After an early-morning accident on May 2 at the intersection of Hempstead Avenue and Peninsula Boulevard in Lynbrook, emergency responders cut out the windshield of a truck to rescue the driver after the truck crashed into a Mercedes Benz.
By lYlE MARK BUl ADo Correspondent
Since April, Lynbrook has seen an alarming rise in vehicle overturn accidents, with seven reported in just four months. The unprecedented increase has officials on alert.
According to village Fire Chief Scott Bien, this is the highest number of vehicle overturns in such a short period ever recorded in the village.
“Peninsula Boulevard, especially the stretch from Sunrise Highway to Hempstead Avenue, has been particularly problematic,”
Eric Bruen, the Lynbrook Police Department’s Highway Patrol supervisor, said. In
this area, there have been three overturns and one fatality this year.
“Traffic safety is very near and dear to me,” said Police Chief Brian Paladino, who emphasized the need for urgent measures to mitigate the situation.
Several factors contribute to the accidents, including road design flaws, inadequate signage, challenging weather conditions and reckless driving, the officials said.
“The cutout by South Neiman Avenue on Peninsula Boulevard is especially dangerous,” Bruen explained. “It allows northbound drivers to make a left turn across southbound lanes, which has led to several Continued on PAge 8
Lynbrook and East Rockaway are unique among communities in Nassau County.
Both are villages with strong local governments that truly care about their residents and commercial interests.
Lynbrook’s revitalized downtown, and the beginning of a renaissance of East Rockaway’s waterfront, are examples of the resurgence in these municipalities.
The Lynbrook/ East Rockaway Herald is your community news source, and we take that mission very seriously. We have seen firsthand how neighbors come together to support one another and their villages.
your friends, neighbors and local students and athletes who are making a positive impact on the communities, and who give Lynbrook and East Rockaway their unique character.
This week’s Herald is being mailed to every home in the village, and includes a copy of our popular annual magazine, Living In Lynbrook and East Rockaway. It’s filled with great information you can use throughout the year. And it features the many historic and hidden gems that make our villages such great communities in which to live, work and play.
If you’re not a Herald subscriber, we hope a look at this week’s issue will persuade you that you should be. Each week in these pages — and on our website — we cover the big issues in the village, and you’ll find the local news that you can’t find anywhere else.
And, of course, check out our in-depth feature stories about
If you’re not currently receiving the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald by mail each week, please help keep quality local journalism alive in your community by signing up for a subscription online at LIHerald.com/subscribe, or call (516) 569-4000, ext. 7. Also, please consider supporting the Herald with a small donation at LIHerald.com/ donate. It can be a one-time or a monthly contribution to help us continue to ensure that nothing but the best in hyperlocal community journalism comes straight to you.
If you’re new to the Herald, then you must know that our mission is to cover all the news in your neighborhood — from the schools to local sports. From houses of worship to the work of philanthropic organizations.
If you’re already a Herald subscriber, thank you for your support. We hope you are pleased with our coverage. And feel free to reach out with suggestions for stories you’d like to see. You can contact me at jbessen@liherald. com.
Enjoy the Herald, and thanks for reading!
Jeffrey Bessen, Deputy Editor
By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern
The Rockville Centre/East Rockaway/Hewlett Cyclones junior varsity ice hockey team clinched the New York Islanders High School Hockey League Championship following a season marked by intense competition and steady progress.
The team, made up of 13- to 15-yearold players, pulled off a dominant playoff run, defying expectations as underdogs.
Sponsored and organized by the New York Islanders, the competition showcases the top high school and middle school hockey talent on Long Island. The league is divided into junior varsity, middle school and varsity divisions, with the Cyclones fielding teams in each.
To secure the championship, the team needed to beat the Plainview/Old Bethpage Hawks, who boasted the league’s best regular-season record, 17-1. The title match began slowly, however, the Cyclones managed to muster up some early pressure against the Hawks goaltender, forcing 13 saves early into the game.
Following a scoreless first period, it was the Hawks who would strike first, nabbing the go-ahead goal less than two minutes into the second period. But the lead was short-lived as the Cyclones responded 27 seconds later with a goal by Chase Oliverio of Rockville Centre to tie the game.
Things soon took a surprising turn as the Cyclones scored six unanswered goals to establish a commanding 7-1 lead into the third period.
The Cyclones would extend their scoring streak to eight off a goal just 24 seconds into the third period.
Although the Hawks managed to rally back, scoring five more goals, including three off the power play, the Cyclones sealed their victory with a late unassisted goal by Gevin Cook, also of Rockville Centre, to win the championship, 9-6.
Five of the Cyclones players, all forwards, contributed to the victory. Nathan Sobel, led the team with a hat trick, Efraim Ilyaich, recorded two goals and two assists and George Chikvanaia, added a goal and three assists, tied for the team leader with four points each. Oliverio also scored two goals and Cook nabbed two points for a goal and an assist.
Ilyaich, 14, of Hewlett, credited his team’s offensive surge to effective spacing, power play opportunities, and maintaining possession. He also highlighted the importance of winning faceoffs during opponents’ power plays, which helped mitigate the man disadvantage.
“The Hawks had some of the best players in the league,” he said. “No one actually thought we were going to play like we did, and it worked in our favor.”
Despite the high-scoring nature of the game, the Cyclones’ defense played a crucial role. Goalie Matthew Prezioso,
of Rockville Centre, made 26 saves while playing all 45 minutes. Defenseman Ethan Epstein also played a significant part, contributing three assists.
“We all started moving the puck,” Ilyaich added. “We all started feeling each other towards the end, and that gave us our drive to win.”
The Cyclones finished the regular season with a record of 10-5-3 placing third in a competitive Western division. The team narrowly made the playoffs, edging out Bellmore/Merrick’s JV team by a single point.
Head coach Tim McManus, who has worked with all three Cyclones teams
since 2018, emphasized the importance of turning the season around and making every game count.
“It was a very coachable group, which I believe always helps lead to improvement and eventual success,” McManus said.
He noted that the team’s attendance at practices improved as the season progressed, and the players became more receptive to coaching.
Lauren Sobel, a Hewlett parent, praised McManus and the coaching staff for maximizing each player’s potential.
“When every line went out, they were
working hard and making plays together,” Sobel said. “I think that made a huge difference, and that has a lot to do with the coaching.”
As the Cyclones look ahead to next season, they face the challenge of replacing players who will age out of the JV league.
McManus said that tryouts later this month will determine the extent of roster changes, with several players likely moving up to the varsity team. Ilyaich, who will be entering 10th grade, has already expressed his intention to join the varsity squad next season. Despite the potential hurdles, McManus remains optimistic about the team’s future.
“My goal is not just to win but to make sure that every player on my squad loves the game more and more each week,” he said. “I think we did a good job accomplishing that last year.”
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The swimming pool at Greis Park in Lynbrook will be improved thanks to a $75,000 state grant attained by Assemblyman Brian Curran.
Testers
A farmer came in to see us recently with this dilemma. He had a working farm where his twenty something daughter and her husband were engaged full-time. His other daughter worked in the arts in New York City. He wanted to keep the farm in the family, but didn’t know how.
He initially wanted to leave the farm and his other assets to the two daughters in equal shares. We cautioned against this since, we advised, no one likes to do all the work and then split the profits. Additionally, real estate prices could be considerably higher on his death and there might not be enough money in the estate for the working daughter to buy out her sister. We also had to consider the sweat equity the young couple would be building up over the years working the farm. Here’s how the matter was ultimately resolved to the client’s satisfaction.
We deeded the farm now to the working daughter (not her and her husband quite yet) reserving a “life estate” in the farmer so that he had a right to live there for the rest of his
life and preserving his senior tax exemption on the property. We established the value of the property today, and made a bequest on his death, from the farmer’s living trust, of a like amount in cash to the sister before the balance of the trust was divvied up.
Now the young working couple are secure in their future, the non-working daughter gets her fair share of the estate and the farmer is protected in his rights for life. Most important of all, he has the peace of mind in knowing that the farm will stay in the family.
If you’re a business owner, and have one or more children working in the business, you have the same issues. We generally like to see the “working” children take over the business and other assets used to even out the estate distribution with the “non-working” children. Where there are not enough other assets to make the distribution even, then life insurance or a mortgage can be used for this purpose, or the “working” children can pay off the “nonworking” children over a period of years at a rate the family business can afford.
“The Lynbrook pool has been an asset to the Lynbrook community for many years and I’m please I can secure these funds to keep Lynbrook a wholesome place to raise a family,” Curran said.
As a Lynbrook resident, Curran and his family have swam at the pool for many years. Curran, a former Lynbrook
mayor, said he reduced taxes while struggling to keep state funding in his local communities.
Mayor Alan Beach said that the money would be used to offset the cost of a new deck shade structure at the pool, which is one of the few improvements to the pool planned for this season.
“Last season, the pool had over 22,000 happy patrons of all ages, and we appreciate the continued hard work of the assemblyman,” Beach said.
— Melissa Berman
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/lynbrook
or
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Public libraries serve as vital parts of the community and are often under used and underappreciated.
From events to services, libraries are more than just a place to rent out books.
The Lynbrook Public Library has been serving the community for 95 years and there are still parts of it that go unnoticed.
“The Lynbrook Public Library is more than just books,” said Robyn Gilloon, the library’s director. “The library prides itself on being a strong community partner making connections by providing materials, programs, services and outreach.
Kathy Buchsbaum, the library’s assistant director, underused services are CreativeBug, LOTE for Kids (Languages Othan Than English), Job Now, Vet Now, TumbleBooks, Teen Book Cloud and Gale in Context: Biography. All of these services are found on the website, LynbrookLibrary.org under the research tab and are accessible 24 hours a day.
Ifor all ages.
“During the rest of the year we have very similar offerings just a bit scaled down because school is back in session,” Buchsbaum said. “Summer is the busiest season of the library.”
truly hope everyone will stop in and use the library, whether it is to check out materials, read the paper, attend a concert, a story time, a movie, use one of our study rooms or just relax.
RoByN GILLooN Lynbrook
Public Library
“One of the main values of the Lynbrook Public Library is lifelong learning,” Buchsbaum said. “But in the summer the library provides more entertainment programs than in the fall.”
The library offers several shows and a water playground in the summer months, for children. For adults, the summer has additional craft programs available. There is also a summer reading program to encourage reading over the summer,
Online services that are available with any Nassau County library card are tutor.com, a Nassau library system live homework help, and the Nassau Digital Doorway, a digital library with EBooks, audio books, and magazines.
The Nassau Digital Doorway website allows library cardholders to download up to 10 titles for free in various languages to your portable device. All titles return themselves automatically with no late fines.
The library mailed out the September through November newsletter, which features events and programs for all ages.
Some upcoming programs that Gilloon wants to promote are a shredding event in Sept. for adults, a fall story craft in Nov. for children ages three to seven, and the Give Back Book Giveaway in Oct. for educators and community members. For more information on events and programs, go to LynbrookLibrary.org/teen/upcoming events/
“I truly hope everyone will stop in and use the library, whether it is to check out materials, read the paper, attend a concert, a story time, a movie, use one of our study rooms or just relax,” Gilloon said. “The Lynbrook Public Library is a place that welcomes everyone.”
Caleb Corbett, left, out of Longwood High School, keys Nassau’s ground attack. At right, Jayden Taylor, a Walt Whitman High School product, tops the depth chart at quarterback for the Lions, who play five of their first six games on the road.
By TONY BELLISSIMO
tbellissimo@liherald.com
Jhaleel Oswald, a former Nassau Community College football captain and key member of its 2013 Toro Bowl-winning team, is the Lions’ new head coach after running the defense/special teams under predecessor Jamel Ramsay for the past two seasons.
The Lions, who tackled plenty of adversity in 2023 and finished a disappointing 5-5, have more than 80 in the program and kick off the Oswald era with a trip to Cleveland to face Rochester Community and Technical College this Saturday at 4 p.m. The Yellowjackets are coming off a heartbreaking loss to DuPage in the NJCAA National Championship game.
“Last year we went through a lot of trials and tribulations and didn’t play up to our standards,” said Oswald, a free safety during his playing days at Nassau and LIU. “Our expectations are to put out a product that gets us back on track with our foundation and culture,” he said. “I’m not sure if we can measure that with wins and losses this year since we have a very young team with about 60 freshmen, but I know these guys are going to play hard and also work hard in the classroom.”
With five of the first six games on the road, Oswald likes the idea of a youthful team spending lots of time together and building camaraderie.
“It’s both a blessing and a curse,” Oswald said of the challenging schedule that includes visits to Navy Prep, Hudson Valley CC and Hocking in September. “We’re going to find a lot out about ourselves early,” he
Aug. 24 Rochester CC Away
Sept. 7 Navy Prep Away
Sept. 13 Army Prep Home
Sept. 21 Hudson CC Away
Sept. 28 Hocking Away
Oct. 4 Wagner JV Away 11 a.m.
Oct. 12 Eric CC Home
Oct. 19 Monroe Home
Oct. 26 Hudson CC Home
Nov. 2 Louisburg
added. “At the same time, it’s a good opportunity to grow the chemistry. We’re trying to look at the schedule in a positive way and we’ll have a bunch of home games in the second half of the season.”
The Lions’ home opener at Mitchel Athletic Complex is under the lights against Army Prep on Friday, Sept. 13. They’ll then play three consecutive games at home in October, versus Erie CC, Monroe and Hudson Valley CC. “We’re playing all respectable programs with quality coaches,” Oswald said. “Every week is going to be a battle.”
Some key new faces to the offense are former Suffolk County high school standouts Jayden Taylor (Walt Whitman quarterback) and Caleb Corbett (Longwood running back.)
Taylor, a lefty with a strong arm, mobility, leadership qualities and knowledge of the game, improved every day in camp, Oswald said, to win the starting job. “He’s a great kid who can do a little bit of everything and I’m really looking forward to him leading our offense,” Oswald said.
Corbett will lead a backfield that includes transfer Eric Harris and serve as one of Oswald’s targets. “Caleb is a powerful runner with good hands and he’s stood out in camp,” the coach said.
A pair of sophomore receivers, Elijah Porter and Andre Mottas, 6-foot-3 and 6-1, respectively, are primed to up their production and make their presence felt downfield. “They’re similar players who run well, have good size and excellent hands,” Oswald said.
The offensive line is one of the Lions’ top position groups and can go eight deep according to Oswald. Sophomore Kenroy Hutchinson anchors the unit at center, with sophomore Jaeden Davis-Samuels of Hempstead and freshman Jayden Jagmohan other confirmed starters
On the defensive side, sophomore linebacker Ja’quevios Sam comes off a 49-tackle campaign, sophomore cornerback Dwayne Shulters picked off 2 passes and broke up 6, and could form a shutdown tandem with Abdul Somo.
On special teams, kicker Igor Rzasa and punter Danny Iobo will take care of the legwork.
• ExperiEnce the Joy of Dance techniquEs in a non competitive atmosphere
• We bring nyc profEssional teachers to rockville cEntre
• Home of the “ nutcracker” at the maDison theatre
• Ballet • Pointe • ta P • Hi P Ho P • lyrical • Jazz • tH eatre Dance • Ballet / ta P com B o classes 3 to 6 yrs.
• Girls & Boys ages 3 years & up + teens + adults
• Beginner through advanced levels
• Parent viewing areas
• Private parking lot and free on street parking
collisions.” His recommendation is a redesign to eliminate the hazardous cutout and create a dedicated turn lane to Merrick Road.
“Nassau County is going to conduct a road engineering study to give us options,” Bruen added. In the interim, the village plans to enhance road markings and increase signage, he said.
Recent accidents are evidence of the severity of the situation. On May 2, at 5:05 a.m., a refrigerated box truck crashed into a Mercedes Benz at the intersection of Hempstead Avenue and Peninsula Boulevard. Firefighters cut out the truck’s windshield to rescue the driver, who was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital, in Oceanside, with non-life-threatening injuries.
Eric BruEN Supervisor, Lynbrook Highway Patrol
Mount Sinai South Nassau. The southbound lanes of Peninsula Boulevard were closed for over an hour during the rescue operation.
Local elected officials, as well, have expressed their concern about these incidents. County Legislator Bill Gaylor has requested that the county’s Department of Public Works conduct a traffic study in Lynbrook.
“We have several capital projects for the Lynbrook area,” Gaylor said, “including a redesign of the Five Points intersection at the center of Lynbrook” — the intersection of Merrick Road, Hempstead Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Broadway and Peninsula Boulevard. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety by relocating crosswalks and bus stops and installing traffic-calming devices.
The Mercedes took down a traffic light stanchion. Firefighters had to contain leaking fluids from the vehicle, an indication of the danger and complexity of such rescue operations.
On the same day, at roughly 5:30 p.m., the Lynbrook Fire Department extrication team responded to a reported overturn and entrapment on Hendrickson Avenue, near Dawes Avenue. The driver of one vehicle apparently clipped the rear of a parked pickup truck on Hendrickson, causing her vehicle to flip over, trapping her inside.
Tally-Ho Engine Company 3 used cutting tools to detach the roof from the car
and safely remove the driver, who was examined by Northwell Health paramedics and taken to a hospital.
On June 28, a driver experienced a medical episode while at the wheel on Peninsula Boulevard, between Earl and Vincent avenues, and the vehicle crossed lanes of traffic, struck a tree and overturned. Firefighters had to remove the windshield to extricate the unconscious driver, who was taken to
The increase in vehicle overturns has also raised concerns in neighboring East Rockaway. While not experiencing the same frequency of incidents, East Rockaway officials said they are monitoring the situation, in the interest of preventing them in their village.
Lynbrook officials said that with the combination of immediate intervention measures and long-term planning, they hope to reduce the number of accidents and make village roads safer.
Have an opinion on the state of the roads in Lynbrook and East Rockaway? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The stage lights shine bright when Jack Ceglie stands under them.
Ceglie, a Lynbrook resident, and incoming senior at Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts is no stranger to the spotlight.
This past school year, Ceglie performed in the original LIHSA production of “Big Shot,” based on the music of Billy Joel and the Tony Award–winning “Tommy The Musical,” a Broadway smash based on The Who’s rock opera of the same name.
“Big Shot” was created and choreographed by LIHSA faculty members L’aura Bagdziunas and Chris Brick, specifically for students. Ceglie performed three classic numbers: “Blonde Over Blue,” “Just The Way You Are” and “Pressure.”
His passion for theatre started in fifth grade when he starred as Harold Hill in his school’s production of “The Music Man.”
what happened five months before and what will happen five months after,” Ceglie said. “Being able to really figure out who they are, even if you don’t have a lot of reference fill in the details from there.”
He prepares for big song and dance numbers by reviewing what he learned from rehearsal and doing it on his own. He often practices with cast mates and utilizes his private voice teacher when he has a solo.
Throughout his eight years of performing in shows, he has learned a lot about himself along the way.
“I learned to take risks and to really not be afraid to do whatever, every part of a story and production matters no one is above anyone else, everyone plays a vital and equal role in it,” Ceglie said. “I just think that’s awesome.”
Theatre serves as more than a passion for Ceglie, it has given him an outlet to be himself and step into the shoes of other people.
JAck cEgLIE Long Island High School for the Arts
“That really opened me up since then, I haven’t stopped since fifth grade,” Ceglie said. “I think it was not only playing the lead in telling the story but getting to tell the story itself.”
Cegile’s favorite part of being in a show is being able to challenge himself with new characters and playing different kinds of people.
“I read through the entire script and figure out
“It never feels like work, it never feels like I’m actively doing something that takes effort it’s always fun and I just learned so much from it,” Ceglie said. “Having that knowledge and being able to see it firsthand is just a whole other experience.”
He wants to continue his passion for theatre as long as he can. Ceglie knows he is important and theatre has helped teach him that “Sometimes people won’t be great, sometime people are not nice, but they don’t matter to what you’re doing,” Ceglie said. “You don’t know what I’m up to, you don’t live my life, and people can’t stop you.”
Three-year increase to be implemented starting Sept. 1 for
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The New York State Public Service Commission has approved a rate increase for Liberty Utilities, which provides water service to some 120,000 customers in Nassau County.
In May 2023, Liberty filed a notice with the commission, seeking rate increases of 42 percent and 39 percent in its Merrick and Lynbrook service areas, respectively. The company also requested a 13 percent rate hike in the Sea Cliff service area on the North Shore.
In the Lynbrook service area, which includes numerous villages and hamlets in the Town of Hempstead, the commission approved a 17 percent rate hike in the first year, 15 percent in the second year and 13 percent in the third year.
record that would show a potential rate increase … would impact any municipalization negotiations in any way,” Valesky added. “So to those who continue to be interested in municipalization in Nassau County, I see nothing in this order that will impede those efforts.”
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who represents areas in Liberty’s jurisdiction, noted that the increases that were approved last week are significantly lower than those Liberty originally sought. The company was initially seeking a cumulative 34 percent increase across its Long Island water districts. Even though the approved hikes are lower, Solages said, the fight for public water is not over.
Communities in the Merrick service area include Baldwin, Bellmore, East Massapequa, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Seaford, North Wantagh, Seaford and Wantagh. The Sea Cliff service area encompasses Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Sea Cliff and parts of Glen Cove, Old Brookville and Roslyn.
doption of this rate plan ensures critical investments that are good for the rates customers will pay.
RORy ChRistiAN Chair, Public Service Commission
In those areas, the commission approved a rate increase of 9.2 percent in the first year, and 4.5 percent in both the second and third years.
The new rates go into effect on Sept. 1, and the rate plan will be effective through March 31, 2027. Depending on the service area, a typical residential customer using 8,000 gallons of water per month will pay between $54.51 and $87.32 in the first year.
The state Public Service Commission approved a rate hike for Liberty Utilities’ customers in Nassau County, to be rolled out over the next three years. The increase will begin on Sept. 1.
Last year’s proposal came after a rate freeze, which Liberty had agreed to after it purchased New York American Water, the previous water service company, in January 2022. The proposal stated that the company sought the rate hikes to offset the cost of “necessary plant investments, high tax burdens, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure, proposed low-income and arrearage management programs, and a fee-free program for electronic payment of Liberty NYW invoices.”
Liberty’s proposal also stated that the rate hike would help cover the cost of 17 new jobs that were created at its Merrick offices, as well as the “implementation of a low-income program,” to aid customers in need.
While rate proposal negotiations were under way, two public entities, the South Nassau Water Authority and the Water Authority of the North Shore, have been discussing the possibility of municipalizing Liberty’s Long Island districts. The SNWA includes the Lynbrook and Merrick service areas, while WANS includes the Sea Cliff service area. The public authorities were created by Gov. Kathy Hochul in November 2021.
Virtual hearings at which the rate
Assemblyman Brian Curran, from Lynbrook, partnered with AGAPE church in Baldwin to host a back-toschool drive to help students in need. The drive, which drew great community support, was considered success with many items collected that will help students thrive in this upcoming school year.
“Students are the future, and we must do whatever we can to support them,” Curran said in a news release. “That is why I was proud to host this back-toschool drive. All students should have the tools available to help them succeed, and this drive will help to achieve that goal. I would also like to thank AGAPE Church
for co-hosting this even.”
Lead pastor of the church, Rev. Cordelia Wallace said in the release, “Our mission is to encourage and enhance each generation, education is one of the venues that opens the doors to destiny. So, each year we are delighted to assist their guardians by providing some of the tools for another year of learning.”
Curran’s assembly district includes parts of Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead and portions of Baldwin, Oceanside, East Rockaway, Malverne and North Lynbrook. — Sophia Fruchter
proposal was discussed began last fall, and those who spoke against the increase asked that it be delayed until it was known if the public entities could properly execute a public takeover of Liberty, which is a private company. Ultimately, the commission agreed to delay its decision on the increase.
Another set of hearings were held in July, and the decision came at last week’s PSC session on Aug. 15.
The commission decided that the rate increase would benefit Liberty Water’s customers.
“With this three-year plan, the company will be able to continue to provide its customers with clean, safe water and to save money by promoting and encouraging conservation and reducing leakage,” Commission Chair Rory Christian said. “Adoption of this rate plan ensures critical investments that are good for the rates customers will pay, and good for their assurance of safe and adequate service.”
At last week’s session, Commissioner David Valesky said he found “no evidence” that a rate increase would prohibit the public authorities from continuing to work toward municipalization.
“I also found no evidence in this
“Liberty Water customers will still have hundreds of dollars added onto their bills over the next few years, and will continue to pay considerably more than neighbors serviced by public water,” Solages said in an emailed statement. “Now, we must press the South Nassau Water Authority to expedite their efforts toward a public takeover of Liberty Water. Our community deserves an affordable, reliable water service — not the current system where rates are dictated by a private company beholden to shareholders.”
“It is long past time for the South Nassau Water Authority’s board members to do their jobs by breaking Liberty’s monopoly on this essential resource,” Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow said, “and delivering on our collective demands for affordable, high-quality public water.”
For more on the rate increase case, and to see the public filings related to the decision, visit DPS.ny.gov, and search case No. 23-00979.
■ Rate hike begins Sept. 1 and ends March 31, 2027.
■ A typical residential customer using 8,000 gallons of water per month will pay between $54.51 and $87.32 the first year.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Lynbrook is anticipating the completion of The Langdon at 47 Broadway, a new residential development featuring 201 units, in the heart of the village across the street from the Long Island Rail Road station.
“Everything is on schedule, maybe a little accelerated,” David Orwasher, chief development officer at Breslin Realty, said.
He anticipates completion by May of next year.
The project marks a significant transformation from the former Mangrove Feather factory, which was demolished in 2022 as part of a broader redevelopment initiative. The $95 million complex replaces the long-vacant building, considered an “eyesore” by the community.
Several village administrations over the years tried to redevelop the factory site, but convincing the property owner, Barry Singer, to sell was a challenge. Breslin Realty stepped in with a proposal to convert the industrial land into a highdensity residential complex. After extensive negotiations, the village board approved the project in 2021.
Breslin has partnered with Fields Grade Development to construct the 278,000-square-foot development, which will primarily consist of one-bedroom units, with a few studio and two-bedroom apartments as well as on-site parking for
residents, and is expected to include a retail café, clubroom, concierge, rooftop terrace with grill, lounge, party room, a spa, a dog run, and a gym.
“If you look at the villages and hamlets across L.I. that have achieved success maintaining vibrancy and bringing in some of the best businesses and restaurants the Island has to offer, they have built world-class housing that have attracted residents who are at different stages of their lives,” Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach said. “Whether it be young dual-income couples or empty nesters, these folks have one thing in common: they eat, shop and dine locally, especially when the amenities are in walking distance.”
According to Polly Talbott, president
of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, the project is already generating excitement within the community, and local businesses are beginning to experience positive effects.
“We have already seen tremendous interest in Lynbrook, and quite a few of our stores are filling up,” Talbott said. “They’re nice, solid places. They’re good, serious restaurants. And we have another one opening shortly, another Irish Pub. And it just seems like a lot of the storefronts that were empty have been getting a lot of interest, if not actually getting rented. And I think this is a tremendous thing for our community and for our business area. We’re all really excited. We can’t wait.”
The Chamber of Commerce hopes to
support and enhance the local business environment. It has been organizing networking and informational meetings, community events, and fundraisers, such as the recent spring festival and craft fair. By being proactive and visible, the Chamber is helping to build Lynbrook’s reputation as a vibrant and desirable area. This positive image, combined with the said.
Despite the general enthusiasm for the new development, some residents have expressed concerns about maintaining Lynbrook’s traditional character. The Chamber of Commerce acknowledges these concerns, noting that while change can be difficult, it is essential for growth.
“There are always people that want everything to be the same as it always was, like a little town, but it can’t,” Talbott said. “Downtowns are dying, and this is the way to revive them. It’s right there. It’s going to actually really open up Broadway, which needs some development in there, and that’ll happen, I can see it starting already. Atlantic Avenue has already, I think there’s only one or two stores left that are empty. So, I think it’s gonna be fantastic for our community now.”
Leasing options for the units aren’t available yet, but those interested should watch for opportunities coming in early 2025.
For additional questions and inquiries, contact Breslin Reality at (516) 741-7400 or info@breslinrealty.com.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The water quality in Hempstead’s Western Bays continues to show progressive improvement, according to a report presented Aug. 15 by officials from the Long Island Regional Planning Council, the Town of Hempstead, and Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies.
The report, shown at a briefing held at the Town of Hempstead Marine Laboratory, revealed significant decreases in nitrogen, ammonia, and other harmful pollutants that have historically degraded the water and damaged local coastal wetlands.
“Hempstead Bay and its major tributaries, known as the Western Bays, help drive a multi-billion-dollar economy,” said Richard Guardino, executive director of the LIRPC. “It’s fueled by recreation, bathing, boating, fishing, and seafood harvesting. The Western Bays contribute greatly to the quality of life we
An Aug. 15 briefing at the Town of Hempstead Marine Laboratory illustrated a significant decrease in nitrogen pollution in Long Island waters.
leading cause of water quality deterioration in the region, contributing to toxic algal blooms, low oxygen, fish kills, and the destruction of vitalcant risk to Long Island’s drinking water, because groundwater serves as
water samples from various locations in the bays and inland areas to measure levels of nitrogen, ammonia, and other pollutants.
across the Western Bays. These stations help track pollutant levels in the water. In addition, three continuous monitoring sites provide real-time data, and 20 deep-water locations allow researchers to assess conditions below the surface. There are also 12 inland sites to monitor nitrogen deposits from atmospheric conditions and rainwater.
“We’ve seen that the water is becoming cleaner. We’ve seen lately less nitrogen in the water,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said. “And it’s through all these combinations — people committed to making sure that the future is bright for their children, programs we run through the town — but it’s through the ability now to test it here that’s going to be most beneficial, and we are so grateful to have this.”
The Hempstead Bay Water Quality Monitoring Project, initially launched in the 1980s and revived in 2019 under the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan,ty issues in the area. The project collects
“This is an investment in the environment. This is an investment in the economy,” Councilman Chris Schneider said. “It’s an investment in our safety, and the results we’re seeing, the fruits of the results of that investment, they are terrific, and we’re going to continue it.”
of 40 surface water stations located
Hofstra Professor Steve Raciti presented data comparing water quality from 1980 to 1985, which showed high levels of nitrate marked in red on the charts, to the period from 2020 to 2023, when the water had largely transitioned to blue, indicating much lower nitrate levels. Areas near wastewater-treatment plants showed the most significant improvements.
With an additional $5 million invested by the state in the Long Island Nitrogen Action plan since 2015, the program els across the Island, beyond just runoff
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By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO & WILL SHEELINE of the Herald
The smell of marijuana has sparked division across New York state ever since its legalization under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act on March 31, 2021. While some residents celebrate the change, others express frustration over the strong odor infiltrating public spaces.
According to the New York State Cannabis website, it is legal to smoke or vape cannabis in most areas where tobacco use is permitted, such as private homes or backyards. However, landlords can still ban smoking — both tobacco and marijuana — in apartment buildings. Cannabis consumption is prohibited in motor vehicles, hookah and cigar bars, businesses, restaurants including patios, federal property including public housing, and most public and state parks as well as beaches.
Even with cannabis legalized across the state, the Town of Hempstead has taken measures to restrict its availability. Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board unanimously voted to opt out of marijuana sales on Dec. 8, 2021, preventing businesses from selling it within the town’s borders.
This decision is in line with the state’s Cannabis Law, specifically Section 131, which allows towns, cities, and villages to prohibit cannabis businesses if they passed a local law on or before the later of Dec. 31, 2021, or nine months after the effective date of the section.
Medical marijuana dispensaries can only operate in specific zoning districts, and they must be in buildings with active medical offices and receive authorization from the State Department of Health.
No more than two medical dispensaries are allowed in the town at any time. They cannot be within 1,000 feet of schools, child day-care centers, parks, or places of worship, and must be at least 500 feet from residential areas, with some exceptions. They must operate between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and consumption or use of marijuana on-site is prohibited. People under 18 are not allowed on the premises unless they are patients or accompanied by a guardian.
The Town of Oyster Bay and the City of Long Beach also opted out of permitting cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites in December 2021.
Despite these laws and restrictions, the smell of marijuana still seeps into prohibited areas, demonstrating the ongoing difficulty in controlling its impact on public spaces.
Avita John, a 24-year-old from Wantagh, has faced significant challenges due to her severe asthma, which is exacerbated by marijuana smoke.
“Smell is something that could trigger anything for me, but especially with, like, weed, since it’s a type of, like, smoking and vaping, you could say, that
triggers my asthmatic tendencies more,” John said. “And what happens is that when I smell it, I just want to puke. My lungs, everything, my throat just closes up. So, it’s very hard for me to breathe.”
The problem is particularly evident in her work environment, where customers are often under the influence of marijuana. The presence of smoke in the air makes it difficult for her to interact with them, and exacerbates her health struggles.
In addition to the problems caused by the smell of marijuana, John highlighted broader concerns that affect lung health, suggesting that while laws and designated smoking areas are designed to reduce health risks, they may not fully address the broader challenges of environmental pollution and secondhand smoke.
“I don’t think legislation or governments could do anything, per se, because
they will have to interview us, or they’ll have a form for the insurance company to fill out saying that we’re asthmatic, we have lung issues, and we can’t be around smokers,” she said. “We can’t be around air pollution. But then, there’s air pollution everywhere. We don’t have clean air technically. I would say maybe they could help with our medication causes or give us some monetary incentive to help us with our health care, because they can’t provide a safe space for us. They already have spaces designated for smokers, but there are a lot of people who don’t abide by that.”
The potential problems linked to the smell of marijuana aren’t just limited to health concerns. Alison Camardella, president of the North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse, emphasized that the risk of normalizing marijuana smoking can risk the normalization of its use by young people.
“The dramatic increase in marijuana
smells in our parks, at our beaches and even, you know, sporting events normalizes the use of drugs for our kids, and that’s our concern,” Camardella said. “So regularly seeing and smelling it gives our kids the wrong message that this is safe and that this is OK and that it’s socially acceptable.”
CASA is a nonprofit that focuses on reducing the abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco among students in the North Shore School District. Camardella emphasized that while the dangers of alcohol and tobacco are well-publicized and acknowledged, the potential risks of marijuana abuse by young people are often underreported and brushed aside.
“The more that they see adults using it, the more they’re at risk of using it at a younger age,” Camardella continued. “There is no question that marijuana use in the teen years is not only bad for their developing brains, but it also increases their risk of addiction later in life.”
Not everyone agrees that this is a public issue however. Anthony G., a construction worker who buys marijuana products from the dispensary Strain Stars in Farmingdale and requested anonymity, argued that smoking marijuana in public is legal. Furthermore, he made a contrast between the smoking of cigarettes in public versus smoking marijuana.
“I’m not breaking any laws — I’m not smoking in people’s faces,” he said. “It feels like a double standard, because people are still smoking cigarettes everywhere.”
As marijuana continues to become more accessible and its smell spreads through public areas, finding solutions to maintain comfort and well-being for everyone in these spaces is becoming increasingly important.
By SUSANNA CIURLEO Correspondent
Author Karen Taylor Bass, a New Jersey resident, explained what brought her to Ground Central Coffee in Lynbrook on Saturday to host her book chat and signing event.
“I lived here in Nassau during the pandemic, and this was one of the few physical places that was open,” she said. “The great atmosphere, natural light, and pulsating music inspired me to come here with my laptop and write, write, write!” And the energy did not only come from the coffee: Ground Central Coffee became a “sanctuary” and a “safe space” for a community of artists and entrepreneurs to share their struggles and disappointments, as well as hopes and dreams for the future.
One of the chapters in her debut novella “Bitter to Better: A Chocolate Mama’s Journey to Self-Discovery” is titled Ground-Centered and is dedicated to the coffee shop’s significance in this journey.
Taylor Bass read excerpts from the chapter and referred to the Chocolate Momma Club, an exclusive sisterhood where women gather to share, heal and help each other thrive
Among the many members in attendance was Michele Oxly who believes that Taylor Bass is destined for excellence.
“She and I are friends from childhood,
and we’ve had the pleasure of traveling the world together, from Paris to South Africa,” Oxly said. “I am so grateful to have a front row seat witnessing her next amazing journey.”
Event-moderator Lynette Battle, from Valley Stream, has known Taylor Bass for over 20 years, from when they were both on the Elmont school district Board of Education.
“I’ve read the book, and I hope many other women do the same,” Battle said. “It’s so full of takeaways on how to lead your best life.
From Bitter to Better addresses the strength and wisdom of women that go through pivotal life transitions. Attendee and retired NYPD officer Sandra Hutchinson cites Taylor Bass as an inspiration.
“She encouraged me to start a new chapter and be active past retirement,” Hutchinson said.
Close friend Astrid Roi is not at all surprised at all of what Taylor Bass has accomplished.
“She’s always been a trailblazer, and she’s transformed sad chapters in her life into something inspiring and relatable to others,” Roi said.
Elementary and middle school teacher Sherise Thomas shared with the group how she stays grounded, which includes giving herself the time and place to be still and meditate as an act of self-preservation. She also credited Taylor Bass’s passion for all children, not just her own.
At Ground Central Coffee in Lynbrook last Saturday for the book chat on Karen Taylor Bass’s ‘Bitter to Better: A Chocolate Mama’s Journey to Self-Discovery.’ The author is third from right.
“As a fitness instructor, Karen conducted classes for my students during the pandemic, which was instrumental in their renewal and development,” Thomas said.
Assemblywomen Michaelle Solages, who represents Elmont, North Woodmere and Valley Stream, along with other communities, was among those in line for the book signing.
“Karen has done so much for the Elmont community, and as a fellow author I admire her work and am here to support her in all of her endeavors,”
Solages said.
An award-winning media strategist, author, fitness instructor, inspirational speaker and mother, Taylor Bass is all of these, but how would she describe herself?
“A go-getter, a motivator, and an authentic person,” Taylor Bass said.
“Events like these give people the chance to leave their homes and develop social connections with others. My message is that you can reset at any age and find the best version of you. Do the work, have fun, and love your sisters.”
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By Diane Schlindwein
Overseeing your child’s academic life is essential, but if you find yourself constantly hovering over him or her at homework time, recalculating every math problem and editing every essay, you might be what educational and psychological experts call a “helicopter parent.”
Being overfocused on your child’s performance and behavior can stem from a few things: anxiety, compensation, fear of consequences or peer pressure, as Kate Bayless writes in Parents magazine. Surely, behind that is a commitment to your child succeeding and being taken care of, though it can have consequences. But how do you be an involved parent without smothering your kids?
Dr. Bill Moredock, a longtime licensed psychologist who is also an elementary school principal, says helicopter parenting isn’t good, but neither is total uninvolvement. Parents should be involved with their children’s academic life but need to act within reason, he says. In other words, constant hovering isn’t necessary, and some involvement is important.
“Parents should monitor their children’s
progress in school starting from day one,” he says. “From preschool through graduate school parents should have a stake in how their children are progressing at every level. Of course, the degree of involvement should vary depending on factors such as age, grade, special circumstances, transitions, and the specific needs of the child.”
“It is an empirically proven fact that children with parental support have a higher probability for success in school than children who lack support,” he says. “Parents who are completely uninvolved set their children up for academic failure. Parents need to set the expectation and standard (for school work.”
Understand your child’s personality and learning style
But when it comes to monitoring schoolwork and overseeing homework time, parents also need to consider their child’s personality and learning style. “Each child is different,” he says. “Ask any parent who has had more than one child. Each child has his or her own set of inherited traits. Some children need a lot of support on school-related endeavors. Others seem to need very little.” Take the time to observe
what kind of support would benefit them before just jumping in.
Dr. George S. Glass, who co-authored the book “The Overparenting Epidemic” with David Tabatsky, says helicopter parents are often invasive, overly attentive and competitive and have trouble separating themselves from their offspring. “Our children are not extensions of ourselves,” he says. “Each of them is his or her own person, no matter what stage of development the individual is at.”
“Children need to be given the space to try things out and experience failure as well as success,” Glass says. “That should begin at an early age and certainly by the time they go to school.”
Give them a break
Moredock adds that no matter what the grade level, having some down time is also important. “Kids do need breaks — time to exercise and have some fun,” he says. And even when children are under extreme pressure to get homework finished and out of the way, parents should not do the work for them. “Parents who do their children’s homework are fostering dependency and perhaps even encouraging cheating,” he says.
Photo: PParents want their children to thrive, be happy and succeed. If you feel you’ve been hovering a bit too much, look for opportunities to take a step back from solving problems
True success throughout life starts with a plan. Implement that strategy with your student early on and results are sure to follow. It’s important to establish some rules from the beginning to follow through the entire year, this will help reduce anxiety and replace it with a sense of calm. Focus on creating good habits rather than only grades, if you do that the grades will happen.
Help your child get organized. Instead of nagging, show him how being organized will pay dividends in life. Let him experience the ease of being able to find things, the joy of being on time, and the sense of control that organization will bring.
Plan ahead so mornings go smoothly. There is an old saying, “well begun is half done,” and it certainly is true about getting off to school. Start your planning the night before by making sure your child gets enough rest. A slightly earlier bedtime may make a big difference to your child’s ability to function in the morning. Have him lay out his clothes before he goes to bed, and put everything else he needs for school in his backpack. It’s a good idea to have him put the backpack right on top of his shoes, so he can’t leave the house without it.
Help your child keep up with his work; avoid procrastination. Share a tip from time-management experts: break tasks into manageable parts, and do one at a time until the job is finished.
That involves getting a handle on homework. Provide a place for your child to do his homework, and make sure he has the necessary supplies for being organized. Keep things like pencils, paper, ruler and colored markers all together in a pencil box or shoe box to save time looking around when doing homework.
Set a time to do homework. Some families like to do homework right after school, while others prefer doing it after dinner. Whatever you decide, find one that works
for everyone, then stick to it as often as possible. If the child has no homework, read! Try some offbeat ways to encourage your child to read. Use a current film as a starting point to encourage your child to dip into the book it is based on. Or help your child to write a letter to the author of a favorite book. (Send it to the publisher most authors are good about replying to letters from children.) Do all you can to foster your child’s love of reading. Video games are fun, but they don’t develop vocabulary
and language skills the way reading does.
Take a critical look at your child’s extra-curricular activities. Look especially hard at team sports, which require long hours of practice. Is your child overscheduled, trying to do far more than a child should do at this age? If so, you may have to consider cutting back to leave more time and energy for learning.
Remember the power of praise. Let it work its magic to motivate your child. Displaying a child’s best work is a form of praise. Add a special touch to an especially good paper by having it laminated. You can do it yourself with clear contact paper.
Celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small. Learning is not always easy for children, and sometimes their progress may be measured in very small steps. When your child does master a new skill, rejoice together.
Save time for fun. Play restores the body and stimulates brain connections, which makes learning easier in school. After all, there’s more to life than long division.
Photo: Organization is one of the key factors to doing well in school. In fact, disorganization can lead to lower grades, increased frustration and stress, and even lower self-esteem. Students who have better organization habits often perform better on assignments, get more done, and have more free time than their disorganized peers.
Tues. Sept. 3 - Wed. Sept. 11 10:00am - 4:00pm Sat. Sept. 7, 9:30am - 2:00pm
The monthly Veterans News show is now being broadcast on the local Lynbrook TV channel Joe O’Grady from the Floral Park Fire Department and Terence Powderly of the Bellerose F.D., were the guests on the show moderated by Ed Aulman and Patricia Lacey.
O’Grady is the past chairman of the Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior and Powderly is the current chairman.
The organization is dedicated to helping military veterans and its missions is: “to boost the morale of service members wounded in the line of duty while
serving to protect our country’s freedoms,” as noted on the group’s website.
The Lynbrook F.D. is an active participant in the organization and will host the 13th annual Wounded Warrior fundraiser — End of Summer Bash for Wounded Warriors — on Sept. 21 at Greis Park, 55 Wilbur St., in Lynbrook.
The day will kick off with a car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 3 to 9 p.m. the bash will take place.
For more information on the fundraiser, call Kevin Bien at (516) 993-6074
— Jeffrey Bessen
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Sitting in section 201 of Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, Joe Margolin recalled being at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn and getting to meet the 1950s Brooklyn Dodgers, including the team that won the 1955 World Series.
Margolin’s father, also Joe Margolin, was a lawyer in Brooklyn with an office near Judge Peter B. Hanson, Walter O’Malley’s father-in-law. O’Malley owned the Dodgers then.
“I actually met Sandy Koufax, I was a Brooklyn Dodger fan, Sandy had just come to the Brooklyn Dodgers as a bonus baby,” Margolin said. “He was there with (Duke) Snyder, (Gil) Hodges, the rest of the team.”
Margolin, a Valley Stream resident, who takes part in programs offered by the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC in the Five Towns and a member of the Center for Adult Life Enrichment in Hewlett, was at the Long Island Ducks Jewish Heritage Night with his wife Ellen and members of other JCCs as well on Sunday.
The Ducks have held the event for nearly a decade and the JCCs have been involved for the past three years.
“It gives me a chance to get out and identify with my fellow Jews, also to show that we are here and we’re not
going anywhere,” he said
His favorite Jewish ballplayer is Hank Greenberg. Greenberg and Koufax are the most recognizable Jewish baseball players.
The night however was much more than about baseball with the shadow of the Israel-Hamas hovering.
Along with the Gural JCC there was the Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, Mid-Island Y JCC in Plainview, the Sid Jacobson JCC in Greenvale and the Suffolk Y HCC in Commack, which all partners with the UJA Federation of New York.
‘I think it’s incredible when the five Jewish community centers of Long
Island come together to show support for Israel and the Jewish community,” said Stacey Feldman, executive director the Gural JCC, which serves surrounding communities such as East Rockaway and Lynbrook. “We are united and stronger together, and it just makes a lot of sense to celebrate and commemorate together.”
The first favorite Jewish ballplayer that came to mind is Koufax, “along with our hometown hero Jacob Steinmetz,” Feldman added. The Woodmere resident and HAFTR High graduate became the first Orthodox Jewish baseball player drafted. Selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021 he is cur-
rently pitching for their High-A Hillsboro team.
A somber tone embraced the ballpark when the family of Omer Neutra spoke to the crowd. Neutra, 22, of Plainview, is one of the eight Americans still held captive by Hamas.
“Having a Jewish Heritage Night anywhere is one of the most important things we can do to just reinforce that being Jewish we should be proud to be Jewish, and we’re friendly and want to make sure everybody gets along with each other,” said Rick Lewis, the CEO of the Mid-Island Y JCC.
Nearly 20 Jewish organizations joined forces to create the Long Island Jewish Coalition to advocate for Israel and to be “proactive instead of reactive to today’s current events,” Feldman said.
Dagan Cohen, who heads the Israel center at the Jacobson JCC, is also involved.
“We’re meeting all 19 organizations, all the JCCs, all the big organizations, every two weeks thinking together what can we do,” Cohen said, noting the fundraising.
There was also glatt kosher food, baseballs decorated with the American and Israeli flags and a baseball game. The Ducks lost 7-5 to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, but won their 10th series out of the past 11.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul said last week that the state’s public service commission has approved the implementation of the Energy Affordability Guarantee pilot program, aimed at helping low-income households manage electricity costs.
The pilot program, which will be available to approximately 1,000 participants, is designed for households that fully electrify their space and water heating through the EmPower+ program. Eligible participants will receive tailored bill assistance to ensure they pay no more than six percent of their annual household income on electricity.
“Affordability is a top priority, and we’re making much-needed investments to help low-income New Yorkers affordably electrify their homes,” Hochul said. “With the Energy Affordability Guarantee, we’re overcoming barriers to clean energy adoption for the most vulnerable families across the state.”
The Energy Affordability Guarantee was first proposed by Hochul in her 2023 State of the State address. Funding for the
A program was announced by the
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“This effort will be a game-changer for low-income families, as we seek to balance the equally important goals of decarbonizing our housing stock, while advancing energy affordability for low-income customers,” he said.
The public service commission expects the pilot program will fill in important information gaps regarding the electrification of low-income households such as the incremental electricity consumption and cost associated with operating heat pumps across different customer and housing profiles, while mitigating energy burden increases.
These insights, according the commission, will inform broader strategies to promote the decarbonization of the housing sector while prioritizing energy affordability and consumer protections for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
Laurie Wheelock, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project, a nonprofit that advocates for low-income utility customers, said the organization has long supported the EmPower+ program.
“We’re excited to now see the Energy Affordability Guarantee work hand-in
It was a summer of training, travel and vocational exploration for secondary students that took part in the Lynbrook Public Schools Extended School Year program.
Led by teachers Bryton LaMantia and Danielle Pangallo, students applied their planning, traveling and interview skills as they visited various businesses within Lynbrook.
The children’s goal was to learn more
about owning a business, different careers and job skills.
Engine Co. No. 1 from the Lynbrook Fire Department, Dr. Brian Rosen, a dentist; and pharmacist Gabrielle McElhinney at Walgreens took part in the program, along with a few local businesses.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Avoidance is often the easiest way to resolve an uncomfortable situation. You’re nervous about flying, don’t do it. You’re uncomfortable asking your boss for a raise, put it off. You get flustered doing a difficult task, why bother? Avoidance is the easy way out. But only until the day comes when you pay the price.
Sometimes the price is something specific. Everyone in your family is looking forward to your cousin’s wedding in San Diego — except you. You’ve been so uptight, jittery, and nervous, because of your fear of flying. So, you either miss the wedding or you go but suffer so much anxiety before, during and even after, that you’re not sure it was worth it. You’re aware that other family members are experiencing the wedding as a joyous occasion while you’re praying that you’ll just get through the day.
Sometimes the price is realizing how much you have changed — for the
worse. You’ve been so uncomfortable asking your boss for a raise that you never asked. Great; you’ve avoided the discomfort. Until you notice you’re often feeling resentful. Resentful of your boss: why can’t he give me what I deserve? Resentful of your job: I work so hard; I should be better compensated. Resentful and envious of your friends: How come they can afford to go on this trip, and I can’t.
my thing. Fine. Until you buy a new phone and don’t know how to use it. Or a new TV and can’t turn it on. Or miss out on family news because everyone’s communicating via text or social media.
Sometimes the price is a growing awareness (and embarrassment) that you’ve fallen behind the times. If you said you didn’t know the first thing about computers 20 years ago, you would have had a lot of company. But now? Now, people look at you like, why not? Preschoolers are computer literate. And if you thought, so what, I’ll stand my ground; tech stuff is just not
At any specific time, avoidance may be an OK strategy. Sometimes those butterflies in your stomach are telling you something you should listen to. Perhaps your timing is wrong. Or your approach is off base. Or you need more time to figure out how to get the ball rolling. Fine.
But it’s not fine, indeed it’s far from fine, if avoidance becomes your primary strategy for handling life’s difficulties. Sidestepping issues, dodging the truth, and finding excuses for not doing what you should be doing may relieve your discomfort for the moment, but remember
– you will pay a price.
You may wake up many mornings to discover that your world has become small and pedestrian.
You may wake up many mornings with a chronic feeling of emptiness. Avoidance has created a void — in you.
Avoidance is the easy way out, only for the short term. For the long term, you need to confront what makes you feel uncomfortable, meet head-on what makes you feel ill at ease, and embrace what makes you feel nervous. That’s how we learn. That’s how we grow our self-muscle.
©2024
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@ aol.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
Pictured at the mayor’s annual golf outing dinner, from left to right, are Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino, Committee Chairman Jeff Greenfield, First Central Savings Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Michael Serao, Mayor Alan Beach, and First Central Savings Bank Vice President and Business Development Officer Michael Caldwell. The event celebrated their contributions to the Lynbrook community, recognizing their dedication to local charities and civic initiatives, with citations presented by Mayor Beach in honor of their service. The event, co-sponsored by the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, raises money for the Lynbrook Community Chest.
By RYAN DEMINO Intern
Peter’s Clam Bar, in Island Park, hosted its annual clam-eating contest last Sunday. The tradition brought participants and spectators from all over Long Island.
Beginning 10 years ago, the competition has raised money for local charitable organizations and people in need. Since its inception, and over 125,000 clams later, the event has collected nearly $500,000.
The competition was broken into two divisions, one for first responders and one for everyone else. The entry fee for the public competition was $50, but first responders took part for free. The winning first responder took home $2,500; the second-place eater, $1,500; and the thirdplace finisher, $500. The winner in the public division was awarded $1,000.
This year, all of the money raised at the event went to the family of the late Jonathan Diller, the New York City police officer who was killed in the line of duty in March.
“It’s not just about the fun,” Congressman Anthony D’Esposito said of the contest. “It’s really about raising money for a good cause.”
The first-responder contest featured 20 eaters from fire departments all over Long Island — Baldwin, East Meadow, East Rockaway, Freeport, Island Park, Malverne, Massapequa, Point Lookout, Port Washington, South Hempstead and Stewart Manor — all showing their support for Diller’s widow, Stephanie, and their 1-year-old son, Ryan.
“My own son is a highway patrol officer,” Peter’s Clam Bar owner Butch Yamali said. “And he’s a young man with children, so I don’t even know how (the Dillers) feel. We want to do everything we can to help that family.”
Over the course of three rounds of competition, more than 1,100 clams were consumed, and nearly $10,000 was raised for the Diller family.
Four-time winner Pete Adams, of the Island Park Fire Department,
“People throughout this region have big hearts, and you’ve seen it right here,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin said. “At the end of the day, we’re having some fun, we’re having a contest, but the best part is it’s all going to a good place.”
Pete Adams, of the Island Park F.D., was the winner among the first responders, and Larry Lehr, of the East Rockaway F.D., finished second. There was a tie for third place between Joseph Sadler, of the South Hempstead department, and Ralph Raymond, of Massapequa. They
competed head to head in two consecutive tie-breaker rounds, but ultimately opted to donate the $500 thirdplace prize to the Diller family.
Adams, who is now a four-time contest winner, said that this year’s competition was special. “I’m a retired police officer myself, and so I really want to help this family,” he said.
Stephanie Diller addressed the crowd, expressing her gratitude for all the support the community has shown her and her son. “I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” she said. “I always say this: Thank you doesn’t seem like the right word. I wish there was something I could show you all, or say, so you could really understand how thankful I truly am.”
Growing up, there was magazine that I guess was supposed to compete with Life that was called Look.
I never quite understood whether the title was a description of what the publication did (i.e. “look” at people and events) or demand that its readership (or in this case, lookership) “look” at the magazine (after, of course, paying for it.)
Anyway “look” is one of those things we do while incorporating the various aspects of what “look” really means in our daily lives.
Thus, all of us, profess to have an outlook on life, even as we aspire to look good, date the good looking and marry the “looker.”
The cautious stop, look and listen; the suspicious look over their should, and the wise don’t look back (“because they could be gaining on you”). The curious take a look around, labor looks for the union label, the mischievous look for trouble and the discrete look before the leap.
ships and bank robbers have each had “lookouts” of their own.
In response to complaints or suggestions, small-time politicians and bureaucrats will promise to “look it over” or “take a look at it” or “look into it” (thought they rarely do).
While bakers, china shop owners and fashion models admonish us to look with our eyes and not with our hands, the three words retail merchants hate the most are, “sorry, just looking.”
Alice had her looking glass and I would know what author wrote “Look Homeward Angel” if only I could look it up.
The impatient began with “now, look here … ,” Southerners sing “Look Away Dixieland,” while if looks could kill many of us wouldn’t be here.
Generals demand their troops look sharp and lively, while bombardiers and generations of water-balloon-droppinglittle-boys have warned, “look out below,” just as mountain tops, private
Critics look you up and down; snobs look down their noses; the deliberate take a long, hard look; optimists insist things are “looking good” and very, very often we encounter look-a likes (like me and Brad Pitt).
Even more often, however, we find looking to find fault and looking to catch you at something. When they look around they don’t like the looks of this or that, unless something looks fishy and then they look the other way.
But, you know, when you look beyond those who would forever look askance, you find wonderful folks with a positive outlook looking out for one another. These are people who look up to parents and teachers, overlook mistakes and always look for the silver lining.
They look within, and find the strength to look ahead and look forward. For them (and their onlookers) things are continuously looking up and that is a wonderful thing to … see.
© 2024 Ron Goldman
Assemblyman Ari Brown, who represents East Rockaway, was among a group of people who met with Sapir Cohen at Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office to discuss her recent captivity in Gaza.
Cohen, who was taken captive after the brutal Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Kibbutz Nir Oz, shared her traumatic experience. Cohen was released on Nov. 30. Her boyfriend, Sasha Trufanov, remains a hostage.
Brown expressed great admiration
for Israel’s response to the terror attack. He emphasized Israel’s effort to protect its civilian population during the conflict.
“Israel’s handling of this brutal assault has been marked by an extraordinary level of compassion and restraint,” Brown said in a news release. “No other nation has demonstrated such care in protecting noncombatants while enduring such an unprovoked and savage attack.”
— Sophia Fruchter
Boogie along with Disco Unlimited at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. When Disco Unlimited hits the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. And dance you will — when you experience the magic created when the boogie begins. Capturing a time in music that to this day has not been matched, the exhilarating band will draw you in with their powerful vocals, tight harmonies and dance grooves all coupled with a synchronized stage and light show that creates an unforgettable concert experience. Close your eyes and you will truly believe you are listening to the original artists. Hear the best of Tavares, France Jolie, The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Yvonne Elliman, Anita Ward, Deney Terrio, George McCrae, Bonnie Pointer, Melba Moore, Maxine Nightingale, Carol Douglas, and so much more. This group of unique musicians love and live this era of music. As always, bring seating.
Saturday, Aug. 24, 7-9 p.m. For information, visit NassauCcountyNY. gov/parks.
By Iris Wiener
Al Jolson was considered the “Greatest Entertainer” of his day, so it is no surprise that
the annual Long Island Jolson Festival is celebrating 25 years next month, Sept. 7.
The unique and lively remembrance of the icon, who was a pioneer in many genres in the 1920s — including music, film (“The Jazz Singer”) and theater (“Hold on to Your Hats”) — will be filled with nostalgia, the musical stylings of beloved Jolson entertainer Tony Babino and by “Mr. Tin Pan Alley,” Richard Halpern, along with many memorable surprises.
The festival, which returns to Lambrou’s Catering Hall in Island Park, will also treat guests to comedic performances, an auction and the camaraderie of being in a space shared with like-minded Jolson enthusiasts. Jan Hernstat, the International Al Jolson Society’s longtime president, says that fans travel to Long Island for this special experience from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and even Virginia.
“Jolson was the biggest star of the ‘20s, ‘30s and much of the ‘40s,” says Hernstat. “The problem is people don’t remember him anymore because there’s no outlet for his work. He was a star before radio, television and talking movies. There was no internet, and yet people all over the world knew who he was! The Al Jolson Festival is our way of letting people know the kind of talent that he was, and the kind of things that he did. There’s still a lot of people who want to come and celebrate him.”
Hernstat has been organizing the event since its inception. “It’s amazing, and we’ve had a lot of different people join us over the years. Soupy Sales, Margaret Whiting, Sheldon Harnick,” he recalls.
• Sept. 7, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Tickets are $49.95, which includes entertainment and meals; tickets for show only are $29.95
• Information and tickets available at Jolson.org or call Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524.
• Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park
To everyone’s delight, mainstay Babbino — aka “The Heart of Al Jolson” — is always the grand finale.
“I’ve had the great honor of being a part of it all these years,” says Babino as he considers his history with the festival. “It’s a great tribute to one of the greatest entertainers, and it’s something special to me because I’ve been paying tribute to Jolson my entire life. To be able to do it continually for the people who appreciate it, it’s really an amazing thing for me to experience.”
Hernstat wanted to focus on comedy this year. He’s brought in impressionists taking on Groucho Marx, Rodney Dangerfield and Laurel & Hardy.
“We’re going to recreate a radio skit that was done on ‘Kraft Music Hall’ between Jolson and Groucho,” Hernstat says. “We have an actual script!”
And, of course, there’s memorabilia available for sale, as always. This year’s selection includes items from a long time collector who passed.
“There are many things you couldn’t get otherwise. Between the auction and the sale, there’s going to be an awful lot of things Jolson fans can take advantage of,” Hernstat adds.
“It’s important to keep Jolson’s legacy alive for so many reasons, besides his one-of-a-kind, unique voice that’s easily recognizable,” Babino says.”He came to the U.S. as a little kid and went on to live the American dream. He did it all on his own. He became the biggest star in the country — on Broadway and then in the movies. At a time when it was very difficult to get to New York from other places, Jolson came up with the idea to take a full Broadway show on the road. That became the forerunner of the touring companies we have today. He was the first guy to go overseas and sing for the troops in World War II. He accomplished all these things [and many more] and he was kind of a forefather of modern show business.”
Participating yearly is truly a labor of love for the vocalist.
“We get such joy out of making it fun and interesting, performing some of the great and familiar music that people still love. We make a great day of it,” Babino says.
Hernstat remains intent on keeping Jolson’s legacy front and center in the public eye.
“If you are a lover of old time nostalgic stars of the past, you should not miss this,” he says with enthusiasm. “You’re going to want to come back again and again. We hope to continue to do this year after year, but don’t miss this one. It’s one for the ages!”
‘Good times never seemed so good’
Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by the musicians who perform as Neil Forever. The 14-piece band delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. Founder David Jacobson (lead vocals/guitar), has a great passion for Diamond’s music and legacy. Jacobson, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey only recently, in January of 2023. The band is already forging an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic Neil Diamond hits, especially“Sweet Caroline,” of course.
Saturday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.
Guitarist Dweezil Zappa brings the aptly named “Rox-Postrophy” Tour to the Paramount stage, Friday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m. Zappa is celebrating two of his father Frank Zappa’s landmark albums, “Roxy & Elsewhere” and “Apostrophe.”
The tour commemorates the 50th Anniversary of both albums and Zappa has curated a setlist highlighting fan-favorite tracks from each record, replete with unique hybrid arrangements.
“The songs you think you know, may just end up surprising you with parts you’ve never heard before” according to Zappa. A Grammy-winning musician, Zappa has left an indelible mark on the music industry with over 2,000 concerts performed worldwide.
Known for his masterful performances and deep connection to his father’s music, he returning to concert stages for the first time since the 2020 Hot Ratz Live! Tour, continuing to guide fans through the thrilling and sophisticated world of his father’s music. His virtuosity on the guitar is matched only by his prolific compositional skills, which have generated numerous original works spanning multiple albums including “Confessions of Deprived Youth” (1991) and “Via Zammata” (2015). His music effortlessly traverses genres, seamlessly weaving together elements of rock, fusion, and experimental sounds, all while maintaining a signature style that is unmistakably his own. In addition to his solo work, Zappa has collaborated with an impressively varied roster of artists, including Edward Van Halen, Deep Purple, Lisa Loeb, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Steve Vai, among others. $89, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49. 50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Bird walk
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, Sunday, Aug. 25, starting at 9 a.m. The group meets at the gazebo. The park is on the north side of Merrick Road, four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce car shows are back on Atlantic Avenue, every Thursday! Come enjoy a nice evening out in Lynbrook. Check out the cars and have dinner in one of Lynbrook’s local restaurants. Spectators are free! Showing a car? It’s $5. Staging starts at 5:30 p.m., at 14 St. James Place between Forest and Earl. For more information, visit LynbrookUSA.com or call (516) 242-4649.
Country night at the park
Step lively with an evening of country music and line dancing, hosted by LRC with DJ Milli at the Greis Park Gazebo, Sunday, Aug. 25, 6-9 p.m. Bring your cowboy boots and get ready to have fun with the whole family. The No Good Burger truck will also be there with plenty of good eats. Free admission. In case of rain, the event will be held inside the Recreation building. For more information visit LynbrookVillage.net. 55 Wilbur St.
Stop by East Rockaway Kiwanis car show, every Monday. Car enthusiasts display their classic cars beginning at 6 p.m. with music entertainment by DJ Ken Kojak, who spins doo-wop classics and oldies. Weekly raffles games, prizes, and giveaways will be at the event.
All proceeds are donated to the East Rockaway Schools Graduation scholarship fund and other Kiwanis community non-for-profit partners. 13 Weeks Main St., next-door to the Post Office. Any questions, call Michaelene at (516) 7219657.
Enjoy a film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, at the closing screening of the season, Wednesday, Aug. 28, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See “Wonka,” the prequel based on the Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” It tells the story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, the big screen spectacle introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chockfull of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Enjoy “Guys with Guitars,” at Greis Park, Saturday, Aug. 24, 6-9 p.m. 55 Wilbur St. For more information, call (516) 5998300.
All Lynbrook and East Rockaway school and village offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day.
Lynbrook Public Library offers another session of the sixhour defensive driving course, Monday, Aug. 26, 10:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Completing this course provides a reduction of insurance fees for three years and can reduce points. Empire Safety Council is a New York State DMV approved business. Registration is required. Cost is $33 to attend and can be paid cash, check or money order to Empire Safety Council. Class size is limited. 56 Eldert St. To register visit LynbrookLibrary. org.
Kids between the ages of 5-13 can sign up for a funfilled three-day art camp, at the Lynbrook Recreation Center, Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 27-29. Cost is $66 for residents and $72 for non-residents. 55 Wilbur St. For more information visit Lynbrook.RecDesk.com.
Having an event?
Rock on at Point Lookout for a rousing Labor Day weekend celebration, at Town Park Point Lookout, with Mike DelGuidice, Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. The free concert, hosted by the Town of Hempstead, concludes with a fireworks show.
DelGuidice, known for his appearances with Billy Joel, captivates audiences all over with his renditions of the Joel hits, along with his own tunes. 1300 Lido Blvd. in Point Lookout. For information, visit toh.li.
The Lynbrook Village Board meets, Monday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m., at Lynbrook Village Hall. 1 Columbus Dr. For more information, call (516) 599-8300.
Items on The Scene 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 thescene@liherald.com.
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum, Thursday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the in-depth program and also participate in a guided exhibition tour following the lecture. No registration required, but limited seating. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
With the summer coming to a close, it means its time for kids and teachers to return to the classroom. School is officially back in session starting Tuesday, Sept. 3.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
New York Islanders captain, and King Clancy Award winner, Anders Lee, will be bringing his beloved fundraising initiative back to Long Island next month. Lee will hold his “Jam Kancer in the Kan” fundraiser at the Northwell Health Ice Center, located off Merrick Avenue in Eisenhower Park on Sept. 14 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
At the event, teams of two players will be paired with an Islanders player, and compete against other teams and players in a Kan Jam tournament. Kan Jam is a backyard frisbee game, in which teams attempt to score points with a disc, by aiming their throws in the direction of two goals.
The Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation was founded in 2014 by Jamey Crimmins, who came up with the idea while training for the New York City Marathon. He was running as a member of “Fred’s Team,” a group that fundraises for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center every year. Crimmins had lost his father-in-law and a close friend to cancer. Alongside his wife and friends, he decided to organize an inaugural Jam Kancer in the Kan tournament in New Jersey. With 24 teams participating in the tournament, they raised $14,296 for families affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Lee, who has played for the Islanders since 2009, learned of the foundation in 2016, after seeing a video featuring Fenov Pierre-Louis who participated in Crimmins’ third-annual tournament in New Jersey. Pierre-Louis was a 15-year-
old cancer patient, and Lee decided he wanted to help him and other young patients in his position.
Lee and Pierre-Louis formed a close friendship, and Lee hosted his first Kancer Jam fundraiser in March of 2017 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where the Islanders were playing at the time. Two additional fundraisers were held in 2018, and last year, the fourth Kancer Jam event was held outside the ice rink in East Meadow, where the Islanders train.
The 2023 event in East Meadow raised $155,000, including a $30,000 contribution made by Lee. For his efforts, Lee was awarded the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, a sports award given annually to a National Hockey League player who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice, and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution.
“It was successful beyond even my wildest dreams,” Crimmins said of last year’s event. “We raised $155,000, so obviously my goal is to exceed that, because the more money we raise, the more we’re able to help families.”
Because Lee won the King Clancy award, the NHL designated $25,000 to a charity of his choice — which was the Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation. Crimmins said they expect to sell out all available team spots this September, as they did last year, but the added donation from the league will greatly help their overall amount raised.
Lee said he was inspired by several former teammates, who he had seen make a difference on Long Island throughout his time on the Islanders. “I
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST SERIES 2005-6, Plaintiff AGAINST ERIC EISENLAU, MARK FAUSER, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 7, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 9, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 5 John Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 42, Block: 89, Lot 104. Approximate amount of judgment
$368,273.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #012428/2012. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Steven Keats, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-293459 81663
148292
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstCARLOS DURANGO, 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 December 6, 2023, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and CARLOS DURANGO, 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 September 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 49 STRATFORD RD, LYNBROOK, NY 11563; and the following tax map identification: 42-187-17, 18 & 19. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT,
Anders Lee, captain of the New York Islanders, is bringing his beloved Jam Kancer in the Kan fundraiser back to Eisenhower Park on Sept. 14. Inspired by his teammates, who had made a difference on Long Island, the Kan Jam tournament raises money for families affected by cancer diagnoses.
was very inspired by them and what I saw them doing and the impact they were making,” he said. “I wanted to do something similar, but just didn’t know exactly where.”
But then, Lee said, he saw the video of Pierre-Louis speaking at Crimmins’ event.
“My friendship with Fenov — you know, you have these people that come into your lives, whether it’s a long term relationship, a short term one, or whatever it is, they kind of come in and change your perspective on things or really make an impact on you,” Lee said.
tinue to give back.
There are 32 team slots available, and each team that registers will agree to donate or fundraise a minimum of $2,700. Upon the completion of registration, a team will get its own fundraising page with a unique URL that can be shared to solicit donations. Those who donate can do so through the link with a credit or debit card, or via a check, made payable to The Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation.
PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 004724/2016. Theresa Ann Driscoll, 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. 148354
Pierre-Louis succumbed to the disease in 2018, and Lee spoke at his funeral, saying: “When I met Fenov, I became a better person, a better friend, a better son, a better husband — I had a purpose.”
Lee said Pierre-Louis drives his inspiration and his motivation to con-
Those who cannot participate can still make donations to the event, by visiting JamKancerInTheKan.com, and clicking on Lee’s page. There will also be an auction, with a wide array of items including autographed memorabilia, such as player sticks, jerseys, pucks and more. Details regarding the auction will be announced soon, and it should go live around Sept. 7, Crimmins said.
Teams of players can register to play in Kan Jam tournament, alongside their favorite players, and raise money for the foundation. Above, Lee with participants in last year’s tournament — which raised $155,000.
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EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES: Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
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place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000
Welcome to your exclusive oceanfront retreat, where luxury and coastal living converge in perfect harmony. This magnificent townhouse offers four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, providing ample space for both relaxation and entertaining. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by hardwood floors and captivated by the panoramic views of the ocean that grace every corner of this exquisite home. The main living area features a spacious and inviting layout, complete with an oceanfront terrace, and a cozy gas fireplace that adds warmth and charm to the space. The upper level of this unit is
Q. We have been told that when we add to our second floor, over our one-story garage, we will have to change every window in the house so we can meet the “egress” code. This is going to make our project out of budget, so we have to ask somebody else to know whether this is the case, and whether there’s any way we can keep the windows we have. There is nothing wrong with them, and it seems like a lot of cost when, if we left everything alone, we apparently wouldn’t have to do this. Can you explain this?
Relax beachside and soak up the sun while taking in the stunning ocean views from the two private terraces attached to this home. With four parking spaces, including an attached garage, parking is never a concern, ensuring convenience and ease for you and your guests. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply value the convenience of ample parking, this townhouse has you covered.
A. You don’t need to change every window in your home. You got the easy, simple answer, which was wrong or, at best, only partially right, and misleading. If everything could be explained with a simple answer, like the black-and-white, all-ornothing answer that you received, the world would be a simpler place. But nothing is simple, and, unfortunately, regulations on windows, which make sense, were not explained to you correctly.
First, the building codes exist for occupant and public safety. You need to be able to escape in an emergency, and you also may need to be rescued. Picture a big firefighter with his equipment strapped to him, trying to get in to save a child who is huddled, as many will do, in a closet.
Window size regulations in the building codes for escape and rescue were changed with the issuance of the 2003 version. In that updated code, the previous clear opening size was 4 square feet, but it was changed to 5.7 square feet for floors above or below the first floor. The first-floor windows for habitable spaces were then upgraded to 5 square feet clear opening from 4 square feet. This became required if more than 50 percent of the building was being physically altered, or if the occupancy use of a room changed, such as changing a den to a guest room. All bedrooms are now required, in new construction, to have 5.7-square-foot openings with a minimum height of 24 inches and a minimum width of the clear opening, with the window in the open position, of 20 inches.
Now that you have processed that information, the key is “habitable” versus “non-habitable.” Your bathrooms, laundry room and kitchen are not habitable rooms and are not sleeping rooms. The windows in those non-habitable rooms do not have to comply, and need not be changed. Rooms like your dining area, living room and family room may have access to the outside by doors, so those windows do not need to be changed. This leaves the bedrooms, which may need to be changed, but if the area you are adding over your garage does not constitute 50 percent of the dwelling, the new windows need to be 5.7 square feet, but the ones in the old bedrooms do not. Appendix J allows for the existing windows to remain. Calculate the new areas and compare. Good luck!
© 2024 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.
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The slogan “The War on Women” has largely been associated with the critical issue of women’s reproductive rights. With a presidential election coming in November, we have already heard the phrase being used not only in reference to federal races but also in local and state contests. This, of course, raises the question: Is there an actual war on women in New York state that will be, either officially or unofficially, on the ballot in November?
If we examine the question based on the historical use of the slogan, it may be difficult to argue that a war on women is being waged in our state, with the fate of women’s reproductive health being determined by this year’s election results. Yes, the Equal Rights Amendment is on the state ballot, but regardless of whether it is passed or rejected, state law will remain unchanged, and a women’s right to choose exists up to the date of birth of the fetus. The amendment’s passage will enshrine a woman’s right
to have an abortion up to the date of birth in the state Constitution. So, if current state law guaranteeing a woman’s right to choose will not be affected by this year’s ballot, the question remains: Is there currently a war on women? I would argue that there certainly is, and it is having devastating effects on women in New York. The true war is the dramatic increase in crime against women due to lenient crime policies, such as bail reform and the Raise the Age law, which have led to a surge in violence.
It’s the dramatic increase in crime against them due to lenient laws.
According to New York City Police Department data for the past four years, physical attacks on women have surged a startling 41 percent. Rapes are up 11 percent from January to July of this year. And everyone remembers the terrifying string of attacks earlier this year, in which 14 women were suckerpunched in unprovoked public assaults. Rafael Mangual, a criminal justice policy expert and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, has stated that the increase in crime in New York is partially due to criminal discovery reform, bail reform, Raise the Age and the migrant issue. Equally troubling are
Mthe progressive policies that have been enacted in Albany, as well as the proposed legislation currently being pushed in the Capitol. Liberal politicians in Albany are seeking to pass a bill that would legalize sex work, or prostitution. This is an extreme and dangerous policy pursuit that will endanger women. The legalization of the sex trade ignores the exploitation of women and the inherent dangers of prostitution.
On July 30, I hosted an Assembly Minority Task Force Hearing on the issue of human sex trafficking at Nassau Community College. The Nassau County Police Department, the district attorney’s and Crime Victim Advocate’s offices, and numerous nonprofits took part. The purpose of the hearing was to highlight the issue of human sex trafficking in New York; develop strategies to identify and assist trafficking victims; and improve coordination between governmental and nonprofit agencies to address the growing sex trafficking problem.
During the hearing, law enforcement officials clearly stated that the legalization of prostitution would increase sex
trafficking and criminal attacks on women. In 2021, the State Legislature passed a bill that allows “loitering for the purpose of prostitution,” which many believe was the first step toward legalizing the sex trade in the state. Based on NYPD statistics, rapes have significantly increased over the past two years in areas of New York City where prostitution is prevalent.
While the importance of women’s reproductive rights continues to be highlighted, the immediate and pressing “War on Women” in our state manifests in the form of increased violence and exploitation. The lenient crime policies and the push for controversial legislation, such as the legalization of prostitution, exacerbate women’s vulnerabilities. The rise in physical attacks, sexual violence, and human trafficking underscores a systemic failure to protect and prioritize their safety.
As voters head to the polls this November, it is imperative to consider not only the symbolic, but also the tangible, threats to women in our state. Addressing these issues with effective and tough, but compassionate, policies should be our foremost priority to ensure their safety and well-being.
Brian Curran represents the 21st Assembly District.
y love of reading and history began when I was about 16. Enrolled in an Advanced Placement English class at my high school, I was blessed to have an amazing teacher who taught me how to make sense of the things I read, and consequently fostered my love of writing. It was around then that I began to develop an understanding of things I could never relate to, of experiences I could never begin to comprehend.
A book, or rather a memoir, that left a lasting impression on me was “Black Boy,” by Richard Wright, published in 1945. It depicts Wright’s upbringing in the South and his eventual move to Chicago, where he embarks on a writing career and becomes involved with the Communist Party of the United States.
It’s a difficult but impressive read that dives into Wright’s honest and poignant depiction of racism in the U.S. It pulls at your heartstrings as you read about the considerable distress that Wright experienced — physically, men-
tally and emotionally — throughout his early life.
The book was both critically acclaimed and strongly disliked. It has frequently ended up on banned-book lists in schools and libraries in a number of states, with those opposed to it arguing that its raw depiction of racism is worthy of censorship.
An early challenge to the book came in 1972 in Michigan, as parents claimed it was unsuitable for teens. A few years later, it was challenged by schools in Louisiana and Tennessee.
s
ome subject matter should make us uncomfortable, but that’s OK.
It was one of the books that parents of students at Island Trees High School — right here on Long Island — wanted removed from the school’s library in 1975. They characterized “Black Boy” and 10 other books as “anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, and just plain filthy.”
That, of course, eventually led to a landmark case in the Supreme Court, the first of its kind to consider the right to receive information in a library under the First Amendment. The court’s decision in 1982 was split, leaving the scope of the right unclear even today.
Across the U.S., there have been more
frequent reports in recent years of books being removed from school shelves, many with content that revolves around race, sexual orientation and gender identity. In Florida alone in 2021 and 2022, school districts instituted 357 bans, according to PEN America, the organization that promotes free expression and protects writers and artists.
As a reader, and a huge supporter of public education, I find the subject of book bans tricky.
I think schools set appropriate standards for what students read throughout the course of their education. The content of books they’re assigned often corresponds well with what they’re learning in history classes, thus fostering a well-rounded understanding of a variety of subjects. By the time most students are in late middle school and high school, their brains are developed enough to understand themes, identify imagery and symbolism, and analyze and evaluate ideas they’ve found in texts. No matter how intense a book’s subject, a student should be able to not only make sense of it, but learn from it.
That’s the magic of reading.
When I think about books like “Black
Boy,” and why they’ve resonated with me all these years later, much of it has to do with comfort. Reading about the atrocities of our past is never easy. Simply put: Some subject matter should make us uncomfortable, but that’s OK. It’s through reading that we learn, and how can we ever learn if censorship runs rampant?
The New York State Legislature has fought book bans, introducing legislation that protects a child’s right to read. There have been no fewer than 13 book bans in four school districts, and the issue has played out in school board meetings and social media, even here on Long Island.
Understanding today’s societal and political landscape is tough, but the foundations of the past can help us make sense of it. As students and young people begin to navigate the complexities of society, it is crucial that their freedom to read, and to be exposed to diverse perspectives, is protected. It is only through understanding our past and confronting uncomfortable truths that we can move toward building a more inclusive, and more informed, future.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.
For years, Long Island’s seniors have faced a daunting challenge: the ever-rising cost of prescription medications. In a region where the cost of living already stretches many budgets to the breaking point, our elderly neighbors have often been forced to make impossible choices between their health and their financial stability. now, however, there is a ray of hope on the horizon for nassau and Suffolk counties’ substantial senior population.
The federal government’s recent announcement of negotiated prices for 10 commonly prescribed medications under Medicare marks a significant turning point. For Long Island, where nearly one in five residents is over age 65, this change promises real, tangible benefits.
Consider the impact on our community. The price of Eliquis, a blood thinner used by thousands of area seniors to prevent strokes, will be slashed by 56 percent. For a retiree on a fixed income, that could mean a savings of nearly $3,500 a year — money that can now go toward other essentials like food and utilities, or even small luxuries that improve quality of life.
Similarly, a 66 percent price reduction for Jardiance, a crucial medication for diabetes and heart failure, could be life-changing for many of our neighbors. With diabetes affecting a significant portion of the elderly population, this price cut could mean the difference between managing the condition effectively and facing severe health compli-
cations.
And the benefits extend beyond individual savings. By reducing the financial strain of medication costs, we may see improved adherence to prescribed treatment plans among our senior population. That could lead to better health outcomes, and potentially reduce the burden on our local health care systems, including hospitals like Mt. Sinai South nassau and northwell.
Moreover, these savings could have a ripple effect throughout our local economy. When our seniors have more disposable income, they’re more likely to patronize local businesses, contributing to the vitality of our communities.
It is crucial, however, to address the concerns raised by some about the potential impact on pharmaceutical innovation when the federal government steps in to negotiate drug prices. Critics argue that negotiated prices could stifle research and development, potentially depriving us of future breakthrough treatments.
While this concern is valid, it’s important to put it in perspective. The pharmaceutical industry remains highly profitable, with margins that far exceed most other sectors of the economy. Many breakthrough drugs have been developed with significant public funding through institutions like the national Institutes of Health. And the negotiated prices, while lower, will still provide these companies with substantial revenue.
Furthermore, we must weigh the hypothetical loss of future innovations
against the very real, immediate benefit to our community. For the senior you know who has been cutting pills in half to make them last longer, or the retiree next door who has been skipping doses to stretch their budget, these price reductions aren’t just numbers — they’re a lifeline.
Long Island has always valued innovation, but we also believe in taking care of our own. We can and should continue to support pharmaceutical research, but not at the cost of our seniors’ health and financial security.
As these new prices take effect in 2026, we encourage our senior readers to stay informed and discuss the changes with their health care providers. Those who are concerned about how lower prices might affect their medications can reach out to local resources like the nassau County Department of Human Services for guidance.
This step toward making medications more affordable isn’t just a win for our elderly population — it’s a win for all of us who believe in the promise of a compassionate, equitable health care system. It’s a reflection of our values as a community, showing that we prioritize the well-being of our neighbors over corporate profits.
So let’s continue to advocate for policies that benefit our local seniors while also supporting responsible innovation. Long Island has always found ways to balance progress with compassion, and this is one more opportunity for us to show what makes our community truly special.
Momalas — and more — unite
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s column in the Aug. 8-14 issue, “Momalas for Kamala, a thread to unite us”: So many of us are also hoping that “all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement to elect (Kamala) Harris president,” as Ms. Kreiss writes.
In the meantime, I humbly add another “mini cell” to the body in case folks are unaware: Seniors for Harris, who, in the interest of protecting our Social Security and Medicare benefits, are holding regular Zoom calls.
JoSIE MARIno Lynbrook
Harris’s policies will ‘sink this country!’
To the Editor:
In “Momalas for Kamala,” Randi Kreiss listed a few
Costco, the popular warehouse retailer with multiple locations across Long Island, is making a significant change to its membership policy. As of the new update, customers will be required to scan the bar code or QR code associated with their membership cards at store entrances. Additionally, anyone entering a store must be accompanied by a valid member. For those whose membership cards lack a photo, a valid photo ID will also be required.
While this policy aims to enhance security and prevent misuse of Costco memberships, it also underscores a glaring double standard in our societal
debate about identification requirements. It is curious that the same individuals and media who criticize the necessity of showing an ID for voting, claiming it disenfranchises the poor and minorities, seem to accept — if not applaud — the stringent ID checks for entering a Costco.
SRequiring voter ID at polling stations can significantly reduce the potential for election fraud by ensuring that every voter is properly identified and eligible to vote. By implementing stringent ID requirements, election authorities can verify that the person casting a ballot is indeed a registered voter, and not someone attempting to vote a number of times or impersonate another voter. This process helps to maintain the integrity of the electoral system, and ensures that each vote cast is legitimate, thus minimizing opportunities
of the groups that would support Kamala Harris in a kind of “political wave . . . a tsunami of relief and joy” that will push people to support her. Kreiss mentioned Black women for Kamala, White Dudes for Kamala, White Women for Kamala.
A few groups obviously were not mentioned: Antisemites for Kamala, Defund the Police Crowd for Kamala, Open Border Supporters for Kamala, Pro-Hamas Rioters for Kamala, Antifa and BLM Rioters and Looters for Kamala.
Did I not mention the Free College, Health Insurance and Social Security for Illegals Crowd for Kamala? How about the Abortion Anywhere and Anytime Supporters for Kamala?
Yes, Randi. It’s a real tsunami of love and support for Kamala Harris that will sink this country!
ROBeRT KRALICK Glen Head
Nassau’s mask ban is ‘antithesis of freedom’
To the editor:
Nassau County passed a mask ban two weeks ago, just as everyone I know is getting Covid-19 again, and I have to wonder what we stand to gain from this. There are people who have genuine reasons to wear masks to protect their health. I’m one of them. I have asthma, and I do not welcome the notion of being questioned by police for protecting myself from viruses that could destroy my quality of life. I do not trust anyone but my doctors to determine if
for fraudulent activities.
trict rules at a warehouse retailer, but not at the voting booth?
Moreover, voter ID laws can reinforce public confidence in the electoral process. When citizens know that measures are in place to prevent cheating and maintain accurate voter rolls, they are more likely to trust the outcome of elections and participate in the democratic process. By keeping elections transparent and free from fraud, ID requirements contribute to a fairer, more reliable voting system, which upholds the principles of democracy and ensures that the voice of every legal voter is heard and counted.
The argument against voter ID laws often hinges on the notion that requiring identification can marginalize those who face challenges in obtaining it. Yet these same critics accept and even support Costco’s decision to enforce stringent ID verification for its
customers.
This discrepancy raises important questions about consistency and fairness. If we are willing to accept rigorous ID requirements for accessing membership-based services, such as shopping at Costco, should we not also consider the importance of ensuring that every citizen can exercise their fundamental right to vote without having that vote canceled out by the unvetted and the noncitizen, as well as extreme ballot harvesting and ballot dumping?
It is crucial for our public discourse to address these inconsistencies and work toward solutions that do not undermine the rights of lawful individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. As we navigate these complex issues, let us strive for fairness and equality in all aspects of our public policies. Let the honest voices of our legal citizenry be heard and counted.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
my exemption is “legitimate,” and that’s not something I should need to worry about.
The county mask legislation claims to have exemptions for religious and medical reasons, but it’s very unclear how that will be enforced. In America, we shouldn’t even be talking about enforcing rules for what people can wear. That is the very antithesis of freedom.
AMANDA MuLLeN Oceanside
To the editor:
Sixteen years ago, my daughter and her husband were trying to get pregnant for the first time, and after several years they had to use in vitro fertilization. After several rounds, we were blessed with a beautiful baby, my first grandchild. Without the science behind in vitro fertilization, my daughter would not have children, and I would not have had the joy of a grandson.
I recently learned that my congressman in the 4th District, Anthony D’esposito, is pushing an extreme agenda to restrict reproductive freedom. I cannot vote for him this November. Families deserve to be able to have children, and government needs to mind its own business! I will be voting for Laura Gillen for Congress this year, because she will support women’s rights for reproduction freedom.
WILLIAM YOuNGFeRT Franklin Square
