Cruisin’ with the classics
Nicole and Billy Cascio, of Wantagh, with their sons William, 3, and Theo, were among the many families who came out to enjoy the Antique Car Show at the Wantagh Museum on July 19. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Isabella Simon takes the crown
Miss Wantagh 2025 displays commitment to community
By NICOLE TOBIA Intern
Isabella Simon, a 15-year-old Wantagh resident, has been crowned Miss Wantagh 2025 for displaying leadership skills, academic excellence and a strong commitment to community service. The coronation, held in front of Wantagh Elementary School after the community’s annual Independence Day parade on July 4, continued a beloved tradition dating back nearly seven decades.
The Miss Wantagh program was created in 1956 to empower and honor young women who
have demonstrated strong leadership skills and possess a strong drive for serving their community.
“This is such an honor,” Isabella, a rising sophomore at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, said. “To me, it means that I can be a role model to people in the community. I want to be someone who people can look up to, and be a mentor and help out wherever and whenever.”
Isabella’s involvement with the Miss Wantagh program began at Wantagh Middle School when she joined the Junior Miss Wantagh Club.
“I found out about it in seventh grade,” she
Schools prepare for statewide cellphone ban
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
As the new school year nears, school districts across New York state are preparing for a statewide smartphone ban in classrooms.
The ban — proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in January as part of her fiscal year 2026 executive budget, which was approved in May — will be implemented in September, and will apply to students in all public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, of BOCES. While the measure mandates restrictions, it gives local districts the flexibility to create their own enforcement plans.
lunch and study halls. Schools will be required to develop plans for how devices are stored during the day, with input from students, teachers and parents.
The state will provide $13.5 million in funding to help schools purchase storage solutions, and the schools must ensure that parents can contact their children when necessary.
I believe that as a result of this cellphone ban, we will have young people who are finally liberated from the addictive qualities of social media.
KATHY HOCHUL Governor
Under the policy, students in kindergarten through high school will be prohibited from using smartphones and internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds for the entire school day — including classes,
According to Wantagh Superintendent John McNamara, the district’s elementary and middle schools are already in compliance with the regulation. Elementary students are not permitted to use smartphones in school, and must keep them in their backpacks if they bring them. Middle school students are required to store their phones in lockers for the entire school day.
“Students at the elementary school don’t bring their phones
Continued on page 11
Steve Sachs/Herald
things to know about Riana DiPalma
New humanities director brings decades of educational experience
Riana DiPalma has joined the Seaford School District as the new executive director for humanities. She brings with her two decades of educational experience in both city and suburban school districts.
Charles Shaw
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•
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Riana DiPalma, an experienced educator and former English
has been named Seaford’s new executive director for humanities, overseeing K-12 programs in ELA, social studies, world languages, and ENL.
n She has a strong background in English education and leadership.
DiPalma began her career in 2005 as an English and theater teacher at the Brooklyn School for Music and Theatre and later served as assistant principal at Port Richmond High School. Most recently, she was district chairperson of English and Libraries in the Northport-East Northport School District.
n Her education spans several prestigious institutions.
She holds degrees and certifications from Northwestern University, NYU, Columbia University Teacher’s College, and the College of Staten Island. Her academic focus has included communications, educational theatre, English teaching, and school leadership.
n She was drawn to Seaford’s commitment to student growth in the humanities.
DiPalma praised the district’s focus on innovation, compassion, and civic engagement, and noted her excitement for programs like the Seal of Biliteracy and the Advanced Capstone Diploma. “I really believe in the humanities approach,” she said, adding that she looks forward to working with more teachers and departments.
Courtesy Seaford School District
chairperson,
Town of Hempstead launches football equipment drive
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Football players across Nassau County are getting a boost this season, thanks to a new partnership between the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County officials, and local sports organizations to collect and refurbish football gear for young athletes in need.
Town Supervisor Don Clavin joined dozens of players, coaches, and supporters at MacLaren Stadium in Levittown on July 15 to announce the start of a football equipment collection drive. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the town, Nassau County, and local youth football groups, including the Garden City Thunder and the Southern State Seminoles.
“The importance of organized recreation and teamplay is never lost on us in the Town of Hempstead, and we are proud to team up with local football enthusiasts to help young football players who need some equipment upgrades,” Clavin said during the announcement. “A young athlete should never be limited by equipment costs, and this program will make football a more accessible sport for our youth.”
The idea for the drive began as a local effort led by Peter Hamilton, a middle school football player for the Garden City Thunder. After seeing its early success, Clavin reached out to help grow the initiative into a townwide program. With support from Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, the program is also expanding its reach throughout the county.
“This is what I love about our local sports organizations – they bring communities together and teach invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance,” Ferretti said. “This donation drive
Where to Donate Football Equipment
Residents can drop off gently used football gear at any of the following locations throughout the Town of Hempstead. All donated items will be refurbished and distributed to youth football programs in need.
Donation Locations:
• Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead
• Echo Park Pool, 399 Nassau Boulevard, West Hempstead
• Newbridge Road Park, 2600 Newbridge Rd., Bellmore
• Cherry Valley Ball Fields, 98 Cherry Valley Ave., West Hempstead
• Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville
ensures every child has the opportunity to play and grow, both on and off the field.”
Starting Wednesday, July 16, residents are encouraged to drop off gently used football gear at five collection sites located across the Town of Hempstead. The equipment will be refurbished before being distributed to youth football programs. Collection locations include:
Donation boxes will be available at Hempstead Town Hall in Hempstead, Echo Park Pool and Cherry Valley Ball Fields in West Hempstead, Newbridge
Road Park in Bellmore, and Levittown Hall in Hicksville.
“This is a communal effort for the future generation of athletes,” Clavin said. “We look forward to collecting tons of football gear and equipping young athletes to ensure a safe, successful season of football.”
The drive will continue through the start of the fall football season in September.
Levittown food drive collects nearly a ton of donations
Community members in Levittown showed their generosity during a recent food collection event that brought in 1,880 pounds of donations to help local families in need.
The drive, part of PSEG Long Island’s “Power to Feed Long Island” campaign, took place July 11 at the Stop & Shop on Hempstead Turnpike. Residents donated hundreds of dollars in cash along with food, personal care items, and pet supplies to benefit Island Harvest Food Bank.
In appreciation, PSEG Long Island handed out reusable shopping bags and LED lightbulbs—tokens that also promote energy conservation. Customer advocates from PSEG were on hand to share information about financial assistance and energy efficiency programs, while Island Harvest representatives provided resources on hunger relief.
The campaign continues with five additional food collection events scheduled at Stop & Shop locations: July 25 in Miller Place, Aug. 8 in Carle Place, Aug. 22 in Oceanside, Sept. 5 in Woodbury, and Sept. 19 in West Babylon. Most events run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except for the Sept. 19 event, which ends at 4 p.m.
The Power to Feed Long Island initiative aims to combat food insecurity by collecting donations throughout the summer. For more information, including how to donate online or what items are most needed, visit psegliny.com/feedLI.
— Charles Shaw
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
At MacLaren Stadium in Levittown on July 15, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, right, announced the start of a football equipment collection drive throughout the Town of Hempstead.
Courtesy PSEG
PSEG Long Island President and COO David Lyons, right, greets summer interns volunteering at the company’s Levittown Power to Feed Long Island food collection drive to benefit Island Harvest Food Bank.
In Elder Law Estate Planning There’s More Misinformation than Information
Recently, we came across an article by a syndicated columnist that claimed that if you put your house into an irrevocable trust you lose your exclusion from the capital gains tax on the sale of the primary residence — $500,000 for a couple and $250,000 for a single person. The writer, being a financial planner and not a trust and estates lawyer, and despite claiming to be an “expert”, was apparently unaware that there are many different types of irrevocable trusts. One of the most common irrevocable trusts, the Medicaid Asset Protect Trust (MAPT), is designed to preserve these exclusions. MAPT’s are “grantor trusts” which mean they remain in the grantor’s name for all income and capital gains tax purposes. This leads into a very common problem. Too often, clients receive advice on trusts from financial advisors, accountants and family lawyers, believing they are getting a professional opinion. We say that what they are actually getting is a personal opinion coming out of a professional’s mouth.
We often make the analogy that if, unfortunately, you have cancer then you want to
get advice from an oncologist, not your family doctor. If you have an elder law estate planning problem, you want to talk to an elder law estate planning attorney, not your general lawyer, financial advisor or accountant. Well-meaning professionals often give incorrect information.
Here are the most common myths about the MAPT:
• Myth: You can’t sell the house - Reality: We have done it thousands of times. The money is paid to the trust and remains protected. The trust can purchase another house, a condominium or simply invest the money and pay you the income.
• Myth: You can’t change the trust - Reality: You may change the trustees, or who you are leaving it to, at any time.
• Myth: You can’t take money out of the trust - Reality: You get all the income (interest and dividends) and you may gift virtually any amount tax-free to your children.
• Myth: You cannot undo the trust - Reality: In New York you may revoke an irrevocable trust on the consent of all named parties. If one will not sign, we have a workaround.
Crime watCh
Levittown man charged after alleged domestic incident
A Levittown man was arrested following a domestic disturbance that escalated into a physical altercation with police, Nassau County police said.
Officers responded to a home in Levittown around 4:10 p.m. on Monday, July 14, after a reported argument between Tucker Hahn, 28, and a 34-year-old male victim. Police said the dispute turned physical, and Hahn allegedly damaged the victim’s phone.
When officers attempted to
Tucker HaHn
place Hahn under arrest, he became combative, causing an officer to suffer an arm injury, according to detectives. Both Hahn and the injured officer were taken to nearby hospitals for evaluation and treatment.
Hahn is charged with assault, criminal mischief and obstructing governmental administration. He was scheduled to be arraigned on July 15 at First District Court in Hempstead.
— Charles Shaw
Levittown man killed in crash involving motorcycle, SUV
A 54-year-old Levittown man has died following a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV on Valley Road, Nassau County police said.
According to Homicide Squad detectives, Gary Bertsch was riding a 2019 Aprilia motorcycle northbound around 4:46 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, when he collided with a 2022 Buick SUV driven
by a 20-year-old woman traveling westbound.
Bertsch suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing.
— Charles Shaw
Seaford man arrested for DWI after fatal Bethpage crash
A Seaford man has been arrested for driving while intoxicated following a fatal head-on crash in Bethpage, Nassau County police said.
According to detectives, the incident occurred just before midnight on Tuesday, July 15, on Seamans Neck Road. A 40-year-old woman was driving a 2008 Honda Accord northbound when her vehicle collided head-on with a southbound 2013 Honda Pilot.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by a police medic. The driver
of the Pilot, identified as Joseph Curto, 54, of Priscilla Place in Seaford, was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Police said a subsequent investigation determined that Curto was intoxicated at the time of the crash. He was placed under arrest without incident and charged with driving while intoxicated. Authorities said he will be arraigned when medically practical.
The investigation is ongoing.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads opens district office in Levittown
State Sen. Steve Rhoads welcomed a crowd of community members, families and local leaders from across the 5th Senate District to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his new district office at 2900 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown.
The event celebrated civic pride and community connection, drawing strong attendance from all corners of the district. Rhoads said the office reflects his commitment to accessibility and public service.
“This office is more than just a place where legislative work gets done,” Rhoads said. “It’s a community hub — a place where everyone should feel welcome to stop in, say hello or get help with an issue. I want people to know
that my door is always open.”
Those in attendance included civic leaders, small business owners, disability advocates, Chamber of Commerce members, school board trustees, veterans, first responders and nonprofit partners. The new office serves constituents in Bellmore, North Bellmore, Bethpage, East Meadow, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Levittown, Plainview, Merrick, North Merrick, Old Bethpage, Seaford, Wantagh, and parts of Westbury, Woodbury, Jericho and Syosset.
The Levittown office, centrally located within the district, is designed to provide easy access to constituents seeking assistance with state-related matters.
Photo credit
Civic leaders, small business owners, Chamber of Commerce members, school board trustees, veterans and more were among the attendees at State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ grand opening of his district office.
Simon is committed to community service
said. “My friend who was a part of Miss Wantagh gave me the application for the junior club. I’ve looked up to the older girls ever since.”
Even though this marked Isabella’s first year running for the Miss Wantagh title, her passion for leadership stood out to the panel of judges, who evaluate the candidates at the pageant held each June 30.
Contestants are evaluated based on the bios they create for themselves, describing their volunteer history, academic accomplishments, and the reason they want to be crowned Miss Wantagh.
Isabella, who’s also a dedicated member of Girl Scout Troop 3105, is working toward her Gold Award, the highest honor that could be achieved in the Girl Scouts. Her project is a partnership with the Wantagh Preservation Society and centers on preserving and promoting the town’s local history.
“I’m creating QR codes for six historic structures in Wantagh,” she said. “When people visit the sites, they’ll be able to scan the codes and learn about the buildings and why they matter to the community. It’s a way to connect people to our history and keep it alive.”
For her Miss Wantagh service project, Isabella is planning to install a flag retirement mailbox at the Wantagh Preservation Society, serving as a place for residents to respectfully dispose of torn or damaged American flags.
“It’s important to honor the flag properly, and this gives the community an easy way to do that,” she explained.
In addition to the Girl Scouts, Isabella is involved in the Young Vincentians, a Catholic youth group at St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh, and
plays on two travel softball teams. She said she’s dedicated to organizations within her town as well as her school.
“I think it’s important because it shows people that you can be a role model while learning how to collaborate with others, both at school and in the community,” she said. “Even when you face challenges, you find ways to work around them.”
When their reign ends, the former Miss Wantaghs continue to be a part of the organization by helping to continue to run the pageant as well as remain present for different events throughout the town and supporting the girls in the current court.
Lilly Sloves, who held the title in 2022, said the program’s true beauty lies in its focus on service.
“People hear the name Miss Wantagh and assume that it is a beauty pageant,” Sloves said. “What these girls do is so different from a beauty pageant. The Miss Wantagh pageant allows young women to showcase themselves individually and how their personality will be an asset to the Miss Wantagh court. What the court is involved in the community throughout the year is what matters.”
Isabella explained that she’s eager to begin her year of service and looks forward to connecting with residents and helping at local events alongside the members of her court.
“This is just the beginning,” she said. “I’m ready to give back to Wantagh in every way I can.”
isabella Simon, a 15-year-old Wantagh resident and girl Scout, was crowned miss Wantagh 2025 for her leadership, community service and dedication to preserving local history. State Sen. Steve rhoads congratulated her at the event.
GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Courtesy Isabella Simon
neighbors
A showcase of classic cars from the 1960s and earlier drew a crowd to the
Antique car show celebrates history on wheels
Dozens of vintage vehicles were on display at the Wantagh Museum during its fourth annual Antique Car Show on July 19, drawing car enthusiasts and community members alike. The event featured cars from the 1960s and earlier and served as a fundraiser for the museum.
In addition to the car show,
visitors explored the museum’s historic buildings, including an original 1885 train station and a restored 1912 parlor car. Hosted by the Wantagh Preservation Society, the event aimed to celebrate automotive history while spotlighting the town’s own heritage.
Steve Sachs/Herald photos
Wantagh Museum for its annual antique car show and fundraiser.
Jeff Kessler, of Dix Hills, stands beside his 1934 car at the Antique Car Show on July 19.
Alan Schaefer, of Massapequa Park, with his 1930 Ford Model A Coupe.
The antique show featured a variety of vintage cars for attendees to view.
Greg Barcaly, of Hicksville, with his 1931 Chevy Tudor.
Andy Kuzma, dressed as Uncle Sam, stands with Nassau County Police Officer Steve Zachia beside a 1972 Plymouth Fury, a vintage patrol car from the N.C.P.D. Historical Society, at the Antique Car Show on July 19.
Districts plan for phone-free school days
to school,” McNamara said at a June 5 Board of Education meeting. “If they do, they have to leave their phones in their backpack, so we would look to implement something similar at Wantagh High School.”
The Levittown district, however, has not had a districtwide policy on phones. Instead, their use has been at the discretion of classroom teachers, according to Superintendent Todd Winch.
“Classroom teachers are allowed to have the phones be put into pouches in front of the classroom if they so choose,” Winch told the Herald in February. “The students can have them in their backpack if they want. They can have it on their desk if they want. It’s really up to the classroom teachers.”
Winch discussed the new restrictions at a June 4 Board of Education meeting, noting that the district had been engaging with stakeholders to shape how the ban would be implemented. Administrators, he said, had consulted with PTAs and board trustees, and met with students at MacArthur High School the following week to gather feedback.
Hochul has talked up the new policy in meetings with education leaders across the state, which included a visit to the Hicksville School District last month. There she stressed the impor-
their cellphone policies to comply with the mandate.
tance of creating distraction-free learning environments, and expressed confidence in the policy’s long-term benefits.
“I believe that as a result of this cellphone ban, we will have young people who are finally liberated from the addic-
tive qualities of social media and the cellphone they never seem able to put down,” Hochul said.
She initially proposed the ban after a statewide listening tour last year with educators, parents and students. She concluded that smartphones hinder students’ learning and negatively affect their mental health, and called for fullday bans, clear communication with families, and more student engagement through in-person activities.
“Across the country, 74 percent of teachers have said it is impossible to teach and connect with our young people anymore, because they’re competing with TikTok dance videos,” Hochul said during her visit to the Hicksville district, “and that kids aren’t learning the way they used to.”
The policy will allow students to carry cellphones without internet capability, and permit the use of internetenabled devices like tablets and laptops when provided by the school for instructional purposes. Exemptions will be made for students who need internet access for medical reasons, language translation, family caregiving responsibilities, or emergencies.
For more information on the cell policy, visit governor.ny.gov.
Additional reporting by Brian Norman.
Brian Norman/Herald
Gov. Kathy Hochul visited the Hicksville School District on June 24 to discuss plans for implementing the state’s distraction-free schools policy, as districts like Wantagh and Levittown updated
MacArthur seniors honored with state leadership, citizenship awards
State Senator Steve Rhoads recently recognized five MacArthur High School seniors with New York State Senate awards for their leadership, service, and academic excellence.
Madison Anderson and Gianna Morales each received the Senate Citizenship Award. Anderson was honored for her role as Student Advisor to the Superintendent and her accomplishments as a student-athlete. Morales, who has a GPA over 101, was recognized for her academic success, athletic involvement, and mentorship. She plans to study pediatric medicine at NYU in the fall.
Three additional seniors earned the Senate Youth Leadership Award: Ronan Donnelly, who will attend Eastern Connecticut State University to study education and play lacrosse; Peter Muzio, an Eagle Scout, musician, and SHIELD Award recipient; and Aaron Cruz, who plans to pursue a career in medicine
inspired by his sister’s health journey. Rhoads praised the students for their contributions to the school and community and wished them success in their future endeavors.
— Charles Shaw
Courtesy office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads
MacArthur High School seniors Madison Anderson and Gianna Morales received the New York State Senate Citizenship Award for their leadership, academic achievement, and service to the school community.
Seniors Ronan Donnelly, Peter Muzio and Aaron Cruz were honored with the New York State Senate Youth Leadership Award for their strong character, initiative, and community involvement.
STEPPING OUT Forever ‘Wild about Harry’
The beat goes on in the annual tribute to the beloved musician
By Karen Bloom
Decades have passed since Harry Chapin’s tragic death, still his music and philanthropic initiatives remain at the heart of Long Island’s collective consciousness. Stuart Markus, the longtime mainstay of the local folk and acoustic scene, is committed to guardianship of the Chapin legacy, organizing what are now two memorial concerts each year.
Markus, based in Malverne, is clearly as fervent about Chapin’s music and humanitarian zeal as when he took on the role of organizing the tribute 22 years ago. From its start at Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead in 2004 to what became its longtime home at Chapin’s namesake theater in Eisenhower Park, and now in its second year at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Huntington’s Heckscher Park, the concert’s appeal continues to grow. So much so that a second show has been added — at the Landmark theater in Port Washington on Dec. 2.
“Sunday Morning Sunshine.”
Meanwhile over 30 musicians will gather with fans, on Sunday, to share in the joy of the man and his music.
“Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m still at this,” he reflects. “[After the first concert] I thought it would be cool to do this for a couple of years. Ultimately it became a cultural phenomenon.”
Folks livestream the event around the world, according Markus, who relates an unexpected email he received from a fan in Scotland.
“He wanted to plan a vacation around the concert, Markus says, chuckling, about the international response. “As long as there is enthusiasm, then I’ll keep doing it.”
Certainly that fervor shows no signs of waning.
“I’ve long thought it would be wonderful and extremely appropriate to do the show in Huntington, where Harry and Sandy lived and raised their family,” Markus says. “Harry is still held in such beloved regard by residents and public officials at all levels.”
Chapin’s shocking death on the Long Island Expressway en route to that ill-fated Eisenhower Park performance in July 1981 is very much rooted this tribute — for performers and the audience. In fact, several show regulars were among the crowd when what was supposed to be a joyous event turned into a vigil, according to Markus.
“Harry is so beloved in memory on Long Island,” Markus says. “You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who met him, whose school he did a benefit for, or someone who’s been helped by one of his charities. It’s so meaningful for the music community to come together and, in effect, do the concert he might have given.”
The troubadour’s catalogue always gets a creative interpretation by each act.
“I’ve always encouraged everyne to make the songs fresh and treat them as their own, however they imagine them. They’re not just reproducing them the way Harry did.”
Markus excited to include guitarist Gerald Bair, a longstanding member of Huntington’s folk scene, in this year’s lineup. Bair performs his rendition of
“A fan favorite, it’s an optimistic happy song about being in love,” Markus says.
Cantor Lisa Wharton, of Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, who performs with her husband Akiva Wharton, a percussionist, and Cantor Judy Merrick, of Plainview Jewish Center, return for their second appearance. They’ll do “I Wonder What Would Happen,” which Markus describes as an appropriately chosen “spiritual, gospel-feeling song.”
“They were a well-received addition last year and we’re glad to have them back, he adds.
The trio is, of course, joined by staples of the area’s music community. Returnees include Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg, Karen Bella, Roger Silverberg, Debra Lynne, Patricia Shih and Stephen Fricker, Roger Street Friedman, Media Crime, Christine Solimeno, Grand Folk Railroad, Robinson Treacher, Wonderous Stories, Toby Tobias, Mara Levine and Matthew Ponsot, in various ensembles.
As is their signature, Markus, with his trio Gathering Time, arrive on stage as the show nears its conclusion. Markus, with Christine Sweeney and Gerry McKeveny, perform their annual rendition of the iconic “Cat’s in the Cradle.” By then everyone is singing along.
Finally, as always, in the true spirit of Harry Chapin, all the musicians join together on stage for “Circle,” Chapin’s traditional closing.
“It’s such a philosophical but uplifting song and a fitting end,” Markus adds.
Just the way Chapin would want it.
More than just a concert, the free event, of course, involves a food drive. Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable items to support Long Island Cares, the regional food bank and humanitarian organization founded by Chapin in 1980. Long Island Cares’ staff and volunteers will collect donations at a tent near the entrance to the stage.
Bring seating to the show, which is held rain or shine. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook and the Harry Chapin Foundation YouTube channel.
Magical Mystery Doors
If you missed Magical Mystery Doors during the band’s spring visit to Long Island, now’s your chance to check out this unique tribute act. The tight bandmates blend and layer the music to create something new and unique. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors changed the face of music as we know it. Their melodies have moved people everywhere to “Come Together” in their love of music. And that’s what happens at an MMD concert. Throughout the concert, the band combines some of these classic tunes in ways that surprise and delight time and time again. The melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” The pounding beat of Zep’s “When The Levee Breaks” coupled with the serene strumming of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Also the thematic sequence of “The Rain Song” – “Riders On The Storm” – “Here Comes The Sun.” These arrangements take you on an unexpected and exhilarating journey.
Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.
Best of Broadway
Sounds of the Great White Way return to Eisenhower Park with Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway.” Back for its annual celebration of the greatest songs from the finest shows, the acclaimed touring Broadway concert never disappoints. The lively musical revue, hosted by Neil Berg, on piano, brings performers to light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. He presents creatively revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from some of the newest hits, along with his fascinating commentary and historical notes in between songs. This gorgeous, guided tour of the American art form that is musical theater, is a production both hypnotic and historical. The dazzling new edition is sure to have everyone humming along. Berg, an awardwinning composer-lyricist-producer, and his cast of vocal powerhouses brings everyone to their feet time and again.
Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny.gov for more.
24, 2025
• Sunday, July 27, 8 p.m.
• Admission is free
• Heckscher Park, located off Main Street (Route 25A) and Prime Avenue, Huntington
Photos courtesy Keith Rossin
Everyone gathers to salute Harry Chapin during the rousing finale that closes the concert.
Cantors Judy Merrick, left, Lisa Ann Wharton and Akiva Wharton are all in for Harry.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
24
On Exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
JULY
25
Seaford Summer Jam
Celebrate the Seaford Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary at the first-ever Seaford Summer Jam. This three-day event features rides, food, and entertainment each night. Stop by and join in the fun. Hosted in partnership with LIFairs.
•Where: Seaford LIRR Station, 1933 Jackson Ave.
•Time: 5-11 p.m.; July 26, 5-11 p.m.; July 27, 4–9 p.m.
•Contact: Visit lifairs.com for more information
Tuneful notes
Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops visit Eisenhower Park for their popular annual summer concert. Their vivacious style appeals to all ages, drawing everyone into their performance with their intense energy and dynamic musicality. Hear a variety of rousing tunes, including the music of Broadway and Hollywood.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG 3
Magic Rocks!
•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
AUG
1
Summer tunes Rock on with Half Step’s tribute to the Grateful Dead at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Storybook Stroll
AUG
2
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Eva Moore’s “Lucky Ducklings.” With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
•Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
JULY
26
Unbox A-Saurus
Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists from Long Island Children’s Museum’s “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” gallery. She plans to unveil a never-beforeseen dinosaur, if she can find a way to open its crate. Join her in the LICM Theater for this highly interactive show, when the audience will assist Dr. Patti in this “scientific” comedy. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only..
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 30
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
JULY 27
Music for Sunday Afternoon
The Cambiata Cello Duo, Suzanne Mueller and Paul Lawrence Finkelstein, close out the series with a program spanning centuries and styles. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery at the lawn at The Barn. Concert is included with admission and reservations are not required.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
•Time: 3-4 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Bingo at Temple
JULY
30
B’Nai Torah Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.
•Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh
•Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 221-2370
JULY
31
Thursday Night Live
Wantagh Chamber of Commerce presents a free summer block party series featuring live music, food trucks, and local vendors. Join in the fun on Railroad Avenue outside Mulcahy’s and in the parking lot behind The Irish Poet.
•Where: Railroad Avenue, Wantagh (outside Mulcahy’s)
•Time: 5 p.m., also Aug. 14 and Aug. 28
•Contact: Visit wantaghchamber. com for details
•Time: 7 p.m.
Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives on Long Island with his jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. You’ve seen him on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, “Masters of Illusion,” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Hailed by critics as “America’s Rock Illusionist,” Leon is a worldwide hit with audiences, critics and producers. He’s recognized for his onstage charisma, a fast-paced, high energy, rock n’ roll performance style — and his no-nonsense approach to magic. This interactive, family-friendly spectacular showcases mind-blowing tricks, award-winning sleight of hand and non-stop laughter. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it’s an immersive experience filled with wonder, laughter and jaw-dropping moments you won’t soon forget. From Radio City Music Hall to Planet Hollywood Casino and from Studio City Casino in Macau to his very own theater on the beautiful island waters of Saipan, Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention. Join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25.
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Game time Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.
•Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
•Time: Thursdays, noon-4 p.m.
•Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445
Summer sounds
Christopher Macchio joins the Nassau Pops at Eisenhower Park for “Opera and the Classics.” Enjoy a lively evening that’s both familiar and unexpected.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week, experiment painting with ice.. $4 with museum admission.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Rock on
AUG
7
Enjoy a night of classic rock and roll with The Legendary Murphys outdoors at Levittown Public Library. The band plays the greatest hits and best lesser-known tunes of classic rock legends we have all loved for years, as well as a few surprises! In case of inclement weather, concert is indoors with limited seating.
•Where: Levittown Veterans Memorial Park, across from Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown
•Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
•Contact: levittownpl.org or (516) 731-5728
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.
Families gather for year-end celebration at Beth Tikvah
On Friday, June 20, just before sunset, Congregation Beth Tikvah was filled with pride, joy, and song as families, students, and community members gathered for a moving Religious School Year-End Celebration and Family Musical Kabbalat Shabbat. The evening began with a heartfelt Moving Up Ceremony in which Hebrew School students were recognized for their achievements and presented with certificates of completion. These certificates marked not just the culmination of a year of academic learning, but also a year of personal growth, deeper Jewish connection, and spiritual development. The pride was visible on the students’ faces and equally in the eyes of the parents and grandparents who came to support them.
As the sun set, the sanctuary came alive with music and energy. The students took the lead in a spirited and soulful Kabbalat Shabbat service, accompanied by the uplifting melodies of both Hebrew and English songs. The joyful atmosphere was contagious, drawing parents, grandparents, friends, and congregants into a shared celebration filled with singing, clapping, and dancing.
More than just a year-end ceremony, the evening served as a powerful affirmation of Congregation Beth Tikvah’s mission and spirit; a celebration of its young learners, its commitment to Jewish continuity, and the sacred bonds
that form through shared tradition, music, and purpose. It was a night of light, love, and inspiration; reminding all who attended that when a community learns together and sings together, it truly grows together.
Membership drive and open house
Congregation Beth Tikvah is a welcoming conservative egalitarian synagogue, located near the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, on Woodbine Avenue in Wantagh. It’s membership includes congregants from Wantagh, Levittown, Seaford, Plainedge, Merrick, Bellmore, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Bethpage, East Meadow, Freeport, Farmingdale, Melville, Woodbury, Syosset, Lindenhurst, Copiague and Plainview. On Wednesday, July 30, from 7:00-8:30 p.m., Congregation Beth Tikvah will hold a Membership Drive and Religious School Open House. Meet Rabbi Moshe Weisblum, take a tour of the synagogue and enjoy making delicious S’mores.
Membership and Hebrew School registration for 2025-2026 is underway. For information and to learn more about CBT and its full service congregation offering dues incentives with a tuition free religious school for students in Pre-K thru 8th grade, Pre-Shabbat on the beach with live musical entertainment, adult education, Men’s Club, Sisterhood, Chavurah, monthly support group, morning and evening services, Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi, Yid-
dish Group, Juliets (Mahjong and cards), world renowned Cantor for the High Holidays, professional musicians (CBT Band) providing inspiring entertainment for programs, holidays and select early Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat Services and a variety of religious, cultural and social programs all open to the public throughout the year,
please call the office at (516) 785-2445 and ask to speak to Lois Schifman, Membership Vice President.
SWEEPSTAKES
Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m.
Contest ends August 10th midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
Courtesy Meredith Bernstein
Congregation Beth Tikvah leaders and educators celebrated a successful school year at the June 20 Year-End Celebration and Family Musical Kabbalat Shabbat. Pictured, back row from left: Harvey Rabinowitz, Vice President of Education, and Rabbi Moshe Weisblum, right. Front row, far right: Hebrew School Director Dalia Ross.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Formation of Ray Eliott LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/12/2023. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Christopher Tagliaferro, 63 Cotton Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Duration: No specific duration 154559
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 5th day of August, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations: (NR) VALLEY STREAM
CORONA AVENUE (TH 231/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on Midvale Lane, shall come to a full stop.
WANTAGH
OAKLAND AVENUE (TH 252/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on Seaford Avenue, shall come to a full stop.
WILLOUGHBY AVENUE (TH 252/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Seaford Avenue, shall come to a full stop. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: July 1, 2025, Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 154751
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 5th day of August, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE and REPEAL “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:
NORTH VALLEY STREAM
MIDVALE LANE (TH 231/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Corona Avenue, east for a distance of 50 feet.
Fire safety tips and tricks this summer
With the warm weather rolling in, many New Yorkers are eager to kick off their summer vacation — whether it’s jet-setting to a new location, staying local with a “staycation,” heading to a campsite, or hosting backyard barbecues with family and friends. But as seasonal celebrations ramp up, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York is reminding residents that fire and injury prevention should be a top priority.
summer conditions increase the risk, so it’s essential to check with local park officials or rangers to see whether fires are permitted.
Campfires should never be left unattended, and fires should be extinguished completely with water, not buried with dirt, as hot embers can reignite.
BBQ and backyard cooking: Grill with caution
MIDVALE LANE (TH 231/25) North SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 17 feet east of the east curbline of Corona Avenue, east for a distance of 195 feet, south for a distance of 36 feet west for a distance of 70 feet.
(NR) VALLEY STREAM
NORTH FLETCHER
AVENUE (TH 263/25) West Side - NO
STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Fulton Street, north for a distance of 30 feet.
NORTH FLETCHER AVENUE (TH 263/25) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Fulton Street, south for a distance of 25 feet.
WANTAGH
DUCKPOND DRIVE
EAST (TH 261/25) West Side - NO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 40 feet south of the south curbline of Duckpond Drive North, south for a distance of 152 feet.
DUCKPOND DRIVE
EAST (TH 261/25) East Side - NO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 42 feet south of the south curbline of Duckpond Drive North, south for a distance of 212 feet.
WANTAGH AVENUE (TH 270/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting from the south curbline of Red Maple Drive North, south for a distance 160 feet. ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING
PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations:
NORTH VALLEY
STREAM
MIDVALE LANE (TH 172/21) North Side -
NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Corona Avenue, east for distance of 50 feet.
(Adopted 7/1/21)
MIDVALE LANE (TH 172/21) North SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 288 feet east of the east curbline of Corona Avenue, east to the south direction at the termination for a distance of 50 feet.
(Adopted 7/1/21)
WANTAGH
DUCKPOND DRIVE
EAST (TH 435/99) West Side - NO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 40 feet south of the south curbline of Duckpond Drive North, south for a distance of 70 feet.
(Adopted 8/8/00)
DUCKPOND DRIVE
EAST (TH 435/99) East Side - NO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 39 feet south of the south curbline of Duckpond Drive North, south for a distance of 64 feet.
(Adopted 8/8/00)
WANTAGH AVENUE (TH 247/93) East SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at the south curbline of Red Maple Drive North, south for a distance of 80 feet.
(Adopted 9/14/93) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: July 1, 2025, Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk
154750
“The weather in New York hasn’t been our friend this year and we understand people have been cooped up and may need to take a summer break,” said Eugene Perry, president of FASNY. “Whether your family decides to rent a home or cabin, set up camp at a local site or make your backyard an oasis, fire and life safety are paramount.”
TRental safety: Know your surroundings
For families planning to rent a vacation home or cabin, Perry urged renters to take a few basic — but critical — safety steps before settling in.
“If you decide to rent a home or cabin, families need to make sure there are working smoke detectors and CO alarms throughout the house,” he said.
A backyard barbecue can be a great way to spend time with loved ones— but grills can pose serious risks if used improperly.
“A BBQ is a great way to cook for the family,” said Perry. “But complacency around the grill can lead to danger and injuries. You should always exercise caution and keep the grill well away from structures and where people are playing or walking.”
he weather in New York hasn’t been our friend this year and we understand people have been cooped up and may need to take a summer break.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home fire deaths occur in residences with no smoke alarms or with alarms that malfunction. The NFPA also found that 37 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms were present, and homes with working smoke alarms are half as likely to experience a fire-related fatality.
EuGENE PERRY president, FASNY
“A simple check that your vacation spot has working CO alarms and smoke detectors is an important step that can prevent a tragedy, and may save the lives of you and your family,” Perry said.
Camping safety: Keep fires controlled
Camping is a favorite summer activity for many, especially in New York State, where scenic parks span from the Adirondacks to Long Island.
“New York State has many beautiful camping areas to enjoy — from the mountains to the beaches,” Perry said. “If families decide to camp, they should remember to keep fire safety as a priority.”
Campers are encouraged to learn how to safely build, maintain and extinguish campfires. The U.S. Forest Service reports that four out of five forest fires are human-caused. Dry
According to NFPA statistics, children under age five account for nearly 39% of contact-type burns from grills each year. These injuries typically happen when a child bumps into, touches, or falls onto a hot grill or coals.
To avoid accidents, FASNY advises placing grills in open areas, away from walls, fences, and other flammable materials.
Pool safety: Watch the water
Swimming pools are a summer staple for many families — but they can be deadly without proper precautions.
“In the time it takes to reply to a text or turn off the oven, a child can fall into a pool and drown,” said Perry. “All pools should have appropriate barriers to keep children out when adults are not around. When the pool is in use, an adult should be designated to watch in case something goes wrong.”
FASNY emphasized that even strong swimmers should never swim alone, and children must always be supervised around water. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4, with 71 percent of fatal incidents occurring at residential locations.
About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the state’s 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel. For more information, visit FASNY.com.
–Jordan Vallone
Courtesy Metro
As summer rages on, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York is offering tips to keep residents safe from fire and injuries.
EDITOR/REPORTER
&
Time. The award-winning
Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written
seeks
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 fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.
516-365-5778
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 $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and
$19.30/hr.
• Monday-Friday; Shifts are assigned to the employee based on availability (8:15am-11:45 am, 10:45am-2:15pm, 11:30am-3:00pm)
$17.00/hr.
• Monday-Friday; 10:50am-1:30pm
Daily Substitute Teachers $125/day
• Monday-Friday as needed; 8:15am-3:15pm
APPLY ONLINE
• www.olasjobs.org or www.recruitfront.com
• Email: HR@northbellmoreschools.org
• Call: (516) 992-3000 ext.3023 1310489
The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.
We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage
If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.
Sprawling Ranch
Real Estate
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 Apartments For Rent
MERRICK: 1 BR, 2nd Floor, No Pets. $1500/ Monthly. 2 Months Security Plus Electric. By Owner. 516-486-6139
Welcome to 156 Lefferts Road, a beautiful residence nestled in one of Woodmere’s most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on an expansive 0.35acre lot, this home offers over 3,500 square feet of living space, perfect for comfortable family living and entertaining. Featuring 6 generously sized bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home provides ample space for a growing family or hosting guests. The layout is both functional and inviting, with bright, open living areas and well-proportioned rooms throughout. Located in an ideal, central location, this property offers convenient access to houses of worship, schools, shopping, and public transportation—all while maintaining a quiet, suburban charm. With its generous proportions, gracious layout, and prime location, 156 Lefferts Road is a rare offering—perfect for the discerning buyer seeking elegance, space, and timeless appeal in Old Woodmere .
Salesperson
In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation
Q. We live in Israel and, yes, we read your column. Our apartment building is just blocks from where a missile strike hit another apartment building and our hospital. Strange times we live in, when we have to run to our bomb shelter on the sixth floor when we hear sirens, just like you would run to the basement if a tornado siren went off. I was wondering, after neighbors were killed by missiles, is it possible to build a stronger safe room, because we need it and don’t want to die just because of where we live?
A. Fascinating question. I follow the news, and see the damage and fear from the sense of vulnerability you feel. When I received your question, I was, ironically, touring the behind-the-scenes research and testing facilities at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, just two days before bomber jets, like the B-2 stealth bomber I was standing under the wings of, were deployed to take out Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The massive impact of a missile is hard to resist, and although there are many military and non-military studies on bomb-proofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all scenario. The key to building a shelter that can resist a bomb is based on two basic premises. One principle of survival is to repel a bomb, and the other is to absorb the impact.
It’s interesting that engineers, whom I believe have played a strong role in our freedom over the centuries, studied, and succeeded in creating, designs that saved the lives of sailors on vulnerable P.T. boats. Those boat hulls were made of the same construction as concrete (gunite) pools. Gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength achievable, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch.
The pools and P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, they ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact. In some cases, torpedoes survived, embedded in the boats’ hulls, so the boats had to be abandoned rather than return to port, and then the torpedoes were detonated. Most important, the sailors survived.
Missiles are another matter, however. I’m not aware of any building that sustains a direct hit being able to survive, so the important principle is to sacrifice the building for the sake of the occupants — just like sacrificing those P.T. boats. In the case of a bomb shelter, engineers have to approach the design by developing several feet of redundant shells, layered with shock-absorbing gel layers of material. The inner shell needs to be extremely strong steel or gunite — reinforced concrete — to resist the shock. I employed impact design when developing a high-security station for our military in Saudi Arabia, and then for a gun range project. You would need the area and money for such a lifesaving project. I hope you remain safe!
© 2025 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.
Stuff HERALD
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GRACE FOODS, JAMAICAN style BBQ gift basket. List $49. Sell $20. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.
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opinions
Admiration of a former president from across the aisle
When I was elected to Congress in 1992, I certainly didn’t anticipate the close working relationship I would have with Bill Clinton, who was elected president that year. I was a lifelong Republican from New York, elected with strong Conservative Party support. Clinton was a staunch Democrat from Arkansas with roots in the anti-war movement.
I had met him in Manhattan in April 1992, two days before New York’s Democratic presidential primary. I was still the Nassau County comptroller, and had not yet announced my candidacy for Congress. A group of New York Irish-American Democrats led by elder statesman Paul O’Dwyer had scheduled a meeting with Clinton and his remaining challenger, Jerry Brown, the former California governor. Though we were far apart on the political spectrum, O’Dwyer and I were good friends.
When Clinton arrived, I was standing in the rear of the room. He made a brief opening statement before answering questions from a panel of four. What I
It’s
iquickly noted was his relaxed familiarity with Ireland’s 800-year struggle with Britain and its most recent iteration, the more than two decades of war being waged in the streets and hills of Northern Ireland, euphemistically labeled “the Troubles.” There were no pandering references to green beer or shamrocks. Nor did he make the ritualistic denunciation of terrorism.
HIn an answer to a burning issue that would have lasting consequences later, Clinton said he would grant a visa to Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, the political party affiliated with the Irish Republican Army. He also said the United States had the obligation to speak out against human rights violations even if the offending nation was Britain, our closest ally. More than what he said was his ease in dealing with an issue that rendered most politicians tongue-tied or made them fall back on timeworn clichés.
comptroller was — and with both of us being entirely unaware how much our lives would be interlocked over the next several years, and not just on the Irish issue.
onoring Carolyn McCarthy recently, Bill Clinton was as eloquent as ever.
Remaining in the back of the room while photos were being taken near the front, I waited until Clinton was leaving the room by the rear door. I shook his hand, and said, “Good job, Governor.” He smiled, thanked me and walked on, not having the slightest idea or caring in the least who the Nassau County
Clinton went on to become the 42nd president, and just a year later kept his campaign promise when he granted Adams a visa to enter the United States, which was followed by meetings with Adams in the White House and Congress, which caused seismic reactions throughout the British government and the American State Department as well. But Clinton’s leadership and determination, which included unprecedented presidential visits to the most dangerous locations in Northern Ireland, on which I accompanied him, as well as the diplomatic alliances he forged with British and Irish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, ending that brutal 800-year-long struggle.
There was more to the Clinton years than Ireland. There was also his decisive action that successfully ended the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Domestically, he worked across the aisle with Newt Gingrich to achieve welfare reform as well as the only balanced bud-
get in the more than three decades since.
While all this was happening, of course, Clinton faced the first presidential impeachment in more than 130 years, and until then only the second in American history. While he had made serious mistakes in judgment, I strongly believed that what he was accused of did not meet the Constitution’s requirements for impeachment, or for removing from office the duly elected president, and would set a dangerous precedent for future presidencies. I was proud to stand with Clinton as one of only two Republicans who voted against all four articles of impeachment. And I have never questioned that decision.
All this and more came rushing back to me several weeks ago, when I joined Clinton as one of the speakers at the Celebration of Life for former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who died last month. Though he had been out of office for almost 25 years, the former president was as eloquent as ever, movingly describing his admiration and affection for McCarthy’s heroism and strength of character in overcoming horrific personal tragedy to achieve so much good for America. Once again, President Clinton came through.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
long past time to shut down the cellphone
am a person of infinite patience. My friends compliment me on my ability to patiently listen to ideas from both sides of the aisle. I love watching the daily news on my laptop and on my cellphone. I read opinion columns, and occasionally get to read a nonfiction book on some current topic. But I must confess that I am now in a state of news overload. I’m not quite sure when this illness kicked in, but if you think about all of the news events in recent weeks, you’ll easily understand why I, or anyone, could easily fall into a state of media-nausea. I think the first story that engulfed my ability to digest facts was President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Shortly after it passed in the House of Representatives, my phone began ringing off the hook with calls from important clients, asking about the impact of the budget cuts on Medicaid, SNAP and
other significant programs.
Alerted to the terms of the bill, I began a line-by-line review, and became more horrified once I understood the scope of the cuts. I couldn’t understand how the House could find billions of dollars to cut from Medicaid and claim that they were all related to rooting out “waste, fraud and abuse.” Taking food away from children isn’t the way to save taxpayers real money. By mid-June I was wilting under the barrage of calls asking for advice on how to get the attention of the region’s federal officials. Always looking on the bright side, I was pleased that the bill included such items as raising the state-and-local-taxes deduction cap to $40,000, and reduced taxes on tips and Social Security and many other goodies that were consistent with promises Trump made. I assumed that the Senate would support many provisions of the House bill and trim the Medicaid cuts. I assured many of my callers that there was hope that cooler heads would prevail, and the Senate bill would be palatable.
First the bill, then the primary, then Epstein. It’s time to escape, and to ditch the device.
Come July, the Senate bill was ready for a formal vote, and its contents were even uglier. Rather than scale back the Medicaid cuts, the Senate found ways to increase them. The promised expansion of the SALT cap was altered to providing three years of an expanded credit and then reducing it to the old $10,000 cap. The elimination of taxes on Social Security disappeared, and the no-taxes-on-tips provision is scheduled to expire after 2028.
The torrent of calls asking for my opinion had just about ended when New York City Democrats chose the inexperienced Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as their nominee for mayor. When the final results came in on primary night, I shut down my cellphone. Dozens of friends and neighbors wanted to know how to stop Mamdani. Ironically, many of them didn’t vote in the primary because they were registered Republicans or independents, and in some cases they were registered Democrats who failed to vote. I refused to console any qualified voter who failed to vote.
Now, weeks later, I’m being asked who I favor in the contest between Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams. I have no preference between the two, but there appears to be no way to beat Mamdani unless there is one independent candidate. At this point, neither Adams nor Cuomo shows any signs of getting out of the race in the interest of harmony. If both stay in, there’s no chance that Mamdani can be stopped.
Burdened by all of these panicked calls, I decided that the best thing I can do for my wife, Suzan, and I is to go away for a week or so and maybe shut down my phone. I can check messages from time to time, but that’s it. We’re leaving in search of a change of scenery.
No sooner I had made our airline reservations than the Jeffrey Epstein saga erupted. I told callers that we weren’t interested in visiting Epstein’s island or anywhere else attached to his name. My cellphone is now in the freezer, so don’t bother calling.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
Established
Incorporating
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Long Island’s water needs to be protected
long Island water users just won a major legal battle — but we are still far from winning the war for clean water.
A $10.5 billion national settlement with the multinational chemical manufacturer 3M over the widespread contamination of drinking water with PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — includes over $250 million for public water providers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This hard-fought-for financial relief will help cover the staggering cost of removing toxic substances from our drinking water. But it will be payment for damage already done, not a fix for what still threatens our sole-source aquifer every day.
Long Islanders rely entirely on a single underground water source, an aquifer that provides drinking water to more than 2.8 million people. It has been under assault for decades by chemical pollutants that seep through soil, spill into drainage systems and leach from landfills and industrial sites.
Among the most dangerous threats are PFAS compounds, man-made chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware that do not break down over time and accumulate in both the environment and our bodies. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health problems such as decreased fertility, developmental complications in children and an increased risk of some cancers and immune system issues.
In more than a few of our communities, these pollutants have created brownfields — usually industrial or commercial sites that are abandoned,
letters
Lights of Hope against cancer
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the Herald for its support of the first annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Lights of Hope celebration at Glen Cove’s Morgan Memorial Park on July 12. The evening was a celebration of cancer survivors as well as a remembrance of those who have passed. By adding the event to your calendar, and printing a well-thoughtout story, you helped to raise awareness of the event.
I would also like to thank the City of Glen Cove and the wonderful people in the area for their support. And I would like to thank Loggia 1016 of the Sons and Daughters of Italy for their sponsorship. The event would not have been possible without the community support.
I’m happy to report that donations exceeded expectations, and we will definitely be back
vacant or under-used, and where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of at least one, if not more, contaminants.
The settlement is a victory for local water providers, many of whom have led the charge in holding chemical companies accountable. But it also shines a light on an uncomfortable truth: Long Island is already paying dearly for decades of environmental neglect.
Since 2017, more than $1 billion has been spent on installing and maintaining sophisticated water-treatment systems, according to federal estimates. And even with this financial award, residents and ratepayers will continue to bear the burden of ongoing operating costs.
So, while restitution is essential, it is not enough. The fight for clean water cannot begin at the filtration plant. It must begin at the source — with laws, oversight and habits that will keep our groundwater clean in the first place.
To policymakers: This is your moment to act. Strengthen oversight of chemical manufacturing, storage and disposal. Expand groundwater protection zones, especially near vulnerable recharge areas. Invest in forward-thinking, sustainable water infrastructure that protects our aquifer before contaminants reach it. Laws must reflect the seriousness of the threat, the indispensability of the resource and the fact that the water cannot be replaced.
To state and local agencies and appointed officials: It’s time to audit the regulatory framework governing industrial, agricultural and even residential activities that affect water quality. Permitting and enforcement must be rigor-
ous. No project, permit or loophole should be allowed to jeopardize our only supply of drinking water.
Long Island residents and business owners are part of the solution. Everyday actions matter — from how you dispose of household chemicals to the fertilizers and cleaning agents you use. Learn about the long-term impact of routine habits. Information is available from a variety of sources, beginning with local and state health departments. Support local clean-water initiatives. Vote for leaders who prioritize the environment. And above all, treat water conservation not as a suggestion, but as a shared responsibility.
This is not alarmism. It’s realism. The aquifer beneath Long Island cannot be replaced, rerouted or remade. We have no second source to draw from if it becomes too polluted or depleted. Every gallon of water pumped from below is a gallon we must protect with vigilance, policy and foresight.
Yes, the 3M settlement is a victory — but it should also be a warning. We cannot afford to celebrate a payout while the source of our water remains under threat. Financial settlements help heal wounds, but they do not prevent the next injury. That requires a cultural shift — from passive reliance to proactive stewardship.
Clean water is the foundation of our health, our economy and our communities. Long Island must now recommit — urgently, and collectively — to safeguarding the aquifer that sustains us all. Let’s make sure that in the future, headlines about our water celebrate prevention, not just compensation.
opinions
Nassau County has a partisan grant fund blockade
each of Nassau County’s 19 legislative districts is allocated an equal sum in capital infrastructure funds to be applied toward hyperlocal initiatives through the Community Revitalization Program. This empowers each legislator to meet the needs of his or her school districts and communities by supporting projects for local schools, libraries, parks and first responder agencies.
The process for accessing those funds — which have already been allocated through approval of the capital plan — should be simple.
After a legislator completes an application, CRPs go to the county executive’s office. There it should be reviewed to ensure that it is complete, and that the project is suitable for county funding with a CRP. The completed item should then be sent to the County Legislature, where it should be placed on the calendar and approved.
I say “should” because, since the
start of this legislative term, County Executive Bruce Blakeman has been fulfilling requests for the Republican majority, and stonewalling the Democratic minority.
The numbers speak for themselves. Since January 2024, Republicans have had 46 of their grant requests approved, while Democrats have seen none of their pending requests approved or considered in regular order. The only grants we received came after we drew a line in the sand with the county executive and forced his hand.
tum, in Glen Cove; and $100,000 for a local history center at Port Washington Library.
he county executive is blocking the use of funds OK’d for Democratic districts.
This spring, we successfully leveraged our votes for the 2025 capital plan — which requires a 13-vote supermajority to pass — and secured funding for 14 pending CRP grants for first responders, totaling $1.3 million, as part of the 2025 capital plan bond ordinance.
Still, more than 30 Democratic CRPs remain caught in the partisan blockade, and in District 11, that includes grants for $350,000 to improve Pascucci Field, in Glen Cove; $275,000 for an allability playground in Port Washington; $110,000 to upgrade Maccarone Stadi-
Letters
next year. Proceeds from Lights of Hope go toward cancer prevention, education and advocacy.
PETER O’CONNOR American Cancer Society volunteer
Editors’ note: The American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island walk will take place on Oct. 19, from 7 to 10:30 a.m., at Jones Beach’s Field 5. For more information, go to MakingStridesWalk.org/ LongIsland.
We’re safeguarding wildlife and waterways
To the Editor:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of the state’s Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.
Last year, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 105,700 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators across the state responding to more than 30,000 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal min-
Beyond the individual projects, what does all this mean for you? Simply put, County Executive Blakeman is blocking Democratic legislators from using funding that has already been accounted for and allocated for improving their districts. Not only is this grossly inequitable, but by failing to complete his ministerial role in the CRP process, Blakeman is once again ignoring the job he was elected to do and bringing his exclusionary approach to governing into sharp focus.
Since joining the Legislature in 2012, I have never witnessed this level of blatant partisanship in the handling of the CRP program. These funds belong to county taxpayers, and they cannot be used for any other purpose. With the refusal to process Democratic projects, many worthwhile endeavors are being held up, and the taxpayers in the districts we serve — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike — are the ones who are harmed.
The most galling part of all of this is how little sense it makes. Shouldn’t the county executive — who serves all 1.4 million residents of Nassau County, and is elected by the voters in all 19 districts — want to see projects move forward in every district? District 11 has a nearly even split of registered Democrats and Republicans, and this community is well aware of how Blakeman has been the biggest obstacle to progress on initiatives they care deeply about.
As the leader of the Democratic minority delegation in the Legislature, I, along with my colleagues, will continue to call out this inequitable and, frankly, incompetent approach to governing that Blakeman has employed for the past three and a half years. As we continue fighting for resources that our communities demand and deserve, I encourage you to contact the county executive’s office, at (516) 571-3131, or bab@nassaucountyny.gov, and respectfully implore him to serve every community in the county equitably and fully.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
Framework by Tim Baker
ing, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions.
On July 7, three officers partnered with the Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard for a boat patrol on the Long Island Sound. The officers checked boats and anglers for compliance with state fishing regulations, navigation law and overall boater safety. They inspected a vessel north of Glen Cove, and discovered an expired fire extinguisher, expired flares, and only four personal flotation devices for the five people on board. The officers issued a ticket and warning to the boat captain, terminated the voyage, followed the vessel back to a nearby marina and advised the captain that they could take the boat back out if they brought another PFD on board.
In separate incidents that day across the Sound, officers ticketed anglers for possessing undersized porgy and fluke, including one angler who had more than two dozen undersized porgy, the smallest measuring 8.5 inches. Porgy must be at least 11 inches to be kept when fishing from a vessel.
DEC officers are on patrol to safeguard the state’s air, water, wildlife and public safety. To report an environmental violation or incident, call (844) 332-3267 for 24-hour dispatch, or report nonurgent violations at dec.ny.gov.
DeLia DeriGGi-wHitton
Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
