Gold Hall shines bright
Hewlett-Woodmere’s acclaimed Arts Below Sunrise Music & S. T. E. A. M. festival hosted by the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Endowment Fund returned for its 13th year, on May 3.
Arts Below Sunrise attracts over 4,000 attendees and 150 student and adult volunteers annually. The community-wide event features
live music performances and over 100 local artists and craft vendors. Food trucks and community booths line the sidewalks. Woodmere Education Center, located at the festival’s center, hosts hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities and hosts robotics demos, art projects and interactive exhibits. It draws support from orga-
nizations such as the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, Trinity-St John’s Church, the Hewlett Woodmere Public Library, Hewlett Fire Department and Woodmere Fire Department. Arts Below Sunrise is the funds only fundraiser and provides support for district programs like robotics, music and arts.
Melissa Berman
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Swastika found at Inwood LIRR station sparks outrage
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Residents and officials are condemning an antisemitic act of vandalism discovered last week at the Inwood Long Island Rail Road station, where a swastika was carved into a station window in the section located within the Village of Lawrence.
The graffiti was discovered on May 6 and quickly sparked outrage across the Five Towns community, prompting responses from local and state officials who called the act hateful, disturbing and unacceptable.
Village of Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “despicable” and pledging that those responsible would be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.”
“There is no place for hate, antisemitism or any form of intolerance in our community,” Nahmias said in a statement. “It is an affront not only to our residents, but to the values of respect and coexistence that define our village.”
The swastika was etched into an acrylic panel at the station, according to officials. The Nassau County Police Department and MTA Police are jointly investigating the incident, and village officials said the vandalized panels were removed shortly after the discovery.
Nahmias noted that the incident comes at a time when antisemitic acts have
increased across New York and the nation, particularly in communities with large Jewish populations. Lawrence is home to a predominantly Jewish community, and the mayor said the act struck a personal and communal nerve.
“The Village of Lawrence stands united against acts that seek to divide and intimidate,” Nahmias said. “We are committed to ensuring that all residents feel safe, respected and protected.”
The incident also renewed discussion surrounding the village’s proposed sur-
veillance camera initiative, which village officials say is designed to improve public safety and aid criminal investigations.
Earlier this year, the Lawrence Board of Trustees approved plans for an expanded high-tech camera system featuring more than 100 cameras and license plate readers throughout the village.
Nahmias said the cameras could play a key role in preventing and solving incidents like the one at the train station.
“This system will serve as a critical tool to deter criminal behavior and assist
BELMONT PARK VILLAGE
law enforcement in identifying those responsible for acts like this,” he said.
New York State Assemblyman Ari Brown said his office coordinated with local and transit law enforcement agencies immediately after learning about the vandalism.
“Regarding the swastikas that were discovered on the acrylic panels on the Inwood side of the Long Island Rail Road station, my office worked with the Nassau County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct, the MTA Police and our liaison from the Long Island Rail Road to address the situation immediately,” Brown said.
“The panels were promptly removed, and the investigation is ongoing.”
Brown joined State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick in releasing a joint public statement condemning the act and calling for stronger action against antisemitism.
“The carving of a swastika into a window at the Inwood Long Island Rail Road station was not a prank, and it was not simple vandalism,” the statement read. “It was a deliberate act of antisemitic hate directed at a heavily Jewish community.”
The lawmakers also praised the response by MTA Police and Nassau County Police, while emphasizing ongoing legislative efforts to combat antisemitism statewide.
“Hate left unchecked does not disappear, it escalates,” the statement concluded. “New Yorkers deserve action, not excuses.”
Courtesy Village of Lawrence
A swastika symbol was found at the Inwood train station in Lawrence on May 6. This was in the portion of the station located within the Village of Lawrence.
HWPL shines bright with Gold Hall upgrade
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library is continuing a major modernization effort with the completion of a long-awaited lighting renovation in Gold Hall and the start of several additional infrastructure and technology upgrades aimed at improving the experience for patrons of all ages.
Library officials announced that Gold Hall, the library’s main theater and event space built in 1996, reopened May 6 following a month-long closure for an extensive lighting overhaul. The project included the installation of 24 new energy-efficient LED high hats and updated wall sconces, dramatically brightening the space while reducing energy consumption.
“A library is more than its collection; it is a vital community infrastructure,” said Library Director Michelle Young. “By modernizing our physical space from the energy-efficient lighting in Gold Hall to our climate control systems, we are ensuring that HWPL remains a sustainable and state-of-the-art environment for all residents.”
Young said the project was particularly challenging because of the theater’s design, including its high ceilings and sloped flooring.
“It was a very difficult project because of the incredible height of the ceiling and the stage seating,” she said. “We had to figure out how to do it safely.”
The library worked with a specialized contractor to complete the approximately
The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library completed a lighting renovation in Gold Hall by installing 24 new energy-efficient LED high hats on the 20-foot high ceiling.
$35,000 project on the 20-foot high ceiling, which Young said has transformed the room’s appearance.
“You can actually see everything in the room now,” she said. “I feel like people haven’t really seen the room in many years because the lighting was so dim and so many fixtures were out.”
The reopening coincided with public screenings of the film “Wicked for Good” marking the first major use of the renovated space.
The lighting upgrade is one part of a
broader facility improvement initiative underway at the library. Beginning May 26, the library will launch a two-month boiler replacement project to upgrade heating infrastructure throughout the building. The work will include replacing two primary boilers and installing new pumps, valves and controls to improve long-term reliability.
Additional recent upgrades include new contactless self-checkout kiosks, updated security camera systems, improved exterior book drops and paving
and sidewalk enhancements to improve accessibility.
The library is also investing in new educational technology for children through a $12,000 New York State Bullet Aid grant secured by Assemblyman Ari Brown. The funding will support the addition of an interactive PLAY Touch Table in the Children’s Room, designed to encourage collaborative digital learning through hands-on activities and games.
“Libraries are incredibly important to me, both as a legislator and as a parent and grandparent,” Brown wrote in a statement. “This project gives children an opportunity to learn through hands-on interaction, technology and play in a safe and welcoming environment.”
Brown said he has prioritized distributing bullet aid equally among the five libraries in his district each year because he views libraries as critical community resources.
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the project will benefit local families for years to come.
“Libraries play an important role in our communities, especially for children and families,” she said.
Young noted that many of the library’s improvements have been guided by community feedback collected through recent patron surveys, as officials continue planning future upgrades to Gold Hall’s audiovisual systems and theater equipment.
“These projects take time,” Young said. “But we’re continuing to move forward and invest in the future of the library.”
Josh Gold: Nearly a decade of leadership at HAFTR
By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY
awarshavsky@liherald.com
From his early days growing up in Woodstock, Josh Gold always wanted to be a teacher. Now, almost a decade after becoming Principal of the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) Middle School, in Lawrence, he reflected on his tenure.
Gold, 42, graduated from SUNY Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in adolescent education-social studies. He then earned a master’s degree in history from Brooklyn College and a master’s in educational leadership and organizational management from Columbia University. For a decade, Gold worked in the New York City public school system as a social studies teacher, rising the ranks to become an assistant principal.
Gold joined HAFTR on July 1, 2016, and has influenced many since then.
Tamima Feldman, an associate principal at HAFTR’s lower school, said Gold always spearheads projects and is open to new ideas.
“His mission to uphold school values and Jewish goals through his intuition is what makes him a wonderful leader,” she said.
Since 2018, students have participated in a STEM Summit, presenting apps they developed using coding. Gold said stu -
dents learned programming systems like Python and JavaScript to code functional apps, which revolve around Jewish values each year.
As part of the summit, Gold said, the school brings in venture capitalists and patent attorneys, teaching students how to market themselves and their ideas in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch.
“It’s a really good example of the interdisciplinary nature of our program by combining Judaic studies and general studies,” Gold said.
In another project, eighth-grade capstone students complete genealogical research on their family or community. Gold said students prepare a TED Talkstyle presentation on their findings, and how they can continue their family legacy.
“The reason we do it is because there’s research out of every University that identifies the more students know about their family history, the grittier and more resilient they are,” Gold said.
Considering antisemitic events — both local and globally — Gold said much of student education at HAFTR is about empowering and educating students on their heritage — through assemblies and guest speakers. Students also take trips to Albany and Washington D.C., to advocate and lobby for legal changes.
Courtesy Joshua Gold
As he approaches a decade of leadership at both the lower and middle schools in HAFTR, Gold continues to trailblaze for his administration, students and community.
“We always believe fighting darkness with light is the best recipe,” Gold said. “We want to make sure students are educated and empowered to respond to hate.”
That commitment extends to HAFTR’s Mishna Yomi program, which Gold said teaches 500 people daily. On its website and WhatsApp, HAFTR rabbis teach Mishnayot, or sections of Jewish oral law, and students hit learning goals as they finish each section — celebrated with a Grand Siyum. Gold said it gets families involved because most of the students learn the traditions and Jewish law as a family.
“It’s an incredible testament to the daily commitment to learning that so many of our families have beyond the scope of the baseline curriculum of the school.”
When the coronavirus pandemic closed schools, Gold said maintaining community was difficult for his administration and staff. They eventually used Kahoot and Zoom sessions to bring parents and students together during isolation. Like with everything, however, Gold, who is now the Principal of both HAFTR’s lower and middle schools, helped the community push through.
“I think that each year our community gets stronger as we continue to communicate the mission and vision of the school,” Gold said. “We have to maintain a sense of community during times where parents and community members can get involved, even when we can’t always be physically together.”
Courtesy Michelle Young
HERALD EDitoRiAL
May 19 decisions carry outsized local impact
Long Islanders will be asked to make decisions on May 19 that quietly but profoundly shape their communities. From Amityville to Valley Stream and from Oyster Bay to Massapequa, voters will head to the polls to weigh in on public school district budgets, elect Board of Education trustees and, in several cases, decide funding for their local libraries.
These are not minor matters. Yet year after year, school district elections draw strikingly low turnout and are often decided by a small fraction of eligible voters. More often than not, only 5 to 10 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. That disconnect is hard to justify given the outsized influence these votes have on taxes, educational quality, public services and overall community health.
School budgets determine far more than what happens inside the classroom. They shape the volume of opportunities available to students — from arts and music programs to athletics and extracurricular activities — as well as spending on classroom instruction, staff salaries, employee benefits, school operations, transportation and specialized programs. The budgets, proposed by local school boards and voted on by residents, dictate the allocation of local property taxes, state aid and federal funding.
In districts where library budgets are on the ballot, these votes also impact access to books, technology, programming and com-
munity space for residents of all ages.
Equally important are the elections for Board of Education trustees. These individuals are not figureheads; they are elected officials responsible for setting district policy, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and establishing the annual budget. They ensure compliance with state education laws, manage district property and represent the community’s interests.
Their choices influence curriculum, longterm planning and how effectively taxpayer dollars are managed. The direction of a school district for years to come can hinge on who fills these seats.
What makes these elections especially significant is how much can turn on so few votes. In many Long Island communities, multimillion-dollar spending plans and major capital projects are approved or rejected by narrow margins. A relative handful of ballots can alter the outcome. That reality means that every vote carries real weight, much more than in higher-profile elections where margins often stretch into the thousands or millions.
The 2006-07 Baldwin School District budget passed by only five votes. Last May, the Shelter Island School District spending plan fell just 40 votes short of the required 60 percent supermajority needed to pierce the state tax cap, A year earlier, only a few of Long Island’s 124 school districts, including Sachem and West Babylon, had their budgets
rejected.
It is also a mistake to view these elections as relevant only to parents of school-aged children. Strong public schools are a cornerstone of vibrant communities. They help sustain property values, attract families, support local businesses and contribute to a shared sense of stability and pride. Libraries, too, serve as essential civic hubs, offering educational resources, workforce support and cultural programming that benefit entire neighborhoods.
Participation in these elections is not complicated, but it does require intention. Voters should take time to review the proposed budgets and any referendums, understand what is at stake and, if possible, attend public hearings or information sessions. These forums provide valuable insight into how decisions are made and where priorities lie.
Most important, residents must show up. Local democracy is strongest when it reflects the voices of the many, not the few. When turnout is low, decisions that affect entire communities are left in the hands of a limited group of voters, weakening the representative nature of the process.
May 19 may not carry the fanfare of a national election, but its consequences are immediate and tangible. Those who participate will shape the future of Long Island’s schools, libraries and neighborhoods. That alone should be reason enough to make voting a priority.
HHS JV Quiz Bowl takes home second
Hewlett High School’s History Bee/ Quiz Bowl Club turned in a strong showing at the Long Island Quiz Bowl Playoffs on Wednesday, April 22, with both its varsity and junior varsity teams representing the district with distinction.
The varsity squad, led by captain and club president Aviv Parag and joined by
Isabel Ginsberg, Ryan Bernstein and Joshua Simms, competed with steady focus and sportsmanship. The team also remained at the event to support fellow competitors during the Long Island Quiz Bowl Championship rounds.
Hewlett’s junior varsity team earned a second-place finish among all JV squads on Long Island, marking the sec-
ond consecutive year the program has brought home a trophy from the competition. Team members included captain Jacob Tenenbaum, Jack Reich, Deep Aryal, Joshua Racer and Tamar BoberTsafrir.
With another successful season in the books, Hewlett’s Quiz Bowl teams are already looking ahead to next year, aiming to reclaim the Long Island Quiz Bowl Championship title.
— Melissa Berman
District officials credited staff members Janice Nolan and Melissa Pantelis for supporting students throughout the event and helping ensure a smooth experience.
And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau
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the Lawrence-Cedarhurst
LCFD firefighters honored for 50 years of service
Village of Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and the Board of Trustees recognized two longtime members of the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department on May 3, honoring them for 50 years of service to the community.
Former Chiefs and Commissioners James Cavanagh and Michael Rizzo were presented with citations marking the milestone. Both began their service in 1976 and have spent five decades helping protect residents and property in the village and surrounding areas.
Village officials said the two men have played key roles in the department’s operations over the years, contributing leader-
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE
ship and experience while responding to emergencies and supporting fellow firefighters.
“Fifty years of service is an incredible milestone, and it speaks to the kind of commitment that truly defines a community,” Weinstock wrote in a statement.
“James and Michael have dedicated their lives to protecting others, and the Village is grateful for everything they’ve done over the years.”
Officials added that Cavanagh and Rizzo’s long tenure has helped shape the strength and professionalism of the department.
— Melissa Berman
Public Notices
Bronx, NY 10469
Notice is hereby given that a public auction for a used vehicle sale will be held on May 26, 2026 on the website www.auctionsinternati onal.com. Bidders must register on website prior to bidding. Vehicles are sold “as is” condition and do not come with vehicle keys. Vehicles pictures and descriptions can be found on website when bid is live. Vehicles must be paid through the website prior to removal of vehicle. Vehicles are located at 390 E. Clinton Avenue, Roosevelt NY 11575. 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Gray; VIN: 1J4GR48K55C523371; Owner: Wayne Huey of 2832 Bruner Ave 1,
*2007 Kia Sedona; Gray; VIN: KNDMB233876173866;
Owner: Renee McDonough of 157 59 27th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354
*2010 Chevrolet Equinox; Gray; VIN: 2CNALDEW4A6371649
; Owner: Boris Mizhquero-Yunga of 276 Mountain Grove St, Bridgeport, CT 06605
*2009 Chevrolet Malibu; Black; VIN: 1G1ZK57B59F169309;
Owner: Glendon Cateau of 716 E. 45th St, Brooklyn, NY 11203
*2007 Dodge Sprinter; White; VIN: WD0PE845X75208525;
Owner: Haim Tobaly of 21 Weyant Dr, Cedarhurst, NY 11516
*2004 Toyota Corolla;
Blue; VIN: 2T1LR32E04C317785; Owner: Luis V. Peraltamorban of 1934
Harrison Ave 5E, Bronx, NY 10453
*2006 Lexus ES250; Black; VIN: JTHCK262382022200; Owner: Klein Georges of 185 Rutland Rd, Hempstead NY 11550
*2014 Audi AS4; Gray; VIN: WAUBGAFL5EA082964
; Owner: Dominique Blackman of 8400
Lindbergh Blvd Apt 716, Philadelphia PA 19153
*2010 Honda Accord; Black; VIN: 1HGCS2B85AA004466; Owners: Mike Eli
Landaverde and C.L.
Landaverde of 69 Hewlett St, Hempstead NY 11550
*2005 Nissan Altima;
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Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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Red; VIN: 1N4AL11D75N900462; Owner: Timothy Wanser of 1141 Norbay St, Franklin Square NY 11010
*2002 Acura MDX; Blue; VIN: 2HNYD188X2H530024; Owner: Zaynah Witter of 632 Nauer Ct, Elmont, NY 11003
*2016 Nissan Sentra; Gray; VIN: 3N1AB7AP1GY299861; Owner: Nissan Infiniti Lease Trust of PO Box 254648 Sacramento, CA 95865 TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS Antonio Fanizzi Commissioner 160208
include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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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
Courtesy Anthony Fabrizio
Village of Cedarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock, middle, recognized two longtime members of
Fire Department Former Chiefs and Commissioners James Cavanagh, left, and Michael Rizzo for 50 years of service.
