Wantagh Herald 06-04-2026

County champions!

Wantagh High School’s softball team captured its first Nassau title in 36 years on May 28 with a 3-0

series. Story, more photos, Page 6.

Jones Beach light show kicks off celebratory summer

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

Crowds packed the beachfront and boardwalk at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh on Memorial Day for the park’s first-ever patriotic drone light show, a new attraction introduced as part of New York’s summer-long celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

The roughly 20-minute aerial display began at 9 p.m. over the Atlantic Ocean near the Central Mall area of the park, drawing spectators lining the sand and boardwalk with phones in hand to capture the

historic event.

As the 1,000 drones, which were synchronized to patriotic music, rose into the night sky, the atmosphere shifted from conversation to focused attention on the awe-inspiring aerial show.

As each of the drones went up and down, the excitement among the attendees’ voices rose. Hundreds of illuminated drones transformed the dark sky above the ocean into a moving canvas. The performance featured a variety of patriotic images and symbols, including a soaring bald eagle, “1776” and military-themed scenes to patriotic music.

The drone show was one of several Memorial Day weekend events organized by New York State Parks as part of the America250 initiative, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Additional attractions included colonial-era cooking demonstrations, period music, family games and military encampments representing Revolutionary War regiments.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced earlier this year that Jones Beach would host a series of Revolutionary Warthemed programs and special events throughout 2026, high -

lighting New York’s role in the nation’s founding.

“The founding of America 250 years ago cannot be told without including New York’s pivotal role in the American Revolution,” Hochul said in a statement announcing the festivities.

The Memorial Day drone show also filled a temporary gap left by the rescheduling of

the annual FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach, one of Long Island’s largest annual summer events.

Traditionally held on Memorial Day weekend, the air show has been moved this year to the July Fourth weekend.

State officials announced that the Air Show and Fire -

Michelle Ebel/Herald

Not so fast: Turtle rescued before reaching traffic

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

A large turtle wandering toward traffic on Wantagh Parkway was safely rescued last week thanks to the efforts of a local veterans advocate, a New York State trooper and animal rescue personnel.

John Scalesi, senior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of New York State and a longtime volunteer with the Bellmore Fire Department, was driving southbound on Wantagh Parkway near the pedestrian bridge by Wantagh High School at about 1:25 p.m. on May 22 when he noticed something unusual along the roadside.

“As an EMS person, you never know if there’s going to be an emergency,” Scalesi said.

At first, he wasn’t sure exactly what he had seen. After passing the area, he continued south before turning around and heading back north to investigate.

Scalesi said he contacted a friend involved in animal rescue efforts to alert him about the turtle’s location and then returned to the scene.

By the time he arrived, a New York State Police trooper had also spotted the animal.

The turtle was approaching the right lane of traffic when responders reached it.

“The turtle was just about to go into the right lane,” Scalesi recalled.

According to Scalesi, the responding trooper, later identified as Trooper Sotiris Kalodukas, put on protective gloves and carefully guided the turtle away from the roadway while animal rescue personnel responded.

A volunteer from an animal rescue organization based in Freeport also arrived at the scene to assist.

Scalesi estimated the turtle weighed roughly 15

John Scalesi, senior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of New York State, and New York State Trooper Sotiris Kalodukas pose with a turtle rescued from the side of Wantagh Parkway near Wantagh High School on May 22.

pounds.

While responders were initially concerned the turtle may have been injured, no obvious injuries were visible.

“The woman from the rescue said she didn’t see anything,” Scalesi said. “She didn’t know if it was injured, but she didn’t see any signs of that.”

No traffic disruptions were reported during the rescue.

Photographs taken at the scene show Scalesi and Kalodukas posing beside a pet carrier containing the turtle beneath the Wantagh High School pedestrian

BELMONT PARK VILLAGE

bridge. The turtle was later secured by the animal rescue volunteer, though Scalesi said he was unsure where it was ultimately relocated.

New York State Police officials praised the collaborative effort between residents and law enforcement.

“This incident was a great example of Troopers and the community working together toward a positive outcome,” Trooper Brittany Burton, public information officer for New York State Police Troop L, said in a statement. “No call is too big or too small and we are always happy to help however we can. It is especially a good day when everyone comes together and works toward a safe and positive outcome like this one.”

Burton added that Kalodukas reported an “outstanding citizen” located the turtle and remained with it until help arrived.

“Just goes to drive home the positive outcomes that can occur when the community and Troopers work together,” Burton said.

For Scalesi, who frequently travels throughout Long Island attending veterans events and community functions, helping keep the animal safe was simply the right thing to do.

The rescue also served as a reminder that wildlife often crosses Long Island roadways during the warmer months, creating dangers for both animals and motorists.

Scalesi said this was not the first time he had encountered a turtle near a busy roadway. He recalled seeing an even larger turtle near an entrance ramp to the Southern State Parkway in the past.

This time, however, the outcome was a happy one.

With the help of an observant passerby, responding state troopers and animal rescue personnel, the turtle avoided traffic and was safely removed from harm’s way.

off the Cross Island Parkway, shop designer fashion finds from Coach, lululemon, Valentino, and more, at up to 65% off every day. Dine at award-winning restaurants, stroll

Courtesy John Scalesi

Drones light up the sky over Jones Beach

works: Celebrating America250 will take place July 4 to 6, and feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and several military and civilian aviation performers.

This scheduling change aligns the event with Fleet Week New York and other America250 festivities planned across the state.

While the air show’s absence left Memorial Day weekend without the roar of jet engines overhead, the impressive drone display offered a different kind of spectacle, replacing aircraft with synchronized lights and patriotic imagery.

The FourLeaf Air Show is expected to return to its traditional Memorial Day weekend schedule in 2027.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

A re-creation of the iconic flag-raising at Iwo Jima during the patriotic display over Jones Beach.

A glowing Liberty Bell took shape in the night sky over the Atlantic Ocean.

Drones formed George Washington on horseback.

“Honoring All Who Served” appeared in lights during the Memorial Day show celebrating military service members.

A “1776” drone formation above Jones Beach State Park during the park’s first-ever patriotic drone show celebration on Memorial Day weekend.

An illuminated Uncle Sam tipped his hat to onlookers.

A bald eagle spread its wings above the spectators.

A colonial-era sailing ship made its way across the night sky in one of several historical scenes.

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NEWS BRIEF

Levittown’s Long Island Language Summit

On May 28, Levittown Public Schools hosted the Long Island Language Teachers Summit for World Language Educators, which was attended by more than 90 educators from across the region. Organized by Director of World Languages and ENL Michele Ortiz, attendees received important updates on World Language Standards, the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, and the Portrait of a Graduate initiative, including its connection to World Language education.

Guest speakers included Candace Black, associate in the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, NYSED; Dr. Jordan Gonzalez, administrative coordinator for the Long Island Regional Bilingual Education Resource

Network; Wendy Mercado, president of NYSAFLT; Will Anderson, associate dean for external relations and field placement at Hofstra University’s School of Education; and Brittany Cirrone, Levittown’s educational technology and career exploration coach. Levittown teacher Dana Mazzella received the Kathleen Ann Lyons Memorial Excellence in Teaching Award. Wisdom Lane Middle School Principal John Avena was recognized as a Friend of World Languages, and student Riley Cunningham earned the Lucille DiPietro Lambert Student Award for Excellence in World Language Studies Award.

—Hunter Fenollol

CRIME WATCH

Softball games ends in an arrest

At Ettinger Law Firm, we are fond of saying “trusts create order out of chaos” — for three major reasons: First, an ever-increasing number of Americans suffer a period of legal disability later in life. Without your own private plan for disability, consisting of a trust and a “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney, you run the risk of a state appointed legal guardian. Do you want the people you choose to be in charge in the event of your disability, with the freedom to act immediately in your best interests, or do you want the state to appoint someone, often a stranger, who will require court permission to protect your assets and your family — which permission is sometimes denied. A guardianship proceeding is expensive, timeconsuming and stressful — in other words, chaotic. Trusts create an orderly process whereby your appointed trustees consult with your elder law attorney and are free to act immediately without court interference. Secondly, trusts avoid probate court proceedings on death whereby wills, even though supervised by an attorney, with

two witnesses and a notary, must first be proven to be valid in court proceedings. The client has no control over probate court proceedings — the time they will take or the amount they will cost. Typically, it takes months and, not unusually, one to two years or more. Meantime, property cannot be sold and assets cannot be reached to pay bills. In other words, chaos. With a trust, the trustee may act immediately upon death, list property for sale and access investments and bank accounts.

A Lindenhurst man was arrested after allegedly striking another man in the head with a metal bat during a dispute at a recreational softball game in Seaford on May 31, Nassau County police said.

According to detectives, officers responded to Cedar Creek Park on Merrick Road at about 2 p.m. after receiving a 911 call. Police said an argument between two softball teams escalated, and Brian Polanco, 32, allegedly

struck a 34-year-old man with a metal bat.

The victim was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. His condition was not immediately available.

Polanco was charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was scheduled to be arraigned June 1 at First District Court in Hempstead.

—Hunter Fenollol

Thirdly, wills provide no plan for protecting your home and life savings either from the cost of in-home care or nursing home care. Nothing is more chaotic then seeing one’s home and life savings used up in a few short years to pay for the high cost of long-term care. A properly drafted Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) protects your assets from long-term care costs and allows you to leave a legacy to your children and grandchildren. When the time comes, your MAPT will allow you to qualify for Medicaid

or

for your care

BRIAN POLANCO

LIHSA named exemplary school by Arts School Network

By JONATHAN PADILLA Intern

Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Art has been recognized as an Exemplary School from the Arts Schools Network for 2026 to 2031.

The recognition is presented to art schools across the country that perform excellent work in the fields of art, theatre and the like.

LIHSA is dedicated to culminating artistic excellence and academic achievement through an engaging educational environment that supports creativity, innovation and student growth.

LIHSA Principal, Lindsay Rogan, said that the school is thankful to all of their students and staff for working hard to win the recognition. “The entire faculty worked together to submit this lengthy document with evidence of student growth, of our vision, our mission, our values,” Rogan said.

ASN, the nation’s largest professional membership organization of specialized arts schools, awards Exemplary School Designations to members that follow A Guide to Assessing Your Arts School in strategically evaluating their school’s purpose, operations, and educational programs. The guide is a collaborative effort between ASN and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-Collegiate Art School.

“We offer guidance, inspiration and incentives to art school leaders who strive for excellence in their schools,” said Nicole Michel, managing director for ASN. “When they demonstrate outstanding efforts towards this goal, as they do following ‘A Guide to Assessing Your Arts School,’ we recognize and reward their achievements with this designation.”

LIHSA students engage in various arts programming that encourages collaboration, creative expres-

NEWS BRIEF

The Long Island High School for the Arts was recognized as an

2026 to 2031.

sion and interdisciplinary learning in areas including visual arts, music theatre, dance, and media arts. Through performance opportunities, exhibitions, community partnerships, and mentorship from experienced educators and artists, LIHSA builds confident, imaginative, and socially engaged learners prepared to thrive in higher education, professional artistic pursuits and an evolving global community.

“This recognition is a meaningful reflection of the culture of creativity, passion and possibility that defines Long Island High School of the Arts. LIHSA is a community where students are empowered to discover their voice, refine their talent and grow into confident artists and individuals,” said Larry Leaven, Nassau BOCES district superintendent. “We are incredi-

Beth Tikvah honorees recognized by FJMC

Two members of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh were recognized for their dedication to the synagogue and community at the New York Metropolitan Region Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs awards ceremony on May 17.

David Kamlet was honored as Man of the Year, while Corey Grantis was named Youth of the Year. The awards recognize individuals

for their ongoing commitment to religious activities and active participation in synagogue life.

The honorees were recognized during a ceremony hosted by the New York Metropolitan Region Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. Rabbi Moshe Weisblum joined Kamlet and Grantis at the event.

— Hunter Fenollol

OBITUARY

Joseph (Joe) Alexander Rende

Joseph (Joe) Alexander Rende passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026. Born November 2, 1954 in Queens, he was the eldest of seven children born to the late Joe and Connie Rende. Joe is survived by his siblings, Lorraine Mellon (John), Marilyn DiMora (Ed), Tom (Kathy), Tim (Linda), Bill and Rick (Julie) Rende, his nieces, Gabby, Gilly, Marijo, Augusta, Meredith, Toni-Lynn, Kayla, Sarah and nephews, Frank, Joseph, and Alex and his former wife and forever friend, Joanne Guerin Padovano. A Funeral Mass and celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh on Saturday, June 20th at 10:45am

bly proud of Principal Lindsay Rogan, the faculty, staff, students and alumni whose dedication and vision continue to create transformative opportunities for young people through the power of the arts.”

When asked if LIHSA will be aiming for more recognition or awards in the future, Rogan said, “maybe in the next few years, but for right now, this national distinction is really incredible and really helps to remind our community that students in high school have access to incredible arts education without having to leave Long Island.”

ASN will honor the school at the awards ceremony during the ASN 2026 Annual conference on October 20 to 22, 2026, in San Diego, California.

Government Breakfast

Join WEDLI for our 2026 Government Breakfast featuring prominent women lawmakers. Invited panelists:

Join WEDLI for our 2026 Government Breakfast women lawmakers. Invited

Siela A. Bynoe NY State Senator, 6 District th

Monica R. Martinez NY State Senator, 4 District th

Thursday, June 11 | 8-10 a.m.

The Mansion at Oyster Bay, Woodbury

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Exemplary School from the Arts Schools Network for

WANTAGH HERALD — June 4, 2026

HERALD SPORTS

Wantagh tops Seaford for softball title

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

For the second time in three years, top-seeded Wantagh and No. 2 Seaford needed a third game to decided Nassau County’s Class A softball champion.

The local rivals traded shutout victories in Games 1 and 2, setting up a winner-take-all battle May 28 under the lights at Farmingdale State College.

Once again, it was all about the pitching.

Wantagh’s Lucy Olore and Seaford’s Rylie Betz, as they’ve done throughout the season and series, starred in the circle and it took some magical “small ball” for the Warriors to claim their first county title since 1990 thanks to a 3-0 victory.

All three Wantagh runs were scored on squeeze bunts from its No. 3, 4 and 5 hitters.

“You’re going to do whatever you have to do to score against a pitcher as good as Rylie,” Wantagh coach Christine Moran said. “Our girls executed very well. We wanted to get runners on, steal and put the pressure on them.

“I’ve got all the confidence in the world with Lucy out there if we go up early,” she added. “She has ice in her veins and she comes to win.”

Olore, who threw a perfect game with 10 strikeouts in a series-opening 1-0 victory on Memorial Day, allowed just two hits in the clincher and fanned three. She was staked to an early lead in the bottom of the first when Scarlett Bartilucci squeezed home Megan Martone.

“We’ve worked so hard all year and I’m so proud of our team,” Olore said. “It was nice to score in the first inning and pitch with a lead all game. I feel like having that little bit of breathing room is a huge weight off my shoulders. Seaford beat us here two years ago and we didn’t want it to happen again,” she added.

Olore allowed hits in the first and seventh innings and faced the minimum Seaford batters from the second through sixth. She and Savannah Gandini had bunt RBIs in the fifth to provide the 3-0 cushion.

The final out was a grounder to Gandini at shortstop. She fired to Hailey Kissinger at first and the celebration was on.

“We stayed confident all the way through,” Gandini said. “We’ve been chasing the championship since March. This was our goal and we stayed locked in.”

Wantagh (17-6) will face Miller Place or Kings Park for the Long Island Class A crown June 6 at 11 a.m. at Martha Avenue Field in Bellport. The season isn’t over for Seaford (14-10), which has an at-large bid to the state playoffs and will play the Section IV champion June

Emily Polarolo and the Warriors earned the program’s first county championship in 36 years.

2 at 4 p.m. in Binghamton.

“To see the smiles on all the girls’ faces and the pride in their parents’ faces is such an incredible feeling,” Moran said. “This was everything we’ve dreamed of. It was a flawless softball game.”

The lone run on Memorial Day came in the bottom of the first and was scored by Martone. She led off with a walk and was sacrificed to second by a Kissinger bunt before stealing third with two outs and scoring on a passed ball.

Betz, a sophomore who entered the finals with a sub-1.00 ERA and blanked Wantagh twice during the regular season, was equal to the task in Game 1 with 10 strikeouts and only two hits allowed. She gave up six hits in Game 2 the following afternoon but was clutch when it mattered most as Seaford kept its season alive with a 3-0 win.

The Vikings scored in the bottom of the second when with two outs, Lauren LoPresti singled and scored on a long fly to right that was scored an error. Wantagh threatened plenty but couldn’t push a run across, stranding the bases loaded in the third and fifth.

Seaford provided Betz with a pair of insurance runs in the sixth thanks to back-to-back RBI singles from Camryn Sainsbury and Lily Conti.

“We have such a great rivalry with Wantagh and we hope it continues,” Seaford coach Joe Nastasi said. “We battled the entire series and I can’t say enough about our girls as well as theirs.”

Jeff Wilson/Herald photos

Wantagh’s Lucy Olore pitched a perfect game and shutout Seaford a second time in the Nassau Class A finals.

MacArthur edges Plainedge for flag crown

By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

Junior Alexa Coppola caught a pass through the heavy rainfall from junior quarterback Gina Iannuzzi and toetapped in the back of the end zone to secure MacArthur’s first flag football county title May 23 at LIU Post over Plainedge, 13-9, in the Class B championship game.

On fourth and goal from the 9-yard line, Iannuzzi rolled right and found a leaping Coppola, who got one foot down with just a few turf pellets between her toe and the white out-of-bounds line. Jubilation from the Generals’ bench followed.

“The focus on catching it was everything, because that was all or nothing,” Coppola said. “I was jaw-dropped. I was shocked I just did that.”

After the celebration brawl in the end zone, Iannuzzi went to Madison Heaney for the one-point conversion to give MacArthur a 4-point lead over Plainedge with 34 seconds to go in the fourth quarter.

To set up Iannuzzi’s game-winner, Coppola intercepted a pass with just under 4:30 left, while the Red Devils were looking to close out the game, just 16 yards from paydirt.

“We were in possession and we knew we could drive down the field and get a touchdown,” Iannuzzi said.

The second meeting between these two programs didn’t disappoint, as the first came on April 25, which resulted in a 14-14 tie. No. 1 MacArthur (17-0-1) finished undefeated against Nassau competition and will face Hauppauge or Deer Park for the Long Island crown this Saturday at LIU Post at noon.

“I told everyone these were the two best teams in Nassau County,” MacArthur head coach Steve Fazzolari said. “I told the girls it was going to be 48 minutes and the game was going to come down to the end. Last time we played them, we scored with 12 seconds left to tie the game, so going down there at the end I told the girls, ‘We’ve got time. Don’t worry about it. Stay calm.”

In the first quarter, MacArthur dropped the snap in the end zone, resulting in a safety and two points for Plainedge. The Generals responded, capping off a 76-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Iannuzzi to senior Meaghan Campbell to take a 6-2 lead into halftime.

Early in the fourth quarter, sophomore Charlotte Norbury reached up with one hand and snagged a pass out of the air from junior Gia Ponticello, bringing the Plainedge offense to the 1-yard line. Ponticello crossed the goal line on a scamper to give the Red Devils the lead with 9:55 left. Norbury hauled in the one-point conversion, which put

them in the driver’s seat up 9-6.

Norbury finished with four catches for 69 yards and two crucial interceptions. Ponticello went 11-of-28 for 131 yards through the air and four carries for 22 yards and a touchdown.

“Charlotte’s a great player on both sides of the ball,” Plainedge head coach Adam Hovorka said of Norbury. “It’s kind of what we expected from her and by the end of the game, they were throwing away from her.”

Senior Kate Franks and junior Ava Renzo swarmed for the Red Devils (14-21) on defense, combining for three sacks.

As for MacArthur, Iannuzzi was stellar under center, completing 23 of her 35 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Campbell finished with 50 yards on eight catches, Coppola added 50 yards on six catches and senior Taylor Garro contributed with 76 yards on six grabs. She also had one carry for 23 yards.

“We were here three years ago,” Fazzolari said. “We lost to Plainview in our first year, and none of these girls are here, but it’s just a thanks to the girls who started this. The girls who made MacArthur legitimate. So many girls are a part of this.”

Media Origin Inc./Herald photos

MacArthur’s Alexa Coppola, right, caught the game-winning touchdown and celebrated with Meaghan Campbell, left, and Natalie Wan.

Generals quarterback Gina Iannuzzi completed the winning touchdown pass to Coppola with 34 seconds remaining.

HERALD SPORTS

South Side late goal tops Wantagh in title game

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Tara Cody was unfazed when South Side’s girls lacrosse season hung in the balance in the final minute of the Nassau County Class C final against Wantagh.

The senior goalie squared up for her second free position shot in a matter of minutes against Wantagh’s Sabrina Asadurian in a tie game, but unlike the first attempt Cody made a crucial low stick save. Cody’s clutch stop, one of her eight on the day, set the stage for more heroics at the other end of the field when freshman midfielder Juliet Diorio scored with just 2.3 seconds left to propel South Side to a repeat county title.

“She had just scored on the last free position but I always say you have to adapt into a game and know your opponents’ tendencies,” said Cody moments after the dramatic 8-7 win at Farmingdale State College May 28. “We knew [Asadurian] is one of their best players and we had to stop her if we wanted to win this,” she added.

The result was far different minutes before when Asadurian lined up

for her first free position against Cody and fired home a bounce shot to tie the score at 7-7. It marked the sixth and final time the teams traded goals after the score was tied 4-4 at halftime.

Diorio’s winning tally following Cody’s big stop came after South Side coach Rob Devlin called a timeout with 23 seconds left to set up a play.

Junior attackman Bobbie Creo hit the post out of the timeout but South Side corralled the rebound leading to Diorio’s eventual game-winner from the top of the arc.

“I told them during the timeout that they just needed to trust themselves and that if they were patient and let their options play out we didn’t have to force anything to the cage,” Devlin said.

South Side looked like it wouldn’t need a late dramatic save and goal after jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first quarter on two goals from Diorio along with tallies by Skye Korten and Creo.

Wantagh stormed back in the second quarter to knot the score at 4-4 at halftime capped by Asadurian scoring off transition off a draw control win with 34 seconds left in the half. Moments earlier sophomore midfield-

er Brigid Reilly cut the lead to 4-3 off a pass from sophomore attacker Marykate O’Callaghan with 43.8 seconds left in the period.

Senior goalie Madeline Gonzalez kept Wantagh in the game with 12 saves and kept South Side scoreless for a 17:27 stretch of the game.

“They never allowed early setbacks to define who they were and instead they embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow, learning from mistakes and continuing to improve each day,” Wantagh fourth-year coach Lauren Rupport said. “One of the biggest reasons for this team’s success was how coachable and committed they were every day.”

In the semifinals, Wantagh defeated third-seeded Plainedge 13-12 in overtime on May 21 with Asadurian netting the winner off dodge from behind the net. The Warriors’ offense was paced by four goals from senior attacker Madeline Drago and hattrick by eight grade midfielder Hailey Mekeel.

Sabrina Asadurian’s OT goal in the semifinals lifted Wantagh over Plainedge in a thriller.

Wantagh falls to undefeated Plainedge in finals

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The level of Plainedge’s dominance on the baseball diamond this spring has been nothing short of remarkable and the program’s first state championship appears well within its grasp.

The top-seeded Red Devils entered the Nassau Class A playoffs with a perfect record through 20 games and steamrolled through the bracket to capture their first county title since 2012, sweeping No. 8 Valley Stream North in the quarterfinals, No. 5 North Shore in the semis and No. 2 Wantagh in the finals — allowing just five runs in the process.

“I’m so proud of these kids,” Plainedge’s 13th-year coach Colin Fratik said after last Friday’s 6-3 victory over Wantagh in Game 2 of the best-ofthree championship series at Farmingdale State College. “They put the work in every day and approach every game with a positive attitude,” he added.

The Red Devils (26-0) advanced to face Kings Park or Sayville in the Long Island Class A championship game June 6 at 7 p.m. back at Farmingdale State. Wantagh finished 19-7-1 with four of its losses coming to Plainedge.

The Warriors entered the finals coming off a dramatic come-frombehind victory over Wheatley in the best-of-three semifinals. With their season on the brink they rallied for an 11-7 victory in Game 3 with nine runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, capped by senior Ryan Tullo’s walk-off grand slam.

“It was unbelievable,” Wantagh coach Keith Sachs said. “We got some hits, worked out some walks and before you knew it the game was tied. Then Ryan crushed one and everyone went crazy.”

As they’ve done throughout the season for Plainedge, senior Taylor Nitsch and junior Jaxson Torres proved nearly unhittable on the mound in each of the three playoff series. Both hurled shutouts against Valley Stream North and North Shore and earned wins in the finals. They’ve combined for 21 wins, including four no-hitters, and for all 10 of the staff’s shutouts.

“It’s impossible to separate the two of them,” Fratik said. “You’ve heard the term 1A and 1B and that’s exactly what we’ve got. The confidence they have when they take the mound and the confidence they give their teammates is incredible.”

Wantagh broke Nitsch’s 48-inning scoreless streak with a run in the bottom of the first Friday after scoring two runs in the top of the first against Torres in Game 1.

Junior Joseph Riso’s fielder’s choice grounder scored sophomore shortstop Nicholas Lattanzio with the first run of Game 2. The Warriors scored twice more in the fourth on senior Matthew Rackley’s two-run triple in the gap to cut the Red Devils lead to 4-3.

Plainedge got insurance in the fifth on RBIs off the bats of Bobby Wescott and Torres.

Tullo and junior Sal Ansaldi both enjoyed monster seasons for the Warriors and are in consideration for major individual awards, Sachs said.

Tullo batted .557 with 6 homers, 37 RBIs, 38 runs scored, struck out only twice in 91 plate appearances and was 14-for-14 in steal bases. Ansaldi was their top starting pitcher with a sparkling 1.17 ERA and batted .453 with 5 homers and a team-best 41 RBIs.

Ryan Tullo had a tremendous season for the Warriors with a .557 batting average, 6 homers and 37 RBIs.

Michelle Ebel/Herald

Erik Lee/Herald

Long Islanders rally for transgender rights

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Transgender, gender non-binary and intersex residents, joined by family members, friends and allies, gathered outside the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola on Saturday for a rally celebrating identity, resilience and community solidarity while drawing attention to legislative and social issues affecting transgender people.

The event, hosted by Gender Equality New York, brought together advocates and supporters from across Long Island amid what organizers described as a period of increasing anti-transgender rhetoric and legislation affecting transgender rights.

“This gathering is more than a rally. It is a declaration of our pride and a reminder of the collective power we hold when we rise together,” Juli GreyOwens, executive director of GENY, said. “Our voices matter. Our lives matter. And we refuse to be silenced, erased or pushed back into the shadows.”

Participants emphasized visibility, equality and the protection of civil rights for transgender, nonbinary and intersex people, with several organizations coming from across the Island, including the Long Island Progressive Coalition, Rockville Centre Pride and Freeport Pride.

Karin Johnson, co-founder of Rockville Centre Pride, thanked the ralliers for continuing their fight for equal rights.

“You make the world more beautiful, more interesting and more amazing,” Johnson said. “I am filled with gratitude for your magnificent resistance, and the world will be, too.”

Throughout the afternoon, attendees listened to speeches from advocates, joined in songs celebrating community and resilience, and joined in chants call-

ing for transgender rights and equality, saying, “We are here! We will not disappear!”

Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, spoke about his own experience with a close friend who reached out to him for help to navigate her transition years ago.

“Twenty years later, I stand here today with you, not just as an ally, but a spirit knowing that all of us are on journeys,” Sackman said. “Some of us have

had head starts, some of us have had harder struggles and bigger hurdles to continue, and we all need help on this journey.”

Ralliers voiced their opposition to discrimination and discussed challenges the members of the transgender community face. Speakers highlighted the experiences of people who they said cannot safely live openly as their authentic selves, and called for continued advocacy to ensure equal opportunities and protections.

“Remember this moment, remember this feeling, remember this truth,” Grey-Owens said in concluding the rally. “We are visible, we are united and we’re not going anywhere. Our futures are not up for debate.”

Gender Equality New York advocates for the rights of transgender, gender non-binary and intersex people throughout New York state. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organization works to increase public understanding, address discrimination and promote equal rights.

GENY’s work is centered on four core pillars — advocacy, education, connection and empowerment — and focuses on addressing barriers to economic, educational, racial and social equity while promoting a more inclusive society, according to the organization. For more information, visit GenderEqualityNY.org.

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York, spoke on the steps of the Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola during Saturday’s rally.

DAR honors Wantagh Revolutionary War veteran

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

Members of the Jerusalem Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered May 16 at the Old Jackson Family Cemetery to honor Revolutionary War veteran Thomas Jackson, linking a local piece of history to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

The ceremony took place at the historic cemetery on Wantagh Avenue, next to St. Frances de Chantal Church, where Jackson — a resident of the community when Wantagh was still known as Jerusalem — is buried.

The event also marked the 50th anniversary of a similar tribute held during the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976, when members of the Jerusalem Chapter DAR placed a bronze Revolutionary War veteran marker on Jackson’s grave.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to remember a local patriot and connect our community’s history with America’s founding,” said Alison Cook-Lorch, historian and publicity chairwoman for the Jerusalem Chapter DAR.

The ceremony was organized by Cook-Lorch, chapter Vice Regent Jennifer Turcinovic, Registrar Valerie D’Aguanno, and Regent Kay Kenney. The chapter decided to revisit Jackson’s gravesite as communities across the country begin commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Participants included members of the Jerusalem Chapter DAR, the Wantagh Preservation Society, Wantagh American Legion Post 1273 and the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band. Reenactors from the Long

Island Military Preservation Association also took part. Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while State Sen. Steve Rhoads and Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider attended the ceremony. Legislator Michael Giangregorio was also invited.

A floral arrangement was placed on Jackson’s grave by Scout Allesandro C. of Troop 96, and an American flag was presented in tribute to the veteran’s service. Anthony T., the son of Turcinovic, performed taps. For Cook-Lorch, the event carried special signifi-

cance. She also attended the original 1976 ceremony as a 9-year-old alongside her mother, Ellen Cook, one of the Jerusalem Chapter’s founding members and a former regent and vice regent.

Founded in 1968, the Jerusalem Chapter DAR was named for Wantagh’s original name and has spent decades preserving local history. Organizers said the ceremony served as a reminder that the story of the American Revolution remains alive in communities like Wantagh, where local patriots such as Jackson are remembered even generations later.

Community gathers for Seaford’s Memorial Day

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

Seaford residents gathered at American Legion Post 1132 on Sunday to honor the nation’s fallen service members during the community’s Memorial Day observance, which was relocated due to inclement weather.

The annual ceremony had originally been planned as a parade and service beginning at Verity Plaza and concluding at the Four Chaplains Memorial at Seaford Middle School. Weather concerns forced organizers to cancel the outdoor march the night before and move the event indoors to the American Legion hall.

Despite the change in plans, organizers said the ceremony drew strong participation from veterans, local organizations, scouts and residents. Representatives from numerous community groups took part in a wreath-laying ceremony, with each organization recognized during the program.

American Legion members also paid tribute to veterans from past generations. During the Legion’s wreath presentation, two of the organization’s

Scouts, veterans and community members bow their heads during a moment of reflection at Seaford’s rescheduled Memorial Day observance, held indoors at American Legion Post 1132 because of inclement weather.

oldest Korean War veterans participated in the ceremony.

The observance included traditional Memorial Day elements such as a firing volley and the playing of taps in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. Attendees also honored each branch of the U.S. military as service songs were played.

The ceremony concluded with a patriotic sing-along of “God Bless America,” led by the event’s chaplain. Organizers also encouraged residents

to visit local memorial sites throughout Seaford, including the Four Chaplains Memorial at the middle school and the World War I memorial near the Wantagh Long Island Rail Road station. While the weather prevented the community’s traditional parade route, the ceremony preserved the spirit of Memorial Day, bringing together veterans, families and residents to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served and gave their lives in defense of the nation.

Tim Baker/Herald

Members of the Jerusalem Chapter of the DAR, local officials gather around the grave of Revolutionary War veteran

Courtesy Kevin Tirman

Patriotic wreaths, the American flag and a POW/MIA remembrance chair were displayed during Seaford’s Memorial Day ceremony on June 1.

Men’s Health

• Fitness with purpose: Fuel. Move.Thrive.

• The power of sleep

• Mind over stigma: No more silent struggles

Work out smarter

Start the countdown to better fitness

June is Men’s Health Month, an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the health challenges men face and the everyday choices that can lead to healthier, longer lives. Among the most important of those choices are staying active and maintaining habits that support overall well-being.

For some, fitness is already part of the daily routine. For others, busy schedules, setbacks or lost momentum may have pushed those goals aside. Wherever you are on the journey, the message is the same: every step toward better health matters.

If you’re sticking with a routine — great! If you’ve gotten sidetracked — get back on target!

There is no denying that exercise requires effort. Workouts can leave you sweaty, sore and sometimes frustrated by progress that feels slow to appear. Results often take weeks or months of consistency, making it easy to lose motivation along the way.

But lasting health is rarely built overnight. While personal goals and motivation provide direction, long-term success often comes down to the daily small decisions — choosing movement over inactivity, consistency over excuses and progress over perfection.

Diet Maketh Man

It’s often said that any workout routine (or goal) is 30 percent of actual physical activity, leaving 70 percent in the realm of diet.

These percentages aren’t exact, and they’ll change with the goals and body type of every individual, but they serve to highlight an important point. Every single general fitness goal will come down to what you’re putting into your body—not what you’re taking out.

This is easier to see if you’re aiming for fat loss, since essentially every diet boils down to calories in, calories out (CICO). But even if you’re trying to bulk up and build muscle, it’ll also come down to how you’re fueling your body. You’re not going to be putting on any weight if you’re killing yourself in the gym and not supporting the exertion with enough food

Have you drank enough water today?As a guy, you should be on track to have gulped down 3.7 liters of water by the end of today. This is your reminder.

Everyone’s probably sick of hearing that they should

be drinking more water, but it’s an important enough of a point to keep bringing up. Water is what makes up most of our bodies, and it can’t go ignored. Especially when we talk about fitness.

Smart Moves

The advice found in gyms ranges everywhere from bro-science to the latest medical studies, so it’s difficult to sometimes parse the information and apply appropriate changes to your own fitness journey.

First off, warm up. Doing some light activity before a workout will pay out dividends when it comes to lifting those heavy weights. Increasing your heart rate and your blood flow will allow you to perform on a higher level than you otherwise would. Not to mention that warming up will help you avoid injuries by loosening up your muscles beforehand.

A cool-down activity is also complementary to a preexercise warm-up. Cooling down will get your heart rate and blood pressure down to pre-exercise levels.

Adding onto the above point, stretching is a great way to warm yourself up for a workout, while also increasing your flexibility. A key difference between men and women is that men tend to be less flexible than women. Being limber is a useful thing when it comes to both working out and doing functional tasks.

You’ll be able to move more efficiently, increasing your range of motion in your lifts and therefore making sure you’re getting all the gains possible. By relaxing your muscles, you can also stay injury-free (or at least less prone to injury) and feel a reduction in stress.

It’s also advised that you pay closer attention to your less-stretchy muscles. Muscle groups such as shoulders, lower back, and hamstrings are in particular need of close attention when trying to become more flexible. Focusing on your weaknesses will improve the functionality of your whole body.

And if you’re getting up there in terms of age, it’s more important than ever to start stretching. Anyone over the age of 40 should be holding their stretches for significantly longer (up to a minute), than younger people, since muscles become less limber with age.

When it comes to nutrition, guys often view healthy eating as a tradeoff — something that means giving up hearty meals and settling for bland, restrictive foods. But good nutrition is not about sacrificing satisfaction. It is about fueling the body with foods that support energy, strength and long-term health while helping reduce the risk of chronic disease.

The good news is that eating healthier does not mean abandoning favorite meals or eliminating flavor. In many cases, small changes — from smarter portions to better balance and ingredients — can make a meaningful difference. A healthy diet can be both satisfying and flavorful, proving that better nutrition and enjoyable eating can go hand in hand.

Go lean. Eating too much meat has been linked to heart disease, but that doesn’t mean men have to give up steak entirely. Instead, choose lean cuts of beef when eating meat. The United States Department of Agriculture defines a lean cut of beef as a 3.5-ounce serving that has less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol.

While it’s good to choose lean or extra lean cuts of beef, it’s still best to avoid overdoing it with regard to red meat. Eating less red meat makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure down.

Embrace whole grains. Bread is a beloved food for many guys, and, if chosen wisely, it can even be healthy and help prevent disease. Whole-grain bread, for instance, can boost energy levels while helping men maintain healthy weights.

The American Society for Clinical Nutrition notes that studies dating back several decades have provided strong support that whole grains play a beneficial role in reducing risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. And it’s now easier than ever before for men to include whole grains in their diets, as whole-grain pastas and cereals are available at more and more grocery stores.

Minimize saturated fat. It’s been well documented that a diet heavy in saturated fat is likely to increase the cholesterol in your blood, which increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis, a potentially deadly condition where the body’s medium and large arteries become clogged.

Saturated fat is in a host of foods as we well know. Many that we’ve come to rely on, including butter, whole milk, hard cheeses, and fatty meats or meat products such as sausage. But foods such as beans, fish and skinless poultry, each of which provide lots of protein, are not heavy in saturated fat, and can be just as delicious if not more so.

Photo: Empower your workout with an effective routine that yields healthy results. Make eating healthy your mantra

Photo: Food is so much more than just fuel. Your diet can help fight disease and keep you looking and acting younger. How a man eats throughout his life can help predict how well (or not) he ages.

Suffering in silence

For generations, outdated ideas about masculinity have made conversations about mental health difficult for many men. Strength has too often been associated with silence, leaving emotional struggles hidden behind expectations to “tough it out” or handle problems alone. While attitudes are evolving, stigma and social pressures still prevent many men from seeking the support they need.

“While society is making strides in recognizing the importance of mental health, there still exists a gender disparity in seeking help and addressing mental health concerns,” says psychiatrist Ashley Zucker, MD. “Men face unique challenges and societal pressures that can impact their emotional well-being.”

Conversations about men’s health often center on physical fitness, annual screenings and heart health all important pieces of overall wellness. But emotional well-being deserves equal attention. Mental health is health, and caring for the mind is just as essential as caring for the body.

Yet a silent crisis continues to affect men across the country. Mental health struggles frequently go unrecognized or unspoken, with serious consequences. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, men are significantly more

likely to die by suicide than women, underscoring the urgent need to challenge stigma, encourage open dialogue and remind men that seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness.

If you know someone who may be at risk of suicide, it can help to encourage open conversations, promote mental health awareness, understand mental health, and provide support.

Men respond differently to depression

Depression and anxiety affect both men and women, but men often exhibit different symptoms or may not recognize their emotional distress. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 6 million men in the United States experience depression each year.

Men tend to underreport their symptoms, leading to a lower rate of diagnosis and treatment. It is important to be aware of male-specific symptoms, promote early intervention, and create safe spaces for men to seek help.

Targeted interventions needed for substance abuse

Men are more likely than women to abuse alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for their underlying mental

health issues, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This fact highlights the need for mental health and wellness support tailored to men, focusing on healthy coping mechanisms, support networks, and education.

Impact of stress

Career demands and financial pressures contribute to stress among men. The American Psychological Association highlights that 27 percent of Americans are struggling with multiple external stressors that are out of their control. Stressors can lead to burnout, anxiety and other mental health issues. The good

news is that there are ways to cope with stressors by understanding and managing stress.

Build a community of support

Small steps can lead to significant change, changes that we all can lead together. Guys need to build a culture where men feel safe speaking up and reaching out. As a community, we can break the stigma, support one another, and ensure no one struggles in silence.

Photo: In a world that often emphasizes strength and resilience, the topic of men’s mental health can sometimes be overshadowed.

Men no longer have to suffer in silence: Help is here!

Many men experience challenges in the bedroom but are loathe to talk about it with anyone, including their partners.

Reproductive and sexual health disorders weaken the physical, emotional and social well-being of millions of American men and damage their relationships.

Infertility, erectile dysfunction (ED), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and low testosterone are among the conditions that can be very troubling to men. And many suffer in silence.

Nearly 40 percent of U.S. men prefer to skip discussing prostate health with their doctors, 33 percent decline to be screened for prostate cancer, and approximately 39 percent of men with ED refuse to seek treatment, according to recent surveys.

Michael Herman,MD,Director of UrologyatMountSinaiSouthNassau, leadsan expert team dedicated to treatingmalereproductiveandsexual health disorders.

Urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau, led by Michael Herman, MD, Director of Urology, have a message for men: “Have no fear, the help you need is here.”

“We take the worry, stress and apprehension out of the diagnosis to focus on providing our patients with the treatments as well as the positive reinforcement they need to address the condition,” said Dr. Herman, a specialist in robotic and laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer.

Dr. Herman and his team, including Mahyar Kashani, MD, Director of Male Sexual Health, and Raymond Sultan, MD, offer advanced, confidential and specialized care for male reproductive and sexual health disorders, emphasizing minimally invasive procedures to ensure faster recovery and improved outcomes. Here are some common male reproductive health disorders and the advanced treatment options the Mount Sinai South Nassau urology team uses to correct them:

1. BPH/enlarged prostate causes urinary issues including urgency, frequency, and weak stream, affecting a man’s quality of life and sexual health. Dr. Herman and Dr. Sultan are Long Island’s leaders in Aquablation therapy to shrink the enlarged prostate or remove prostate tissue without traditional open surgery. Other minimally invasive solutions include Rezum water vapor therapy and the UroLift system.

2. ED, defined as difficulty obtaining or sustaining an erection, affects both fertility and confidence. Medical and surgical solutions include oral medication management, penile injections and penile prosthesis (implant) surgery to restore function.

3. Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature) is caused by a plaque buildup inside the penis, leading to significant curvature and pain. Dr. Kashani can prescribe nonsurgical treatment options like Xiaflex® injection to break down the plaque or recommend penile reconstruction surgery to correct the curvature and restore function.

4. Low testosterone (Low-T or male hypogonadism) causes a range of physical, sexual, and emotional symptoms, including reduced sex drive, ED, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat or depression. It is primarily treated through Testosterone Replacement Therapy alongside lifestyle modifications and addressing any underlying medical conditions.

Dr. Herman and urologists at Mount Sinai South Nassau also specialize in vasectomy male sterilization, where the tubes carrying sperm (vas deferens) are cut or sealed and microsurgical vasectomy reversal to reconnect the tubes to restore the flow of sperm back into the semen.

All treatment plans are complemented by comprehensive education and counseling so that patients may achieve maximal outcomes. For more information or to contact the hospital’s urologic specialists, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit https://www. mountsinai.org/ locations/south-nassau.

One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Good sleep

It matters more than you think

For many men, sleep often falls to the bottom of the priority list viewed as downtime that gets in the way of work, responsibilities and productivity. Late nights and early mornings may feel like the price of getting more done, but these misconceptions about sleep can come at a cost, preventing you from unlocking the full potential of a healthy mind and body.

In truth, sleep is one of the most important investments you can make in your overall well-being. Far from being wasted time, sleep is when the body works hardest behind the scenes restoring energy, repairing tissues and preparing both mind and body for the day ahead.

Many guys simply don’t realize that they need more sleep. They view sleepiness as a part of the “bro code.” It’s a positive sign that they’re working hard and on the road to success. It’s a badge of honor not to sleep for more than three to four hours for many guys. Wrong!

Sleep is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle

Quality sleep is a game-changer for your overall health and well-being. Every person has their own need for sleep. This need varies from one person to another. On average, most adults need

seven to eight hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well rested. Many men do not get this much sleep on a regular basis. As a result, they are not able to function at a maximum level of energy and concentration.

Here’s why you should prioritize getting good, quality sleep for your overall health.

Muscle recovery: Sleep plays a crucial role in repairing and rebuilding your muscles after workouts. It aids in muscle growth, increases strength, and helps you perform at your best.

Mental sharpness: Want to stay sharp, focused, and productive? Quality sleep enhances cognitive function, memory, and decision-making skills, giving you that mental edge you need.

Hormonal balance: Adequate sleep helps regulate testosterone levels, which are essential for men’s vitality, muscle mass, bone density, and overall energy levels. Get your Zzz’s to keep those hormones in check!

Heart health: Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Prioritizing quality sleep can contribute to a healthier heart and cardiovascular system.

Stress buster: Sleep is nature’s ultimate

stress buster! Getting enough restful sleep can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance your overall mental well-being.

Tips for successful sleep

So guys, lose the thinking that it’s “cool” not to sleep. Check out these healthy sleep habits provided by the experts at American Academy of Sleep Medicine to get the sleep you need for a productive and healthy life.

√ Be consistent. Go to bed when you are sleepy and try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

√ Limit time in bed. Don’t use your bed for other non-sleep activities, such as watching television or checking email or

monitoring social media.

√ Make your bedroom a sleep haven. A quiet and relaxing bedroom environment will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature but slightly cool.

√ Limit the caffeine if need be. Avoid coffee, tea, soda and other caffeine sources in the evening hours.

√ Also avoid alcohol and heavy meals close to bedtime.

√ Get at least those seven hours.

Your sleep is too important for you to ignore the signs of bad sleep hygiene. It will affect the quality of every other area of your life.

Photo:

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

Nassau honors 110-year-old naval air unit

By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent

With a celebration of history and patriotism, the “birthplace of American Naval aviation,” on Nassau County’s North Shore, was honored two weeks ago by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other area officials as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration.

One of the earliest naval aviation programs was created at the Peacock Point Estate, in Lattingtown. In 1916, a group of 28 students from Yale University formed the First Yale Unit, which was the first naval air reserve unit to enter service in World War I.

“We are known as the Cradle of Aviation,” Blakeman said of Nassau County on May 21, “but not that many people know about what happened here at Peacock Point.”

Nicknamed the Millionaires’ Unit due to the privileged upbringing of its members, the group took part in war battles and daring rescues. Descendants of its members who attended the ceremony included Henry P. Davison II, grandson of founding member F. Trubee Davison, on whose property the ceremony take place.

“We are, in this generation, extremely fortunate to have had members of all of our families play such an important

role in giving us the gift of liberty that we enjoy today,” Davison said. “We never take it for granted, and we are very grateful for their efforts.”

The families of the unit’s members

used their financial resources to bolster the U.S. Naval Reserves, which was in its infancy at the time. The stories from the First Yale Unit made it clear that no matter their social status, these young

men would potentially sacrifice their lives in order to defend America and its values.

“My grandparents could have used their social status to be able to avoid being drawn into the conflict, and yet they decided that they were going to lead the way into battle,” Davison said. “In their mind, there was an explicit understanding that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’”

The event included a ceremonial flyover of U.S. Naval aircraft, as a T-45 Goshawk flew across the Long Island Sound. Navy Lt. Raven Shanmugam and Lt. Luke O’Sullivan, both pilots in the Training Squadron 9 Tigers of the Naval Air Station Meridian, in Mississippi, orchestrated the flyover. After the pilots arrived at the event, Blakeman thanked each one for their service to the country.

“We’re incredibly proud that you’re with us to join in this celebration on the 250th anniversary of America,” Blakeman said.

Local officials echoed the importance of the nation’s servicemen, women and veterans. “From the Revolutionary War to the present day, generations of Americans have answered the call to serve and protect our freedom,” Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “We’re proud of our veterans, and truly proud of all America has to offer.”

Sean Kennedy/Herald

Henry Davison II, far left, a descendant of a member of the First Yale Unit, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman welcomed ceremonial flyover pilots Lt. Luke O’Sullivan and Lt. Raven Shanmugam at the America 250 celebration.

STEPPING OUT

From vine to basket

Red, ripe and ready to pick

By Karen Bloom

June brings one of the region’s most anticipated harvests — strawberry season.

For a few fleeting weeks, local fields burst with rows of bright red berries, offering the unmistakable sweetness and flavor that only fresh-picked fruit can deliver. It’s a seasonal tradition that invites families outdoors to enjoy sunny days and fill baskets at nearby U-Pick farms.

While spring fades into summer, strawberries reach their peak here, ripening throughout June and rewarding pickers with fruit far sweeter than supermarket varieties shipped from afar. The short harvest season makes each bite feel like a celebration of early summer.

And the enjoyment doesn’t end at the farm. Back home, those ruby-red berries can take center stage in everything from simple snacks to homemade desserts and refreshing seasonal recipes, bringing a taste of our Long Island summer to every table.

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

The quintessential treat is always in style.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 1 package (16 ounces) strawberries

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

• 3/4 cups milk

Hull strawberries and cut each in half. Combine half of strawberries in a bowl with 2 tablespoons sugar. Combine cream and vanilla with remaining sugar and set aside. Stir cream occasionally to dissolve sugar.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and trace outline of an 8-inch circle. Set aside.

Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. With a pastry cutter or 2 knives, cut in 4 tablespoons butter until

Northwinds Symphonic Band

mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until dough just comes together. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle using outline on parchment paper as a guide. Bake about 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes on pan. Using a serrated knife, slice crosswise in half and carefully separate. Spread insides with remaining room temperature butter. Combine strawberries and cover bottom shortcake layer with half of the strawberry mixture. Replace top cake layer on bottom layer and cover with remaining strawberries. Serve warm, cut into wedges and drizzled with sweetened cream.

Strawberry Arugula Salad

This colorful salad makes a healthy, flavorful statement on your summer table.

• 5 ounces arugula

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

• 1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced

• 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion (about ½ small onion)

• 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese or feta, or 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 1/2 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup halved and thinly sliced radish (about 3 medium)

• 1 medium jalapeño, very thinly sliced (omit if sensitive to spice)

Balsamic vinaigrette:

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1

½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ tablespoon maple syrup or honey

1 clove garlic, pressed or minced

Pinch of fine sea salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter or in a large serving bowl, layer the ingredients as listed.

Prepare the vinaigrette: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and whisk until fully blended. Taste, and add more salt or pepper if needed. The dressing should be nice and tangy, but you can add more maple syrup for balance if desired.

When ready to serve the salad, drizzle vinaigrette on top, and toss to combine. Serve promptly. (If you’re planning to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately and toss before serving.) Stored separately, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days.

Strawberry-Ricotta Pastry

Perfect for a party or simply indulging yourself, these addictive pastry puffs make it hard to stop at one.

• 2 sheets puff pastry

• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon, heavy cream

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 basket fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 1/2 cup homemade, part-skim or whole milk ricotta cheese

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 400 F.

Cut both puff pastry sheets into nine squares. Make slit in corner of each square toward middle of pastry. Fold corners to other corners to create pinwheel shape. Brush pastry with 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle on each puff pastry.

Bake 12-15 minutes until pastry is golden brown and raised.

In medium saucepan on medium to high heat, pour in remaining granulated sugar and water. Once sugar is dissolved, pour in fresh strawberries. Bring mixture to boil then simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries are broken apart and semi-thick sauce is created. Let chill in refrigerator 2 hours. To chill faster, put in freezer 45 minutes.

In medium bowl, using mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In separate medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy. Return whipped cream to ricotta mixture and whip 1-2 minutes until mixture is light and fluffy.

Spoon ricotta cream into center of each puff pastry pinwheel. Spoon strawberry compote in middle of ricotta mixture.

Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the majestic backdrop for a lively musical afternoon. Northwinds Symphonic Band returns with “Broadway, Movies, and Light Classics.” The concert (indoors) features treasured tunes from the big screen to the Broadway stage. Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey’s entertaining program of instrumental and vocal selections from popular movies and Broadway shows, as well as familiar classics., with music music from “Cyberworld 3D,” favorites from “Star Wars” and much more. The concert also pays tribute to Louis Armstrong with Satchmo! A special appearance by Broadway performer Karen Murphy and tenor Joe Stroppel are among the highlights. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the majestic grounds prior to the concert.

Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. $10. 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

David Lee Roth

Get ready to jump! Diamond Dave is back! The iconic, high-flying frontman of Van Halen is bringing his legendary swagger and a massive arsenal of rock anthems to the Paramount stage. Fans can expect a high-octane night packed with timeless hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.”

This tour marks a massive return for the rock legend, who officially ended a five-year hiatus from the stage last May with a triumphant, headline-making debut at the M3 Rock Festival. Far from a strippeddown nostalgic act, Roth backs up his signature showmanship with a powerhouse new eight-piece band to perfectly replicates those massive, classic Van Halen harmonies. Between the fresh musical muscle and Roth’s undiminished, charismatic stage presence, this promises to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll.

Sunday, June 7, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Arugula Salad

Strawberry-Ricotta Pastry

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Jun 6

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Storybook Stroll. Little listeners are invited to participate in a guided stroll through the Gardens, with a reading of “The Secret Garden” by Callista Brill (based on Frances Hodgson Burnett) Along the way, discover nature’s wonders, in the formal gardens. The tour ends at the Thatched Cottage with a story and hands-on craft for each child to take home.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

‘Razzle Dazzle!’

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance. In this latest production, the cast of 35, plus special guests, keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers perform the greatest tunes from Broadway and popular favorites. Enjoy the Cabaret Theatre’s take on Broadway’s best, including “Les Miserables,” “Something Rotten,” “Chicago,” and more, and hits from The Beatles, Doobie Brothers, CSN&Y, Carpenters, Billy Joel, and more. Call or text to reserve a table.

• Where: St. Frances de Chantal R.C. Church, 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 7:30 p.m

• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207

Jun

7

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

David Lerner Associates Police Appreciation Run

Runners hit the pavement in Eisenhower Park, demonstrating appreciation for local police.

• Where: Field 2, Eisenhower Park

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: Events.EliteFeats. com/26appreciation

Jun

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Thursday Night Live

Miss Wantagh Flag Retirement Mailbox

Project

Miss Wantagh 2025 Isabella Simon, in partnership with the American Legion unveils a hand-painted mailbox where tattered American flags can be placed for proper retirement. With a demonstration on the proper way to retire a flag.

• Where: Wantagh Preservation Society, 1620 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 12:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 783-2519

Rockin’ the park

Eisenhower Parks’s Concert Series is back and welcomes Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Blessid Union of Souls bands.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 76 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

Contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy visits the Paramount ready to cut loose. Since their formation in the early ‘90s in Ventura, Calif., the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s original horn-infused music and legendary high energy show introduces the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music’s rich legacy. Together for over 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — famously named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins — has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in movies and television shows. With sold-out concerts from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, appearances with many of the country’s finest symphony orchestras, and television appearances ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Super Bowl XXXIII, the band continues its decades long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America’s original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world.

Antique Car Show

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes everyone to step back in time and experience the charm of classic automobiles at the most elegant antique car show on Long Island, proudly presented by the Greater New York Region, Antique Automobile Club of America. Enjoy a day of stunning vintage vehicles, captivating history, and friendly competition, with awards ceremony at 2-3 p.m.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

Jun

9

Harmonize with Long Island Harmonizers

Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if

you’d like — join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.

• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset

• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m

• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 5214779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org

Jun

10

Narcan Training

Attend the free Narcan training in Wantagh at Wantagh Public Library, in partnership with the Town of Hempstead. Participants learn how to identify an overdose and properly administer a Narcan kit as well as receive one

• Where: 3285 Park Ave.

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: wantaghlibrary.org or (516) 812-3285

Game

time

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantaghw

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Blood Drive

Jun

11

Seaford Public Library, in cooperation with Long Island Blood Services, hosts a blood drive in the Valentine Meehan Meeting Room. Anyone in good health between the ages of 17 and 75 may donate. The donation procedure generally takes seven to 10 minutes, followed by refreshments. Appointments are preferred and you can register at donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules/drive_schedule/332261.

• Time: 1:30-7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-1334 or 1-800-933-BLOOD

Grooves with Amber Ferrari Band

Eisenhower Park’s Concert Series welcomes the Amber Ferrari Band. The nine-piece band plays tunes from the ‘60s through the ‘90s.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

Bingo at Temple B’Nai

Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.

18

Thursday Night Live returns to Wantagh with an evening of entertainment, local vendors, family activities, and community fun. The popular outdoor event series transforms the downtown area into a lively gathering space featuring music performances, bounce houses, food and dessert trucks, shopping opportunities, and activities for all ages. Residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a festive summer atmosphere while supporting local businesses and vendors. It’s part of the 2026 Thursday Night Live summer schedule, which continues on select evenings continuing in July (2, 16, and 30), and August (13, 27).

• Where: Railroad Avenue and Wantagh Avenue, just north of the LIRR station, Wantagh

• Time: 5 p.m.

• Contact: Wantagh Chamber of Commerce at (516) 679-0100

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

June 4, 2026 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF FORMATION of A M Psychological Services

PLLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/24/2025 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 1250 WANTAGH AVE, WANTAGH, NY 11793-2217). Purpose: any lawful act. 160043

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., -againstCHRISTINA T. EHL

A/K/A CHRISTINA T. LOPINTO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 22, 2025, wherein MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC. is the Plaintiff and CHRISTINA T. EHL

A/K/A CHRISTINA T. LOPINTO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 15, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 7 EAST COURT, BETHPAGE, NY 11714; and the following tax map identification: 46-341-9.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN BETHPAGE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610215/2024. Kenneth Lawrence Gartner, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not

limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 160193

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-OPT1, -againstMICHELLE KAPLAN, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 27, 2025, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN

ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-OPT1 is the Plaintiff and MICHELLE KAPLAN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 23, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1021 BARRIE AVENUE, WANTAGH, NY 11793; and the following tax map identification: 51-281-25.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WANTAGH (UNINCORPORATED)

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604783/2017. Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not

limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 160316

LEGAL NOTICE STRICT FORECLOSURE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS-SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAUFINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC, Plaintiff, -against- DAVID T. FRISCH AKA DAVID FRISCH. JR., AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF GLEN FRISCH AKA GLENN T. FRISCH; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, DISTRIBUTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF GLEN FRISCH AKA GLENN T. FRISCH; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, DefendantsIndex No. 605332/2025

Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject premises is situated in Nassau County. To the above named DefendantsYOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the date of service or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. If you fail to so appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Strict Foreclosure Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated April 13, 2026. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOMEIf you do not respond

to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goodstein., A.J.S.C. Dated: April 13, 2026 Filed: April 28, 2026. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 3680 Carlisle Court, Wantagh, NY 11793. Dated: April 28, 2026 Filed: May 1, 2026 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Angelo A. Regina, Esq.1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 (No Service by fax) Please respond to Cypress Creek office: Trade Centre South, 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982 160310

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff - against - ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF ANTHONY PASCUCCI, SR., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 27, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 25th day of June, 2026 at 2:00

PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 35 Berkshire Road, Bethpage, (Town of Oyster Bay) NY 11714. (Section: 46, Block: 421, Lot: 4)

Approximate amount of lien $723,191.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No.

615761/2023. Wayne Henry Wink, Jr., Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: April 14, 2026

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

160355

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NO. 21527

RESOLUTION NO. 515-2026

Adopted: May 27, 2026

Senior Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its

adoption:

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 509-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, a public hearing was duly held on the day of May 27, 2026, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and

WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically

handicapped persons:

BALDWIN

ALLEN PLACE - north side, starting at a point 186 feet east of the east curbline of Grand Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-147/26)

STEELE BOULEVARDsouth side, starting at a point 540 feet east of the east curbline of Milburn Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-139/26)

BELLMORE

FARMERS AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 288 feet north of the north curbline of Merrick Road, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-130/26)

EAST MEADOW

WENWOOD DRIVEwest side, starting at a point 84 feet south of the south curbline of Chaladay Lane, south for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-152/26)

ELMONT

LEHRER AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 230 feet north of the north curbline of Rosser Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-143/26)

WANTAGH

BEVERLY ROAD - east side, starting at a point 103 feet south of the south curbline of Bellport Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-151/26) ; and, BE IT FURTHER

The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Schneider and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 160544

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

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 48-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of May 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 48-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 48-2026, to amend Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include an repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: May 27, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Hempstead, New York OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once in a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting.

JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160538

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes

HomesHERALD

What permits do we need before we sell?

Custom Pristine Ranch

NQ. I’m trying to figure out what to do about the old construction on my house that I am being told needs permits before I can finish selling. First, I understand that I may have to pay a penalty, and second, I’m wondering why my buyer says they will take over and get permits after we close but their attorney says it’s a lot more complicated because we didn’t get a flood repair permit after Hurricane Sandy. What can you tell me about this? It seems much more complicated than it needs to be.

A. This is a typical case of “you snooze, you lose.” I regularly hear from people who tell me that their friends, contractors, even their attorneys, in some cases, give them “off the record” advice not to make waves, not to do anything. But the issues and requirements don’t just go away, and design professionals are held back from what you really wanted them to do, like an addition or a home makeover, many years later.

Waiting and ignoring the requirements has put you in a much more difficult situation. Since Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has required that people who received funding, whether directly from the federal agency or through public funds like New York Rising, had to confirm that the funds were put toward the repairs they were meant for. It’s just like providing your car insurance company the receipts and/or an inspection to confirm that the money they gave you for repairs was spent on the car, and not on some fraudulent luxury expense.

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

BALDWIN: 2 CAR Garage With Small Fenced-in Area. Perfect For Storage. $650/ Month. Call/Text 516-330-6688 CEMETERY PLOT FOR TWO: Pinelawn Cemetery. Garden Of Normandy North. $5,800 Negotiable. $8,400 Value. 516-375-1905

Memorial Park 2 Cemetery Plots For Sale Plot M Grave 222 Range 26, Block 6, Section 40

Each Total Real Value $8,000 615-444-3175 or 615-609-0332 Harrywatkins@yahoo.com

In 2013, your municipality required a repair permit, and instead of repeatedly contacting you, they opted to say that they notified you (once or twice), and now it’s your problem that you didn’t respond. The friction this created has lasted long after the memory of the flood turmoil has diminished. People feel ambushed, but arguing or passing on the requirement doesn’t make it go away.

In fact, one of the requirements is a “proof of loss” letter issued to the property owner, preferably the person who owned the property at the time of the flood. Switching to the next owner just complicates the process. Even though repair permits do not have a permit fee, most people made improvements during repairs, and your municipality recently doubled the fees for property improvements. So putting off the repair is now going to cost even more, which your buyer’s attorney might also realize while protecting the buyer.

When it comes to building department fees, one of the biggest municipalities, whose fees were more lenient, just raised them substantially. A couple who applied for permits in 2019, later hampered by the pandemic, saw their projected fees go from $2,000 to $4,600 this past month. Yes, it really did take that long, due to the pandemic and the stages of approval they had to go through, and they weren’t snoozing. Listen to the buyer’s attorney and follow through. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Monte Leeper

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Costume Jewelry Wanted Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & Rings. Also Buying Gold & Silver. $$ CASH PAID $$ 631-500-0792 Long Island / Will Travel

TWO VINTAGE 36 inch bar clamps. One is a Hargrave, the other Wetzler. $40.00 516-781-7069

APPLIANCE DOCTOR FOR ALL YOUR APPLIANCE REPAIRS! Prompt, Reasonable, Reliable. All Repairs Guaranteed. Lic/Ins. Serving Community 45 Years. $10 OFF Repairs. Seniors $12 OFF. 516-764-7011

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Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day! 917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000

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

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OPINIONS

Rudy Ruettiger’s inspiring story

Recently Joe Cairo, former St. John’s basketball great Frank Alagia and I had the chance to meet Rudy Ruettiger, the inspiration for the cult classic film “Rudy,” based on Ruettiger’s improbable football “career” at Notre Dame. Ruettiger was in town to speak at Nassau Community College’s graduation.

Cairo and I are graduates of Notre Dame, and Alagia was heavily recruited by Notre Dame before deciding on St. John’s. We’re all longtime followers of college sports, and no collegiate sports program has had a more storied tradition than Notre Dame football.

The Fighting Irish have had, by last count, 94 All-Americans, 50 College Hall of Famers and seven Heisman Trophy winners.

Ruettiger was none of these. He played for a total of less than 40 seconds, and made one tackle in Notre Dame’s final home game of the 1975 season, his senior year, against Georgia Tech. Because the Irish were leading 24-3 when Coach Dan Devine put Ruettiger

in the game, that tackle had zero impact on the game or the season.

Yet Rudy’s is one of the first names millions of sports fans will raise in a conversation not just about Notre Dame football, but college football in general. More than 50 years after his single moment of gridiron glory and 33 years after the film premiered, “Rudy” remains a cable television mainstay. Why?

Because Ruettiger’s story is what so many consider college sports, Notre Dame and the American Dream to be all about: hard work and a fighting spirit overcoming the odds.

The tale of his brief moment in the spotlight at Notre Dame is a cult classic.

Raised with 13 siblings in the very-blue-collar steel mill town of Joliet, Ill., Ruettiger demonstrated neither the academic nor the athletic skills to be accepted, let alone play football, at Notre Dame. He was dyslexic and underweight, a poor high school student and a mediocre football player. But his lifelong dream, like that of so many Catholic ethnic kids of his generation, was to play football at Notre Dame.

After serving in the Navy in the Vietnam War, Ruettiger began his quixotic quest to be admitted to Notre Dame. As the film recounts, after personal entreat-

ies to university priests and officials, he was admitted to its affiliate, Holy Cross Junior College, adjacent to the big school’s campus. He got a janitorial job and a place to sleep in the bowels of Notre Dame’s football facilities while studying at Holy Cross. Then, after several rejections and much tutoring, he was admitted to Notre Dame as a junior, and set out to make the football team as a walk-on.

He played on the practice team, going up against the varsity as it prepared for upcoming games but receiving no assurance that he would ever take the field at Notre Dame Stadium himself. But in that final game in 1975, he did.

As Ruettiger is the first to tell you, his story isn’t about football heroics. It’s about the American Dream of working hard to overcome hard times and disappointments without complaint or selfpity. It’s about Notre Dame’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence while staying loyal to lasting beliefs and principles. Its athletes had to measure up to the same academic requirements as other students, and experience the same living conditions. The players who were on the field on

Saturdays were in the classrooms, dining halls and dorms with other students during the week.

The day after our meeting, as I was writing this, Ruettiger called to continue our conversation. He and I are both concerned about how much things are changing in college sports. While college athletes are entitled to fair compensation, now, with the transfer portal, players sign lucrative contracts and can move from college to college one year to the next, season to season. Star players can transfer to play for a college team for one year, after barely setting foot on that school’s campus, and then play for a rival college the following year. This takes away the sense of identifying with players who share your experience — even so many Notre Dame “subway alumni” who have never attended the school but share its aspirations.

As a guy who has been through so much, however, Ruettiger has confidence that college sports will prevail, and he will continue to believe in his inspirational film and message. Whether the odds are great or small, whether in life or on the gridiron, old Notre Dame will win over all. Go, Irish!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored

Ihave just celebrated another birthday, and there is no denying that I am up there in years on this planet. I take every birthday seriously, but in my case they’re a reminder that none of us are going to be around forever, and some of us have only a short time left to share our experiences with our friends and family.

The world around us is moving at such a rapid pace that it’s impossible to keep up with the blizzard of news that we endure each day. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our wonderful country, I often think about the Founding Fathers and the challenges they faced to tell the nation about their vision of what they wanted America to become, and about our responsibilities as its citizens.

Benjamin Franklin offered us many words of wisdom during the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention. He famously remarked, on leaving the

convention, that he and his colleagues had given us “a republic, if you can keep it.” He further offered, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”

WFranklin argued that self-governance relies directly on the moral character of its citizens. And lastly, he stated, “This Constitution can only end in despotism … when the people shall become so corrupted.” Those remarks were a warning that the system would fail if the people lost their capacity for self-governance. That’s a lot of wisdom to digest, and it takes time to unpack all of it.

advance his personal agenda.

hat would he think of our Congress, and a slush fund, and unapproved wars?

If I had to choose one example of how we have failed to heed Franklin’s words, it is the U.S. Congress. Starting around the fourth grade, history teachers tell us that we have three “equal” branches of government. That used to refer to Congress, the Supreme Court and the president. But today we have a neutered Congress, a feuding Supreme Court and a president who has successfully taken control of the levers of government to

I rarely comment about the happenings in the Republican Party, because I have enough issues with my fractured Democratic Party. But watching television the other night, I felt some sadness about Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s primary defeat. I relate to Cornyn because of my 23 years in the State Legislature. Government is only as good as the people who serve in it, and Cornyn, a Republican, was a hardworking, productive senator. I feel the same way about Louisiana’s Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who incurred the ire of President Trump for voting to impeach him after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Cassidy, a physician, contributed much to the Senate, but also lost a primary last month.

What would Franklin think about the $1.776 billion slush fund created by Trump to reward the Jan. 6 rioters for their misdeeds? A number of Republican senators who have been silent on so many issues have spoken out against this money grab. Think of the significance of this concept. All of the money

given out will remain confidential. There are no restrictions on who can apply. People who assaulted Capitol policemen could walk away with taxpayer money.

The people who crafted our Constitution did so with the hope that we would avoid future wars, and only start them with the consent of Congress. The president has called the Iran war a “military operation” and a “skirmish,” but it has dramatically depleted our supply of sophisticated weapons. Depriving Iran of a nuclear weapon is important, but when the conflict is over, Iran will be better off, and capable of waging terror in the region for years to come.

Benjamin Frankin, and the many other signatories to the Constitution, hoped that we would, in time, become a better nation. These are the thoughts that occupy me as I enjoy another birthday. I worry not for me. I worry for my children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. We owe them a more perfect union.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

Keep your pets out of hot vehicles

We all know the dangers of leaving your child in a parked car, especially in the summer. But what most people don’t realize is the deadly consequences that can result from leaving your pet in a parked car, too.

This danger is not exaggerated; it’s science.

A parked car acts like a greenhouse, trapping heat inside that builds with alarming speed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside a vehicle parked on an 85-degree day can reach 104 degrees in just 10 minutes, and within an hour can soar more than 40 degrees above the outdoor temperature.

Even on days that feel merely warm — not scorching — the heat in a sealed vehicle can become lethal.

Many pet owners still cling to dangerous myths. Parking in the shade isn’t enough. Cracking the windows doesn’t offer meaningful relief. Leaving water in the car changes little. Once heat becomes trapped, the temperature rises rapidly and relentlessly.

What makes the situation even more dangerous is that animals can’t cool

LETTERS

Battery energy storage is still too risky

To the Editor:

I have lived on Long Island for many years, and it’s part of my DNA. I was shocked to read the op-ed in the May 14-20 issue, “Battery energy storage isn’t just an experiment. It works,” by Nick Guariglia, the advocacy manager of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance. It was a completely one-sided commentary by an insider to the battery storage proposals floating around Long Island.

One basic, and most important, concern Mr. Guariglia didn’t mention is the lack of technology for avoiding lithium battery fires. The fires that have occurred in the U.S. and around the world caused by overheating energy-storage batteries are well documented. Fire departments, and fire marshals, across the U.S. acknowledge the lack of knowledge, appropriate tools and training of volunteer firefighters that’s necessary to manage these fires. Firefighters simply depend on hours of watering the batteries until the fire is extinguished.

This archaic process of putting out a fire costs thousands of gallons of expensive water, and the chemicals that burning lithium-based batteries release into our communities, and our Long Island waterways, are a key concern in the towns where these bat-

themselves the way humans do. People sweat efficiently. Dogs and cats rely primarily on panting. But when the air surrounding them is already hotter than their bodies, panting can actually worsen the problem by drawing in even hotter air. Heatstroke can occur in just minutes.

Certain kinds of pets face even greater risks. Older and overweight animals, and short-muzzled breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, struggle to regulate body temperature under normal conditions. Inside a hot car, they can quickly suffer brain damage, organ failure or death.

The warning signs of heatstroke are often easy to spot: heavy panting, frantic behavior and excessive drooling are early signs of distress. Bright red gums, vomiting, stumbling or collapse signal a medical emergency. At that point, every second matters.

If a pet appears to be overheating, it should immediately be moved to a cooler area and relieved with cool — not icecold — water while emergency veterinary care is sought. Ice water can shock the body and worsen the situation.

Unfortunately, many tragedies occur because owners convince themselves they will “only be gone a minute.” But a

quick stop in a store, coffee shop or pharmacy can turn deadly if a line forms or there’s another distraction.

If you see a pet left in a car, call 911. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

The issue is serious enough that New York, and many other states, have laws addressing animals left in dangerous conditions inside vehicles.

New York Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353-d prohibits confining a companion animal in a vehicle during extreme heat or cold when doing so puts the animal in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury. The law authorizes police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and humane officers to remove the endangered animal if necessary. A pet owner can also face criminal cruelty charges if an animal is injured or dies after being left in a hot car.

But laws alone cannot solve the problem. Public awareness and personal responsibility matter most. The safest choice is also the simplest: If your pet can’t come inside with you, leave it at home. No errand, appointment or convenience is worth risking your four-legged best friend’s life.

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OPINIONS

Decision making in 2026, frozen in place

Remember “snap decisions”?

They’re now DOA. I sit down to write about the epidemic of obsessive overthinking that grips many of us as we try to get through the day, decision by decision. Should I set the alarm for 7:15 a.m. and have time for coffee, or 7:25 and sleep 10 more minutes?

Should I wear the boots to work?

And how long should I think about this? You take my point.

The problem isn’t just that the process of “choosing” is overwhelming. It’s that we can’t think fluidly. Our thoughts are fragmented by our screen life.

This has led to a kind of decision paralysis.

I need wallpaper. There must be thousands of choices, so why don’t I go online and look at all of them? Or I’m studying a menu: blackened tuna or chicken parm? I stare. Others are waiting for me.

LETTERS

teries are proposed to be installed.

My own process is a little like fishing. I cast a line, like “What should I write about this week?” and if something bites, I go with it — except for recent times, when I sometimes lose the fish, or drop the rod, or forget why I’m standing on a riverbank in my brain, trying to land an idea.

So I was on the riverbank a minute ago, planning to explore more productive decision-making techniques, when my phone beeped, and told me there was an “audacious” recipe for cucumber salad waiting for me online. Who could resist?

Tagainst institutionalized cruelty unworthy of a great country.

So that’s always a compelling topic, I thought, as I was looking up the details of the new $1.8 billion fund to “deliver payouts to people who say they were harmed by the justice system,” according to The Washington Post. That would include the people charged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

he task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? No.

After saving it to my online file of never-to-be-used recipes, I came back to my task at hand: choosing a topic for this first summer column. Easy, right? Wrong.

I am so riven by the political threats to our democracy that I believe I should use my space to resist, to support the integrity of the Constitution and to summon the help of people in power to stop the madness that is Trump. It’s my little bit. Maybe a reader or two will join me in pushing back

Let’s be clear: Our communities are not opposed to innovative ideas for generating much-needed added energy, but that shouldn’t come with a high risk of exposing our children and families to lithium batteries that have not yet proven to be manageable, but have proven to be fire-prone when they overheat. Let’s not ignore these facts and offer one-sided comments to the public.

Mr. Guariglia also failed to mention the critical nature of base-load generation, the foundation of consistent and reliable energy production. Before considering additional supplementary energy sources such as wind and solar, we must strengthen our existing power generation structure by repowering the E.F. Barrett, Northport and Port Jefferson power plants, and increasing their efficiency by converting them to combined-cycle-generation capacity from existing single-cycle generation. This will almost double their power output.

We must expand the capacity of the upstate Nine Mile Point nuclear power plants 1 and 2. Utilize the availability of clean natural gas to New York state via the new pipeline known as the North East Supply Enhancement project to supply Long Island plants. Take full advantage of the existing cross-Sound cables that transport energy to and from Long Island, as well as the Neptune cable, from Sayreville, N.J., that transmits electricity generated in the Midwest to Long Island.

Funding the above must take precedence over expending resources on inconsistent power generation from wind and solar projects or risky battery energy storage systems.

Paying the perpetrators? And as part of the deal, according to The New York Times, the Trumps, senior and junior, might not ever be subject to audits, like every other United States citizen. Basically, if they were so inclined — and I’m not suggesting they would cook the books — they would never have to pay a tax bill again. No one would be looking. My friends, conservative or liberal, how is that possibly OK?

I took a lunch break last hour, and while I was chowing down on a hamburger, I got a news alert that I could be dead by the time I finished my meal due to the risks of fatty meats and overprocessed hamburger rolls. And

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

the energy drink I was swilling could trigger a heart attack from the caffeine content alone.

Well, that could make a good topic for a column, but by the time I returned to the computer, my weather app was screaming at me to take shelter, from “tornadic” activity in the area. Turned out to be a false alarm, but it did make me lose my train of thought…

Oh, yes. Deciding on what to write about today. I can’t choose just any topic, because a gene for obsessive rumination is part of my DNA, and I must believe that I have made the perfect decision for readers, for our moment and for me.

No need to rush and tell me I missed the mark. We all know, intellectually, that perfection is the enemy of the good. The quote is frequently attributed to Voltaire, but I’ve heard many writers offer a version. It’s so apt today, as we scroll day and night, trying to decide on the best all-night car wash or strapless bra or Korean barbecue. We can be consumed by the process or make peace with “good enough.” Good enough may keep us sane as we live through destabilizing times.

Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

Landing-Greenvale Civic Council

GEORGE P. POMBAR President, Glen Head-Glenwood

Editors’ note: Nick Guariglia’s op-ed did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald.com.

A performance by the nattily outfitted high school jazz band — Uniondale

CELEBRATING

OF PETS, PEOPLE & COMMUNITY

A DAY FULL OF FUN!

ADOPTION

Find your new best friend!

FOOD Treats & samples!

GIVEAWAYS

Fun prizes & suprises!

SALES

Great deals you’ll love!

FUN!

Activities for all

vities ages!

JUNE 5TH - JUNE 7TH

ADOPTION

For nearly 50 years, Mutts & Butts has been a trusted, family-run staple in Merrick, growing from humble beginnings into one of the community’s go-to destinations for pet care. Founded in 1976 as a small shop selling pet food alongside beverages and cigarettes, the business quickly recognized the rising demand for quality pet products. Over time, the founders shifted their focus entirely to pet supplies, expanding their offerings and building a loyal customer base. By the mid-2000s, Mutts & Butts had transformed into an impressive 8,000-square-foot pet superstore, serving generations of local pet owners with dedication and expertise. As they celebrate 50 years in business, the team at Mutts & Butts extends heartfelt gratitude to their customers and community for decades of support and looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional service for many years to come.