How her series is growing
Concession stand opens in Cedarhurst Park
The United Choral Society performed 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 was held in
Gold Hall, where the group has staged community concerts for more than 20 years. The program reflected the chorus’s wide-ranging repertoire, blending classical works with selections designed to resonate across generations.
Audiences listened to 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 also featured a patriotic salute in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrating American history through music.
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Melissa Berman
Ganz continues to turn life lessons into children’s books
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Cedarhurst resident Frumie Ganz is continuing to transform personal experiences into lessons for young readers with the release of her fourth and fifth children’s books, including the newest installment in her Little Red Headed Girl series.
Ganz’s latest series title, “Laura’s Tiny Tips for Happy Kids”, is a collection of short, meaningful lessons designed to help children grow into confident, kind and happy individuals. The book follows Laura, a lovable little girl with red hair, freckles and a big heart, as she shares practical advice that children can apply in their everyday lives.
The inspiration for the book came directly from Ganz’s experiences raising her own children.
“When my kids were little, I always had these little life lessons and tips that I would share with them,” Ganz said. “They became the kinds of things that Mommy always says. One day the idea just popped into my head that I should put them into a book and share them with other children.”
Unlike her previous story-driven books, “Laura’s Tiny Tips for Happy Kids” features 15 lessons that children can easily understand and remember, along with colorful illustrations and a bonus tip at the end.
Photos courtesy Frumie Ganz
Cedarhurst resident Frumie Ganz recently published her fourth children’s book in her Little Red Headed Girl series “Laura’s Tiny Tips for Happy Kids.”
Ganz
past year and a half.
“For years, it weighed very heavily on me that I never became an artist when I was younger,” Ganz said. “I always wondered why that dream didn’t happen. Then during this process of writing and illustrating books, I suddenly understood that every experience I had gone through was preparing me for this moment.”
That realization became the heart of “Right on Time”, which encourages readers to trust that their dreams can unfold when the timing is right.
“My dream happened right on time,” Ganz said. “That’s why I chose that title. I finally realized I didn’t need to be sad about all those years. Everything I went through gave me something to say.”
She added that her mission extends beyond entertaining young readers.
“I’ve always wanted every book to have a message,” Ganz said. “I can’t write something I don’t truly feel. These stories come from my heart and from my own life experiences.”
She hopes the book becomes a resource for families, classrooms and libraries.
“These are simple messages, but they’re important,” Ganz said. “It’s more than just a story. They’re lessons that can stay with a child long after they finish reading the book.”
Amazon reviewer Kimberly Potter praised its colorful illustrations and positive messages, while reviewer Rachel
“I don’t really plan these books,” Ganz said. “An idea comes to me and I run with it. This one felt very natural because these were lessons I had already been teaching my own children for years.”
Dadon called it “a truly delightful and inspiring” book that teaches kindness, perseverance and confidence in ways children can understand.
But Ganz’s biggest news came just days later with the release of her fifth book, “Right on Time”, a standalone title that she describes as her most personal work yet.
The book grew out of a realization she had while building her career as a selfpublished author and illustrator over the
Now five books into her publishing journey, Ganz says she is already thinking about future titles.
“I feel this sense of clarity now,” she said. “I understand things that I didn’t understand for so many years. It’s a calm feeling. I know there are more stories to tell, and I’m excited to keep creating.”
“Laura’s Tiny Tips for Happy Kids” and “Right on Time” are available for purchase on Amazon.
From Nassau Herald columnist to self-published author
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Bob Calderon’s journey from a shy, closeted teenager in Woodmere to a published author at age 77 began with a newspaper column and a neighbor who saw potential where he saw uncertainty.
Calderon, a Lawrence High School graduate and former columnist for the Nassau Herald, recently self-published his first book, “What You See in Me”, a semi-autobiographical novella inspired by his experiences growing up in the Five Towns during the 1960s. The book follows Jacob Topol, a closeted boy navigating adolescence while searching for acceptance, purpose and his authentic self.
For Calderon, the story is deeply personal.
“I was closeted back then,” he said. “I was really frozen. People who are treated differently don’t have the coping skills at that age to deal with it. I wanted to be invisible.”
His life changed when Nassau Herald Executive Editor Leatrice Spanierman, then a neighbor living two houses away in Woodmere, invited him to contribute to the newspaper’s teen pages.
What began as helping with the popular “Be Twist & Be Tween” column soon evolved into Calderon writing under his own byline in a column called “Hot From the Cauldron.”
“To first help her write the column, then to give it to me and put it under my
own name in my junior and senior years was an extraordinary thing,” Calderon said. “It really saved my life. It taught me things I wasn’t learning in high school — deadlines, responsibility, commitment. It gave me a voice.”
The experience opened doors that few teenagers could imagine.
As a Herald columnist, Calderon attended concerts, book events and celebrity appearances. Among his most memorable assignments was covering a Beatles
event, where he found himself asking a question of George Harrison. At another appearance, he interviewed entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.
“I got to do these crazy things,” Calderon recalled. “I learned to express myself.”
Spanierman remembers recognizing his talent immediately.
“He wanted to write, so I said he could do some stuff on the teen page,” she said. “He was good, and we got tremendous response. The teens loved it.”
Many of Calderon’s columns were filled with humor and double meanings that resonated with young readers while subtly reflecting his personal struggles.
“I understood the work,” Spanierman said. “I didn’t understand what was behind it at the time. Looking back, there were all kinds of messages there.”
As his popularity grew, the newspaper gave him his own column and increasingly prominent assignments.
“I was crazy about him,” Spanierman said. “I tried to help him. I saw this young man and I absolutely knew he had so much potential.”
Their friendship has endured for more than six decades. Calderon credits Spanierman with encouraging him to complete the manuscript he had worked on for years.
“She even pushed me the last five years to finish the book,” he said. “We still have this incredible relationship.”
The book traces the period from his bar mitzvah through directing a produc-
tion of “Bye Bye Birdie” at the former Maimonides Institute in Far Rockaway, a residential program for children with developmental disabilities.
That experience shaped the course of his life. Calderon spent decades using theater and the arts to help children with special needs develop confidence and communication skills.
“I think I was able to identify with them because I knew what it felt like to be different,” he said. “The most important thing was giving them coping skills. That’s what I didn’t have.”
While “What You See in Me” explores themes of identity, it also celebrates the Jewish community and family traditions that shaped Calderon’s upbringing in the Five Towns.
Now, more than 55 years after writing his first newspaper column, Calderon hopes his book delivers a simple but enduring message.
“The understanding of how we deal with children and giving them tools at a younger age,” he said. “If you have a question, no question is stupid. Kids need a place to express themselves and feel important.”
For Calderon, that place was once the pages of the Nassau Herald. Today, it is the pages of his first book.
“What You See in Me” is available for purchase on Amazon. Readers can follow Calderon on Instagram at bobcalderon321 and on Facebook (Bob Calderon) for news, events and updates about the book.
Planting her way towards an Eagle Scout award
By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
As Long Beach native Alexis Ricoy rose through the ranks of Scouts BSA, she worked toward becoming an Eagle Scout — the highest honor in scouting. On May 30, she achieved that goal at a Court of Honor ceremony at St. Agnes Parish Center, in Rockville Centre.
She joined Troop 163G, in Rockville Centre, after its merger with Troop 215G in Long Beach. Each completed a community service project and fulfilled leadership, merit badge and service requirements to earn the Eagle rank.
Ricoy, 18, started her scouting journey with Troop 215G when she was 13, after she and her mother, Shannan Ricoy, helped establish the troop during the coronavirus pandemic. Serving as a senior patrol leader, Alexis played a key role in building the troop and guiding younger scouts.
Ricoy has volunteered at the Village Garden, in Atlantic Beach, since she was in middle school at Long Beach Catholic Regional School. She was introduced to the garden by a friend and learned that it donates produce to the Long Beach Soup Kitchen.
“I already had the relationship with the people [at Village Garden], she said. “Knowing I was directly impacting someone in my community and the Atlantic Beach community made me really happy.”
Ricoy decided to use her Eagle Scout project to continue her work at the garden. She has an interest in addressing food insecurity and constructed a verti-
cal planting box — a ladder-like structure with shelves for plants — there.
The project began about two years ago when Ricoy approached garden leaders
with an idea for her Eagle Scout project. Working collaboratively with staff, she designed a vertical planting bed that would house native plants while also meeting the requirements for scouting’s highest rank.
“She was incredibly responsible and self-possessed,” Suzy Schneider, garden volunteer said. “Alexis designed the project, organized a team and oversaw the construction of the vertical bed. She was remarkably capable for someone her age.”
Schneider said Ricoy stood out for her maturity, leadership and attention to detail throughout the process.
“It was a pleasure working with her,” she added. “She was intelligent, motivated and competent. From the beginning, I had the impression that she would be successful in whatever path she chose.”
The vertical bed continues to serve the garden’s educational and environmental mission, while also standing as a lasting example of Ricoy’s commitment to conservation and community service.
Steve Bo, scoutmaster for Troop 163G, commended her efforts and noted the dedication to scouting.
“I have been working with both Alexis for years,” he said. “To see her progress pay off was special.”
Ricoy will Graduate from Long Beach High School later this month and attend Hofstra University in the fall, where she plans to study business management and accounting.
Courtesy Bob Calderon
Former Nassau Herald and Woodmere Native columnist Bob Calderon self-published his first book “What You See in Me” at 77-years old.
Courtesy Scarlett Anderson
Long Beach residents Scarlett Anderson, left, and Alexis Ricoy worked in their local communities to earn Eagle Scout.
HERALD EDitoRiAL
Start exercising your electoral muscles
Every election cycle brings a familiar refrain: “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” The phrase is often overused, but the underlying message remains true. Democracy only works when citizens participate, and that participation begins long before Election Day in november.
For new yorkers, that opportunity starts with next Tuesday’s primary election, which determines which candidates represent each political party on the ballot in november’s general election.
Too often, primary elections are overlooked. Turnout is routinely far lower than in general elections, even though primaries frequently determine who will ultimately hold office. In many districts, particularly those dominated by one political party, the primary is effectively the most competitive election voters will see. yet thousands of eligible voters stay home, leaving crucial decisions in the hands of a small fraction of the electorate.
Voting is more than a civic duty; it is one of the few opportunities citizens have to directly influence the direction of their communities, states and nation. The issues debated during campaigns — taxes, public safety, education, transportation, housing affordability, health care, environmental policy and economic develop-
ment — impact residents every day. Whether voters are satisfied with current leadership or eager for change, the ballot box remains the most powerful tool available to make their voices heard.
The 2026 election cycle will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, institutions that shape federal policy on everything from spending and taxation to national security and judicial appointments. Midterm elections have historically served as a referendum on the direction of the country, and they often produce significant shifts in political power.
yet those outcomes are frequently decided by a relatively small number of voters. nationally, turnout in midterm elections, like 2026, is typically lower than during presidential years. That means individual votes carry even greater weight.
new york voters face an unusual circumstance. Due to a court ruling involving the state’s congressional district maps, several elected officials who only recently won office must once again make their cases to voters. as a result, some communities will see campaigns and races return to the ballot much sooner than expected.
Rather than viewing this as election fatigue, we hope that voters see it as an opportunity. Democracy is strengthened when elected officials
Ben Franklin’s wise words? If only.
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column, “Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored,” in the June 4-10 issue: To use Franklin to compare the personal qualities of top officials then and now is very appropriate, for it points a way forward.
When Franklin connected the maintenance of the republic to the character of its members, he knew whereof he spoke. He was well studied in history, the qualities of his compatriots were well known to him, and he was fully experienced in the effort that went
How to register to vote and find your polling place
Nassau County: Go to the Nassau County Board of Elections website: nassaucountyny.gov/Departments/ BOE.
Suffolk County: Go to the Suffolk County Board of Elections website: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/
remain accountable to the people they represent. Frequent elections require candidates to engage with constituents, explain their records and articulate their plans for the future. Those elections also give voters a chance to evaluate whether promises made during previous campaigns have been fulfilled.
Congressional races often receive the most attention, but local and state elections — for assembly members, village mayors, town council members, and more — can have an equally profound impact on daily life. Decisions made by state lawmakers influence school funding, transportation projects, environmental protections, public health initiatives and countless other issues that directly affect
L E tt ER to t HE ED ito R
into the maintenance of “virtue.” His statements that “only a virtuous people are capable of freedom” and about the tendency of corruption to bring on “masters” were deadly serious advice about the kind of citizens necessary to “keep” the republic.
Franklin made for himself a chart of seven columns, one for each day of the week, and 13 rows listing the 13 virtues he considered important enough to track. He focused on one per week, and marked his shortfalls. “Tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of attaining,” he wrote, “but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.”
neighborhoods. The officials chosen this year will help shape policies and budgets that residents will live with for years to come.
Unfortunately, many americans have become increasingly cynical about politics. Some believe their vote doesn’t matter. Others feel frustrated by partisan divisions or disappointed by the pace of change. Those feelings are understandable, but disengagement isn’t the answer.
History repeatedly demonstrates that elections can be decided by razorthin margins. a handful of votes can determine a local race. Every voter who participates increases the legitimacy of the democratic process and helps ensure that election results reflect the will of the broader community.
next week’s primary should therefore be viewed as more than a procedural step on the path to november. It is the opening chapter of an election season that will help determine who represents us and what priorities those leaders pursue.
Voters should take the time now to learn about the candidates, understand the issues and confirm their registration status. They should familiarize themselves with polling locations, early voting opportunities and absentee ballot options if needed. The road to november begins next Tuesday.
Most citizens — and very few politicians — would be hard-pressed to even name 13 virtues, confused today with ideology. We know that George Washington had his own written self-guide, and self-improvement was a popular theme at the time, in line with efforts at improving society by improving the people. Citizens today should make their own list of virtues, make an honest attempt to abide by them, and insist on representatives who share the effort. Franklin’s words should be remembered, as should his efforts to attain virtue and thus be a good citizen of our republic.
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Courtesy Esther Miller
Common Grounds concessions open in Cedarhurst Park
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
A new concession stand has officially opened in Cedarhurst Park, bringing coffee, snacks and a gathering place for residents under a concept its owner says is rooted in community connection.
Woodmere resident Esther Miller is behind Common Grounds, the park’s new food kiosk, which was awarded through a Village of Cedarhurst Request for Proposals (RFP) process finalized at the Village Board of Trustees meeting on May 11. Village Administrator Jacob Plaut confirmed Miller was the only submission and said the proposal met all compliance requirements.
Miller said the idea grew out of her search for a business that blended food, comfort and community interaction.
“I drove by the park and thought, what is with that space?” Miller said. “I just walked into Village Hall that moment and asked what the story was. From there, it all started to come together.”
The concession stand offers coffee, packaged snacks, icees, ice cream, pretzels and other grab-and-go items, with Miller emphasizing a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere designed for park visitors throughout the day.
“I really believe the world doesn’t just need goods or services, it needs a hug,” she said. “Food is comfort. People come in, they’re happy, they talk, they share stories. That’s what I wanted to create.”
The kiosk has already drawn enthusiastic reactions from residents.
“I’ve lived here 30 years and I’ve never seen it open,” Miller recalled hearing from customers. “People say, ‘This is amazing, best idea ever. Are you open every day? Can you stay open yearround?’ The feedback has been extraordinary.”
Miller said the concept for Common Grounds also reflects lessons from her
earlier career in retail, nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship. Over the years, she has owned a children’s clothing business, expanded into storefront operations along Central Avenue and later transitioned into nonprofit work, including financial and career counseling programs.
“I’ve started businesses from my home, moved into stores, and built things step by step,” she said. “Each experience taught me something that brought me here.”
She said those experiences shaped her approach to launching the concession stand, which she hopes will operate year-round when possible, depending on weather and village approvals.
Plaut noted the concession agreement includes an annual license fee of $18,000 and allows for seasonal adjustments based on conditions, with compliance aligned to village regulations.
For Miller, the project represents more than a business venture — it is a culmination of years of personal and professional growth.
“Everything I’ve done led to this,” she said. “Even the challenges. I truly believe things happen right on time.”
She also said the stand’s name carries multiple meanings: the park grounds, the coffee grounds, and the idea of shared “common ground” among community members.
“We’re all here in the same park, from different backgrounds, but we have so much in common,” she said. “Everyone is welcome. That’s the heart of it.”
As the stand continues its first season, Miller said she is focused on consistency, customer experience and building something that becomes a staple of daily life in Cedarhurst Park.
“I just want people to come in, feel good, and feel connected,” she said. “That’s what Common Grounds is all about.”
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Woodmere resident Esther Miller owns and operates the newly opened concession stand in Cedarhurst Park, Common Grounds.
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