Oceanside/Island Park Herald 10-03-2024

HERALD Oceanside/island park

Rain couldn’t stop Fall Festival fun

Alina Beitzinger, Allie Levitt and Ryanne Dawson enjoyed getting their faces and arm painted at the second annual Oceanside Fall Festival last Saturday. Story, more photos, Page 10.

Kiwanis Club to honor OHS teacher

Todd Nussen will be presented

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

The Kiwanis Club of Oceanside will present Oceanside High School teacher Todd Nussen with the 2024 Special Service Award on Oct. 17 at the club’s 79th anniversary charter and installation dinner at Temple Avodah, recognizing him for his dedication both inside and outside the classroom.

Nussen, a 19-year veteran of the Oceanside School District, has made a lasting impact through his innovative teaching methods, his leadership of the Patriots Club, and his deep commitment to community service, particularly in honoring veterans. Nussen first learned about the honor in May.

with Special Service Award

Tom Cesiro Jr., a Kiwanis member and former student nominated Nussen. School Board Trustee Sandie Schoell, who served on the selection committee, fully supported the nomination.

“Todd is really a very exceptional individual . . . he has gone above and beyond,” she said. “True community service is when you’re helping somebody who doesn’t even know you helped them,” she said, referencing the values Nussen imparts to his students. “Todd is trying to teach kids about the respect for these men and women who sacrificed so much in service to our country.”

Nussen has connected students with various charitable organizations, such as the Holocaust

EGP Oceanside event to support Robyn Fink

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

This Columbus Day, EGP Oceanside will invite the community to its eighth annual Fall Fest, which combines family fun with heartfelt purpose. This year’s event, on Oct. 14, will be dedicated to supporting longtime Oceanside resident Robyn Fink, who is battling Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

Coming as it does during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Fall Fest will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community.

Scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. at the Long Beach Road restaurant, the event promises a day filled with activities and live entertainment — music, raffles, crafts, a pumpkin patch, face painting and more. A ’90s alternative rock cover band, El Scorcho, and Matt Wahl and Red X 47 Band, will perform. Proceeds will help support Fink’s ongoing medical treatments, which have proven to be a heavy financial burden on her and her family.

Each year, the fest benefits a local family facing challenges.

For Brianna O’Hagan, EGP Oceanside’s general manager, organizing the event in Fink’s

Event details

Date: Monday, Oct. 14 t ime: Noon to 6 p.m.

Location: EGP Oceanside, 2823 Long Beach Road

Activities: Live music, raffles, food, crafts, pumpkin patch, face painting and more

Performances by El Scorcho (’90s alternative rock cover band), Matt Wahl & and Red X 47 Band.

honor was a no-brainer.

“We’ve been doing this Fall Fest for eight years now, and each year we choose someone in the community who could really use the support,” O’Hagan said. “This year, Robyn’s story truly touched us. Robyn and her family are regulars at EGP, and when we found out what she was going through, we knew we had to do something to help.”

Fink, who turned 40 this year, was diagnosed in March 2023. What followed was an intense and challenging medi-

Continued on page 9

Skye Margies/Herald

ANNIVERSARY

THURSDAY,

Parents support school ban on cell phones, new poll shows

children are online for five or more hours daily. Surprisingly, 23 percent of parents are unsure of their children’s daily social media usage.

widespread concern about the impact of screen time and social media on children’s well-being.

An overwhelming 85 percent of parents support state laws limiting social media content for minors, while 82 percent believe social media companies should do more to restrict children’s access to these platforms. On average, children spend 3.41 hours per day on social media apps, highlighting concerns about excessive screen time.

While most parents (72 percent) want their child to have a cell phone in case of emergencies, 77 percent support banning phone use during school hours. This comes as New York Governor Kathy Hochul pushes for a ban on internet access on students’ cell phones during class, and Assemblyman Keith Brown has introduced a bill prohibiting cell phones during instruction. Some school districts, including Hempstead, have already implemented such restrictions.

“Excessive screen time and social media use can have detrimental effects on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children and adults,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “Parents and schools are key to mitigating these risks by setting guidelines that promote healthy, creative, and socially constructive use of screen time.”

Despite concerns, many parents remain uncertain about their children’s social media habits. While 27 percent of parents estimate their children spend up to two hours a day on social media, 34 percent report three to four hours, and 16 percent say their

The poll also found that while most parents feel they have effective control over their children’s social media use, only 53 percent express concern about the three or more hours per day their children spend online. Additionally, only 25 percent of parents believe this screen time is negatively affecting their children’s mental health.

The findings align with recent studies, including a U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory warning that children who spend more than three hours per day on social media are at double the risk of poor mental health, including depression and anxiety. Parents are also feeling the effects, with 16 percent admitting to being addicted to their phones, although most do not believe it has harmed their relationships.

To address the challenges posed by excessive screen time, Dr. Lincoln Ferguson, Chair of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai South Nassau, suggests a family media plan, including recommendations such as one hour of daily physical activity, 8 to 12 hours of sleep depending on age, and a ban on device use one hour before bedtime.

The latest “Truth in Medicine” poll, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, surveyed 600 parents in Long Island and New York City from August 1 to 5. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percent.

The poll aims to foster public discussion on important health issues and is part of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ongoing mission to promote public health education.

For more information, visit the “Truth in Medicine” poll at www. southnassau.org.

— Kepherd Daniel

Parents strongly support school ban on cell phone use and a crackdown on social

Pam Jones reflects on NICU Journey at MSSN

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Pamela Jones of Valley Stream had no reason to believe her pregnancy would be anything but routine. Her journey through the first two trimesters was textbook perfect. But at around 29 weeks, her blood pressure readings began to spike. Diagnosed with preeclampsia, Jones found herself in uncharted territory.

“At 30 weeks, my blood pressure was still rising,” she recalled. Her medical team at Mount Sinai South Nassau made the decision to admit her to the hospital. The goal was to keep her stable until 36 weeks, but at 32 weeks, things changed. “I started experiencing more severe features of preeclampsia, and the doctors decided the best course of action for both me and my baby was to deliver her via C-section.”

Thus began Pamela’s unexpected and emotional journey into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a place no parent anticipates in their birth plan.

Her daughter, born prematurely in January 2022, needed specialized care in the NICU. Despite the inherent stress of the situation, Jones remembers being reassured from the very beginning.

“The NICU team was fantastic,” she said. They came into my room in labor and introduced themselves, explaining how they’d take care of my daughter once she was born. They were just amazing from the start.”

Jones expressed immense gratitude to the NICU and labor/delivery teams at Mount Sinai South Nassau for the exceptional care they provided during such a challenging time. “No parent expects their child to end up in the NICU, but the staff made all the difference. They not only cared for the babies but also for the parents.”

While the early days were difficult, Jones recalls the deep sense of partnership between parents and

Pam Jones and her child enjoyed members of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Maternity and NICU clinical team getting together for a successful reunion.

the medical team. “Even though I couldn’t take my daughter home right away, I was still her advocate. Parents are a vital part of their child’s care team.”

Today, Pamela’s daughter is a thriving, energetic toddler. Though the NICU experience was difficult, Jones takes comfort in knowing her daughter received the best possible care during those fragile early days.

Following her daughter’s discharge in February 2022, Jones and her family were invited to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s first annual NICU reunion that September. These reunions bring together NICU “graduates” and their families to reconnect with the doctors and nurses who cared for them.

For Jones, attending these reunions has become an annual tradition. Children and their families enjoyed an afternoon filled with fun activities, great food, sweet treats, and animals. The celebration included arts and crafts, a visit with Chase from Paw Patrol, a magic show, Music Therapy, playing rubber ducky match and getting their faces painted. There was plenty of scrumptious food and tasty sugary treats for everyone, including pizza from Pies-on Wheels; kids’ chicken meals from Chickies, as well as cookies and ice cream from Mr. Softee.

“This was our third time attending, and it’s always such a special event,” she said. “It really feels like a family reunion. It’s an opportunity to catch up with the incredible doctors and nurses who were there for us during such a pivotal time.”

This year, Pamela took her involvement one step further by volunteering on the event’s planning committee. She felt compelled to give back to the NICU community that had been such a source of support for her.

“I had such a positive experience, despite the challenges, that I wanted to pay it forward. As a parent who’s been through it, I think it’s important to provide that perspective to other families.”

As Pamela continues to stay involved in the NICU community, she is already looking forward to next year’s reunion.

“We’ll keep coming back as long as they’ll have us,” she said with a smile. “It’s such a joy to see everyone again, and to watch all the kids grow up.”

For Pamela, the NICU reunion is a chance to celebrate not just her daughter’s journey but also the resilience and dedication of the doctors, nurses, and families who make up the NICU community.

“The care we received at Mount Sinai South Nassau was extraordinary, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Attending the reunion and serving on the committee is my way of staying connected to that community and giving back in whatever way I can.”

Courtesy MSSN

Pam Jones, and her child along with her husband Rael enjoyed the fun at the NICU reunion.

Protecting Your Future

Elder Law Estate Planning Misconceptions

One of the most common and devastating misconceptions about elder law estate planning is that it is too late to save money from nursing home costs. On the contrary, there are crisis planning tools that may save substantial assets from being spent on nursing home costs, even after the client has already entered the nursing home. Almost always, if there are assets left, much can be saved.

There are only three ways to pay for nursing home costs – your own assets, long-term care insurance (owned by less than five percent of the population), or Medicaid provided by the government.

Many people know about the “five-year look-back period” and assume nothing can be done without advance planning. The fiveyear look-back rule means that if you gave any gifts away within the last five years, when asking for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs, the gift amount creates a penalty period, which results in a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.

Despite the five-year look-back, New

York law allows people to protect assets from nursing home costs, even without pre-planning. For single applicants, you may be able to save about half of the assets through the “gift and loan” strategy. For married couples, where one spouse needs a nursing home, “spousal refusal” may protect substantial amounts of assets for the spouse at home. These techniques are discussed in detail at trustlaw.com, under “Practice Areas”, then “Medicaid Strategies”.

The five-year look-back rule does not affect eligibility of Medicaid home care, also known as “community” Medicaid. Currently, an applicant may transfer their assets out of their name and still qualify for home care in the next month.

Many assets, such as retirement accounts, rental properties and even the family home in certain cases, are exempt from Medicaid. The bottom line is that if someone you love is in failing health, the sooner you consult an elder law attorney the more you will likely be able to save assets.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com

Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success

Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

Mets and Sunrise Association bring joy to kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering

Oceanside’s Sunrise Association, Major League Baseball, the New York Mets, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) came together on Sept. 19 to brighten the day for young cancer patients. As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Mets pitcher Sean Manaea made a special visit to the children at MSK, engaging them in Mets-themed arts, crafts, and games.

The highlight of the event was a donation from Major League Baseball and Starlight Children’s Foundation — a Starlight Nintendo Switch — which Manaea used to play video games with the children. His presence and participation in the activities brought smiles and laughter to the kids, offering a much-needed break from their daily battles with illness.

This event underscores the ongoing commitment of the Mets and their charitable arm, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, to supporting pediatric cancer patients. In 2023, the foundation provided a $38,000 grant to fund five campers from Sunrise Day Camp–Long Island and sponsored the camp’s popular Color War Theme Week.

The partnership between the Mets, Sunrise Association, and MSK has been instrumental in creating moments of joy for children facing cancer, allowing them to “just be kids” through initiatives like Sunrise Day Camps. Through these events, the Mets continue to extend hope and happiness to families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer.

— Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Sunrise Association

New York Mets’ Sean Manaea delivers souvenirs and much-needed smiles to a young patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

1272105

ANTHONY GRIMALDI

East Rockaway Senior Football

A RETURNING ALL-COUNTY selection, Grimaldi helped get the Rocks into the win column for the first time in 2024 on Sept. 21. He got East Rockaway’s 52-14 victory over Lawrence started with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchddown and went on to make four more trips into the end zone. He had touchdown runs covering 45, 18, 75 and 1 yards and racked up 190 yards on the ground on 11 carries. He also leads the defense at linebacker.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 4

Football: Seaford at Malverne

Saturday, Oct. 5

Boys Soccer: Academy Charter at Uniondale

Boys Soccer: Seaford at Lawrence 10

Girls Soccer: Clarke at V.S. South 10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Uniondale at Malv/East Rockaway 10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Elmont at Freeport 10 a.m.

Boys Soccer: Bellport at Kennedy 10 a.m.

Football: Mepham at Carey 11 a.m.

Football: New Hyde Park at Baldwin 11 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Lawrence at V.S. North 12:30 p.m.

Boys Soccer: V.S. Central at Mepham 2 p.m.

Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Oyster Bay at West Hempstead 2:30 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook 3 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Freeport 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Uniondale 3 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 6:30 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Oceanside contending for top spot

By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.com

The prospect of a straightsets victory had vanished, but the Oceanside boys’ volleyball team was still in comfortable command, poised to boot Hicksville from the clubs’ shared roost atop Nassau Conference 1B.

But as the Comets kept surging back from the brink to even the match at two sets apiece in a clash of unbeatens Sept. 21, it was suddenly also the Sailors who found themselves staring at possible eviction.

“We came out swinging against our top competition, but we dug ourselves a hole in the third and fourth sets,” said first-year Oceanside coach Amanda Peluso, whose team sought to extend a 5-0 streak to start the season.

“Before the fifth set we huddled and I said we had to play like we did in the beginning,” Peluso said. “I said we were better, we could beat this team if we just play our game, if we fight for these next 15 points.”

“Then,” she added, “that’s exactly what we did.”

Senior Ryan Piccola took Oceanside’s service – as well as his coach’s advice – to start the final frame, powering the Sailors’ return to form in a staunch 11-5 fifthset win as Oceanside outlasted host Hicksville 3-2 and moved to 6-0 on the season.

“We were able to pull ahead of [Hicksville] thanks to some great serves by Ryan,” Peluso said of the second-year setter whose 42 assists on the night were a season high. “But really the whole team came together for

the win, which shows our capabilities.”

Piccola ranks fifth in the league with 152 assists – the

product, by and large, of two fruitful collaborations: outside hitter Jake Cadiz and middle hitter Ethan Lisi –

both seniors – lead Oceanside (7-2, 7-1 in 1B) with 140 and 80 kills, respectively.

Cadiz had 22 kills to lead the Sailors at Hicksville, while his 27 winners on Sept. 17 marked a season high in Oceanside’s 3-1 league win over visiting Valley Stream Central.

“Jake is great, very aggressive at the net,” Peluso said. “He can get around blocks on the other side, which is half the battle of being a hitter. He goes cross, goes line, just finds those open spots.”

With a half-game edge at Herald press time over both Levittown-Division – which bested Oceanside Sept. 27 –and Hicksville (which beat Division), the first-place Sailors, heading into the season’s second half, look to defend their coveted perch in winner-take-all 1B.

To this end, the recent return of outside hitter Declan Costello has given the Sailors a timely shot in the arm, said Peluso, also noting the pivotal play of first-year starters Jake Ducorsky and Sebastian Morales on Oceanside’s back-row.

“Sebastian and Jake have really been able to control things back there,” Peluso said. “More than just filling gaps, they’ve been able to do all we’ve needed.”

“Everyone has an important role,” Peluso added. “We’re doing well but we have to keep it up, keep working. Going into the second half of the season, with three teams fighting for that one spot to get in the playoffs, we have to make sure, like we said against Hicksville, to just keep playing our game.”

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Senior outside hitter Jake Cadiz is part of a strong attack and leads the Sailors in kills with 140 through nine matches.

Kiwanis will honor Nussen on Oct. 17

Memorial & Tolerance Center, Develop Africa, and Dress for Success, emphasizing global citizenship and community outreach.

Nussen’s path to this esteemed recognition stems from his lifelong passion for history. Influenced by his grandfathers — one a World War II veteran and the other a Holocaust survivor — Nussen grew up with a profound respect for history lessons.

“There was a seed planted in me at a very young age about how important history is and how we’re all connected to it,” he said. “I wanted to bring that to life in Oceanside.”

He has been doing just that since he joined the Oceanside High School faculty in 2005. Nussen has developed curriculum for courses like global history and geography, economics and big history. Nussen is one of only 40 international teacher leaders involved in the Big History Project, contributing to curriculum development and shaping interdisciplinary learning.

During his tenure, Todd has taught and helped develop curriculum for several courses including: Global History & Geography II, Big History, Economics, and Government. He’s known for making history relatable and actionable for students, helping them connect past events with current challenges and opportunities.

“I try to make my lessons engaging

and relevant,” he explained. “There are times to have fun in the classroom, but when we’re dealing with serious topics, there are moments of gravity that can resonate with students.”

One of Nussen’s most significant contributions to Oceanside has been the creation of the Patriots Club, which he co-founded in 2011, teaching students about democracy, citizenship and service by connecting them with local veterans. Over the years, the Patriots Club has honored Oceanside veterans from World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and organized drives for books, DVDs and toiletries to send to U.S. military bases around the world. One of the club’s signature events is the annual Field of Honor during Memorial Day, where more than 150 flags are flown to represent veterans in the community. Through the club, students are able to hear firsthand stories from veterans and engage with living history.

Equity Committee, the Emergency Response Team, and the Covid-19 School Reentry Committee. He’s also coached the girls’ varsity swim team, guiding several swimmers to compete at county and state championships. Most recently, he became the co-director of the Hard 2 Guard Basketball Camp, another avenue through which he impacts local youth.

In the classroom, Nussen works hard to keep his students engaged.

“I try to make every day a little different,” he said. “It keeps things interesting for them, and it helps develop different skills. I want them to learn content, but I also want to make them smarter by encouraging critical thinking and curiosity.”

His approach has clearly resonated with his students, who often leave his class not just with a deeper understanding of history, but also with an appreciation for how it applies to the world today.

tion at Oceanside High School for making his initiatives possible.

“I’ve been lucky to work in a school and a district where every idea I’ve brought forward has been supported,” he said. “None of this would work without the amazing colleagues, supervisors and students I have. It’s truly been a collective effort.”

He also acknowledged the role his family has played in his success. When he’s not at school, Nussen spends time with his wife, Maria, and their three daughters, Melina, Natasha and Adriana, who have been his pillars of support throughout his career.

As for the future, Nussen continues to look for ways to improve his teaching and expand the work of the Patriots Club.

“I’m always thinking about what’s next?” he said. “What new ideas can we bring into the classroom? How can we make the Patriots Club even better? There’s always room for growth, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish next.”

“In the classroom, we often deal with documents and artifacts,” Nussen said. “But when students meet veterans, they’re interacting with actual people. That’s a special experience that brings history to life.”

Nussen also has served on the Race &

“It’s not just about test scores,” Nussen said. “It’s about when students ask questions, bring in new information, and genuinely care about what they’re learning. Those are the little wins that make me proud.”

He’s quick to credit the support of his colleagues, students and the administra-

As he reflects on his 19 years at Oceanside High School, Nussen remains humble but proud. “This recognition from the Kiwanis Club is incredible,” he said. “But I’m just as proud of the everyday moments — when students are engaged in learning, when we’re honoring a veteran, or when we’re coming together as a community. Those are the moments that matter most.”

Todd NusseN

Ari Brown running for 2nd Assembly term

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

As he campaigns for re-election to the 20th District seat in the State Assembly, Ari Brown aims to tackle antisemitism, crime and other community issues while leveraging his experience in local governance, construction and business operations.

This will be Brown’s third election for the Assembly seat — a two-year term. The first was a special election in 2022, to fill the vacancy left by Melissa “Missy” Miller when she joined the Town of Hempstead board. Tina Posterli, of Long Beach, is running against Brown.

Brown, a construction business owner and Franklin Square native, moved to Cedarhurst 33 years ago, and is now deputy mayor and a 25-year village board member.

Brown is a part of the Assembly’s state education and small business committees, as well as a ranking member of the local governments committee.

“I think the reason why they put me so quickly as the ranking member for local governments, I run a very tight ship in Cedarhurst,” Brown, a father of seven, said.

Former Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise asked Brown to run the business improvement district in Cedarhurst, before Brown was elected to the village board, he said, nearly 30 years ago. At the time, the district had a vacancy rate

of 20 percent vacancies, and now it’s down to zero, Brown added.

As the first Orthodox Jewish Republican assemblyman, Brown said he plans to keep combating antisemitism, which is at the forefront of his platform, with six specific bills, he introduced.

One bill would strip scholarships from students who engage in antisemitic acts, and another would mandate student sensitivity training related to antisemitism. Brown also created a bill to update the definition of the practice of antisemitism to protect its victims, he said.

“A lot of them have something to do with antisemitism, but they all defend good and decent people,” he said.

With still another bill, Brown said he hoped to designate certain offenses against law enforcement as hate crimes.

“Let’s say you’re at some rally,” he said. “They’re coming out against the Jewish people. Police defend the Jewish people. They go after the cops just for defending innocent protesters.”

Another big-ticket item for Brown is doing away with cashless bail, he said, adding it’s something that could be putting stores, such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, out of business.

“I don’t care if you steal a piece of gum — throw them in jail, let them have their day in court, it’s a crime,” Brown said.

His stance is modeled after former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s popularization of the “broken win -

Incumbent Ari Brown is seeking reelection to the Assembly in November.

dows” theory to crack down on minor crime, creating a sense of lawfulness.

“Unless we’re going to go after every single criminal, why should there be cashless bail?” Brown said. “I don’t even understand, ‘Oh people can’t afford it.’

Don’t commit the crime, I mean, that’s all.”

Brown also plans to work to reverse the regressive commuter tax, or congestion pricing.

“If people can’t afford to go to Manhattan, gas prices are so high and now you have this other layer, 20 to 30 dollars extra — that’s not going to happen,” Brown said, citing costs as just another

deterrent from visiting the city. When it comes to projects involving offshore wind, Brown said he has not been entirely against the idea, but has met with the leaders of these potential projects that would impact his constituents to propose alternative paths of travel for transmission lines. He has suggested less dense, non-residential areas for them, but to no avail, he said.

Brown added that the electromagnetic fields associated with offshore wind developments could damage infrastructure and cause cancer.

He said he believes he’s the most suited to return to his Assembly seat, because “I’m a Long Islander first and foremost.”

Based on Brown’s half-Italian, halfJewish background, diverse wealth of connections and decades of construction in the communities he represents, he’s well versed in the demands of his constituents, he said.

“I’m very well aware what’s needed,” he said.

District 20 includes the villages and hamlets of Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Hewlett, Inwood, Island Park, Lawrence, Oceanside, Woodmere and the barrier island from Atlantic Beach to Point Lookout.

Tina Posterli aims to transform District 20

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

Long Beach’s Tina Posterli is preparing to shake up the political landscape as she vies for the District 20 Assembly seat, drawing on her experience in local governance.

“I developed my voice and my passion for this work, really, since I was in my 20s,” Posterli said, citing her first jobs in public policy and communications for healthcare and water.

Her previous positions on the Long Beach City Council and as president of the Long Beach Board of Education have prepared her for the Assembly, she said.

“These experiences really shaped me and showed me the real legislative priorities that our communities need,” Posterli said. “I’m dedicated to securing funding for education to ensure all our students get quality education and keep our property taxes from spiking, and securing funding for much-needed resources that will help with flood abatement and infrastructure to protect our communities against flooding and sea level rise.”

While on the City Council, Posterli said she helped to secure over $200 million to close the sewage treatment plant that was discharging millions of gal -

lons of effluent into Reynolds Channel. The funds were also used to improve Long Beach’s water treatment plant and repave 60 of the city’s roads.

Posterli said she also had a part in bringing the North Shore Critical Infrastructure Project, which added bulkheads, water pumps and flood mitigation, to fruition, after not being pushed through for decades.

One of her major agenda items, if elected to the Assembly seat, would be to again secure funds for flood mitigation and combating sea level rise, she said.

Another of her accomplishments, she said, was navigating the Long Beach district through Covid-19.

“I was president of the school board during the pandemic, so (I handled) crises, working across agencies — state, federal — to obtain funding to work within intergovernmental to keep our schools open and functioning,” Posterli said.

In the Assembly, she plans to advocate to change the school foundation aid formula to encapsulate many variables to ensure that Long Beach, Oceanside and other communities receive their “fair share,” of the primary state funding for schools, Posterli said.

She also hopes to tackle antisemitism in schools, by passing bipartisan

legislation, and advocating for education to start as young as possible in academics.

Another item at the forefront of Posterli’s campaign is reproductive rights, she said. She was once the assistant vice president of governmental affairs and advocacy for a Planned Parenthood affiliate.

“We have Proposition One that’s going to be the Equal Rights Amendment, and it’s on the back of the ballot, and it is going to help enshrine things like abortion into our state’s Constitution, and that’s really important at a time when political whims across the country take away those rights in one fell swoop,” she said.

Despite having the Reproductive Health Act in the state, which protects abortion rights, the proposition would ensure that reproductive rights are solidified, in case of an extremist legislator or a governor looking to take them away, Posterli said.

In terms of offshore wind, and a project she voted down during her time on the City Council, Posterli said she understands the need for renewable energy, but not cables that would run through densely populated communities. She said community input on a route for such a project is necessary.

Her track record of connections with

diverse stakeholders is her strong suit in representing the communities she would serve, she said.

“I’ve driven action toward common goals and been able to get people on the same page, and I do that all the time in all of my positions,” Posterli said.

Melissa Berman/Herald

Melissa Berman/Herald Tina Posterli, of Long Beach, is running for the District 20 Assembly seat in the Nov. 5 election.

Fall Fest will aid Fink’s cancer battle

cal journey. After five months of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy last September, five weeks of radiation and six months of immunotherapy, she thought she had overcome the worst. In December, she was declared to have “no evidence of disease.”

In June, however, just as Fink was preparing for reconstructive surgery, doctors discovered two new bumps at the site of her incision. The cancer had returned, and instead of reconstruction, she underwent additional surgery to remove the tissue expanders and excess skin.

The mental and emotional toll has been even greater, she said, than the physical challenges.

“The fear of leaving my children behind is the hardest part,” Fink said. She and her husband, Dan, have two children, Harper, 9, and Landon, 7.

Robyn has relied on a holistic approach to help her psychologically. “I can deal with the physical aspects, but mentally, it’s a daily battle,” she said. “Having my family lift me up has been essential.”

The Finks have lived in Oceanside for 10 years, and EGP Oceanside has always been a special part of their lives. “It’s been our favorite restaurant since it opened,” she said, noting that they celebrate Harper’s birthday there every year. When O’Hagan, reached out to Robyn to tell her that this year’s Fall Fest would be in her honor, she was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I was in Buffalo, undergoing treatment, when Brianna called,” Fink recounted. “I burst

into tears. It was such a meaningful moment. My husband and I have always been the type to help others — we never wanted to put our hands out. But to receive this kind of love and support from our community, from a place that means so much to us, was overwhelming.”

O’Hagan said she hoped the event would not only raise funds for Fink’s treatment, but also bring the community closer together. “This event is about more than just raising money,” O’Hagan said. “It’s about showing Robyn and her family that they are not alone, that Oceanside is behind them every step of the way.”

Fink remains hopeful about her medical challenges, and Dan constantly reminds her how strong she is. “Whenever I’m down, he lifts me up and tells me, ‘You’ve got this. Whatever we have to do, we’re going to beat this,’” Robyn said.

Their children understand that their mother is going through something difficult, but she and Dan have chosen not to share the full gravity of the situation with them.

“We didn’t want to scare them with the details, so we’ve framed it as Mommy doing everything she can to be as healthy as possible,” Robyn said. “They’ve been incredibly supportive in their own way — especially my daughter, who tells me, ‘You’re still you, no matter what.’”

Looking ahead to the Fall Fest, she added, “I’m just so grateful to everyone who is coming out to support us. It means more than I can put into words. To experience this kind of love during the hardest time of my life is something I will never forget.”

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OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 17 at 1 PM

Courtesy Robyn Fink

Robyn Fink, her husband, Dan, and their children, Landon and Harper, regularly enjoy EGP Oceanside, and will get to enjoy it even more during its Fall Fest, which will be dedicated to their mother.

Oceanside Fall Festival draws large crowd

The second annual Oceanside Fall Festival was a resounding success on Saturday as hundreds of residents gathered at Parking Field 6 for a day filled with live music, food, and family-friendly activities. Despite overcast skies, the weather held out, and festivalgoers enjoyed everything from local food trucks to rock climbing and axe throwing.

The event, organized by Oceanside Unified, kicked off with a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by an Oceanside High School stu-

dent, followed by performances from two local bands.

DJ Pace kept the crowd energized throughout the day with a lively mix of music. Vendors and local organizations came together to offer a variety of activities and contests, making the festival a true celebration of community spirit.

Organizers have already begun discussing plans for next year, with hopes of expanding the event to a two-day festival.

Skye Margies/Herald photos

Michael O’Dell helped to organize the pumpkin painting station as Oceanside welcomed the new season.

–Kepherd Daniel

All the planning resulted in another successful Fall Festival in Oceanside.

Gianna Cilluffo, in the pickled attire and Stephanie Kempf represented the Seven Brothers booth.

Nine-year old Riaan showing off his “Harry Potter” pumpkin.

STEPPING OUT

Mandy Patinkin talks

‘The

Princess Bride’

A gourd-geous display:

Journey with jack-o’-lanterns

Spectacular

pumpkins light up the night

for the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

By Danielle Schwab

As Halloween approaches, jack-o’-lanterns are making their appearance throughout our neighborhoods with their unique carvings once again. While we think of it as fall fun, in fact pumpkin carving dates back centuries as a way to ward off evil spirits with their spooky faces.

The beloved tradition gets a unique twist at the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, opening tomorrow at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. See pumpkins transformed into magnificent jack-o’lantern creations, illuminating a trail through the historic restored village for all to admire.

It all began in the Hudson Valley — at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson 19 years ago — conceived by the Westchester County cultural organization Historic Hudson Valley.

“About 20 years ago, we hit upon this idea of a display of jack-o’-lanterns, and we weren’t sure how people would respond to it. It was hugely popular. And so it has just expanded in a big way since then,” says Rob Schweitzer, Historic Hudson Valley’s vice president of communications and commerce.

• Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4-Nov. 3.

• Adult tickets start at $32; $10 children (ages 3-17)

• With limited capacity, entry is available only through advance online purchase of timed tickets or FLEX anytime tickets; no tickets are sold at the venue

• Purchase tickets at pumpkinblaze.org

Certainly a must-see during the season, the pumpkin trail is now in its fifth year on Long Island, with over 30 different installations. Over 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns carved by local artisans resulting in a larger-than-life themed pumpkin showcase — a mix of real and carvable foam — spanning a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack for a fully immersive experience.

• Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage

“We have a team, 10 to 12 of us, that work together to make sure that we’re keeping the same consistency, the same quality, throughout the carvings,” Carol Hough, lead pumpkin carver, says.

Her team carves each week, swapping out old pumpkins with fresh ones. Carvers are creative with their tools to accommodate the high volume of pumpkins, using sheetrock knives and ice cream spades to get the job done, according to Hough.

Long Island history and culture are incorporated into the Blaze experience. Guests are welcomed by a 12-foot tall retro-style “Greetings from a Long Island” postcard made up of individually carved jack-o’-lanterns.

“What we like to do is really focus on the heritage of the location,” Schweitzer says.

Ever wonder what your favorite Long Island celebrity looked like as a pumpkin? The Blaze is the place to check out some pumpkin-face renderings of local personalities. Icons such as Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman are on display.

“We have a Long Island Hall of Fame. These are large portraits, rendered in jack-o’-lanterns , of folks from Long Island that have done great things,” Schweitzer explains.

Among the locally themed installations, a functioning lighthouse replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, complete with a flashing beacon to light the way, is sure to attract attention. With history as a focus, it comes to no surprise that the Blaze would find its way to the historic village.

“We’ve looked at a lot of sites over the years and a lot of them have some good characteristics, but don’t have everything. Old Bethpage Village Restoration really had

everything,” Schweitzer says.

Of course, there are plenty of what one would consider Halloween staples that celebrate the spirit of the season, such as a 25-foot giant spider web and the Day of the Dead installation.

Hough is particularly fond of the Day of the Dead jack-o’-lantern tribute, among the new displays along this year’s trail.

“There are some skeletons and some sugar skulls. It’s really beautiful. I absolutely love it,” Hough says.

Other showstoppers include a thrilling pumpkin circus, a glowing Statue of Liberty, a pumpkin-filled Ferris wheel, and a planetarium. Plus, see a tribute to First Responders. This display involves carved jack-o’-lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

“The concept for that really came out of the early period of the pandemic, there was a lot of focus on First Responders and our healthcare workers and those on the front lines of dealing with the pandemic. It’s something that we’ve continued to celebrate,” says Schweitzer.

There’s so more to the trail than just carvings. Lighting and sound are integral to the Blaze experience. Each installation is depicted with an original score to create the perfect ambience.

Volunteers from local scout troops and high school honor societies are also involved, assisting in lighting the lanterns that line the path.

Also new this year, the Blaze is offering custom-made pumpkins to order. Surprise a special someone with a custom-carved pumpkin, displayed at the new Celebration Arch. Reservations are limited and must be made seven days in advance.

So carve out some time, there’s a pumpkin creation for everyone at the Blaze.

As Schweitzer says: “It’s really an event you can just go and relax and smile at. It genuinely is something that appeals to all ages.”

For an extra fall treat, stop by the Café Blaze for some yummy cider donuts and pumpkin beer. And check out the nightly pumpkin carving. It may inspire you to do create you own special seasonal décor at home.

One of Mandy Patinkin’s memorable roles — certainly one that lives on as beloved piece of pop culture — is his turn in the 1987 fantasy “The Princess Bride.” He played a man bent on revenge (“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!”). It performed only so-so at the box office back then, but it’s come to be one of the most beloved movies of the 1980s. Relive all the fun — and Patinkin’s masterful portrayal of the Spanish swordsman — when the actor pops by Tilles Center for a special film screening, followed by a 45-minute conversation. His son Gideon Grody-Patinkin — who has contributed to the family legacy since he began filming his father and mother, actress-writer Kathryn Grody, during the pandemic and posting their interactions on TikTok — moderates.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd. Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org.

Everclear

Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalist-guitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from their extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” to be released on vinyl later this year for the first time via Intervention Records. Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinumselling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses.

Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. $70.50, $50.50, $30.50, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Photos courtesy Historic Hudson Valley Thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns light up the night as the Halloween spirit is all a-glow, with Old Bethpage Village’s 19th century buildings and historic barns as a backdrop.

THE Your Neighborhood

Tom Colicchio on ‘why he cooks’

Get an unprecedented look insights into the life of America’s top chef when Tom Colicchio brings his “Why I Cook” book tour to the Paramount stage, Saturday, oct. 12, 2 p.m. Part memoir-part cookbook, Colicchio’s newest book shares an exclusive look inside the mind and kitchen of the beloved restaurateur multipleJames Beard and Emmy Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13-years-old — a stuffed eggplant from an issue of Cuisine magazine that he picked up out of boredom — and it changed his life. Through 10 memoir chapters and 60 recipes, “Why I Cook” shares Tom’s personal reflections of more than 40 years behind the stove. From pre-dawn fishing excursions with his grandfather to running the flat-top at the snack shack of the local swim club, to finding his way as a young chef in New York City, Tom chronicles the dishes and memories that have shaped him as a person and chef.

Through these meaningful dishes, gorgeous recipe shots, and images from Tom’s childhood, “Why I Cook” is the most personal look into Tom’s life yet. He recounts the extraordinary personal journey that brought him from his working-class Italian background in Elizabeth, N.J., to the award-winning kitchens of New York City’s best restaurants, to the set of “Top Chef” and the stage of the Emmy Awards, among his many endeavors. $95, $65, $54, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure, Saturday, oct. 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Beth Ferry’s “The Scarecrow.” Later create a unique take home craft. The stroll starts at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), ending at the Thatched Cottage. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Book Chain

Oceanside Library invites all to form a human chain, Sunday, oct. 6, at 10:30 a.m., from the temporary location to the newly renovated library. Participants will pass the first 20 books into the new building to mark the start of the move. Friends, neighbors and local clubs are encouraged to join. The event will be filmed, including aerial drone footage. 56 Atlantic Ave. Visit oceansidelibrary.com for more information.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Oct. 5, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Blessing of the Animals

Bring your pets to Oceanside Lutheran Church for the annual Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, Oct. 6, during the 10 a.m. worship service. All creatures (great and small, winged or slithering, furry or scaly) are welcome, as are all people. 62 Davison Ave., with plenty of parking available in the municipal lot across from the library. Call (516) 766-0136 for more.

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 Point Lookout

Town Park, Sunday, Oct. 6, starting at 9 a.m. Meet in the southeast corner of the large parking lot on the south side of Point Lookout Town Park and will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After the beach walk, everyone will return to the parking lot, and drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve to walk through the bay marsh. 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.

Oktoberfest Celebration

Wear your lederhosen and bring your beer stein for Fr. Joseph O’Connell Council #3481’s Oktoberfest celebration, Friday, Oct. 11, 8 p.m.–12 a.m., at O’Connell Gardens. The event includes a deluxe bar, dessert, and coffee and features authentic German food, drinks, music, and dancing. Reservations are required by Oct. 1. For more information or to RSVP, contact Amy Bermudez at (516) 3849566 or PGK Steve Bermudez at

On exhibit

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

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Voting primer: A guide to making sure you’re counted

By Anjolique Powell Correspondent

With Election Day, Nov. 5, as well as early voting, Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, rapidly approaching, this guide offers essential information about voting in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as details on voter eligibility, registration, voting procedures, and absentee voting.

Information for this guide was collected through the League of Women Voters of Nassau County and the Nassau and Suffolk County boards of elections.

Am I eligible to vote?

In order to be eligible to vote, you must:

■ Be a United States citizen.

■ Be at least 18 years old (you can pre-register at 16 or 17).

■ Live in the county, city, or village for at least 30 days before an election.

■ Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction

■ Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

How do you vote in the general election?

In order to vote in a general election in the U.S., you must be registered before Election Day. To find your polling place in Nassau, go to NassauCountyNy. gov/566/Board-of-Elections. In Suffolk, SuffolkCountyNy.gov/Departments/BOE.

Where/how do I register?

You can register to vote by:

■ Filling out a voter registration form found on either county’s Board of Elections website or the New York State Board of Elections website (at least 25 days before the election)

■ Registering in person at some public agencies.

■ Visiting the Nassau County Board of Elections from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll receive a confirmation card within two to six weeks. If you don’t receive it, call (516) 571-2411 to check on your application.

There are three ways for voters to cast a ballot in this year’s elections:

■ In person, during early voting, at any one of the 28 early voting locations or on Election Day at your designated polling place.

■ By mail – By early mail ballot or by absentee ballot. To request a ballot, go to Eections.Ny.Gov/request-ballot.

■ For military and oversees voting, go to Elections. Ny.Gov/military-and-overseas-federal-voting.

Do I need to register every year?

No, you’re permanently registered once you’ve registered. However, you need to submit a new application if your name, address, or party changes. If you move, notify the County Board of Elections and re-register.

Should I register with one political party?

You are not obligated to join a political party, however, according to the League of Women’s Voters, “Declaring a party allows you to vote in that party’s primary election, which in New York State is open only to party members.” Enrolled party members can also sign nomination petitions. It’s also important to mention that registering with a party doesn’t mean you have to vote for that party’s candidates. You’re always free to vote for any candidate in general elections.

What is early voting?

Early voting allows people to cast their ballots before Election Day. Early voting also allows voters to go to locations that are closer, like public libraries, public buildings, or community centers. However,

these locations will be different from your assigned Election Day polling place.

When and where does early voting take place?

Hours are:

■ Most days: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 28: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

■ Oct. 29 and 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Check each county’s Board of Elections website for specific locations or location changes.

How do I know where to vote on Election Day?

In order to know where to vote you must look up your polling place, which can be found by entering your county, first and last name, date of birth, and zip code on the New York State Poll Site Search website. This site also tracks voter registration and absentee ballots.

Linda Devin-Sheehan, a board member of the Suffolk League of Women Voters, at the voter registration drive on the Stony Brook University campus on Sept. 11.

Can I still vote if I won’t be able to go to a polling place?

Yes, you can vote by absentee ballot if you’re unable to vote in person due to:

■ Not being in the county or New York City on Election Day

■ Temporary or permanent illness or physical disability

■ Primary care duties for ill or physically disabled individuals

■ Being a patient or inmate in a Veterans’ Administration Hospital

■ Detention in jail/prison (awaiting trial, grand jury action, or serving time for a non-felony conviction).

What is an absentee ballot?

An absentee ballot allows you to cast your vote if you can’t make it to your polling place on Election Day. It’s the same ballot you would receive if you voted in person. However, you can fill it out at home and mail it back or drop it off at the County Board of Elections or at an early polling place.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

To request an absentee ballot you can:

■ Download and fill out the Absentee Ballot Application from the New York State Board of Elections website.

■ Send a letter by mail to: Nassau County Board of Elections at P.O. Box 9002, Mineola, NY 11501 or Suffolk County Board of Elections PO Box 700, Yaphank, NY 11980.

■ In the letter, you must include:

■ Your name and date of birth.

■ The address where you are registered.

■ The reason for the request.

Remember, the Nassau County Board of Elections will take absentee ballots up to 10 days before the election. Under normal circumstances, the Suffolk County Board of Elections will send out ballots between one and three days after receiving an application.

Anjolique Powell is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

A facsimile of a New York state voter registration.

Photos courtesy Gabby Daniels

O’Side Library sparks STEAM curiosity

The Oceanside Library is fostering a love of science with two engaging programs—Little STEAMers and Full STEAM Ahead—designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning in young minds.

Recent sessions kept participants captivated as they explored the scientific methods behind everyday phenomena, such as discovering fascinating facts about apples and the science behind what makes popcorn pop.

These programs encourage the youngest scientists to think creatively, apply real-world knowledge, and experiment through interactive learning. With science constantly evolving, Oceanside Library is also preparing to bring back its popular Science Café program, offering fun and educational experiences for all ages.

–Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Oceanside Library Participants use creativity and teamwork to solve scientific challenges at the Oceanside Library’s interactive STEAM program.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held on October 15, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at Fire District Headquarters, 65 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, New York. The purpose of the PUBLIC HEARING will be to permit public review of the proposed budget for the Oceanside Fire District for the calendar year 2025.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a copy of the proposed budget has been filed with the Town Clerk and is available for review. It is also available for review at the Office of the Board of Fire Commissioners, 65 Foxhurst Road, Oceanside, NY, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS THE OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York.

Tricia Schields District Secretary 149258

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 10/09/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 624/24. - 625/24. OCEANSIDE - Christopher Gavares & Monika B. Kathmeyer, Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd Kitchen); Maintain shed not permitted in the side yard; maintain 2nd accessory structure (shed) not permitted in the side yard., W/s Carrel Blvd., 638.43’ S/o Dot Ct. East, a/k/a 3826 Carrel Blvd. 626/24. - 629/24. NR ISLAND PARK - Joseph Bert, Dina Bert, & Jeanette E. Canovaca, Variances, lot area occupied, side yards aggregate, maintain roofover entryway & roofover patio both attached to dwelling; Variances, lot area occupied, side yards aggregate, maintain 2nd floor deck with stairs attached to dwelling; Maintain pool, pool deck & pool equipment with less than required rear & side yard setbacks;

Maintain shed not permitted in side yard with lot area occupied variance., S/s Sunset Ave., 281.20’ W/o Decatur Pl., a/k/a 134 Sunset Ave. 631/24. - 632/24. OCEANSIDE - Altaf Masalawala, Maintain accessory structure (shed) with more than required rear & side yard setbacks; Maintain 4’ high picket fence in clear sight triangle which may substantially obstruct line of sight., N/W cor. Royal Ave. & River St., a/k/a 3102 Royal Ave. 636/24. OCEANSIDEMarisa DeVito, Variance, lot area occupied, maintain one-car detached garage., N/s W Henrietta Ave., 162’ W/o Lawrence Ave., a/k/a 46 W Henrietta Ave.

639/24. NR ISLAND PARK - John Rizzo, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, construct addition with roof-over & roofed over open porch both attached to dwelling., E/s Jamaica Ave., 310’ S/o Nevada Ave., a/k/a 87 Jamaica Ave.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Oceanside & Island Park within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 149257

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Commissioners of the Barnum Island Fire District will conduct a Public Hearing at the Barnum Island Fire District, 4125 Austin Blvd Island Park, New York, on October 15, 2024, 7:30 PM, for the purpose of adopting the 2025 Annual Budget for the District.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk, Town of Hempstead, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, except

holidays, or at the above District’s office by making prior contact, by phone, to the Chairman at 516-432-0957 (H) or 516-670-4412 (Cell).

By Order of the Board of Fire Commissioners

BARNUM ISLAND FIRE DISTRICT

BY_________________ Patricia Butler, Secretary BY_________________ Frank Bettineschi, Chairman

Dated: Barnum Island, Island Park, New York September 17, 2024 149260

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

THAT,

The Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC) of the Oceanside Fire District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 23rd day of September, 2024, has adopted a Resolution, published herewith and this resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days after its adoption, nor until approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of electors of such Fire District affected, qualified to vote at the Annual Election of Fire District Officers, voting on such proposition, if within thirty (30) days after its adoption and publication there is filed a petition signed and acknowledged, or proved in the same manner as a deed to be recorded, by resident taxpayers of said Fire District, owning taxable real property aggregating at least onequarter (1/4) of the assessed valuation of all taxable real property of the Fire District, as such valuation appears on the latest completed assessment roll of the Town of Hempstead, in which the Fire District is located, protesting against such resolution and requesting that it be submitted to the qualified electors of the Fire District affected, for approval.

THE BOFC OF THE OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS; WHEREAS the BOFC has determined it to be in the best interest of the Fire District to undertake needed repairs to the Training Tower at Fireman’s Field.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the net sum of $125,000 be withdrawn from the Capital Reserve Fund established for the purpose of such expenditures and that such expenditure is subject to permissive referendum. The unencumbered balance in that account as of September 23, 2024 was approximately $623,878.90.

Dated: September 23, 2024

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST: TRICIA SCHIELDS District Secretary OCEANSIDE Fire District 149259

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CHASE FUNDING MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-3, Plaintiff, AGAINST

KIM TUFANO AKA KIM M. TUFANO, et al.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on July 24, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 6, 2024 at 2:30 PM premises known as 2858 Cherry Court Oceanside, NY 11572. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 38, Block 402 and Lot 52.

Approximate amount of judgment $374,851.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #610176/2018.

John P. Clarke, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 149248

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-CF2, Plaintiff, vs. ALAN

MICHAEL BAER AND LESLIE DANA BAER, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF STELLA ANN BAER, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps

News briefs

Oceanside Library receives Bullet Aid

Assemblymen Brian Curran and Ari Brown recently visited Oceanside Library to present a check as part of this year’s state bullet aid allocation. Bullet aid provides targeted funding for schools and libraries, and this year, the Oceanside Library received $12,000 in financial support from the state, thanks to the efforts of Curran and Brown.

“I am always proud to support our local libraries,” Curran said. “They serve as hubs of learning and imagination for

all ages. It’s a privilege to present this bullet aid to Oceanside Library, and I am eager to see how they will use this funding to enhance the experience for residents. I look forward to returning and witnessing the positive impact firsthand.”

The bullet aid will help the library continue to offer valuable resources and programs to the Oceanside.

— Kepherd Daniel

O’Side Library hosts sign-up event

In celebration of Library Card SignUp Month, the Oceanside Library Outreach Team set up at the Sands Shopping Center on Sept. 18.

Patrons, businesses, and employees had the opportunity to sign up for new library cards and browse books. The event featured games, prizes, and plenty of laughter.

Shoppers, local business owners, and their employees were able to browse

on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 103 Knight Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 452 and Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $285,512.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004462/2009.

David Lieser, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149010

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

CITIBANK N.A., Plaintiffagainst - ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF FRED J. FIGGS A/K/A FRED FIGGS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on July 30, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side

steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 17th day of October, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 231 Elizabeth Avenue, Oceanside, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11572. (SBL#: 54-238-57, 58 and 59)

Approximate amount of lien $151,768.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 614447/2018. Anthony DeCarolis, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

Dated: August 20, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also

through a selection of books, and take part in lively games with prizes.

The event was filled with laughter and enthusiasm, reinforcing the library’s commitment to community outreach

For those who missed it, library cards are always available at the library’s welcome desk.

— Kepherd Daniel

required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 148961

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff - againstFREDDY ORMENO, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 22, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 24th day of October, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of Land with the Buildings and Improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 78 Concord Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572.

(Section: 43, Block: 385, Lot: 7)

Approximate amount of lien $1,010,540.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 003398/2017. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

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

Dated: August 23, 2024

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

149108

floral park-Bellerose elementary school District

The DisT ric T is seeking various posiT ions for T he 2024-2025 school year

Teacher a ides

Floral Park-Bellerose

Elementary School District

$17.95/hr. Teaching a ssistants .... $19.95/hr. s ecurity personnel .. $20-$25/hr.

Teacher Aides

Bus Drivers $25.14-$26.87/hr.

We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.

School Nurse, Part-Time

We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.

Bus Monitors .............. $19.32/hr. food s ervice personnel and c afeteria Monitor $16.00/hr. nurses sub $175/day cleaners ................. $40,454/year

Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org

After School Child Care opportunities are also available. Please apply through scope www. scope online.us

VALLe Y STR e AM DISTRICT #30

Immediate Position Available

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

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

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

• Facilitate connections between families, students, and various community agencies and government offices to ensure families receive the support they need.

• Assist families and students in navigating social services and community resources, providing guidance and support throughout the process.

• Conduct outreach to our school community to ensure equitable access to services and resources.

• QUALIFICATIONS: As per Civil Service

• SALARY: $40,525 - $55,000

Interested candidates should apply on www.olasjobs.org

You should address your letter of interest and resume to: Ms. Sherina Lucas Administrative Officer, HR Valley Stream UFSD Thirty 175 N. Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580 humanresources@VS30.org EOE

Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING

INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.

POSITION DETAILS:

Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.

Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.

Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

To Deliver Papers To Businesses in Massapequa, Amityville and Babylon 2 Days Per Week Must Have Own Vehicle/Van

This is an independent contractor role for Richner Communications Compensation based on stops starting at $275/week If Interested contact Jim at jrotche@liherald.com or 516-569-4000 x211

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with

W‘We

want our deck back’

Q. We have a large deck that finally needs to be repaired, and some parts replaced. It is wood with some steel beams, and we wanted to do the boards that look like wood but are made from plastics and supposedly last longer. We looked at several brands and aren’t sure what is best, but it probably doesn’t matter now. The prices came in very high for the work, and each contractor we have spoken to said we were only going to save money if we use all wood, including the beams. The beams are steel, as we understand, since they extend farther without as many columns. The funny thing is that we were replacing the wood because it started rotting and twisting after 15 years, bad enough that we don’t feel comfortable using the deck — it’s on our second floor, which is why we want fewer columns, so we can continue to use the ground level as an outdoor dining space. What can you recommend that we do? The costs make it impossible to move forward, and we really want our deck back.

A. I like to quote the oil filter commercial we used to hear all the time: “You can pay me now or pay me later.” In this case, you can spend the money on the less-costly wood, and then spend more money on re-treating the wood and repairs. As for the steel beams being replaced, it should be understood that steel is more compact for its strength, and the equivalent ability to span longer distances with wood requires much more wood, and it will more than likely be taller, meaning the beams will extend lower.

The synthetic decking materials are a much better choice, and the ones that are recycled resinbased, without the wood component parts in their composition, are at the top of the list of low maintenance, deterioration and replacement that you have with wood mixtures and wood deck materials. I have seen the difference many times over the years, including the landing deck in my own yard.

I originally built it out of cedar, which was supposed to be resistant to insects and, if stained properly, would last a long time, or so I thought. After just four years, the wood posts and the properly stained decking had become distorted with warping, twisting and some end rotting. I replaced the materials with synthetic decking and rails, and after 24 years, it’s still in great condition.

This problem of not factoring in the cost of maintenance, accessibility and the increase in material costs over time has often led to much greater expense in the life of buildings. You have to question yourself as to which is more affordable, the continued maintenance or initial costs. Remember that the people you are speaking to will do either system, wood or synthetic, because for them it’s a current job that they will leave behind and that you have to live with. Good luck!

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America’s support of Israel is vital —

now more than ever

Last Oct. 7, Israel was plunged into a crisis that has demanded both our attention and our action. As a rabbi and a proud Zionist, I’ve traveled to Israel twice since that tragic day — once to volunteer, and once to witness the devastation firsthand. The scale of loss is staggering.

Israel’s top priority must be the rescue and safe return of the hostages, who have endured unimaginable trauma, and Israel must do everything in its power to secure their release. This aligns with pikuach nefesh, the Jewish principle that preserving life overrides almost all other considerations. Still, the mission of rescuing the hostages cannot justify widespread destruction. Ensuring the safety of innocent people on all sides of this conflict is essential for Israel, not just strategically but morally.

America’s support for Israel, especially in this moment, must be resolute but also thoughtful. Historically, the U.S. has

The

Abeen Israel’s strongest ally, providing military, financial and diplomatic backing. That partnership has helped Israel withstand threats, grow as a nation and secure its future. But in this current conflict, American support should also reflect the shared values of democracy and human rights. While Israel defends itself, it must do so in a way that seeks to minimize harm to civilians. The U.S. can play a role in pushing for that balance.

Its fight for survival must not lead it down a path that betrays its core values.

The American Jewish community is wrestling with this tension. For decades, many American Jews have offered unconditional support for Israel, rooted in a deep connection to the land and the need for Jewish survival. But in recent years, there’s been a shift. Many, especially younger generations, are questioning Israel’s policies, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This doesn’t mean turning away from Israel, but rather engaging in more critical conversations about its actions, while still standing firmly against terrorism. We cannot ignore the growing divide within the American Jewish community, where progressive voices are demanding

that Israel adhere to the same human rights values they champion in other contexts. These concerns are real and important. Yet it’s possible to support Israel’s right to defend itself while also holding it accountable to ethical standards. This dual approach — support coupled with honest critique — strengthens, rather than weakens, the bond between Israel and American Jews.

America’s involvement is more than just providing military aid and diplomatic cover. It’s about ensuring that Israel’s fight for survival doesn’t lead it down a path that betrays its core values. The principle of tohar haneshek, the purity of arms, demands that Israel’s military actions avoid unnecessary harm. It’s a concept deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, calling for restraint even in the heat of conflict. American influence, if used wisely, can help Israel stay true to this principle.

In a broader sense, America’s continued support for Israel must remain strong, but it also needs to reflect the complexities of the situation. This isn’t a black-and-white conflict, and American leadership should encourage Israel to

seek not just victory but a path to lasting peace. The rescue of hostages is crucial, but so is preventing a cycle of violence that further destabilizes the region.

At the same time, America must recognize that support for Israel isn’t just about defense. It’s about protecting a democratic ally that shares common values of human rights and justice. While military might is necessary, it must be tempered by the moral responsibility to minimize harm to civilians — Israeli and Palestinian alike.

In the end, America’s support for Israel is essential not just for Israel’s survival, but for upholding the values we hold dear. This is a moment of reckoning, when the stakes are high and the consequences of every decision are profound. The U.S. must stand by Israel, but also guide it in a way that ensures the preservation of life and the pursuit of peace. The hostages must come home, and this conflict must end with the preservation of the values that have always been at the heart of both nations’ aspirations.

Rabbi Michael Cohen is the clergical leader of Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre. He served in the U.S. Army for over a decade, and is a member of the Long Island Board of Rabbis, the New York Board of Rabbis and the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

best of times, the worst of times for women

s women ascend, does misogyny spike?

Let’s start with a quiz: Exactly what part of their bodies are men willing to enlarge or remove or bleach or burn or exfoliate or liposuction or disfigure with waxes and curling irons and injections and dyes? How many guys spend their time and money putting fat in and taking fat out in a never-ending pursuit of physical perfection? Do they obsess about injecting fat into their thinning lips or sucking fat out of their expanding behinds? The answer is, not that many, especially when compared with the number of girls and women who willingly undergo painful medical procedures to meet standards of beauty promulgated by social media and a hard-to-change culture in which men often decide how women should look. Some women say they were miserable growing up because boys called them flat-chested. Others say all the guys did was stare at their big breasts. Some wanted enhancements. Some wanted reductions. But the frame of reference often was the approval of

boys and men.

This is not a new story, but there are new threads.

Now, apparently, small breasts are “in.” According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2023, more than 76,000 American women had elective breast-reduction surgery, a 64 percent increase from 2019. Who sets the standard? Often the values come from men rather than the women themselves. Influencers who have enormous power over our teenagers send messages subliminal and overt, saying: You are not OK as you are. Something needs fixing.

TI hope the increasing numbers of patients are seeking the surgery for sound reasons, not as a fashion statement.

hey are empowered like never before, and being attacked like never before.

The New York Times ran a story last week, “The Power (and Relief) of a Smaller Bosom,” reporting that the number of women seeking breast-reduction surgery has increased, especially among those under 30.

Why are more and more young girls choosing surgery?

To be clear: Breast reduction is often necessary. Ultimately, it is a decision between a woman and her doctor. It’s a big deal; the procedure can cause scarring and loss of sensation, and it requires anesthesia. For many teenagers and women, it greatly changes their life for the better, but results are not guaranteed.

Looking out at the political and cultural panorama at this time and date, I see women empowered in unprecedented ways. And perhaps because of that new power, they are being attacked, also in unprecedented ways. As women ascend, as we elect women to Congress and perhaps the White House, there is a companion piece: a significant movement to keep women down, to deny them their rights, especially reproductive freedom. Much of the misogynistic rhetoric begins at the top, with a presidential candidate and his acolytes who demand laws that control women’s bodies and choices.

When I was 24, married three years, I became pregnant, had a miscarriage and a D and C — dilation and curettage — at a local hospital. Emotionally, it was wrenching. But from a medical point of view, it went smoothly. The doctor met us at the hospital. He did the procedure and I went home. I was healthy enough to have two healthy children in the following years.

Today, because of draconian abortion bans passed by mostly male politicians

in a number of states, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to abortion, women who miscarry risk bleeding to death or suffering for hours before they can access basic life-saving treatment. Doctors are afraid to treat them. These measures are antiwoman, archaic and cruel.

By an accident of the time in which I lived my reproductive years, I had a safe post-miscarriage D and C. Now, 50 years later, we have fallen back to restrictive practices controlled by politicians, led by Donald Trump.

These threads connect in a tapestry of what it feels like to be a girl or woman today.

We need to be strong within ourselves to reject any messaging that tells us our bodies need fixes and surgeries. We have to be fiercely committed to women’s freedom to choose if and when to have children.

Pay attention to the messaging targeting women. Don’t sign up for surgery that alters your body without thoughtful screening and counseling. Don’t go for shortcuts, or any other kind of cuts, to achieve someone else’s standard of beauty.

Support individuals, and vote for individuals who see the ascendancy of women as fulfilling the promise of democracy.

Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

MICHAEL CoHEn

RAnDI KREIss

HeraLd editoriaL

Even in a deep blue state, your vote matters a

s the Nov. 5 election approaches, we urge every eligible Long Islander to exercise his or her fundamental right, and fulfill a crucial civic duty, by voting. The importance of registering to vote and casting your ballot cannot be overstated, especially in an election year when so much is at stake — from immigration policy to a woman’s right to choose.

While it’s easy to assume that New York state’s presidential electoral votes are a foregone conclusion for Vice President Kamala Harris — the state has not voted in the majority for a Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1984 — this election is about far more than just the race for the White House. Our state and local races have profound implications not only for our daily lives and communities, but also for the future of the country.

Take for instance the race in the 4th Congressional District, right here on the South Shore of Nassau County, where incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican, faces former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, a Democrat. Experts consider this race to be one of the — if not the — most competitive in the entire country. The outcome of this single race could determine which party controls the House of Representatives. Yes, you read that correctly: Your vote in this local race could have national ramifications,

Letters

Peter King on the ‘horse race’

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column last week, “After all the drama, it’s a dead heat”: After a list of “totally unexpected” events, Mr. King, seemingly surprised, declares the presidential campaign to be a “horse race.” It is not, however, despite these events but because of them that the race is too close to call. The issues that are on the ballot have been submerged by the media’s excessive focus on those that are not.

Mr. King’s call for voters to focus is correct, though his recitation of the issues omits many and misplaces others. Missing, for example, are abortion, gun legislation, disinformation, voter suppression/ballot diversion, Project 2025 and DeSantis-Blakeman-style personal militias. Crime is real, Mr. King says, an indisputable statement, but as the evidence shows, ought not to head the list.

I share Mr. King’s sentiment about living up to “the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy” which should begin

helping determine the makeup of the legislative body that decides both national and international policies.

And your influence doesn’t stop there. State Senate and Assembly races, as well as local elections, will shape policies that affect our schools, taxes, infrastructure, and quality of life. These are the decisions that impact us most directly, yet they often receive the least attention from voters.

The power to influence these outcomes is in your hands, but only if you’re registered and ready to vote. If you haven’t registered yet, or if you need to update your registration, visit vote.gov by the registration deadline, Oct. 26. Not sure if you’re registered? Vote.gov can tell you that, too. The userfriendly website simplifies the process, ensuring that you’re prepared to make your voice heard on Election Day. You can also register at the county Board of Elections, at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola.

For those who can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 5, New York offers several alternatives. Early voting runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, providing ample opportunity to cast your ballot at your convenience. Early voting locations can be found at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

If you’re unable to vote in person, absentee voting is an option. You can request an absentee ballot by Oct. 26, at elections.ny.gov/request-ballot, or in

person, at the county Board of Elections, and return it by mail (postmarked by Nov. 5), or in person, at a polling location, by 9 p.m. on Election Day.

Democracy thrives on participation. When voter turnout is low, a small minority ends up making decisions for the entire community. By registering and voting, you ensure that your interests and values are represented at all levels of our government. Moreover, voting is a hard-won right that generations before us fought to secure and expand. Participating in elections honors their sacrifices and continues the work of strengthening our democracy.

In these politically charged times, it’s easy to believe that our individual votes don’t matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Close races are sometimes decided by handfuls of votes, and every ballot cast sends a message about the issues that matter to our community.

You can educate yourself on the local issues and the candidates by reading the Herald. In the coming weeks, we will publish interviews with all of the candidates that are seeking your vote, so that you can cast an informed one.

Make your voice heard. Register to vote, encourage your friends and family to do the same, and show up to cast your ballot. Whether you choose to vote early, by mail or on Election Day, what matters most is that you participate.

concert, are shaping our future, and no one is excused.

BRIAN

opinions When will we finally say, ‘Enough’?

iwas a junior at plainedge High School, in North Massapequa, in 2018, when 17 people died and 17 others were injured in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in parkland, Florida.

After the shooting, we wore orange to school — the color for protesting gun violence — and staged a walkout in solidarity with the school. We ran a fundraiser through the National Honor Society, from plainedge to parkland, to help a grieving community over a thousand miles away. And yet, it didn’t seem like enough. What words do you have to offer, thoughts you have to think, when something so senseless happens to people your age?

That year, everything changed. When we returned to classes in the fall of 2018, the front doors at plainedge High had been changed to fortify the exterior. We weren’t permitted to enter or leave through any entrance except the main one, and we carried I.D. cards at all times.

But as demonstrated earlier this

month at Apalachee High School in Winder, georgia, sometimes no level of security is enough. It wasn’t enough at the Covenant School in Nashville last spring; it wasn’t enough in uvalde, Texas, the year before. The list of schools and communities tarnished by acts of violence against children goes on and on, and at some point, I think we all can’t help but wonder: How many more?

Many will argue that guns aren’t the problem in America, and that instead we have a mental health crisis. I agree — we do. But the two are not mutually exclusive.

erus pandemic, 1 in 5 children had a diagnosed mental health disorder. After 2020, surveys showed that 71 percent of parents said the pandemic had taken a toll on their child’s mental health — and things haven’t gotten much better since.

verything changed at Plainedge High in 2018 — but security isn’t enough.

gun violence, and deaths related to it, have been on the rise. In 2020, gun violence claimed more lives than it had during any other year on record — more than 45,000. In 2022 it was the leading cause of death among u.S. children and teens between ages 1 and 19. guns are a problem. But so is mental health.

The “mental health crisis” has long been Republicans’ scapegoat — their explanation for school shootings — and yet the party has done almost nothing to address their supposed concerns.

According to the American psychological Association, before the coronavi-

Letters

Congressman D’Esposito’s ‘last straw’

To the Editor:

Soon after Anthony D’Esposito was sworn into Congress, I wrote to him, suggesting that he take a leadership role by introducing legislation to require universal background checks to purchase guns, and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. I assumed that as a former police officer with direct knowledge of the frequency of gun violence and the understanding that the majority of his constituents favor gun control, he would consider my proposal.

I was wrong. In his response, D’Esposito circumvented the issue entirely. Obviously, he is more beholden to the NRA than to his constituents. That has not stopped him from asking for donations from me every day.

Now I read that, contrary to House of Representatives ethics rules, he hired his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter to positions in his local congressional office. That’s the last straw. I doubt he will resign, but certainly he should not be re-elected to Congress.

DOuglAS MElzER Merrick

Is D’Esposito vulnerable to a House probe?

To the Editor:

It appears that the Herald may owe u.S. Rep Anthony D’Esposito and your readers a correction and an apology. last week’s issue had a story with the headline “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” It cited the House of Representatives’ code of conduct’s list of relatives who cannot be hired by anyone serving in the House. Neither a former fiancée (no longer a fiancée at time of hiring) nor an alleged mistress is on the list.

Why did the Herald have an incendiary headline that was contradicted in the sixth paragraph of the story?

Because D’Esposito’s holier-than-thou opponent, l aura g illen, needed an opportunity to pontificate?

g illen identifies as a Catholic who worked with Mother Theresa for about five minutes long ago. g illen is proabortion because of her “own experience.” As she wrote in a Daily News op-ed piece in 2022, she had a medically necessary dilation and evacuation. Her experience was most unfortunate. But apparently she doesn’t know the difference between the termination of a human life through abortion and the removal of an already dead child.

Despite the fact that the data supports what we already know, 193 House Republicans voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provided $2.35 billion to expand vital school mental health services; 210 voted against the American Rescue plan Act, which provided $12 billion to address mental health needs arising from the pandemic; and 205 voted against the Mental Health Matters Act, which would provide grants for schools to hire more mental health experts and grow their mental health services.

America has a problem, and the longer we wait to address it, the more people will die. School shootings should have ended after Columbine, after Sandy Hook, after Oxford High School in Michigan. Students shouldn’t be afraid to go to school.

“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is written in our Declaration of Independence, codifying the unalienable rights of all Americans. But as it turns

out, the children who have been senselessly murdered while their government stood by didn’t have those rights. Because if they did, they’d still be alive. Right?

Colt gray, the 14-year-old charged with four murders for the shooting in georgia, shouldn’t have had access to a gun. He displayed serious mental health concerns and had made threats in the past, and yet he carried out an act of extreme violence, with a weapon his father purchased for him.

The problem isn’t isolated to georgia. Two weeks ago, right here on long Island, a Bayville man was arrested because his 11-year-old son wandered out of his house carrying his father’s shotgun.

We can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines and hope things will change. The time for thoughts and prayers has passed. What we need is decisive action — action that addresses both gun control and mental health, because either one without the other is no solution.

The safety of children, the preservation of their future, depends on our ability to enact meaningful reforms. The question is no longer how many more tragedies we can endure, but when we will finally say, “Enough.”

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

As with her quick condemnation of D’Esposito for supposed violation of House ethics rules that do not apply, gillen is ignorant of science and the law with regard to abortion. We do not need another addition to the idiocracy in D.C.

gillen must not be elected. And the Herald apparently owes some apologies.

At the Touch-a-Truck event — Merrick

CHRISTOpHER M. KANE Rockville Centre

JorDan VaLLone

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Vaxmobile to o er updated COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines

Additional information about the mobile unit and its schedule are posted on the hospital’s Facebook page @MountSinaiSouthNassau

Town of Hempstead Senior Centers

 Green Acres Senior Center – Thursday, October 3

10am-2pm, 400 Flower Road, Valley Stream, NY 11581

 Baldwin Senior Center – Friday, October 11

10am-2pm, 810 N. Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510

 Levittown Senior Center – Tuesday, October, 15

10am-2pm, 555 N Newbridge Road, Levittown, NY 11756

 Lido Senior Center – Thursday, October 17

10am-2pm, The Sands at Lido Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, 630 Lido Blvd Ste 2, Lido Beach, NY 11561

 Merrick Senior Center – Monday, October 21

10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566

 Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center – Tuesday, October 22

10am-2pm, 840 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553

 Franklin Square Senior Center – Monday, October 28

10am-2pm, 1178 Martha Place Franklin Square, NY 11010

 Bellmore Senior Center – Tuesday, October 29

10am-2pm, 2000 Bellmore Avenue #A, Bellmore, NY 11710

 Lido Senior Center – Thursday, October 31

10am-2pm, The Sands at Lido Beach, Lido Beach Town Park, 630 Lido Blvd Ste 2, Lido Beach, NY 11561

 Elmont Senior Center – Monday, November 4

10am-2pm, 138 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY 11003

 Merrick Senior Center – Thursday, November 7

10am-2pm, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, NY 11566

For more information, call Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education at 516-377-5333

*Vaccines are being o ered at no out of pocket cost. Your insurance may be billed.