Supporting the schools
The Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre Early Childhood Center welcomed families and community members to its annual art show, inspired by the “ Sammy Spider’s First” book series by Sylvia Rouss. Upon entering, guests encountered a detailed recreation of the Shapiro family
home, introducing the setting of Sammy the Spider’s adventures. The exhibit featured more than 1,000 works created by students, highlighting the character’s journey through the Jewish calendar while reflecting the children’s creativity and engagement with Jewish traditions.
The event was developed under the direction of Early Childhood Director Cheryl Karp and executed by art teacher Rebecca Anton
Osder. The display represented months of collaborative work by students and staff.
— Melissa Berman
Courtesy Cheryl Karp
Martin Oliner steps into the TOH supervisor race
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Former Village of Lawrence Mayor Martin Oliner has launched an independent bid for Town of Hempstead supervisor, positioning himself as a community-first alternative in a threeway race against incumbent John Ferretti and Democratic challenger Joe Scianablo.
Oliner, who officially registered his campaign on May 7, is now in a race against the clock to secure a spot on the November ballot. According to the Nassau County Board of Elections, independent candidates must submit at least 1,500 valid petition signatures by May 26 at 5 p.m. As of this week, Oliner said his campaign has already collected roughly 1,800 signatures and expects to submit significantly more.
“I think in the next 10 days we’ll get another several thousand signatures,” Oliner said, noting that his campaign began gathering signatures shortly after filing. “We only started less than 10 days ago.”
Running on a message centered on local control and opposition to overdevelopment, Oliner has sharply criticized the current administration’s handling of a proposed residential complex in the Five Towns. He claims the project — which has drawn community opposition — exemplifies
broader issues within town leadership.
“The town board already voted unanimously against it,” he said. “The
town’s own engineers say the project is unsafe. The community is overwhelmingly opposed. All the supervisor has to do is call one more vote — the outcome is guaranteed. He refuses.”
Oliner has framed the issue as part of what he describes as a disconnect between campaign rhetoric and governing decisions.
“While [Ferretti] campaigns on protecting our suburbs, he is allowing developers to build even more than what’s being proposed elsewhere,” Oliner said.
Beyond development concerns, Oliner said his campaign will focus on infrastructure and transparency, citing water quality and municipal spending as key issues.
“We don’t have clean water, and nothing is being done about it,” he added. “He claims he cut taxes, but shifting reserve funds is not a tax cut.”
Oliner said his experience in local government informs his approach.
“I have a record of integrity,” he said. “If I do something, I do it 100 percent.”
As part of his grassroots effort, Oliner has been making personal visits to residents’ homes to collect signatures — a strategy he says reflects his hands-on leadership style. His campaign has also circulated a public call for support, urging residents to pro -
vide contact information for petition visits.
If elected, Oliner said his immediate priorities would include addressing water infrastructure issues and reevaluating zoning and development policies across the town’s 170-squaremile jurisdiction.
“This is about basic services — water, electricity, keeping costs down — and making sure government actually represents the people,” he said.
Supporters, including former Lawrence Deputy Mayor Paris Popack, have described Oliner as an independent voice free from political influence.
“He answers to no political machine and no special interests,” Popack wrote in a statement. “Only to the people he serves,”
Residents are permitted to sign only one candidate’s petition, making the coming days critical for Oliner’s ballot access effort. The Board of Elections will review submitted signatures for validity following the May 26 deadline.
The Town of Hempstead supervisor race is expected to draw significant attention this fall, with development, taxes and infrastructure emerging as central campaign issues.
“Martin Oliner has always stood up for what is right, and he will continue fighting for the good of our community every step of the way,” Popack wrote.
Herald File Photo
Martin Oliner, former Village of Lawrence mayor has launched his campaign for Town of Hempstead Supervisor as an independent.
By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
What began as a vision for the Hewlett-Woodmere School District in 2020 become reality, as officials gathered at the Hewlett High School for the grand opening of the new athletic concession stand.
District Superintendent Dina Anzalone welcomed ceremony spectators on May 13. She thanked the Board of Education, facilities and athletic staff, contractors and community supporters for their contributions.
“Whether to cheer our students on, attend events, play a round of tennis or simply walk the track, I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this project a reality,” Anzalone said. “This space is for all of Hewlett Woodmere to enjoy. Not just the school community, but our entire community,” Anzalone said.
Back in 2018, the board of education in place, Anzalone said, was exploring different options they could implement in the community for the district’s athletic facilities. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, however, that plan was put on hold until 2023.
The concession stand, built near the football field’s bleachers, was part of the school’s $15.4 million renovations. The
new building features restrooms, as well as a picnic area — all meant to enhance the experience for students, parents, and community members. Also part of the project was the tennis courts, repainted to feature the blue and green used at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
Funding came from several sources, including capital reserves and annual transfers to capital.
Anzalone said she’s been hyperactive in the concession stand project, from the split-face brick to the planters in
front of the concession windows.
“Even now, I’m still picking out the pavers that will go past the apron from the parking lot,” Anzalone said. “everything has been carefully chosen — even the color of the tables.”
Anzalone said the district would consider working with the athletics department to facilitate opportunities for students to volunteer at the concession stand. mean,
“We’re always looking for ways to bolster both civic responsibility and community relations,” Anzalone said.
Board president Debi Sheinin said the concession is stand a great investment to the student experience and will create a welcoming environment for spectators.
“This space is another example of our continued commitment to providing opportunities, experiences and environments that help our students thrive, both inside and outside the classroom,” Sheinin said. “Tonight is not just about cutting a ribbon. It is about celebrating community school pride and the future of Hewlett Woodmere athletics
Hewlett High School’s concession stand officially opens Cedarhurst author Jody LaGreca dives into the past
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Longtime Five Towns resident Jody R. LaGreca, a prolific multi-genre author with 20 published books, has released her latest work, “Heritage in Motion: Champion Swimmer, a Dual Family Chronicle”, a deeply personal narrative that traces the intertwined legacies of her family across generations.
LaGreca’s newest book centers on her grandfather, Samuel Finkelman, a Polish Jewish immigrant whose extraordinary athletic feats in the early 1900s earned public attention, including coverage in The New York Times. A semi-professional boxer and champion swimmer, Finkelman became known for his endurance and daring long-distance swims, often towing boats and passengers using a powerful technique he developed known as the “seal stroke.”
“Heritage in Motion is about movement in every sense — physical, emotional, and generational,” LaGreca said. “It preserves the stories that shaped my family and honors the legacy of those who came before us.”
The book expands beyond Finkelman’s accomplishments to include the Barkan side of LaGreca’s family, both branches rooted in Sea Gate, Brooklyn — one of New York City’s earliest gated communities. Through photographs, personal accounts and historical context, LaGreca explores themes of resilience, identity and continuity within Jewish life.
What began as a focused tribute to her grandfather evolved into a broader chronicle as LaGreca uncovered additional
family artifacts and stories.
“Together, their histories form a fuller portrait of our roots,” she said. “I created this book so the remarkable legacies of both the Finkelman and Barkan families may endure for generations to come.”
LaGreca, who has lived in Cedarhurst since 1989, grew up in nearby Woodmere and attended Ogden Elementary School, Hewlett Elementary School, Woodmere Middle School and Hewlett High School. Her path to becoming an author began
early. She wrote her first poem at age seven and spent childhood days composing verses by the beach.
“I would sit on the rocks and just write,” she recalled. “It came naturally to me.”
Her passion for writing deepened in high school, where a creative writing course inspired her to pursue storytelling more seriously. Though she did not initially follow a traditional academic path, attending Queensborough Community
College with a major in writing, she continued writing and eventually began developing book-length manuscripts as early as 1977.
Over time, LaGreca built a diverse body of work spanning novels, poetry and family histories, often drawing on themes of suburban life and Jewish culture. She describes her writing career as “a labor of love,” sustained by dedication rather than commercial trends.
“It’s different now,” she said, noting the challenges of reaching readers in a digital age. “But I’m still out there every day, promoting my books and sharing these stories.”
Early readers have responded positively to “Heritage in Motion”. In an Amazon review, Brooke Serebryansky called the book “an amazing read,” praising its vivid storytelling and historical detail.
“I loved learning about Samuel Finkelman and how his life unfolded,” she wrote. “The vintage photos made me feel like I was in a museum.”
Another reviewer, writing under the name Kafka, described the book as “a most worthy” contribution to historical memory, adding that LaGreca “has done a great service” in documenting Finkelman’s life. The reviewer highlighted the work as a “true kiddush Hashem,” emphasizing its portrayal of perseverance, strength and character.
With “Heritage in Motion”, LaGreca continues her mission of preserving personal and cultural history, ensuring that the stories of past generations remain accessible to future ones — not as distant memories, but as living narratives still in motion.
Aidan Warshavsky/Herald
The Hewlett-Woodmere school district cut the ribbon to their new concession stand, a capital improvement that was approved in late 2024.
Courtesy Jody LaGreca
Cedarhurst resident Jody LaGreca recently published “Heritage in Motion: Champion Swimmer, a Dual Family Chronicle”, about her grandfather Samuel Finkelman.
Aidan Warshavsky/Herald
The new concession stand sits behind the High School bleachers.
HERALD EDitoRiAL
Memorial Day means more than barbecues
Memorial Day weekend arrives each year with familiar signs that summer is finally at hand.
Beaches begin to fill. Backyard grills fire up. Families and friends gather after months of work, school and routines that too often keep them apart. Across Long Island, from Jones Beach to Montauk, the holiday has long marked the unofficial beginning of a season people eagerly await.
There is nothing wrong with celebration. In many ways, that freedom to enjoy ordinary moments with the people we love is part of what generations of Americans fought to preserve.
But Memorial Day asks something more of us as well.
Especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans should remember that Memorial Day is not simply another three-day weekend on the calendar. It is one of the country’s most solemn observances — a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
That distinction matters.
Veterans Day honors all who served. Armed Forces Day recognizes those currently in uniform. Memorial Day is specifically for those who never came home. Their sacrifice stretches across every generation of American history. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, from the
beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, over 1 million service members gave their lives believing the country they defended was worth that sacrifice.
Many came from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Their names appear on memorial plaques, downtown monuments and flags lining local streets. Long Island itself carries deep connections to America’s military history.
Roughly 1,180 Long Islanders died in World War II: 855 from Nassau and 325 from Suffolk. At least 552 service members lost their lives in the Vietnam War. After the Sept. 11 attacks, 56 Long Islanders died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From Revolutionary War sites to Gold Star families who sacrificed during the wars of the past two decades, our region has long contributed to the nation’s service and sacrifice. Memorial Day offers communities an opportunity not only to recognize that history but also to share it with those of younger generations.
As America prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence in July, this Memorial Day carries even greater weight. Anniversaries often invite celebration, reflection and pride. But they should also invite humility. The freedoms Americans treasure did not sustain themselves across two and a half centuries. They endured because generation after generation answered a call to serve, often at extraordinary personal cost.
It can be easy for the deeper meaning of Memorial Day to become overshadowed by travel plans, social gatherings and retail sales. Modern life moves quickly, and holidays increasingly blur together into commercial events disconnected from their origins. But Memoria Day deserves more intentional remembrance — and that does not always require grand gestures.
Attending a local parade or remembrance ceremony before heading to a barbecue is one way to honor the fallen. Visiting a veterans’ memorial or cemetery and taking a few quiet moments to read the names engraved there is another. Americans can also observe the tradition of flying the flag at half-staff until noon, and share stories with children and grandchildren about relatives who served, ensuring that those stories are not lost.
Honoring sacrifice does not diminish the joy of the weekend. In fact, it deepens it. Gratitude gives meaning to celebration. A nation that remembers its fallen understands more clearly the value of the freedoms it enjoys. This year, amid the sound of waves, fireworks and laughter that will soon define the summer season, Americans should make room for remembrance, too. Memorial Day is not ultimately about the start of summer; it is about the cost of freedom, the weight of service and the obligation of a grateful nation never to forget those who gave everything in its defense.
Hewlett representation at DECA International conference
Eight students from Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools represented their district at the DECA International Career Development Conference, competing alongside peers from around the world in business-focused events.
During the conference, students took part in competitive events, networked with fellow participants and connected
with industry professionals across a range of career fields. School officials said the experience offered insight into the global business community while helping students build professional connections.
Inon Azour and Aidan Khan earned a Blue Medal in the Business Solutions Project Event, advancing to the final
round and placing among the top 20 teams worldwide.
District officials said the achievement reflects the students’ dedication as well as the strength of the district’s Career and Technical Education programs.
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools congratulated all eight students for representing the district at the international level.
—
Melissa Berman
The district also thanked DECA advisors Molly Henck and Susan Hanlon for their guidance and support throughout the competition.
The Women’s Health Team at EHS, including medical providers, lactation consultant, breast health navigator, Perinatal Care Coordination Manager, support staff, and Jacqueline Marecheau, chairperson of OB/GYN at EHS at the second annual Women’s Health Fair on May 14.
Women’s health takes center stage at EHS
Episcopal Health Services hosted its second annual Women’s Health Fair on March 14, in recognition of National Women’s Health Week.
More than 120 people attended the event.
— Melissa Berman
The event was held outside the Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion at 19-20 Brookhaven Ave. in Far Rockaway. A total of 38 vendors — including EHS teams and community partners — participated in the fair, offering free health screenings, wellness information, on-thespot appointment scheduling and additional activities.
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Courtesy Episcopal Health Services
United Choral Society to perform a musical journey
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The United Choral Society will present its annual spring concert on June 7 at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, continuing a tradition that has made the volunteer ensemble a cultural mainstay in the Five Towns for more than 85 years.
Under the direction of conductor Sharon Pesenti, the performance will take place in Gold Hall, where the group has staged community concerts for more than 20 years. The program reflects the chorus’s wide-ranging repertoire, blending classical works with selections designed to resonate across generations.
Audiences can expect a musical journey spanning centuries, from baroque choral repertoire to a dramatic medley from “Les Misérables” , channeling the emotional intensity of the iconic production. The concert will also feature a patriotic salute in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrating American history through music.
Pesenti said the program was intentionally designed to engage audiences on multiple levels.
“From the elegance of early choral works to the power and immediacy of “Les Misérables”, we’re taking listeners on a journey through four centuries of music,” she said. “Each piece challenges the singers in a different way, but togeth-
er they create something cohesive and deeply expressive.”
She emphasized the dedication behind the performance.
“This is a volunteer chorus, but the level of commitment is extraordinary,” Pesenti added. “These singers give their time week after week because they believe in the music and in what we bring to the community.”
Founded more than eight decades ago, the United Choral Society is composed of volunteer singers from across the community — including professionals, students and retirees — who come together to study and perform music for both personal enrichment and public enjoyment.
Over the years, the group has supported scholarships, benefit concerts and community programs, while maintaining a commitment to artistic integrity.
The concert will also showcase emerging local talent, a hallmark of the society’s programming. Among the featured performers are local family members from Hewlett, including a bass singer and a soprano soloist, reflecting the ensemble’s strong ties to the community.
The Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library has long supported the group’s performances by providing rehearsal and concert space, including a Steinway grand piano. Library Director Michelle Young said the partnership reflects the
institution’s commitment to arts and community engagement.
“We support the Society by holding their concerts year-round in Gold Hall, and by providing space for rehearsals as well,” Young wrote in an email. “It’s a wonderful example of how the library can serve as a home for the arts in our community.”
Young added that the performances align with the library’s long-term goals.
“Hosting the Choral Society meets key parts of our strategic plan of arts and cultural programming and community partnerships,” she wrote. “We are committed to creating opportunities for people to come together, collaborate and grow.”
She also noted the broader impact of the concerts. “In the time I’ve been director, these performances have shown me just how much talent exists right here locally,” Young wrote. “It’s especially meaningful to see students and seasoned performers sharing the stage.”
Pesenti said that a sense of connection is central to the chorus’s mission. With its blend of tradition, community spirit and musical ambition, the upcoming spring concert continues a legacy that organizers hope will inspire audiences and sustain the chorus for generations to come.
“This ensemble is a true community,” she said. “We’re not just performing for the audience, we’re performing with a shared purpose, honoring the past while continuing to grow artistically.”
Second-grade students at Lawrence
Skating through learning STEAM
Second-grade students at Lawrence Primary School took part in a field trip that blended classroom learning with physical activity during a recent visit to United Skates of America.
During the trip, students participated in a brief STEAM-focused lesson exploring the science and design of roller skates. The session covered how skates are constructed, as well as basic concepts of balance, motion and engineering that help skaters move safely and efficiently.
Students also reviewed skating safety, including maintaining balance, staying aware of others on the rink and practicing controlled movement. Afterward, they took to the rink to apply
what they learned.
Teachers said the outing offered a mix of education, exercise and social interaction, with students encouraging one another as they built confidence on wheels.
“We are always excited to provide opportunities that bring classroom learning to life,” Principal Kristen Panzarella wrote in a news release. “This trip allowed students to engage in hands-on learning while also having fun and staying active.”
The second-grade team thanked the staff at United Skates of America for helping make the visit both educational and enjoyable.
— Melissa Berman
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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, Bronx, NY 10469
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Courtesy Lawrence school district
Primary School took part in a field trip to United Skates of America.
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.
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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