We vet all of them very well,” June Stelboum, the Women’s Initiative’s former vice president of philanthropy, said. “John is just an overall wonderful, happy man who’s able to give back.”
Stelboum said that selecting recipients for the grants, which come as part of MWI’s annual philanthropic efforts, is never easy because of the many deserving nonprofits across Nassau and Suffolk counties, but Theissen’s longstanding commitment to helping children stood out.
As the organization prepares for another school year, Theissen says that one of the most rewarding parts isn’t counting backpacks — it’s seeing generations of supporters return. “I have kids that came with their parents when they were 5, and now they’re bringing their kids,” he said. “It’s become a tradition.”
The Theissen Foundation is accepting donations of new backpacks, school supplies and monetary contributions through Sept. 6. Donations can be dropped off at the foundation’s Wantagh center, on Wantagh Avenue, or made online at jtcf.org.
For Theissen, every backpack represents the same goal he set for himself decades ago as a teenage patient: making sure another child feels prepared, confident and, even if only for the first day of school, just like everyone else.
Courtesy John Theissen
Founder John Theissen has spent over 30 years helping children in need “feel like everybody else” by packing up new school supplies with a team of volunteers.
Wantagh Girl Scouts earn rare Gold Award
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Two Wantagh teenagers were recognized with Girl Scouts’ highest honor after completing community service projects designed to create lasting benefits for local residents.
Reese McCarthy and Lily Nicoletti were among 67 young women across Nassau County to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest achievement, during a ceremony held at The Inn at New Hyde Park on July 22.
The Gold Award recognizes Girl Scouts in grades 9 through 12 who identify a community need, develop a sustainable solution and lead a team to bring their project to life.
“The 2026 Gold Award Girl Scouts are an extraordinary group of young women, and what they have accomplished goes far beyond the projects they completed,” Rande Bynum, chief executive of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, said in a news release. “Through this experience, every one of them built real, transferable skills in leadership, problem-solving, public speaking, and project management that will give them an edge in college, in their careers, and in every community they are a part of for the rest of their lives.”
Reese’s project, Unleashing Love, focused on improving the emotional well-being of seniors living in assisted living facilities by promoting the benefits of therapy dogs. As part of the initiative, she organized presentations for Girl Scout troops, senior centers and community organizations about therapy animals. She also established an ongoing partnership between Amber Court Assisted Living and a certified therapy dog team that now visits residents each month.
Lily’s project, Growing Your Mind for a Better World,
Lily Nicoletti: Wantagh resident Lily Nicoletti earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor, for her project Growing Your Mind for a Better World, which teaches sustainable gardening to help combat food insecurity.
addressed food insecurity through gardening education and community outreach. Partnering with Crossroads Farm and other local organizations, she taught children and families how to grow fruits and vegetables using affordable methods such as hydroponics and small-space gardening. She also hosted workshops for more than 100 younger Girl Scouts and distributed gardening pamphlets with seed packets to visitors at local food pantries.
According to Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Gold Award projects are designed to continue benefiting com-
Making the World a Better Place
The late Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, wrote extensively on making the world a better place. In his book, “To Heal a Fractured World”, he writes, “I have spent much of my life thinking about life, observing people, reading books, searching for teachers and exemplars...I make no claim to wisdom, but this I have learned:”
“That what counts is not how much wealth we make but how much of what we have, we share.”
“That those who spend at least part of their lives in the service of others are the most fulfilled and happiest people I know.”
“That moral health is no less important to the quality of a life than physical health.”
“That the best do good without thought of reward, understanding that to help others is a privilege even more than it is an opportunity.”
“That self-interest is simply uninteresting.”
“That pain and loneliness are forms of energy that can be transformed if we turn them outward, using them to recognize and redeem someone else’s pain or loneliness.”
“That putting others down, we diminish ourselves; lifting others, we lift ourselves.”
“That nothing is gained by less-thanethical conduct. We may gain in the short term but we will lose in the long, and it is the long term that counts.”
“That the ability to give to others is itself a gift.”
“That the privilege of wealth lies not in what it allows us to do for ourselves, but what it enables us to do for others.”
“That the world is a book in which our life is a chapter, and the question is whether others, reading it, will be inspired.”
Courtesy Girl Scouts of Nassau County photos
Reese McCarthy: Wantagh resident Reese McCarthy earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor, for her project Unleashing Love, which promotes the benefits of therapy dogs for seniors in assisted living facilities.
munities long after the Girl Scout who created them has completed the work. Past projects have included educational programs, community installations, library donations and digital resources aimed at addressing local needs.
The organization said Gold Award recipients often develop leadership, project management and public speaking skills while completing their projects, preparing them for future academic and professional opportunities.
NEWS BRIEF
Murray Assists with Passport Application
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray (right) assisted Wantagh residents Michael and Allison Accordino as they utilized the Town of Hempstead Passport Office on July 23, 2026 at Hempstead Town Hall. For more information about the Town Clerk’s Office, please visit hempsteadny.gov/town-clerksoffice or call (516) 812-3046. Murray has remained the Hempstead Town Clerk since 2019 and was the first woman elected Hempstead Town Supervisor between 2003 and 2016.
Courtesy Girl Scouts of Nassau County photos
Veterans get the welcome home they missed
meaningful changes he has witnessed over the years has been the way Vietnam veterans are welcomed during Honor Flight trips.
For World War II and Korean War veterans, he said, the message they often hear from the public is “thank you for your service.” But when Vietnam veterans began participating in Honor Flight trips, that message changed.
“Organically, and without any kind of prompting, when we started taking Vietnam veterans, that message changed to ‘welcome home,’” Jones said. “That’s incredibly meaningful for our Vietnam veterans, who were not welcomed home back in the 60s and 70s.”
The Vietnam War era was a divisive time in the United States, and many veterans returned to a country where their service was not always acknowledged or appreciated.
Jones said Honor Flight provides an opportunity for some veterans to begin healing from those experiences.
“There is a little bit of healing that goes on,” he said. “The thank yous that they receive and the welcome home really is a highlight of the day that they experience.”
The reunion gives veterans another opportunity to share those memories with family members and friends who were not able to join them on the trip. Each veteran will receive a personalized
1 in Farmingdale. Above, the group gathered in Washington, D.C., on May 2.
Tribute Journal filled with photographs from their day in Washington, along with additional pictures submitted by their families.
The journals have become a tradition for Honor Flight Long Island over the last several years.
“They’re like a coffee table book,” Jones said. “They can keep them out and show them to their neighbors and their family. It reminds them of their day rather than just relying on their memory alone.”
Jones said the reunion also allows vet-
erans to reconnect with the people they met during the trip and continue sharing their stories.
While the May 2 flight provided emotional moments throughout the day, Jones said one unexpected memory stood out — a wild turkey that appeared during the changing of the guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
“It was just an incredible service, and there happened to be a wild turkey in the midst of the changing of the guard,” Jones said.
Honor Flight Long Island has con -
ducted roughly 45 flights during its nearly two decades of operation, bringing veterans from across Nassau and Suffolk counties to Washington.
Veterans are selected based on the date their applications are received, though priority is given to surviving World War II and Korean War veterans due to their age. Vietnam veterans currently make up the majority of those waiting for future flights.
Jones encouraged any veteran who has not yet applied to consider signing up.
“We truly want to honor them for their service to their country,” Jones said. “Everyone served in some capacity. It wasn’t their choice whether they served in combat or not. They were all part of the team.”
The Aug. 1 ceremony will include remarks from Honor Flight Long Island and American Airpower Museum officials, a performance of the Armed Forces Salute by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Band, and a performance of “Welcome Home, My Brother” by Honor Flight Guardian Eric Wieboldt of Merrick.
The event will also feature free refreshments and an opportunity for the community to show its appreciation to the veterans.
Veterans interested in applying for a future Honor Flight can submit an application through Honor Flight Long Island.
Courtesy Mark Chamberlain
John Strong, of Levittown, is just one of the 46 veterans who will be honored when the American Airpower Museum and Honor Flight Long Island host a patriotic reunion on Aug.
Crossovers fuel Nassau County football
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Kickoff for the Nassau high school football season is just over a month away.
On Aug. 17, all 51 public high school football programs in the county will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Thursday, Sept. 3 with a Conference IV battle between Island Trees and Oyster Bay. The vast majority of openers will take place the following Thursday.
The biggest news of the offseason came in the spring when East Rockaway and West Hempstead announced it would be joining forces. Longtime Rocks head coach Russ Pajer adds Dom Carre, who served as the head coach at West Hempstead since 2010, as defensive coordinator. Carre played for Pajer at East Rockaway in 1997 and ‘98.
“Our JV teams combined last year and it was a great experience,” said Pajer, who enters his 32nd season as head coach. “West Hempstead’s numbers are down to less than 20, so it was a no-brainer. It was a seamless process with both superintendents on board. It’s a good thing and we expect to have a strong team.”
East Rockaway/West Hempstead is seeded fifth in Conference IV and opens at Valley Stream North. Three of its home games will be played under the lights at East Rockaway beginning Sept. 18 against defending county champion Seaford. West Hempstead will be the site of the Week 3 crossover against Elmont, and the game will serve as Homecoming. A Homecoming will also take place in East Rockaway Oct. 9. In 2025, the Rocks went 2-6 while the Rams finished 4-4 and qualified for the playoffs.
“We expect to have between 30 and 35 kids on varsity,” Pajer said.
Crossover games add intrigue
Seaford, along with three-time defending Long Island champion Massapequa (Conference I), ninetime defending county champion Garden City (II) and South Side (III) are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences.
Massapequa and Garden City will clash in a muchanticipated crossover game Sept. 26 on the Chiefs’ home field at 1:30 p.m. The Trojans enter the season riding an amazing 66-game winning streak. The showdown, along with all the other crossovers between Conferences I and II, and III and IV, will carry a lesser power-ranking weight than the other seven games, Carey head coach Mike Stanley said.
Some of the other Week 3 matchups feature Carey at Oceanside, Long Beach at Farmingdale, South Side at Seaford, Plainedge at Lynbrook, and Freeport at Roosevelt (Thurs., Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.)
Seven teams switch conferences
Plainedge and Carey lead a group of six teams switching conferences for this season based on enrollment and size breakdown of each conference. Plainedge finished first in the regular season in Conference IV a year ago, going undefeated in the process, and bumps down to III. Carey was in III last fall but jumps up to II, essentially changing places with Glen Cove. East Meadow is no stranger to the top conference and heads there after a brief stay in II. Floral Park, Valley Stream North and Valley Stream South moved to IV from III.
Few coaching changes
Legendary Plainedge head coach Rob Shaver retired
10 games to watch
Sept. 10 Long Beach at Carey
Sept. 10 Wantagh at Plainedge
Sept. 10 Lynbrook at Seaford
Sept. 19 Mepham at Calhoun
Sept. 26 Carey at Oceanside
Sept. 26 Garden City at Massapequa
Oct. 10 Oceanside at Massapequa
Oct. 17 Plainedge at South Side
Oct. 24 Massapequa at Farmingdale
Oct. 31 South Side at Wantagh
at the end of last season and the Red Devils are now led by former assistant Adam Hovorka. They’ll kick off at home versus defending Conference III champion Wantagh. And for the third time in four seasons, East Meadow has a new head coach with Matt Castaneda taking over. The Jets are seeded seventh in their return to Conference I and open at home against Hicksville. Former Elmont head coach Jay Hegi is the new head coach at Division.
Lucas DiDio and Oceanside take on Carey in what promises to be an exciting crossover game Sept. 26.
Michelle Ebel/Herald photos
Chaminade’s Luka Tomaszweski was on the move during 7 on 7 drills at Oceanside.
Levittown STEM Camp inspires students
Students in grades 3–8 explored the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the Levittown School District’s engaging STEM Camp summer program from July 13–24, where this year’s space-themed activities challenged campers’ creativity and problem-solving skills.
Third through fifth grade students immersed themselves in hands-on engineering challenges inspired by space exploration. Campers designed Mars rovers using pasta, launched homemade stomp rockets, explored electricity and magnetism by building electrical circuits similar to those used aboard the International Space Station, and engineered habitats capable of growing plants on Mars. They also put their understanding of gravity, force and inertia to the test by designing spacecraft to safely land their “eggstronauts” during a lunar landing challenge. Outdoor games rounded out the experience with astronaut-inspired activities that promoted teamwork.
Sixth through eighth graders expanded their engineering and technology skills through advanced STEM challenges that included designing water bottle rockets while learning about NASA’s history of space exploration and the engineering design process. Students also built and programmed robotic vehicles capable of navigating obstacles and completing challenges. Daily engineering activities encouraged students to apply concepts such as gravity and drag by designing devices to safely land a “space alien turkey,” while outdoor STEM games reinforced communication and critical thinking through interactive team challenges.
Throughout the program, student volunteers from Division Avenue and General Douglas MacArthur high schools played an important role assisting with activities, encouraging younger campers and helping create a fun, welcoming environment for all.
— Hunter Fenollol
Courtesy Levittown Public Schools
Students in the Levittown Schools STEM Camp summer program showed off their engineered habitats capable of growing plants on Mars alongside high school student volunteers.
CONCERTS
TOH promotes UV Safety Awareness Month
By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com
With July at the heart of every summer, its designation as National UV Safety Awareness Month is timely. When beachgoers soak in the sun and outdoor activities fill most days, skin care and cancer prevention tips are as critical as ever.
Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti held a news conference at the Town Park at Point Lookout Thursday morning, joined by partners from Northwell Health, to launch the town’s Summertime Wellness Series.
“This program offers residents convenient access to important health services,” Ferretti said. “We’re kicking it off today with a free skin cancer screening event.” From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., medical professionals from Northwell Health were set up with a mobile unit, providing free skin cancer screenings to 50 town residents. “We urge all of our town residents in the Town of Hempstead to get checked on an annual basis for skin cancer,” Ferretti explained, “Whether that’s here in a town facility or with your own dermatologist.”
Ferretti shared effective tips to mitigate UV exposure, including the use of sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher; aiming to stay in the shade during peak
sunlight hours, typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and wearing proper clothing, sunglasses and headwear when outdoors.
Dr. Camila Villa-Ruiz, a dermatologist at Northwell Health, spoke at the conference discussing more realities surrounding skin cancer. “We estimate that one in five people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70,” Villa-Ruiz stated. “It is a very common, but preventable, cancer that has a high cure rate. Have your skin cancer screenings. Visit your dermatologist if you see anything that’s changing, growing, or bleeding.” Individuals with tattoos, or anyone considering getting a tattoo, should take extra precaution. “It is harder to screen, especially when you have tattoos that are covering moles,” Villa-Ruiz said. “It is definitely harder, but we can still do it. I would highly recommend to not get tattoos over existing moles.”
A second wellness series event and free skin cancer screening will be held on July 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Veterans Memorial Park Pool in East Meadow. The series will conclude with a presentation on Four Ways to Save a Life — including how to administer CPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator and other potentially life-saving practices — from 11 a.m. to noon on July 23 at the Echo Park Pool Complex in West Hempstead.
Chris Colucci/Herald Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, at podium, was joined, from left, by Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Town Clerk Kate Murray, Councilman Tom Muscarella, Dr. Camila Villa-Ruiz from Northwell Health and Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby.
Andrew Viggiano earns his Eagle Scout rank
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
A Seaford teenager has reached one of Scouting’s highest milestones, earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout after years of dedication, leadership and service.
Andrew Viggiano of Seaford Troop 690 was honored during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, where local officials recognized his achievement and commitment to giving back to the community.
New York State Sen. Steve Rhoads attended the ceremony to congratulate Viggiano on earning the rank, which represents the culmination of years of work within Scouting. Fewer than five percent of Scouts nationwide achieve the Eagle Scout designation.
“Andrew’s dedication to serving others and improving his community embodies the very values that the Eagle Scout rank represents,” Rhoads said. “His leadership, hard work, and commitment to making a difference are truly commendable.”
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, Viggiano completed a service project at St. Martin of Tours Church in Bethpage. Leading a team of volunteers, he helped improve the grounds surrounding the parish flagpole and the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The project included landscaping the area, repainting the statue and installing collection boxes to enhance the church grounds. The improvements are expected to benefit the parish community for years to come.
Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider also recognized Viggiano’s accomplishment, noting the dedication required to reach Scouting’s highest rank.
“Becoming an Eagle Scout takes years of hard work, commitment, service and leadership,” Schneider said. “Attaining scouting’s highest rank is something only a select few ever accomplish.”
Schneider said Viggiano’s achievement reflects the qualities Scouting aims to instill in its members.
“Andrew attained an honor with very high stan -
Viggiano was joined by friends, family, and local officials to celebrate his achievement earlier this month.
dards that requires leadership, service to others, commitment and years of hard work,” Schneider said. “Meeting those standards shows that he is a leader and role model, and achieving something that very few ever accomplish speaks volumes about his character, work ethic and ambition.”
For local leaders, recognizing young people who reach milestones like Eagle Scout is an opportunity to highlight the importance of service and leadership in the community.
“We want children to grow into leaders who work hard, help others, give back and make a positive difference,” Schneider said. “Becoming an Eagle Scout is
impossible without doing every one of those things.”
The Eagle Scout rank has been awarded to Scouts who demonstrate leadership, character and community involvement through years of advancement and service. Viggiano’s accomplishment marks a significant achievement for both him and Troop 690.
Rhoads congratulated Viggiano and his family, praising the countless hours of effort and dedication required to earn Scouting’s highest honor.
“Andrew’s leadership and commitment to service are qualities that will continue to make a difference in his community,” Rhoads said. “I wish him continued success as he carries these values into the future.”
Courtesy the Office of Senator Steve Rhoads
Seaford’s Andrew Viggiano, center, displays his certificate after earning the rank of Eagle Scout, Scouting’s highest honor. Viggiano, a member of Troop 690, was recognized by local officials including New York State Sen. Steve Rhoads, left, and Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider, to his right, during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony.
Courtesy the Office of Senator Steve Rhoads
Turnpike will be resurfaced between the Meadowbrook
and Route 110 in Farmingdale, as part of several state-led transportation projects.
Stretch of Hempstead Turnpike set for upgrades
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Drivers traveling through Wantagh and Levittown can expect smoother roads and improved traffic flow over the next year as New York State begins a major resurfacing project along Hempstead Turnpike.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced last week that work is underway on several transportation projects across Long Island totaling $58 million, including the resurfacing of State Route 24 — Hempstead Turnpike — between the Meadowbrook State Parkway in the Town of Hempstead and Route 110 in the Town of Babylon. The $16.7 million project will renew more than 50 lane miles of pavement, including the stretch through Wantagh and Levittown, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The project goes beyond repaving the roadway. State officials said traffic signals will be upgraded with modern technology to improve traffic flow, while highly reflective lane markings and enhanced pedestrian crosswalks will be installed to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians alike.
“All across Long Island, New York State is making historic investments to modernize our transportation network and provide safe, reliable infrastructure that travelers can depend on,” Hochul
said in a statement. “By renewing and upgrading our roadways, intersections and airports, we are laying the foundation to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and support communities across Long Island and the entire Empire State.”
The Hempstead Turnpike improvements are part of a broader initiative announced by Hochul last fall that dedicates nearly $1.2 billion to highway improvements statewide during the 2026 construction season. Of that total, $107 million is being invested in Long Island roadways.
State Sen. Siela Bynoe said the Route 24 improvements will enhance both safety and mobility for area residents.
“Safe, reliable roads are essential to enhancing the quality of daily life for our residents,” Bynoe said. “The resurfacing and modernization of State Route 24 will aid in improving traffic flow and safety through upgraded crosswalks, traffic signals and reflective lane markings. New York State’s commitment to investing in Long Island’s transportation infrastructure is pivotal to ensuring motorists and pedestrians feel secure when traveling.”
To reduce disruptions, the state said major construction activities will be scheduled during off-peak hours whenever possible. Electronic message signs will be posted near work zones to provide motorists with travel updates throughout construction.
NEWS BRIEF
Dunne Attends Town Concert in Wantagh
Hempstead Town Councilman Dennis Dunne (right) greeted members of Forever Freestyle prior to their July 22, 2026 performance at Forest City Community Park in Wantagh, part of the Town’s Free Summer Concert Series. Also attending was Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight. For a full line-up of summer concerts please visit https://townofhempsteadevents.com/.
Jordan Vallone/Herlad
Hempstead
Parkway
AUGUST 13 • 10AM-12:30PM
CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM
145 S MERRICK AVE, MERRICK
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
STEPPING OUT
For Michelle Taplin, seen here at a spring showcase, theater is about more than performance. Through Tap Into Your Passion, she is helping young actors develop the confidence, resilience and skills to succeed both onstage and off.
Opening doors to the stage
By Iris Wiener
Michelle Taplin has spent much of her life immersed in the performing arts, but her greatest role may be helping the next generation discover their own voices. What began as a longtime dream has grown into Tap Into Your Passion, a thriving coaching and arts education company that, more than a year after its official launch, is already making a lasting impact on aspiring performers across the region.
As Tap Into Your Passion marks its first year and a half, Taplin celebrates the milestone with a special fundraising gala on Aug. 10 in The Green Room 42 in New York City that reflects the heart of her mission: making quality theater education accessible to everyone.
For Taplin, the journey started long before she opened her Rockville Centre-based business. Growing up in Oceanside, she balanced voice lessons, dance classes, gymnastics, and community theater while nurturing two lifelong ambitions: becoming a theater educator and one day opening her own company. Inspired by Oceanside High School theater teacher Laura Gallo, she pursued degrees in theater and business at Muhlenberg College before earning an MA in theater education from Adelphi University. Along the way, she gained experience as a performer, director, choreographer, stage manager, and arts administrator while also spending six years with the Sunrise Association, where she developed an inclusive teaching philosophy serving children with cancer and their siblings. Those experiences continue to shape every lesson she teaches today.
Taplin continues to wear many hats. She teaches theater at both the middle and high school in Oceanside, and directs productions with the school district and community theaters, including Plaza Theatricals. She also advises student organizations and mentors countless young performers. Tap Into Your Passion has become a natural extension of everything she loves most about teaching.
“Tap Into Your Passion’s mission is to provide theater education without costing an arm and a leg,” Taplin says, explaining that she wanted to remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the performing arts. She offers three primary services: private coaching for performers ages nine and up; a comprehensive college audition program that guides students through every step of the competitive application process; and a monthly master class series featuring accomplished Broadway performers, choreographers, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
The response has been exceptional. Taplin credits much of Tap Into Your Passion’s early success to the generosity of the artists who have shared their time and expertise. Taplin explains that each workshop has
Theater coach celebrates a milestone
reinforced the lessons she teaches her students while helping to build a supportive network where young performers can learn directly from professionals working in the industry.
Rather than molding students into “cookie-cutter performers,” Taplin encourages them to embrace their individuality. She believes there is no single path to success in theater and exposing students to a wide variety of artistic voices helps them discover the techniques and perspectives that resonate most authentically.
That philosophy has attracted students from throughout Long Island and Manhattan. Students from Floral Park, Oceanside, Lynbrook, Sewanhaka, Elmont, Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Garden City, and New York City, among other places, create a diverse community connected by a shared love of theater.
“Michelle always makes sure to put care and respect into all of her students’ work sessions,” says Kevin Kirley, a student from Rockville Centre who now attends New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “She has also been so integral to my journey throughout the college audition process. Her teaching has been extremely influential to me as a working actor, and I will take what I have learned throughout my training into my artistry.”
For Taplin, arts education extends well beyond singing, dancing or acting. She advocates that theater teaches empathy, collaboration, resilience, confidence, communication, and determination — life skills that benefit students regardless of whether they ultimately pursue careers on stage.
“It’s what the process teaches you,” she says, emphasizing that the personal growth students experience is often more valuable than the performances themselves.
Those values will be front and center shortly when Tap Into Your Passion hosts its Broadway Gives Back gala. The evening will feature performances by many of the Broadway artists and teaching professionals who have led Taplin’s master classes, each sharing a song that inspired their own theatrical journey. Beyond celebrating the company’s growth, the fundraiser will support Taplin’s goal of keeping coaching and master classes affordable for aspiring performers while demonstrating to students the passion that fuels successful careers in the arts.
As Tap Into Your Passion enters its second year, Taplin aims to continue expanding its reach while maintaining the close-knit community that has become its hallmark. She envisions welcoming more students, introducing them to even more accomplished professionals, and reminding every young artist that there is room for their unique voice in the theater world. Looking back on Tap’s remarkable beginning and the theater community’s willingness to help, Taplin relates that the experience has reinforced one lesson above all others: “The answer will always be ‘no’ if you don’t ask.”
It is a philosophy that has helped transform a childhood dream into a flourishing business, and one that continues to inspire the students following in her footsteps.
Visit TheGreenRoom42.VenueTix.com for tickets or more information about Where It All Began: Broadway Gives Back.
Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience
Comprising a group of exceptionally talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans, Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” Their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy. Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for their audiences.
Saturday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Vishal & Sheykhar
Brace yourself for a high-octane night with Bollywood’s most electrifying music duo – Vishal and Shekhar! VishalDadlani and Shekhar (formerly Shekhar) Ravjiani return to the states, following a completely sold-out U.S. run in 2025. Experience the energy and excitement of The Superhit Tour as acclaimed music duo Vishal and Sheykhar take the stage. Known for creating some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, the duo brings a powerhouse performance filled with fan-favorite songs, dynamic production and a concert atmosphere that will have the entire audience singing along. Expect a night packed with unforgettable music, stunning visuals, and the signature sound that has made them global sensations.
Sunday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter. org or (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Photos courtesy Michelle Taplin
Student Bella Romero performs at the spring showcase at The Green Room 42.
Broadway’s Krystina Alabado, right, leads a master class.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
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Christmas in July fundraiser
Celebrate the holiday season a little early while supporting local children and food pantries at the Take Me Out to the Ballgame Foundation’s annual Christmas in July fundraiser. The family-friendly event includes entertainment, a barbecue with chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as auctions and raffles with prizes including memorabilia from the Yankees, Mets, Knicks and Rangers, along with other featured items. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s mission of improving the quality of life for children in need through interactive family activities and by helping replenish local food pantries across Nassau and Suffolk counties. $50 per person, and children 10 and younger are admitted free.
• Where: Mulcahy’s, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 6:30-10 p.m.
• Contact: takemeouttotheballgamefoundation.org
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Meet Farm Animals
Everyone can get up close with a variety of farm animals during this handson family program presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County at Seaford Public Library. Kids and families can enjoy an interactive outdoor experience with discussion about the animals on site. The program is held outdoors under a tent in the library’s side parking lot. Attendees are encouraged to bring water.
• Where: 2234 Jackson Ave., Seaford
• Time: 10 a.m.-noon
• Contact: seafordlibrary.org
Summer grooves
Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Grateful Dead tribute band Half Step. The Long Islandbased band are dedicated fans and “students” of the Grateful Dead, capturing the spirit, improvisation, sound and complexity of Grateful Dead music. Half Step has been mastering their craft since 2004 while winning over crowds of veteran Deadheads, newcomers and non-Dead fans alike. Like the Grateful Dead themselves, the band is constantly pushing the envelope, growing together as musicians and performers.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
Franz Ferdinand
a bubble form, what makes them pop, and discover new creative ways to make bubbles at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
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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
Family movie night
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
The Scottish band brings their Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange Tour to the Paramount stage, in support of their latest album, “The Human Fear,” which dropped in January. Since emerging from Glasgow’s art-school scene — where the band famously staged illegal parties in abandoned buildings — Franz Ferdinand has built a reputation for bold sharp hooks, infectious riffs and a fearless approach to reinvention. The band’s sixth studio album explores the emotions that define the human experience, transforming fear from something to avoid into something that awakens us. From the vulnerability of new relationships to the courage required to embrace change, “The Human Fear” channels those moments of uncertainty into songs packed with energy, urgency and unmistakable Franz Ferdinand style. Following the retrospective collection “Hits To The Head,” their latest album marks a new chapter for the group — one that honors its signature sound while pushing forward. Expect a high-energy performance filled with the clever songwriting, driving rhythms and irresistible beats that have made Franz Ferdinand one of the most influential bands of its generation. At this point in their career, Franz Ferdinand definitely know who they are, and are relishing the vigor that comes with accepting that
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
‘Salute to Veterans’ Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with the annual Salute to Veterans show. Desert AuG
1
Highway performs an Eagles tribute. American Bombshell also appears.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
Amazing Animal Encounter
Families can join Long Island Children’s Museum’s animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of the museum’s “residents.” Meet some of our real-life animals up close.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Summer tunes
Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Lovesong, with an ‘80s New Wave tribute. The band offers a unique concert experience with electrifying performances of legendary music by Duran Duran, INXS, The Cure, Tears for Fears,
Depeche Mode, Erasure, New Order and more.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
Hambones Do Dylan
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Enjoy the songs of Bob Dylan with Hambones as part of Wantagh Public Library’s Music Monday Summer Concert Series. The band performs a selection of Dylan’s classic hits and fan favorites in an outdoor concert honoring one of America’s most influential singer-songwriters. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of live music in the library’s parking lot.
• Where: Parking Lot, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh
• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
• Contact: wantaghlibrary.org/ calendar
Bubble Magic
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to the Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun! Through playful, hands-on experiments explore what makes
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See Disney’s “Zootopia 2,’” the animated buddy cop comedy sequel. Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Game time
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.
• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: mahjonggCBT@ yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445
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.
Adelphi appoints four alumni to Board of Trustees
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Adelphi University has appointed four alumni to its Board of Trustees, adding leaders in business, law, higher education and real estate to the governing body.
The new trustees are Kristopher Amplo, Class of 2000; LeeAnn Black, Class of 1983; Bruce A. Jones, Class of 1982; and Walter P. Schmidt, Class of 1984.
“Each of these individuals brings with them a wealth of expertise, deep professional accomplishments, a personal connection to our community and a profound commitment to our university’s mission,” Adelphi President Michael Balboni said in a release. “As we work together to guide Adelphi into its next era of excellence, their diverse insights will be vital to our future growth and success.”
Amplo is president and chief executive of J.C. Steel Erectors Corp., a commercial steel company that has worked on projects including UBS Arena, LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and TSX Broadway. He also oversees real estate investments and is active in philanthropy through the Amplo Family Foundation and the DezyStrong Foundation.
Black is chief operating officer of the global law firm Latham & Watkins, where she oversees business operations and strategic planning. A certified public accountant, she previously served on Adelphi’s President’s Advisory Council, chairs the board of trustees at The Chapin School and is co-chair of Adelphi’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference.
Jones is a professor of political science at Howard University. He previously served as the university’s senior vice president for research, helping Howard achieve its Research 1, or R1, classification. He has also held academic leadership positions at the University of
Houston, the University of South Florida and the University of Missouri.
Schmidt is a co-founder of Rockwood Capital and has more than four decades of experience in institutional real estate investment. He served as a senior managing partner until 2022 and now serves as a senior adviser following the formation of Harrison Street Asset Management. Schmidt previously served on Adelphi’s Presi-
dent’s Advisory Council and is involved with organizations supporting youth development in the United States and Central America.
The university also welcomed back trustees Charles J. Fuschillo, Class of 1983; Dennis J. McDonagh, Class of 1978; and Michael J. Tiedemann, Class of 1989, after they stepped away from the board because of other commitments.
Courtesy Adelphi University
Adelphi University has appointed alumni Kristopher Amplo, LeeAnn Black, Bruce A. Jones and Walter P. Schmidt to its Board of Trustees.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee for the RMTP Trust, Series 2019-C, Plaintiff
AGAINST Christine L. Sayago Individually and as surviving spouse of Richard A. Sayago, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 4, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 3941 Arthur Avenue North, Seaford, NY 11783 AKA 3941 North Arthur Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783 AKA 3941 Arthur Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52 Block 461 Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $365,111.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #618080/2024. James A. Pascarella, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 24-003047 90224 161162
LEGAL NOTICE
SOUTHEAST NASSAU TRANSPORTATION COOPERATIVE
Island Trees, UFSD Hicksville UFSD Levittown UFSD Seaford UFSD Plainedge UFSD Wantagh UFSD Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD
=============== NOTICE TO BIDDERS
In accordance with the provision of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Boards of Education of the Southeast Nassau Transportation Co-Operative, consisting of Island Trees UFSD, Levittown UFSD, Plainedge UFSD, Wantagh UFSD, Plainview-OldBethpage CSD, and Seaford UFSD, hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for: 2026-2027 School Year
Transportation
On behalf of the Southeast Nassau Transportation CoOperative, Seaford School District hereby gives public notice that SEALED BIDS will be received until 10:30 AM prevailing time on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Seaford School District - Central Administration Board Room, located at 1600 Washington Avenue, Seaford NY 11783 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud in-person.
Sealed bids are to be addressed to the attention of Rhonda Meserole CPA, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, Seaford School District, 1600 Washington Avenue, Seaford NY 11783.
Bid Specifications and all applicable terms and conditions forms can be obtained by emailing rmeserole@seaford.k12 .ny.us or by calling (516) 592-4004.
The Boards of Education reserve the right to waive any informality in or to reject in whole or in part all bids or to accept any bid, which in its judgment is in the best interest of the school district.
All proposals received after the time stated in the Notice to Bidders will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the bidder. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or in the handling of the mail by employees of the School District. Whether sent by mail or by means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes responsibility for having his bid deposited on time at the place specified.
Bids must be in a SEALED ENVELOPE clearly marked on the outside, “SENTCO2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR BID, and the envelope must bear on the outside, the complete name & address of the bidder.
Each Bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening.
By order: Boards of Education Island Trees
U.F.S.D. Levittown
U.F.S.D. Plainedge
U.F.S.D.
Plainview-Old
Bethpage C.S.D.
Hicksville U.F.S.D
Seaford U.F.S.D.
Wantagh U.F.S.D. 161380
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstNASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATOR AS LIMITED
ADMINISTRATOR TO THE ESTATE OF KAYE N POPE A/K/A KAYE POPE, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 22, 2026, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATOR AS LIMITED
ADMINISTRATOR TO THE ESTATE OF KAYE N POPE A/K/A KAYE POPE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 1, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3766 JOY CT, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 52-482-1. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREOF ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 000185/2010. Chad Lupinacci, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC,
900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 161412
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-7, Plaintiff against JAMES D. KRULDER, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840, New York, NY 10170.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 15, 2019, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 27, 2026 at 2:00PM. Premises known as 4029 Demont Road, Seaford, New York 11783. Sec 52 Block 477 Lot 17. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Massapequa, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $664,358.72 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 005191/2016. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed
Adelphi to showcase four public art exhibitions
Adelphi University will present four free public art exhibitions this summer and fall, featuring works by Long Island artists and alumni across three gallery spaces on its Garden City campus.
The exhibitions, open to the public, include painting, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking and fiber art. Artist receptions and talks are scheduled throughout the exhibition period.
Beyond the Island
July 2–Sept. 12
Performing Arts Center, Second Floor Gallery
A mixed-media work by interdisciplinary artist Ani Brutus combines textiles, paint, printmaking and assemblage as part of “UNEARTHING | A Reclamation of Prayer,” on view at Adelphi University.
Curated by Adelphi alumna Lauren Skelly Bailey, “Beyond the Island” features works by 17 painters with ties to Long Island. The exhibition explores themes of memory, place and the changing impressions of summer through both abstract and representational works.
A reception will be held Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In the Arena
July 2–Sept. 12
Performing Arts Center, First Floor Gallery
Bellport artist Mark Van Wagner’s “In the Arena” examines the relationship between the natural world and human experience through abstract sculptures, paintings and drawings. Van Wagner incorporates natural sand collected from around the world, along with reclaimed materials, to explore themes of impermanence, decay and renewal.
A reception is scheduled for Sept. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Telling Tales
Aug. 10–Sept. 12
Swirbul Library, Lovely Gallery
Adelphi alumna Karen Renna, a retired educator who taught at the Waldorf School of Garden City and in the Herricks school district, will present “Telling Tales,” a solo exhibition featur-
Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844)400-9633. Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee File # 21-03816NY 161406
ing watercolor, ink, ceramics and printmaking. Her work draws on personal experiences, relationships and the natural world.
A reception will be held Sept. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. Gallery hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
UNEARTHING | A Reclamation of Prayer
Aug. 10–Sept. 12
Ruth S. Harley University Center, Adele and Herbert J. Klapper Art Gallery Interdisciplinary artist Ani Brutus will present “UNEARTHING | A Reclamation of Prayer,” featuring printmaking, painting, textiles and assemblage. Through layered scrap materials and family archives, Brutus explores ancestry, spirituality and memory, drawing inspiration from Vodou traditions.
An opening reception and artist talk are scheduled for Sept. 3, with the reception from 6 to 8 p.m. and the talk at 7 p.m. A “Making Relics” workshop will be held Aug. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. Gallery hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All four exhibitions are free and open to the public.
For more information about gallery hours, parking and events, visit adelphi. edu/events.
— Allyson Ferrari
Courtesy Adelphi University
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $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
OUTSIDE
Beautiful Colonial
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Cemetery Plots
TWO BURIAL PLOTS FOR SALE. New Montifiore Cemetery. Desirable location. $5,500 per grave (below current pricing). Please email or call: Nechul333@gmail.com 516-316-0497
Do we have to submit complete house plans just for a garage?
Q. We were recently told that our permit plans, to be approved, were going to have to include plans of the entire house, not just the garage area we are bumping out on the side. We were wondering if you have heard of this or whether we are being singled out. Our architect said that it may be because we have to go to the zoning board. Is this the reason, or did we say something wrong and are being punished? We asked, several times, for an update, because things are moving very slowly and we get the impression the building department just wants us to go away. They work for us and I think we deserve better service, frankly.
A. Trust but verify is now a common expression, and with good reason. What I have noticed over the years is that complete information is more often required, showing unrelated areas of the home, because many people have not been truthful about building changes or about how much work they have done, without permits, in other parts of the home. Because of this issue, many plans examiners ask for the big picture, not just the area you are interested in. It is obvious, when looking at file records in building departments and then comparing them to the actual dwelling during a walkthrough.
Your dilemma is due to the lack of trust between the authorities and the public. If the building inspector notices that the plans and the home don’t exactly compare, they can ask for “revised” plans to be submitted. It is frustrating, right at the end of a project, when people are ready to move on with their lives, to find out that the “simple, little changes” and side work they did require revised plans to be submitted to their building department. It is much worse to learn about changes or not following plans many years later.
Contractors and owners may get away with not communicating in the short term, but it does not pay, in the long run, to hide information. When someone realizes they bought a house with inherited, hidden issues which they are now responsible for, they feel taken advantage of. Worse than that are the costly corrections that have to be made because something that has existed for years may not be code-compliant. It happens all too often that unrelated portions of the building become a stumbling block to getting approvals for what you are really looking to do.
You are probably not being singled out, but you have been put in this position by previous workers and owners who did not take the record-updating seriously. People have told me, with a grin, that “By the time anyone notices, we’ll all be long gone.” I just came from a jobsite where work was done 16 years prior, the plans were not followed, and a structural failure is occurring that is going to be expensive to fix. The whole picture, not just part, is, therefore, important. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
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OPINIONS
The documentary on Steven McDonald is a must-see
Recently I saw a screening of the documentary about the late NYPD detective Steven McDonald, “Saint of the City.” McDonald was a true hero. In 1986, as a young police officer, he was shot and permanently paralyzed by 15-year-old Shavod Jones, whom he was questioning about a series of bicycle thefts in Central Park.
Jones shot McDonald three times, the third time while he was lying on the ground, shattering his spine and leaving him a quadriplegic, needing a ventilator to breathe. McDonald not only survived, but forgave Jones and went on to live more than 30 heroic years of dedicated service, without complaint or self-pity, until his death in 2017.
Steven and his wife, Patti Ann, lived in Malverne during that time with their son, Conor, who was born just months after his father was shot. Patti Ann went on to serve two terms as Malverne’s mayor. “Saint of the City” was written by veteran Emmy-award winning WPIX-TV reporter Mary Murphy
and produced by Erin Mulvey, a former DEA agent. Filled with facts, emotion and perspective, the film captures the essence of McDonald as an outstanding human being who inspired so many.
I met with him over the years at various police events, at his home in Malverne and in Congress. Those meetings made vividly clear to me just how devastating his injuries were. He was not only confined to a wheelchair, but incapable of moving any party of his body except his head, and he had no sense of feeling anywhere.
The NYPD detective forgave the teen who shot him, leaving him a quadriplegic.
Once when he gave me a book he had written, he inscribed it for me with a Sharpie he held between his teeth.
His breathing was labored, and required a ventilator. At any time he could be struck with severe spasms lasting 30 seconds to a minute. These were difficult to observe, never mind having to endure them.
As the film depicts, McDonald persevered through all of this. He regularly spoke at high schools and to young cops.
He was also an articulate voice for peace and justice in Northern Ireland, not just attending events in New York, but traveling to Northern Ireland to
Iurge those on all sides — Catholics and Protestants, pro-British and pro-Irish — to resolve their differences and pursue the path to peace. McDonald’s efforts were particularly beneficial in the months following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, when radicals attempted to shatter the peace accord with a horrific bombing attack in Omagh, Northern Ireland, that killed 29 civilians and injured more than 200. His presence at such a critical time delivered a strong message about the necessity of maintaining peace and allowing the agreement to be implemented.
I remember when Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern addressed a joint session of Congress and singled out McDonald, who was seated in the House gallery. At a reception later that day, Sen. Ted Kennedy asked me to introduce Ahern to McDonald.
The film also highlights how McDonald was sustained by his Catholic faith, and particularly by the advice and consolation he received from Father Mychal Judge, the chaplain of the FDNY who died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, and Cardinal John O’Connor, who McDonald told me would visit him at his Malverne home
to help him through tough moments. McDonald also organized prayer groups that met regularly.
The “Saint of the City” screening took place at the Marymount School, in Manhattan. Among those in attendance were former NYPD Commissioners Ray Kelly and Keechant Sewell, former Detective Bo Dietl and many high-ranking police officials and officers who worked with McDonald or got to know him over the years. Magee Hickey of WPIX, WINS reporter Juliet Papa and Daily News columnist Michael Daly were also there.
From the sports world there was Mets all-time great relief pitcher Jesse Orosco, who, after pitching the final innings of the Mets’ final 1986 World Series game against the Red Sox, had thrown his glove high in the air. Days later, Orosco gave the glove to McDonald, a longtime Mets fan.
Most notable among the attendees, of course, were Steven’s widow, Patti Ann, and their son, Conor, who is now a captain in the NYPD. Both personify and carry on the inspirational legacy of Steven McDonald, who was truly a saint among us. Once it is distributed, be sure to see “Saint of the City.”
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Why is the U.S. picking a fight with its best friend?
don’t know much about the tariff system, but I know enough about economics and politics to say that President Trump’s new proposed 50 percent tariffs on Canada would be the most foolish things ever done by a president in recent American history. I know these proposals are always subject to negotiation, but why pick on our second-largest trading partner at the worst possible time?
The Canadians have been our best friends for as long as I can remember. They were there for us during World War II, when they lost over 40,000 men in battle. They have contributed soldiers to many of our wars, and have stood up for us at the United Nations and around the world. One of the reasons behind the latest insanity is the president’s statement that he is mad at Canada because of the smoke that has drifted south to the United States.
The best way to describe the latest tariff proposal is that it would be a self-
inflicted wound that would hurt American consumers the most. There is a basic fact that we fail to understand. The average reader may think that new tariffs would punish Canadians, but when new duties are imposed on Canadian autos, wine, hockey sticks, dairy products and cement, American distributors have to pay them, and then they pass the cost on to American consumers. The family in Levittown that buys Bobby a hockey stick pays extra because of the tariff hike.
Tariffs on Canada in retaliation for wildfire smoke that drifted south? Really?
Lots of other bad things happen when new tariffs are imposed. Canada, in retaliation, has imposed its own 25 percent counter-tariffs on U.S. vehicles, steel and aluminum. These tariffs hurt American builders and potential homebuyers who can’t afford higher costs when they’re seeking to purchase their first home. Tariffs on auto parts disrupt production lines and costs manufacturing jobs on both sides of the border.
Tariffs have another impact on countries like Canada. China is eager to establish new relationships with nations that will buy its goods. In 2025,
Canada announced a new comprehensive trade agreement with China that, among other things, will allow the sale of Chinese autos in Canada. Industry specialists say that Chinese cars are high quality and much lower in price, and will be a potential threat to American auto manufacturers.
One of the worst results of our feud with Canada is its impact on American businesses. Tourism in many of our northern border states has been badly damaged by this unnecessary battle. And one of the biggest losers has been Las Vegas. Hotel operators have seen a 70 percent drop in Canadian visitors, which has caused large layoffs of hospitality employees.
When arbitrary tariffs are imposed on a friendly nation, there are other consequences. Other countries watch American actions and conclude that we can’t be trusted if we economically attack a longtime friend. To add to our unreliability, the U.S. has a trade agreement, negotiated by Trump six years ago with Canada and Mexico, which was scheduled to be renewed this month.
The president has stated that he won’t honor the terms of that agreement.
The crowning touch to the U.S.-Canada breach has been Trump’s threats to make Canada our 51st state, and his frequent statements deriding Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump supporters will say this is just the president doing his thing, and that he isn’t really serious, but words have consequences, and many Trump watchers around the world don’t have such an expansive sense of humor.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the president didn’t have the unilateral authority to impose sweeping, open-ended tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and that only Congress has that power. Trump is now using a 1930 law to justify his actions, which will likely be challenged in court.
At a time when the nation is juggling a war with Iran, higher gasoline prices and the continuing issue of affordability, fighting with Canada is just plain dumb.
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.
There’s always someone downwind
There’s a particular quality to the light when the smoke arrives. It goes flat and white, the sun turns into a coin you can look at directly, and the air smells faintly like someone three houses down is burning leaves. It has happened enough times now that Long Islanders recognize it.
The fires are in Canada. Ontario mostly, sometimes the prairie provinces — a thousand miles and more from here, far enough that the smoke spends days in transit before it reaches us. And it reaches us anyway. It settles over Rockville Centre and Garden City and Long Beach. It gets into the lungs of kids at day camp in Merrick who have never heard the phrase “boreal forest.”
There is something clarifying about that, if you let it be.
We are accustomed to thinking of our lives as local, and with good reason. This newspaper exists because the things that shape a day here — the school calendar, the traffic on Sunrise Highway, whether the field will be playable Saturday morning — are decided close to home by people you might run into at the deli. That proximity is the texture of life in a place like ours. The distance between a thing and its cause is usually short enough to walk.
LETTERS
Town supervisor candidate Scianablo deserves a serious look
To the Editor:
Barely a day goes by that I don’t receive at least one mailing from John Ferretti expounding on all of his successes as Town of Hempstead supervisor. He claims that he is hard at work for the people of the town. He claims to have lowered town taxes, that he is working to ensure that our water is safe to drink, and is working with Nassau County to protect religious institutions. Just because he makes these claims doesn’t mean they aren’t just alternative facts.
The truth is that since he became supervisor — with the questionable means by which he was made the incumbent for his election — town taxes have increased 12 percent, our
Smoke from a forest a thousand miles away is a different phenomenon. It did not come from anything anyone here did or failed to do. And at the end of that very long chain sits your daughter’s soccer practice.
Why more of it, and why now? Because the climate is warming and the northern forest is drying out as a result. Spring snowpack melts earlier than it used to. Summers run longer and hotter, and the peat and duff beneath the trees turn into something that holds fire the way a sponge holds water — slowly, deep down and for a very long time.
Fires that once burned themselves out now smolder underground through the winter and surface again in spring. More fire, more smoke. And the same atmospheric machinery that has always carried Canadian cold fronts down to the Northeast now carries the smoke with them.
The smoke isn’t doing anything unusual. It is riding the same currents that have brought us our weather since before there was a Long Island to bring it to — the northwest flow behind a front, the same air that gives us a crisp October morning and the frigid air of January. We have always been downwind of Canada. We simply had no occa-
sion to notice.
That’s what makes this worth sitting with. Not the fires themselves, but what they reveal about connection. Something we didn’t do, in a place most of us have never been, is now a feature of summer on Long Island.
And what we do continues downwind. The exhaust from the Meadowbrook, the fertilizer that leaves a lawn in Wantagh and ends up in the bay, the plume from a stack in Island Park — none of that stays put, either. Our runoff is someone else’s smoke.
There is a version of this line of thinking that curdles into helplessness, and we would steer away from it. Being connected to a place you cannot influence isn’t the same as being powerless. It is mostly an invitation to pay attention — to the bay, to the air, to the small local things that are, somewhere downwind, someone else’s inherited condition.
The sky has cleared — but it will haze over again. If not this summer, then next. And each time it does, it is worth taking a moment to notice the strangeness: that we are downwind of a forest we will likely never see, and that somewhere, someone we will never meet is downwind of us.
OPINIONS
Donnie Kreiss, ‘I carry your heart with me’
My husband, Donnie Kreiss, died on July 12, at home, just days after our 58th anniversary. He was 80, and had been living with pancreatic cancer since it was diagnosed in 2023.
Donnie did not go gently. As Dylan Thomas wrote, he raged against the dying of the light, from the moment he knew he had this relentless cancer until two Sundays ago, when he drew a quiet breath and then no more. Our son and daughter were with him.
My sister, Meryl Greenbaum, was with us. The loving good wishes of everyone he knew were with us.
He had been drifting away for the previous 10 days, suffering the side effects of three years of treatment. Still, in early June he was walking laps in our building, and in April the family had gathered for his birthday dinner. He pushed his athlete’s body beyond anyone’s expectation, and the night he died,
LETTERS
water rates are up 33 percent, and our energy rates continue to climb. Due to the lack of transparency, we have no idea where our hard-earned tax dollars are going or to whom.
I met Ferretti’s opponent, Joe Scianablo, for the first time when he attended a parlor meeting at my home. I was impressed not only with his background, but also his sincerity and his desire to continue serving the public. Scianablo has spent his entire adult life as a public servant. He served multiple deployments in the Marines in East Timor, Eritrea, and Iraq, then was a New York City police officer, focusing on domestic violence cases, in which helped victims find safety and justice. He is a former prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, where he advocated for survivors of domestic violence.
I believed Scianablo when he said his focus would be to ensure that our tax dollars and resources benefit all the people in the Town of Hempstead, not just the favored ones. He isn’t a career politician, but will be a politician who has made a career of service. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to meet him to do so. I think you will come away as impressed as I was.
CHERIE FEINBERG Lawrence
we rang the bell for him, because every single day he lived since 2023 was a tribute to his courage.
triumph over adversity.
HDonnie never felt sorry for himself. In his last days on earth he was reaching out to friends who had heartache, relationship woes, business setbacks or medical problems. He preached a gospel of positivity, insisting on finding threads of hope. He left a legacy of goodness and generosity, changing the lives of so many people along the way.
e always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw.
Donnie was a native Lawrencian. He was born in 1946 at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital to Lillian and Jack Kreiss, who lived at 16 Muriel Ave. in Lawrence. When he was 2, he contracted bacterial meningitis, which was usually fatal in those days. He was in isolation at St Joseph’s Hospital, in Far Rockaway, for two months. That was the first of his medical miracle recoveries, which included a fractured skull when he was 10, heart attacks at 40 and 50, bypass surgery, congestive heart failure and cervical spine surgery. He recited his near-misses enthusiastically, as if they were a resume, not of suffering but of
Donnie was a gifted athlete who ran track and played varsity football, basketball and golf. He was a beautiful man, and we fell hard in love as teenagers. We graduated together in 1964 from Lawrence High. When we married and settled in Woodmere, his second home was the Lawrence Golf Club, where his father was president and then, 50 years later, he was president. In recent years his home course was on Longboat Key, Fla., where last year he was named Most Inspirational Golfer of the Year, an award they created for him.
Don started his own business in 1969, selling slippers and bras and panties. He loved selling, and he was the best salesman because he could out-wait, out-talk and outlast any buyer he encountered.
He always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw. He drew on a deep well of generosity and kindness.
Our children, Jason, Rochelle, Jocelyn and Josh, were, as Auden said, his north, south, east and west. His grandchildren, Sabrina, Jacob, Elijah and
FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker
Emi, brought light and delight into his life. “Did you talk to the kids today?” was his mantra.
Despite his lifelong medical issues, Don was a rough and ready traveler, up for any adventure. We spent five summers exploring Montana when the kids were teenagers, and then for decades we traveled the world, from Komodo Island, in Indonesia, to the Alaska wilderness, from Bali to Singapore to Tasmania and New Zealand. Nothing stopped him.
Obituaries are the last public words written about someone. I never expected to write Donnie’s obituary, which I hope is more like telling the story of his life. Which is also the story of my life. As Cummings wrote, I carry his heart in my heart.
He trusted me to shepherd him through these last years, to get to the right doctors, to hold hands as we heard the diagnoses that limited his days. He wanted time, he said over and over again. I did my best, but time was not in my hands. I believe he would have wanted me to write this, the last words about him, from a place of love and longing, happy remembrance, and sadness that he did not have more days to grace our lives.
Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
My Morning Jacket performed at the Great South Bay Music Festival, in Patchogue’s Shorefront Park, last Sunday.
8.04.2026 • 8:30AM - 3:30PM •
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KRISTIN THORNE Emmy-Award Winning Investigative Reporter
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