sunscreen
Why it is always important
Five Towns Premier residents celebrate
For more than a century, generations of Italian American families in Inwood have gathered each summer to honor their patron saint, celebrate their heritage and reconnect with loved ones during the annual Santa Marina Feast.
This year’s celebration was on July 10 and 11 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Inwood, featuring two evenings of food, music, rides, raffles and community festivities.
At its heart, however, organizers said the feast remains a deeply religious tradition centered on faith,
family and honoring Santa Marina, the patron saint of Filandari, Calabria, Italy — the hometown of many of the area’s earliest Italian immigrants.
The festivities began with a novena service on July 9 at 8 p.m. The feast opened on July 10 at 7 p.m. and continued July 11 with a 10 a.m. Mass and procession through the streets of Inwood, followed by an evening feast beginning at 7 p.m.
For Giovanni Curra, the Santa Marina Society’s treasurer and secretary, the weekend represents a con-
tinuation of a tradition passed down through generations.
“My favorite part, truly, is the religious end of it — the Mass and the procession on Saturday,” he said.
“The feast part is fun, but the main purpose is to celebrate Santa Marina. We still carry the statue of the saint through the streets of Inwood, and everyone
walks together with a marching band. That’s my favorite part of the whole thing.”
The procession annually attracts hundreds of worshippers, many of whom return to Inwood from across Long Island and beyond.
— Melissa Berman
Santa Marina Society’s procession through Inwood
Schoeneck & King PLLC
A prom night to remember at The Five Towns Premier
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
For many residents at Five Towns Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, prom night finally arrived.
The facility transformed into a dance hall on June 30 as residents, volunteers, families and staff gathered for the first-ever Grandparent Prom, an afternoon filled with music, dancing, laughter and heartfelt moments organized by Hewlett resident Joseph Petraro, 13, founder of the nonprofit Adopt-A-Grandparent, and Recreation Director Anthony Maltese.
The celebration honored residents who recently completed sign language and coloring classes at the center, but organizers said it quickly became much more than a graduation party.
“It was pretty much just a normal prom,” Joseph said. “There was dancing, music, prom court and a prom king and queen. It was actually so cute because the prom queen started crying when she found out she won.”
According to Joseph’s mother, Annie Petraro, the winning residents shared that they had never attended their own proms decades earlier.
“One of them said, ‘I never won anything in my entire life,’” Annie recalled. “The prom queen is still wearing her crown. She told us she even sleeps with it.”
Joseph launched Adopt-A-Grandparent in 2019 to connect young volunteers with nursing home residents who may not
Courtesy Annie Petraro
Residents at Five Towns Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center participated in the first-ever Grandparent Prom organized by Hewlett resident Joseph Petraro, 13, founder of the nonprofit Adopt-A-Grandparent, and Recreation Director Anthony Maltese.
receive regular visitors. Participants are paired with residents, visiting them regularly to play games, celebrate holidays, exchange cards and build lasting friendships.
“It’s kind of the opposite of adults adopting children,” Joseph explained. “Kids adopt a grandparent. They spend time together, play games, give gifts and just make them feel like they’re part of the family.”
Planning for the celebration began nearly three months in advance. Organizers originally intended to hold the event outdoors on the facility’s patio before rainy weather forced everyone inside.
“It took a lot of preparation,” Joseph said. “We had to figure out how everything was going to work.”
A DJ kept residents on the dance floor while Joseph, an accomplished dancer who studies ballet, hip-hop and other styles, encouraged everyone to participate with games and dance contests.
“My favorite part was when we did activities like showing your best jazz move or your best wheelchair dance,” he said.
Children involved in Adopt-A-Grandparent joined residents throughout the afternoon, dancing together and helping even the quietest participants feel included.
“Some of the kids were shy at first,”
Petraro said. “But once the music started, everyone was dancing together. Even residents who usually just sit quietly got involved.”
The event reflected the mission behind Joseph’s organization: creating meaningful relationships between generations.
“They’re more alike than different,” she said. “The younger generation learns from the older generation, and the older generation learns from the younger generation. For many residents whose families live far away or have busy schedules, these visits mean everything.”
Five Towns Premier staff said the impact was immediately visible.
“I have never felt more excitement and energy in our facility than with the AdoptA-Grandparent Prom,” said Cathy Byrne, the center’s gerontologist. “Staff, families, residents and youth shared an afternoon of laughter, love, dancing and unforgettable memories.”
Byrne credited Maltese, the facility’s recreation director, with helping turn Joseph’s vision into reality.
“We are very fortunate to have the most talented recreation director, Anthony Maltese,” she said. “He was directly responsible for the success of this program.”
The Grandparent Prom is only the latest event in a growing partnership between Adopt-A-Grandparent and Five Towns Premier. Organizers are already planning a resident fashion show later this summer.
“They always have fun,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
New school year takes shape at Hewlett-Woodmere
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education kicked off the 2026-27 school year at its annual reorganization meeting on July 8, highlighting the ongoing search for a new principal at Ogden Elementary School, recognizing student leadership and reviewing a slate of capital improvement projects taking place across the district this summer.
The reorganizational meeting, held at the district’s administration building, established the board’s leadership and committees for the coming year while providing updates on district initiatives that will continue through the summer before students return in September.
Superintendent Dina Anzalone said the search for Ogden Elementary School’s next principal remains a top priority and has entered its final stages.
“The principal search continues,” Anzalone said, noting that a committee made up of parents, staff members and students has been interviewing candidates. “Hopefully, we’re going to have a decision next week.”
The new principal will succeed the school’s previous administrator ahead of the 2026-27 school year. District officials have emphasized the importance of community involvement throughout the selection process, with representatives from multiple stakeholder groups participating in interviews.
Melissa Berman/Herald
The Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education held their annual reorganizational meeting at Woodmere Education on July 8.
Anzalone also shared details of a summer leadership retreat for district administrators, who were scheduled to visit the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum to study leadership and decision-making under pressure.
“The museum tells the story of sacrifice, legacy and the special operators of Naval Special Warfare,” she said. “We make decisions every day that we think are difficult. Imagine going through one of the most rigorous training programs in the military and the decisions they have to make on the fly while staying calm. I’m hoping we’ll have some real learning and takeaways to bring back to the district.”
The board also welcomed Ella Findling, Hewlett High School’s newly elected Stu-
dent Council president, who provided the first student report of the new school year.
Findling reflected on the successful graduation of the Class of 2026 before looking ahead to student activities planned for the fall.
“We’ve already started planning for next year,” she said. “The executive board is working on homecoming early to make sure everything is organized and ready to go. Over the next few months, we’ll also be planning fundraisers and activities for the school year. We’re looking forward to creating opportunities for students to be involved and continuing to build a positive school community.”
She thanked the Board of Education for supporting student initiatives and provid-
ing opportunities for students to succeed.
Trustee Francois Tenenbaum updated residents on the district’s capital improvement program, outlining several construction projects that will continue throughout the summer months.
At Woodmere Middle School, crews are installing a new synthetic turf field along with a shade shelter and a storage building that will house physical education and athletic equipment. District officials are also evaluating additional improvements to student drop-off and pickup areas to improve traffic flow and safety.
Franklin Early Childhood Center is receiving building upgrades, including roof replacement work, while the district continues installing energy management systems designed to improve efficiency and building operations.
A new storage facility is also being constructed at Hewlett High School to accommodate equipment associated with the school’s recently completed athletic facility improvements.
The projects are part of the district’s ongoing effort to modernize school facilities while minimizing disruptions by completing construction during summer recess.
Board members also approved several policy updates and routine business items, including contracts for mandated summer special education services.
The district’s next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Aug. 12.
HERALD EDitoRiAL
Giving blood: the gift that cannot wait
Summer is a season many of us look forward to. Families head out on vacation, schools close for the year, community calendars lighten and many of the charitable drives and volunteer activities that fill the rest of the year take a brief pause.
Illness, accidents and medical emergencies, however, never take a vacation.
Every day, hospitals across Long Island and around the country rely on a steady supply of donated blood to care for trauma victims, cancer patients, premature infants, people undergoing surgery and those living with chronic blood disorders. When blood is needed, there is no time to wait for donors to come forward. The blood must already be on the shelves.
That’s why the emergency blood shortage announced by the American Red Cross should concern every one of us. The Red Cross reports that blood donations have fallen sharply since the end of May. That is not a problem that can be solved overnight.
Blood products have a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for only about six weeks, while platelets, which are critical for cancer patients and others undergoing treatment, last only a few days. A constant stream of volunteer donors is necessary simply to keep pace with everyday medical needs.
Unlike many products hospitals use, blood can’t be manufactured in a laboratory. It can’t be
Peter King is right about America’s leadership
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s op-ed in last week’s issue, “America must not abdicate its leadership”: King is so right in his assessment. While I’m no expert on foreign affairs, I do think I have a unique perspective on the topic he addresses.
ordered from a factory or substituted with another medicine. Every pint comes from a volunteer willing to spend less than an hour giving something that costs nothing but can mean everything to someone else.
It is one of the rare opportunities for an ordinary person to directly save a life.
Most blood donors never meet the people they help. Yet each donation has the potential to help a number of patients. A single donation can help save as many as three lives.
It’s easy to assume that someone else will donate — that someone younger, healthier or with more free time will answer the call. But maintaining an adequate blood supply depends on thousands of people making that same small commitment throughout the year, because the demand for blood remains constant.
If anything, summer brings additional challenges. Increased travel can mean more motor vehicle accidents. Outdoor recreation can result in serious injuries. Construction projects continue. Hospitals remain busy. Every one of those situations depends on blood being available.
Long Island residents and the business community have always demonstrated their generosity during times of crisis. For those who have donated before, now is an excellent time to schedule another appointment if they are eligible. For first-time donors, there may be some uncertainty, but the process is safe, carefully supervised and
L E tt ER to t HE ED ito R
You see, my mother was born and raised in Germany, and was 16 when World War II broke out. My father’s parents were born in Germany, but in 1923 they moved to the United States for the very reason King points out: the Treaty of Versailles left Germany impoverished with little hope. So my father grew up here in New York, but as fate had it, my grandparents decided to move back to Germany in the late 1930s, because Germany was once again a prosperous country.
When the war broke out, my father was drafted into the German army — the Luftwaffe, as it turns out. It wasn’t until I was in college that he revealed this aspect of his life to me. He had always said he was an American soldier, which was believable, as he had no accent growing up in New York. And we lived in Queens, with many Jewish neighbors, and, understandably, he didn’t want this aspect of his past to get out to the neighbors.
So, the question I would always ask my parents was, how could a great country like Germany allow Nazism to happen? They would offer several reasons, including that in the beginning, most Germans thought Hitler was someone who would implode and eventually go away. And by the time they realized that he wasn’t going anywhere, it was too late. Besides, they were just trying to live their lives and recover from the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles.
But the reason that can’t be ignored was appease-
generally takes about an hour from registration to refreshments afterward. Most donors say the experience is easier than they expected, and leave knowing they have made a meaningful difference.
Donors of all eight blood types — A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ and O- — are needed to rebuild the nation’s blood supply. While some blood types are used more frequently than others, every donation strengthens the system that hospitals depend on daily.
This isn’t simply about responding to an emergency declaration. It’s about recognizing that each of us may someday depend on the generosity of someone we’ve never met. Few people expect to need a blood transfusion until an accident, illness or unexpected surgery changes everything in an instant.
When that day comes, no family should have to wonder whether enough blood is available. Make an appointment to donate blood. The Red Cross collects nationwide, but does not have facilities on Long Island, where New York Blood Centers and other agencies and organizations help meet the need. To learn where to donate, go to AABB.org, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, to find an AABBaccredited donation facility.
A single hour you spend giving blood today could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need.
ment — King’s central argument in his essay. Like it or not, the U.S. needs to maintain its global leadership as a deterrent to regimes whose goal it is to expand their borders against the will of all other nations. I’m troubled by the administration’s seeming lack of knowledge or respect for history, and how it somehow repeats itself.
I wish members of Congress would speak out more on this topic, and follow King’s advice publicly. While I agree that Europe must increase its defense spending, we need to maintain our role as “global policeman,” because no other country, in my opinion, has the credibility and military muscle to take on this role. Vladimir Putin is not someone who can be trusted. Why we have let him get this far is a reminder that appeasement does not work with evil minds.
WILLIAM FUESSLER Wantagh
Why sunscreen is always important
For the first time in more than 25 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new active ingredient for sunscreen, a move dermatologists say could improve sun protection options for consumers. Bemotrizinol, which has been used internationally for more than two decades, offers broad-spectrum protection against
n The approval modernizes sunscreen protection in the U.S.
According to Sirota Rozenberg, bemotrizinol is the first new sunscreen active ingredient approved for the U.S. market in more than 25 years. While Europe has more than 30 approved UV filters, the United States has had only 10 available. She said the FDA’s decision signals progress in updating sunscreen regulations and could pave the way for additional advanced UV filters already used safely around the world.
both UVA and UVB rays in a single ingredient. Dr. Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, chief of dermatology at Episcopal Health Services, said the approval marks an important step forward for sunscreen technology in the United States.
n Bemotrizinol offers broad, longlasting protection
Unlike many sunscreen ingredients currently available in the United States, bemotrizinol protects against both UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn, in a single molecule. It is also highly photostable, meaning it does not break down as quickly in sunlight as ingredients such as avobenzone. Sirota Rozenberg said its large molecular size results in minimal absorption into the body and there is no evidence of endocrine-disrupting activity. While experts believe its broad coverage and stability should improve overall sun protection, there are no clinical studies directly comparing its effectiveness in preventing skin cancer with existing sunscreen ingredients.
n Sunscreen is only part of the equation
Dr. Rozenberg emphasized that no sunscreen, including those containing bemotrizinol, replaces other forms of sun protection. She recommends choosing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Consumers should apply about one ounce — roughly the size of a shot glass — to cover the entire body. She also encourages wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and UV-protective clothing, while seeking shade during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.”The best sunscreen is the one you will use every day,” Sirota Rozenberg said. “Make sun protection a daily habit, not just something you think about at the beach. Nearly 93 percent of melanomas are attributable to UV radiation, and consistent sun protection helps reduce that risk while preventing premature aging.”
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
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND AGENDA:
Register for this FREE event: Merrick.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273
News briefs
Cedarhurst hosts ‘A Night of Irish Music’
The Village of Cedarhurst celebrated the culture and music of Ireland with ‘A Night of Irish Music’ which took place on July 14 at Andrew J. Parise Park
The celebration, which was a part of their Summer Concert Series, had the community come together to celebrate Irish traditions with a night of music and dancing.
The event had Irish singer Andy Cooney and his band performing as the
crowd sang along, with dancers from The Donny Golden School of Irish Dancing performing alongside.
The event was just one of several planned events for the Summer Concert Series, with others happening weekly throughout the next month such as ‘A Night of Italian Music’ on July 21 and ‘Dance the Night Away’ on July 28.
— Jack Levey
LPS presents ‘The Gingerbread Surfer’
Lawrence Primary School’s Theater Club recently put on an original play, “The Gingerbread Surfer,” which showcased the creativity and teamwork of its young cast and director.
Faculty member Marie Maragilo guided the students in the Reader’s Theater Club throughout the year to put on this production. Students in collaboration with Maragilo wrote the script, composed the music, designed the costumes, and put on rehearsals in preparation for their big performance.
The production culminated in a memorable performance for both the first-grade classes and their family members
The performance’s lively music and imaginative costumes captivated audiences and reflected the talent and enthusiasm of the students involved.
— Jack Levey
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRSAT-LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL
Help Wanted
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
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for
Antiques/Collectibles
SERVICES
Cable/TV/Wiring
EMPLOYMENT
DRIVERS
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
EDITOR/REPORTER
Home Improvement
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-877-318-7982
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-877-271-0003
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
Telephone Services
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
Satellite/TV Equipment
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo.
PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT NECHAMA N. TOUTI, BY PURCHASE INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 6, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee
will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 55 Johnson Place, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 102 and Lot 652. Approximate amount of judgment is
$190,634.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609645/2022. Cash will not be accepted.
Leslie S. Lowenstein, Esq., Referee
Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 161001
0723 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
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
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
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473
Miscellaneous
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
Services
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-877-290-0023 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Courtesy Villageof Cedarhurst Andy Cooney and his band performed Irish favorites as the crowd joined in singing.
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