bank. She is pictured here with Randi Shubin dresner, left, at island Harvest Food Bank’s taste of the Harvest celebration in 2009. Breitstone died peacefully on July 16 after a brief battle with cancer.
Linda Breitstone, founder of Island Harvest, dies at 73
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Linda Breitstone, a trailblazer in hunger relief and the visionary founder of Island Harvest Food Bank, died peacefully July 16 at her home in the Princeville area of Kauai, Hawaii, after a brief battle with cancer. She was 73.
While living in Rockville Centre, Breitstone noticed that the food at 7-11 was being discarded at the end of the day. She could not stand to see this perfectly good food go to waste while women in a nearby shelter were struggling to find enough to eat. She was deeply moved and her personal connection to the issue spurred her to act.
Armed with sheer determination, a sta -
tion wagon, and a few coolers, she began her mission finding many more food establishments that were discarding excess food and many more people in need of it, which led to the establishment of Island Harvest Food Bank in 1992.
Randi Shubin Dresner, president and chief executive officer of Island Harvest since 2001, said that under Breitstone’s guidance the organization has grown to become the region’s leading hunger relief and social service organization. While food rescue is a legacy program, representing a small part of what Island Harvest does today, this year, it is expected to distribute nearly 20 million pounds of food, providing supplemental food support and related services to an estimated
Continued on page 11
Presenting Sponsor:
New civic group brings community issues to the forefront
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Community members gathered at the July 18 village board meeting in the hope of opening a dialogue with Rockville Centre officials about a number of concerns.
In anticipation of larger-than-normal attendance, Mayor Francis Murray and trustees opted to relocate the meeting to the Sandel Senior Center, and moved up the pubic comment section to give more people a chance to speak.
WAssociation, told the Herald she was motivated to form a civic group after seeing a number of concerns voiced by residents on various Facebook groups.
e’re a large group of people that care a lot about this community
JEANNEttEE
DUNcAN coRNEll Founder, Rockville Centre Neighborhood
“It’s amazing to see so many people here that are interested in the concerns of residents,” Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley said. “The board is always ready to listen, to learn and to answer any questions, explain our policies, our decisions, and we are always open to ideas and suggestions.”
Association
“I see a lot of people talking,” Cornell said. “I see a lot of complaining. I see a lot of spinning, if you will, where there’s no two-way communication that seems to be happening. So I thought, why don’t we try to create a forum for that? Why don’t we create a venue through which we can start to try to come together as a group, talk about what’s important to us and create dialogue with you (the village board), so that we can understand what’s being done, what’s not being done, and so you can understand what people are concerned about.”
Jeannette Duncan Cornell, founder of the newly formed Rockville Centre Neighborhood
When Cornell and her husband, Steven, set out to form the civic association, their Facebook group had about 100 members. In the weeks that followed, Continued on page 13
Courtesy Island Harvest Food Bank
Linda Breitstone, right, formerly of Rockville Centre was the visionary founder of island Harvest Food
Maple Lanes donates $50,000 to veterans
By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern
Maple Family Centers, the Rockville Centre-based bowling business that has been family-owned and operated for three generations, has donated $50,000 to the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University.
The proceeds will help fund Stony Brook’s 350-bed nursing facility that serves honorably discharged veterans and their spouses with their medical care, an adult day health care service, and end-of-life services.
The LaSpina Family, the proprietors of Maple Family Centers, remain committed to investing in their communities and its veterans through charitable efforts.
With an abundance of help from bowling customers across their five locations in New York and Florida, they have contributed more than $750,000 to the Bowlers to Veterans Link organization—a national charity that supports recreational therapy programs to boost the physical, mental, and emotional health of American veterans and active-duty service members.
John LaSpina, 75, president of Maple Family Centers had spearheaded the charitable efforts in the past as chairman of the board of BVL for nearly a decade before recently retiring from the position.
Deputy Executive Director Jonathan Spier of the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University, second from left, accepted a $50,000 donation from Joe LaSpina, John LaSpina, Teresa LaSpina McCarthy and Anita LaSpina, the owners of Maple Family Centers.
LaSpina told the Herald that it was the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that inspired him and his company to become more “meaningful members of the communities” that they serve, targeting first responders, active-duty service members, and veterans with their philanthropic efforts. Maple Family Centers and their branches found ways to use BVL to not only benefit veterans nationally but also to make sure that affected locals are taken care of.
• Professional private rooms. No curtain dividers or half
• Free Hot Stones with all
“Any company that is in business today should not just take from the community; they should invest in it,” LaSpina said. “The priority for us has always been to help the veterans because they need it the most. They paid the price for our freedom, and people care about our veterans.”
He emphasized that although he and his familial colleagues supply their own donations and designate how the raised funds will be spent, the vast majority of
the $50,000 that Stony Brook has received, plus the BVL money that has been raised over the years, has come from donations from bowling customers that are separate from the money they spend to use the bowling lanes.
“My bowlers are very generous,” he said. “The bulk of the money (raised) comes from our bowlers who entrust us with their money that it will be spent the right way.”
The Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University is one of the rare instances of a veteran focused institution located on an American university campus dedicated to caring for veterans in need of its services.
“The LaSpina Family and Maple Family Centers’ unwavering support significantly enhances both the quality of life and the quality of care for our nation’s veterans,” Fred S. Sganga, the executive director of the State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University, said. “The LaSpina Family’s commitment to our veterans is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for their dedication to ensuring our heroes receive the respect and care they deserve.”
For more information about the BVL organization and the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University or for more ways to help veterans services through donations and volunteering, visit BVL.org or VeteransHome.StonyBrookMedicine.edu.
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• Detox
• Fluent English, Spanish, Italian and Chinese spoken.
Courtesy Maple Family Centers
Red Storm off to national soccer tourney
Rockville Centre girls’ soccer club to compete against top teams in the country
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Rockville Centre Red Storm Girls’ Under 16 Soccer Club has arrived at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, to compete against three of the top 16 teams in the country for a shot at the United States Youth Soccer National Championship crown.
The competition marks a full-circle moment for this talented group of young athletes, who displayed determination and grit through several ranked competitions at both the state and regional levels in the spring.
“As the team’s spring season came to a close, as the runner-up in the New York State Cup, the team has continued to train a few times per week through July to prepare for the tough competition and warm weather ahead,” RVC Red Storm Coach Ciaran Barry said. “Players have committed to the process to showcase their talents in front of family, friends and even some college coaches. We look forward to competing at the national championships.”
Red Storm’s journey to Orlando began in February at the US Youth Soccer National League P.R.O. tournament in Tampa, Florida, where the team secured a coveted spot in the 2024 national championships, which is sponsored by New York Life Insurance. The championship round of the competition will consist of roughly 185,000 boys and girls from 10,000 teams across 54 state associations, who are all competing for a national title in their respective age groups.
The P.R.O tournament, which emphasizes the focus on players, recruitment and opportunities, the team from Rockville Centre racked up three consecutive victories to clinch the top spot in the 16U silver pool. The team’s dedication and skills were put to the test as they triumphed, 2-1, over the Steel City FC from Pennsylvania.
In the Red Storm’s semifinal match against Sporting PA, the two teams were knotted at 1-1 after the full 80 minutes of regulation. The Red Storm would go on to thwart the competition via penalty kicks to advance to the final round against the Ohio Galaxies FC.
Thanks to a masterful performance from Gabriella Caminiti, who scored the game-winning goal off an assist from Viviana Haley, and the tremendous goaltending effort from Abby Gruner, who secured the shutout, the Red Storm defeated the Ohio Galaxies FC 1-0, and secured their spot to compete in Florida against three of the top teams in the country.
“I am so proud of our accomplishments so far and for all the hard work we have put in to get here,” Gruner said. “We are excited to represent our club and compete at the national championships in Orlando.”
With the full support of the Rockville Centre community behind them, the
Game Schedule
Game 1
FW United vs. RVC Red Storm
Tuesday, July 23, at 7:30 a.m.
Game 2
Ambassadors FC vs. RVC Red Storm Wednesday, July 24, at 10 a.m.
Game 3
RVC Red Storm vs. Cook Inlet SC Thursday, July 25, at 11:30 a.m.
RVC Red Storm have been preparing for the first match of the national championships on Tuesday, July 23, after press time, when they will go head-to-head with FW United from Indiana.
The second match will take place on Wednesday, July 24, against Ambassador FC of Ohio, and game three will be played on Thursday, July 25, against Cook Inlet FC of Alaska. Only the top teams from each group will advance to the semifinal round on Saturday, July 27, with the championship match set to take place the following day.
In addition to Caminiti, Haley and Gruner, the RVC Red Storm 16U roster includes rising soccer stars Molly Barry, Makaela Brennan, Ella Faranda, Julie Faranda, Carsyn Goetz, Kate Koluch, Maeve Ledwith, Katori Martin, Emily Quezada, Julia Quinn, Molly Reardon, Annie Schiller, Maddie Woo and Ryann Zydor, who will be competing in the National Championships.
Supported by a dedicated coaching staff, including trainer Nic Vacarro and coaches Barry, Janet Gruner and Sean
Curtis, the players on the team have honed their skills under the expert guidance of mentors who are committed to their development both on and off the field. For updates on the competition, visit USYouthSoccer.org, and for more on the RVC Red Storm, visit the RVC Soccer Club online or via Facebook.
The team practices one final time at the RVC Athletic Complex on Peninsula Boulevard before getting ready to head to Orlando for the US Youth Soccer National Championships.
Photos courtesy Ciaran Barry
The RVC Red Storm 16U girls’ soccer team huddles up with trainer Nic Vaccaro.
Players with the RVC Red Storm 16U girls’ soccer team run drills on the field outside South Side Middle School in Rockville Centre.
Crime watCh arrest
Thomas Lynagh, 34, with no known address, was arrested by the Rockville Centre Police Department on July 17. He has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, following an investigation on Sunrise Highway.
Hakeem Banks, 30, of Beach 9th Street in Far Rockaway, Queens, was arrested on July 20. He has been charged with four counts of criminal mischief after he was identified as the subject who slashed the tires of numerous vehicles in the Mercy Hospital parking lot.
Criminal misChief
A NICE bus operator reported on July 16 that a projectile shattered one of the windows on the bus while he was driving along DeMott Avenue.
larCeny
An employee of a Merrick Road business reported on July 17 that a male subject reached into the cash register drawer while it was open and fled with an unspecified amount of cash.
A resident of Rockville Centre reported on July 18 that the registration sticker was stolen off the windshield of her convertible.
A resident of West Hempstead reported on July 18 that a male tried to assist her in using an ATM on Merrick Road, but switched her debit card with a fake card without her knowledge.
leaving the sCene
A resident of the Bronx reported on July 19 that his vehicle was struck by a second vehicle, which then fled the scene while driving on Merrick Road.
ProPerty Damage
A resident of Florida reported on July 15 that his rental vehicle was damaged while it was parked at a hotel on Merrick Road.
A resident of Rockville Centre reported on July 16 that a large branch broke off a tree and landed on the roof of his residence.
UnUsUal inCiDent
A resident of Rockville Centre reported on July 15 that he believed a white SUV followed him home.
An employee of St. Agnes Parish reported receiving anonymous phone calls on July 15 at the parish that caused her annoyance and alarm.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Positive Aspects of Aging
Aging provides its own rewards, which only those who experience it really know, as the following quotes show.
“Getting old is like climbing a mountain; you get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!”
— Ingrid Bergman
“Nothing is inherently and invincibly young except spirit. And spirit can enter a human being perhaps better in the quiet of old age and dwell there more undisturbed than in turmoil of adventure.”
— George Santayana
“The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball - the further I am rolled the more I gain.”
— Susan B. Anthony
“Why not just embrace it, go along with it and welcome it?”
—Helen Mirren
“I believe the second half of one’s life is meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And the second half is enjoying it.”
— Frances Lear
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt
“The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity. The beauty of the morning and the radiance of noon are good, but it would be a very silly person who drew the curtains and turned on the light in order to shut out the tranquility of the evening. Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.”
— W. Somerset Maugham
“There is a fountain of youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
— Sophia Loren
Stuart Richner/Herald Tree branch collapses onto local home
A large tree branch, pictured here, fell onto the home at 26 Arrandale Road in Rockville Centre last Tuesday.
Village recognizes firefighters’ rescue efforts
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Rockville Centre resident Robert Smith, 59, recently thanked three volunteer firefighters for coming to the rescue on May 30, after he had suffered a heart attack at the wheel, crashing his car into a home along Rockville Avenue.
Smith was reunited with Rockville Centre Fire Department Chief Scott Mohr, Ex-Chief Michael Lapkowski and Lieutenant John Cook at the Rockville Centre Fire Council meeting on July 16, where he presented them with department commendations.
“You don’t know how much I appreciate your efforts,” Smith said. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
According to the American Heart Association roughly 350,000 people in the country suffer from cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. Only 10 percent of them survive. Thanks to the lifesaving efforts of the fire department, Smith managed to make a full recovery.
Chief Mohr and Ex-Chief Lapkowski, who lives across the street from the incident, were the first to respond to the scene on May 30. After removing Smith from the driver’s side of the vehicle, they determined that he had no pulse. Lieutenant Cook arrived shortly thereafter and was instructed by Chief Mohr to perform CPR on the man while he ran to retrieve the automated external defibril-
Daniel Offner/Herald
At the Rockville Centre Fire Council meeting on July 16, resident Robert Smith, second from left, presented awards to Chief Scott Mohr, Ex-Chief Mike Lapkowski and Lt. John Cook of the RVC Fire Department in recognition for their lifesaving rescue back in May. Thanks to their efforts, Smith was able to make a complete recovery.
lator from his vehicle.
After attaching the AED pads onto the victim, the device analyzed the man’s condition and advised that a shock was needed. Once it was delivered, firefighters continued to perform CPR until a Northwell ambulance arrived on the scene with a paramedic and EMT on board. Smith was placed onto a stretcher and transported to Mount Sinai South
Nassau Hospital in Oceanside.
In a letter addressed to the Rockville Centre Fire Council from Captain Ross Lynch of Reliance Hose Company No. 3, he commended Chief Mohr and Lt. Cook for taking swift action to help save the life of a resident in distress.
“Their prompt assessment and immediate initiation of life saving measures, including CPR, defibrillation was crucial
in reviving the individual and stabilizing his condition until further medical assistance arrived,” Lynch said. “The dedication skill and composure demonstrated by both Chief Mohr and Lt. Cook, under such critical circumstances, are truly commendable. Their actions not only reflect the highest standards of fire service, but also underscore their unwavering commitment in the safety and well being of the community.”
Following the incident on May 30, a supervisor at the hospital notified the fire department that Smith was successfully extubated, awake, breathing on his own, following commands, and neurologically intact. Unfortunately, three days later, Smith went into cardiac arrest for the second time. He was successfully resuscitated in the ICU and taken to the cath lab, where he was placed on an Impella pump — a machine that helps pump blood for the heart, before being transported to Mount Sinai in New York City, where he underwent a complete bypass. Following the procedure, the fire department was notified that Smith was expected to make a full recovery.
“Its been going great,” Smith told the Herald. “This is a story of victory.”
Chief Mohr and Lt. Cook were also later recognized at the village board meeting on July 18, where they were each presented with a community service award from the office of the Mayor of Rockville Centre.
Republicans gather at national convention
Milwaukee was the place to be last week for Republicans as the Wisconsin city hosted the 2024 GOP national convention, where former president Donald Trump accepted the party’s official nomination as its presidential candidate and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance became the Republican nominee for vice president.
During the four-day convention, Republicans from across the country hobnobbed and networked, including Woodmere resident Cindy Grosz, Matt Capp, who serves as Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s communication director, as well as D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who were both delegates representing New York. Delegates are responsible supporting a presidential candidate at the convention.
There were also speeches by celebrities such as former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, model Amber Rose, Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, along with Senators Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.
Post-convention news included the July 21 announcement by President Biden that he was stepping aside. The presumptive front-runner for the Democratic nomination is Vice President Kamala Harris. The Democrats hold their convention Aug. 19-24 in Chicago.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Photos courtesy Cindy Grosz
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, right, who represents the 21st Congressional District in upstate New York and chairs the House Republican Conference, with Grosz at the NYGOP event at the convention.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman with Woodmere resident Cindy Grosz at the Nassau GOP gathering during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Residents across Long Island complain that low-flying airplanes have increased in number since the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
A constant annoyance, a public health issue
By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com
The roar of jet engines overhead has become a constant aural backdrop for many residents of Long Island, particularly those living in lower-income neighborhoods. In recent years, a shift in flight paths from nearby airports such as Kennedy and LaGuardia, which together handle roughly 1,400 flights a day, has exacerbated the issue. Residents now endure relentless noise from aircraft flying directly over their homes, disrupting daily life and sparking widespread frustration.
“I’ve lived in Uniondale for 30 years, and I don’t ever remember the noise from the planes being so loud and annoying,” Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, said. “Now it’s to the point where these planes are going all day and night long, flying across our skyways, and some of these planes are very low.”
Jacobs and other residents believe that the flight path changes disproportionately affect minority communities. The enforcement of noise ordinances dates back to the rise of American urbanization and industrialization, with New York becoming the first major city in the country to implement noise ordinances in 1905 — which often defined the music of Black and Hispanic communities as noise disturbances.
“I strongly believe this is a racial issue,” Jacobs said. “I’m not saying that white communities aren’t having this issue as well, but in Uniondale and other nearby communities, it is all day, all night, and they are constantly going.”
Efforts to address the noise have met with limited success. The Town of Hempstead created the Town-Village Aircraft Safety and Noise Abatement Committee in 1966 to tackle the problem, but local governments have little influence over the Federal Aviation Administration, which controls flight paths. Jacobs’s attempts to draw more attention to the issue have included writing to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, but she has yet to receive a response.
James Vilardi, executive director of the Noise Abatement Committee, emphasized the challenge of getting the FAA to acknowledge and address the problem. The committee’s primary goal is to obtain accurate decibel readings from FAA monitors, because data is averaged across neighborhoods and does not reflect specific impacts.
“If we get the raw data and find that the decibels vio-
Low-flying airplanes can cause serious health issues, increasing stress levels, preventing sleep and in some cases even leading to cardiovascular issues.
late municipal or federal code, we can appeal to the FAA to make changes,” Vilardi explained. The FAA, however, has been largely unresponsive, leaving residents in limbo.
Brookville Mayor Daniel Serota voiced similar frustrations.
“Years ago, when Congressman (Steve) Israel was our congressman, he initiated meetings with regional FAA folks and other mayors to discuss the planes and their heights,” Serota said. “Every Saturday and Sunday, they fly over our villages, and they’re supposed to have a certain height limit, but the pilots never adhere to that.”
Serota detailed the complexities of addressing the issue, including the discretionary power of pilots to determine flight paths based on safety considerations. Despite some agreements to maintain certain altitudes, those measures, he said, often fall by the wayside.
“It’s up to the pilot, and if he feels he needs to go lower or the weather is a certain way, that’s his purview,” Serota said. “We had Covid, which silenced the planes for a while, but now they’re back, flying as low as can be.”
Serota added that despite years of reaching out to airline and public officials, nothing has been done to
solve the issue. He said it is one of the most frequent complaints he gets from Brookville residents.
“On weekends it can be very loud,” he noted. “These big planes, like the double-decker ones with four engines, fly over at sometimes 1,500 feet. You can see the words on the Emirates Airlines planes and hear the noise as if they’re right above your backyard.”
The impact of aircraft noise extends beyond mere annoyance. According to the Civil Aviation Authority and the National Library of Medicine, prolonged exposure to aviation noise can have serious health consequences. Common adverse effects include not only annoyance, but cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, and cardiovascular disease. Noise pollution has been linked to higher rates of heart disease and stroke, as well as hypertension and disrupted sleep patterns. Studies have also suggested potential effects on birth outcomes and psychological health, although more research is needed to fully understand those impacts.
Annoyance, the most often documented response to noise, can interfere with thoughts, feelings and activities, and lead to resentment and discomfort. Cognitive impairment, particularly in schoolchildren, is another concern, with research from the National Library indicating that high levels of aircraft noise can affect reading comprehension, memory, attention and mood. Sleep disturbance, characterized by awakenings and changes in sleep patterns, can result in next-day fatigue and long-term health issues.
Cardiovascular disease is a significant risk, with high levels of aircraft noise acting as a stressor on the body. Research by the Civil Aviation Authority has found associations between aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Hypertension, another cardiovascular risk factor, has also been linked to chronic aircraft noise exposure.
Despite the evident health risks, local officials face an uphill battle in addressing the problem.
“We understand that everybody has to share the burden, but it’s a nuisance and a problem,” Serota said. “It’s not for lack of trying; all the elected mayors I know on the North Shore have been very vocal. But the FAA is a big bureaucracy, and when you’re dealing with a bureaucrat, they don’t care.”
The struggle for quieter skies continues, but without greater cooperation from the FAA and a commitment to addressing the issue, Long Island residents will likely remain under the constant hum of aircraft, their health and well-being hanging in the balance.
Photos courtesy Metro Creative
News briefs
A ‘Legend’ is born at Mercy Hospital
It was a legendary meeting for a legend. On July 15, Emoni Wise of Freeport gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Legend Warren, weighing in at six-pounds and 12 oz.
Dr. Jay Seraji, who also coincidentally delivered Emoni, in the exact same operating room at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital 22 years ago, delivered Legend. Before he and his mom were discharged to go home, the whole crew was reunited.
Girl Scouts earn prestigious Silver Award
Lourdes Baker, Lauren Magliaro, Margo Feile and Maggie Barry of Girl Scout Troop 811 in Rockville Centre were presented with the Silver Award — the highest award presented to a Cadette — at Wilson Elementary School on June 18. In order to receive the Silver Award, Cadettes are required to research a local issue and take action in a way that improves their community.
Girl scouts were joined by Rockville Centre Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, Assemblyman Brian Curran, Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder and Thomas Montefinise of the Nassau County Republican Executive Committee, during the Silver and Bronze Award presentation to recognize them for their hard work and contributions towards the community.
Courtesy Catholic Health Mercy Hospital
Grandma Carmella Warren-Wise, left, Dr. Jay Seraji, Emoni Wise and baby Legend were recently reunited at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital.
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Assemblyman Brian Curran, left, Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Girl Scouts Lourdes Baker, Lauren Magliaro, Margo Feile and Maggie Barry, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley and Thomas Montefinise of the Nassau County Republican Executive Committee.
Molloy University hosts annual golf classic
Molloy University hit the links for its annual Golf Classic on Monday, July 15. The event, aimed at supporting student scholarships, drew participants who were eager to enjoy a day of exhilarating outdoor activities and clinics, followed by a celebratory awards dinner.
Golf enthusiasts gathered early in the morning for registration and breakfast, which was followed at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. by shotgun starts at the Rockaway Hunting Club and Seawane Club, respectively.
The Golf Classic not only offered participants with the opportunity to play on a world-class course, it also featured golf and pickleball clinics with professional instructors, for those who were interested in improving their technique or learning more about one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
This year’s event recognized Michael Sean Grant, a leader in employee benefits for the New York region at Risk Strategies, as its corporate honoree. Robert J. Behar, a partner at KPMG International and a Molloy University Class of 2003 graduate, was also recognized as this year’s alumni honoree for his achievements.
The day’s activities concluded with a cocktail reception and awards ceremony at the Seawane Club, where all players and guests celebrated the day’s successes and contributions. Event Chair Jeffrey Mulhall, president of McHugh Furnishings, and Co-Chair Dorothy Hines expressed gratitude to the sponsors and participants whose contributions will support student scholarships.
–Daniel Offner
Photos courtesy Molloy University
Mark Manzi, left, Peter Cassoli, Brian Celiberti, Carmen Sclafani, Rob Rosenzweig, Corporate honoree Michael Sean Grant of Risk Strategies, John Mullen, Sean Rosenfield, Joseph Sinicropi, Brendan Hager, Matthew Blose, George Triant and Jack Manzi attend Molloy University’s annual Golf Classic.
Jeffrey Mulhall, left, with Molloy University President Lentini, Edward Thompson, Dorothy Hines, Alumni honoree Robert J. Behar and Lara Sehne.
Dana Lentini, left, and John McEntee enjoy the reception at the Molloy University annual Golf Classic.
Molloy University President James Lentini, left, joins Jeff Greenfield and Meta Miller to celebrate the annual Golf Classic on July 15.
Edward Thompson, left, Zaki Hossain, and Molloy President James Lentini enjoy the annual Golf Classic.
Linda Breitstone leaves behind a legacy
221,190 people including 44,780 children on Long Island identified as food insecure.
“Linda Breitstone was a woman with a true sense of making things right,” Shubin Dresner said. “She cared deeply about Island Harvest, and even after she moved to Hawaii, she kept an eye on our progress. I am deeply honored to have worked with her and continue her legacy.”
Island Harvest’s mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island through innovative programs and services aimed at enhanced hunger awareness, short-term case management, nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, its Healthy Harvest Farm, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, and efficient food collection and distribution.
Through its work, Island Harvest directly supports children, families, seniors and veterans and a wide network of community-based nonprofit organizations.
“Linda’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled,” Steve Juchem, chairman of the Island Harvest Board of Directors, said. “Her legacy, however, will continue to inspire and guide us. Her impact on the lives of countless Long Islanders who have relied on Island Harvest over the past 32 years is immeasurable. We will always remember her with deep gratitude and respect.”
Barry Chandler, general manager of the Nissequogue Golf Club and vice chair of the Island Harvest Board of Directors, said he met Breitstone while he was working at a country club in Oceanside that was looking for an outlet to provide the food they had leftover. He heard she was collecting food at her home and her neighbors and friends were delivering it to shelters.
“In those days, we were literally leaving the food on her dining room table,” Chandler said. “She was quite incredible. I remember when she decided she was going to turn this into an actual nonprofit and asked me if I would serve on the board. Here we are, all these years later, and I still serve on the board of Island Harvest.”
Jill Bernstein, a longtime Island Harvest board member and vice chair, said “Linda brought us all together, and she was a bright star. This organization was her heart and soul, and she made it happen because she believed in the good in everyone, no matter where they came from or any background, and she understood that people needed to be fed and nourished. She was the best of all of us, and I, along with so many others, will miss her terribly.”
Nassau County District Court Judge Nate Muscarella recalled how he first met Breitstone 30 years ago, when he was looking for a type of charity work that law clerks can do, as they are prohibited from fundraising.
“She was a force to be reckoned with,” Muscarella said. “Who would think that she could turn this rag tag group of volunteers into one of the largest food banks on Long Island?” And that was exactly what Linda Breitstone would do.
Well known for her tenacity, Breitstone, upon receiving a grant for the organization’s first refrigerated truck through Ed Travaglianti, the former head of the now-defunct European American Bank, then had the “chutzpah” to ask for office space. EAB ultimately provided unused space on the second floor at one of its banks on Second Street in Mineola. But if chutzpah is what it took to get help for people who were hungry, then she did not mind the pejorative. Island Harvest continued to operate in Mineola until March 2021, when it relocated its center of operations to Melville.
Muscarella adds that she was “a deeply spiritual woman with an indominable spirit of her own.” Later in life, Breitstone would tap into her lifelong hobby of collecting crystals. As the proprietor of Crystal Woman, she started an enterprise trading crystals for use in meditation or creativity spaces in homes, art, or music studios.
Stuart Richner, chief executive officer of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community Media currently serves on the board of Island Harvest.
“Linda was a true trailblazer. She recognized a need in her very own neighborhood and single-handedly launched Island Harvest from the back of her car—the start of making the lives of literally hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders better,” Richner said. “We at the Herald will certainly honor Linda’s legacy by continuing to highlight the amazing work of Island Harvest, none of which would have been possible without Linda’s unmatched vision, kindness, and fortitude.”
In recognition of her achievements, Island Harvest created the “Linda Breitstone Spirit Award,” presented annually at its Harvest Celebration fundraising event. In addition to honoring the founder, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization in furthering its mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island.
“I have always loved telling her story, and I am especially proud to have received the Linda Breitstone Spirit Award in 2005 and recognized as someone who continues to reflect her passion to support and be a part of Island Harvest Food Bank’s mission,” Loretta Sehimeyer, a longtime volunteer with Island Harvest and a member of its advisory board, said.
Linda is survived by her son, JB Breitstone of Barnstable, Massachusetts, who stated, “my mother was very proud of the work of Island Harvest and loved watching it grow from an idea — creating a grassroots effort — to what it has become today.”
Island Harvest continues to be one of the region’s foremost agencies in emergency response readiness for food, product, resource distribution, support and is a member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to solve hunger in the United States.
in Linda Breitstone’s memory can be made to Island Harvest.
Courtesy Island Harvest Food Bank
Later in life, Breitstone went on to tap into her lifelong hobby of collecting crystals and started an enterprise trading crystals for use in meditation or creativity spaces in homes, art, or music studios.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Village board meeting draws a large crowd
it has grown exponentially, to more than 750.
At the inaugural meeting of the Neighborhood Association on June 29, Cornell asked attendees to submit index cards listing their three biggest concerns. The responses were broken down by category, and presented to the group in the form of an online poll.
“I’m sure there’s a lot going on that we don’t know about because we haven’t been here (more than three years),” she told the board, “but perception becomes reality, especially when it comes to some of these issues that we’ll talk about.”
Based on the results, Cornell said, people appeared to be most concerned about zoning codes, homelessness, police presence, public safety and traffic concerns.
“We’re a large group of people that care a lot about this community,” she said. “So I think by working together, I am excited to see what we can do.”
Trustee Emilio Grillo said that he had attended the association’s first meeting, and felt that the discourse was very productive. “I thought there were a lot of great ideas exchanged,” Grillo said. “I think (this meeting) serves almost as an extension of that. We really appreciate everyone coming down. As the deputy mayor said, all of us remain accessible to the extent that you can email us or call Village Hall. Thank you all for your participation, not only tonight but into the future as well.”
The attendees’ zoning concerns included inquiries about a moratorium on vape shops and cash-for-gold businesses, and a proposal for a new medical facility on Sunrise Highway that is awaiting approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Colleen McSparren, who has lived in the village for nearly 25 years, said that the decision on the medical facility is of the “utmost importance and urgency” for residents, including herself, who live within 200 feet of
the proposed site, between a GMC dealership and Public Storage on Sunrise.
McSparren said that based on the application, developers are seeking to build a $45 million, three-story, 55,400-square-foot facility with 368 parking spaces that is anticipated to create 786 new jobs.
“This is voluminous, overly ambitious, and way too complicated,” she said. “This project would add tremendously to traffic congestion, our parking issues, create safety concerns, and concerns for our well-being. I’m not here to debate this project tonight. What I am here for is to inform the residents about this.”
Village Administrator Nancy Howard explained that by law, the board could not comment on a matter before the zoning board, and referred members of the associa-
tion to voice their concerns in the proper venue. The next meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for Aug. 14.
Laura Connolly, a village resident for 14 years, said that the increasing number of homeless people in the area have become a concern.
“We all know that when Covid hit, times changed,” Connolly said. “A lot of out-of-towners coming through, transient, like (the police) spoke about, and because of that we need to change. And I know you’re making steps toward that and we appreciate that, but we need a little more.”
She cited a number of reports by residents about a homeless man seen passed out under the influence of drugs, and another who was spotted sleeping outside Front Street Bakery, by the train station.
Police Commissioner Randy Dodd explained that law enforcement is limited in its capacity to remove unhoused people from the street when they aren’t harming themselves or others. He said that the Police Department has been handing out information to anyone who may be homeless, with locations and phone numbers of places where they can seek assistance.
Connolly also noted concerns about the Best Western hotel on Sunrise Highway, which she implied, without citing any concrete examples, was drawing sex offenders and prostitution. Police said that while the location is on their radar, it is up to the business how it wishes to control its property, and they urged residents who see something happening to call the Police Department.
As the meeting continued, residents shared their grievances about parking, traffic control, public safety and other quality-of-life concerns. Despite the challenges that were presented to the village board, the meeting concluded on a hopeful note: the community’s desire for collaboration and communication.
THE #1 HOSPITAL IN NEW YORK * . AGAIN.
Recognized for exceptional care in 9 specialties, Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital is proud to be at the top of NY’s list of impressive health care options— for the second year in a row. From heart to brain care, our doctors deliver superior services so that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.
*Tied for number one in New York State.
Daniel Offner/Herald
Several rockville Centre residents addressed the village board at the July 18 meeting at the Sandel Senior Center.
Obamacare remains vulnerable, Solages warns
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
Despite repeated partisan legal challenges aimed at its demise, the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, has not only survived, but become an indispensable part of the American health care system. This year, a record number of Americans — an estimated 21 million — are insured through its marketplaces, which have redefined baseline expectations for consumer coverage in the health care system. Yet despite its 14 years of proven durability, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a Democrat, remains warily concerned about ACA’s future.
Solages was blunt in her assessment of what, or rather who represents the biggest political risk to undoing the health care law — former President Donald Trump.
At a news conference in Valley Stream last week, Solages, and leaders of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East labor union and Protect Our Care, a nonprofit health care advocacy group, forcefully articulated their concerns, underscoring how the law has served as a crucial safety net for New Yorkers, and warned that its termination could be disastrous.
“As we interface with the affordability crisis, it’s important to acknowledge there are reforms at work, from the
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and health care advocates warned against dismantling the Affordable Care Act, emphasizing its crucial role in providing coverage for 21 million Americans and protecting vulnerable populations, amid ongoing political threats to its future.
Affordable Care Act to the Inflation Reduction Act, to ensure that people have access to health care,” Solages said.
“Now we are seeing constant attacks on these reforms, whether it’s federal representatives trying to take away provisions that ensure people with pre-existing conditions have access to health care or cull prescription pricing relief.”
Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, sought to roll back or repeal significant elements of the law when he was president, but did not succeed. On
the campaign trail this year, certainly aware of the law’s popularity and lasting power, he has made vague promises to replace it with a superior alternative if he returns to the White House.
Solages also cited proposals by Republicans to cap and cut federal Medicaid spending and introduce a block grant system in which states would have to bid for federal funding to secure benefits.
“Instead of direct funding to the states, they want states to enroll in a
Hunger Games-like competition for coverage,” said Solages. “We can’t compete for coverage when it comes to healt care,” which will inevitably shrink the Medicaid program and leave many uninsured.
For more than a decade, there has been grumbling about the cost and sustainability of health care coverage under ACA by conservative critics.
Many maintain, as they have for years, that coverage plans under ACA can still be too expensive for some middle-class Americans because of high insurance premiums, burdensome costsharing requirements, and narrow health insurance networks that limit people’s choice of doctor and hospital.
And with the sting of inflation and rising health care costs, the insured may still struggle to afford higher-thanexpected co-payments or deductibles.
While Solages acknowledged that New Yorkers are grappling with growing medical debt and prohibitively expensive prescription prices, reducing investments in existing reforms will only exacerbate these problems, not solve them.
“From womb to tomb, all New Yorkers interact with the health care system, and when you erode health care, you impact the most vulnerable New Yorkers,” she said. “We need to raise our voices against unfair cuts to health care.”
Courtesy Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages
STEPPING OUT
‘Cold Beer on a Friday Night’
Whether
Capture the flavors of summertime cuisine up a tasty bash
By Karen Bloom
firing up the grill for a pool party, barbecue or even just a weeknight meal, one thing’s for sure: summertime means grilling season. Grilling takes many forms: your crowd may prefer the standard fare of burgers and hot dogs to flame-kissed vegetables and the artistry of a perfectly done steak. However, the possibilities don’t end there.
By mixing and matching traditional grilled classics with options that have a variety of textures and flavors, you can shake up your at-home menu and add new favorites to your routine this grilling season.
It’s easy to go from casual to elegant in a snap. The traditional faves always have their place, but if you’re looking for a different type of barbecue, add some finesse to your menu with other ideas, by re-imagining your grilling style.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs
With their easy preparation and quick cooking time, kabobs are a simple way to enjoy many of your favorite fresh flavors.
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
To make sauce, place 3 tablespoons mustard in medium bowl. Add oil and garlic powder, and whisk until uniform. Cover and refrigerate.
To make marinade, in small bowl, combine vinegar with remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Stir until uniform.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken and marinade in large sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal. Gently knead marinade into chicken through bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak 4 in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Alternately thread marinated chicken and onion chunks onto 4 skewers. Bring grill to mediumhigh heat.
Brush both sides of kebabs with sauce. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes with grill cover down.
Flip kebabs and grill for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy.
Cabbage Steaks With Bacon & Blue Cheese
These cabbage steaks blend sweet and slightly sour notes with savory crumbles of cheese for a dish that pleases every one of your taste buds.
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 package McCormick Grill Mates Smoky Applewood Marinade
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 head green cabbage, cut into 3/4-inch thick slices (about 6 steaks)
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Cook bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
Crumble bacon; set aside. Mix marinade mix, oil, vinegar, maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings in small bowl until well blended. Place cabbage steaks in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn to coat well.
Refrigerate 30 minutes or longer for extra flavor. Remove cabbage steaks from marinade. Reserve any leftover marinade.
Grill cabbage steaks over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes per side or until tender-crisp, brushing with leftover marinade. Serve cabbage steaks topped with blue cheese, crumbled bacon and green onions.
Mediterranean Vegetables
Fresh veggies tossed with rice vinegar and garlic make a tasty, nutritious side.
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (seasoned)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, plus extra, to taste
• 1 tablespoon, plus 1 1/2 teaspoons, fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh zucchini, sliced into 1 3/4-inch long, 1/4-inch thick planks
• 1 cup fresh green pepper strips
• 1 cup fresh red pepper strips
• 8 fresh stalks asparagus, slicing off 1/4 inch from bottom of stalk
• 1 fresh portobello mushroom, sliced into 1/2-inch squares
• 1 cup fresh eggplant, diced into 1/2-inch squares
Heat grill to 375 F.
In large bowl, mix together rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley and garlic to create marinade. Clean vegetables then place them in marinade in small batches. Toss to coat then place in foil pouch. Pour remaining marinade over vegetables and seal pouch.
Bake in oven or over indirect heat on grill 25 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste, after removing pouch from heat.
Chef’s tip: Open pouch after 20 minutes of cooking and allow vegetables to crisp slightly under direct heat for remaining 5 minutes.
Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their beachy vibe back to the Paramount stage. With summer in full swing, enjoy their“Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach/country sounds for over a decade to the delight of their audiences.
Friday, July 26, 8 p.m. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
The Hilarious Hitmen
Sal Governale, Richard Christy and Billy Mira, radio personalities known for their prank calls and comedy, keep the laughs coming as “The Hilarious Hitmen.” The dynamic trio brings a modern twist to humor, drawing inspiration from the classic styles of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Christy’s extraordinary drumming skills set the heartbeat for their performance, while Governale’s charisma and comedic genius keep audiences in stitches. Not to be outdone, Mira’s impressions and vocal range captivate everyone. Get in on the laughs when they bring their to Harry Chapin Theatre at Eisenhower Park, for a lively evening that blends big band comedy with audience participation and delightful surprises. Audiences can’t get enough of their refreshing and new take on music and comedy, making their performances an unforgettable experience that leaves you craving for more.
Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m. Free admission. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs Cabbage Steaks with Bacon & Blue Cheese Mediterranean Vegetables
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Dramatic Play
Movie Night
Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all. The dynamic program includes “Higher Ground,” with choreography by Robert Garland, featuring Stevie Wonder tunes; “New Bach,” also choreographed by Robert Garland, with music by J.S. Bach; “Take Me with You,” choreographed by Robert Bondara, featuring Radiohead; also Robert Garland’s “Return,” with James Brown and Aretha Franklin tunes. Tickets are start at $64; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Aug. 4
The acclaimed dance company visits Long Island on its 2024 tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage Sunday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m. With a storied history, the first Black classical ballet company, co-founded by dance icon and international superstar Arthur Mitchell, has toured the world, engaged communities and introduced young minds and bodies to the power of dance. With all its renown, this boundary-breaking, dynamic organization has maintained Mitchell’s core belief that ballet belongs to everyone. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, DTH presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Black culture.
Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 29, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed. Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build self-confidence. This week’s theme Undersea Adventure. Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Speed dating
Meet singles ages 30 to 44 at 7 in Heaven Singles speed dating event, at Cabo, Thursday, July 25, 7:30-9 p.m. $45 registration includes the cost of speed dating, one free drink and appetizers. 3A N. Park Ave. in Rockville Centre. To register visit 7InHeaven.com or contact Gail Adams at (631) 592-9804.
Enjoy a family film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, Wednesday, July 31, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See the recent 3D animated musical fantasy “Trolls 3: Trolls Band Together.” The film serves as the threequel to Trolls, the sequel to Trolls World Tour, and the continuation of DreamWorks Trolls franchise. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
The Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation hosts the 5th annual Rise Up for Ryan 3-on-3 basketball tournament at the Mill River basketball courts in Lister Park, Saturday, July 27 , 9 a.m.5 p.m. Registration for the event is open to male and female competitors based on age group. 250 S. Park Avenue. To sign-up visit RyanPatrickOsheaFoundation. org.
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, Aug. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Michaela Goade’s “Berry Song.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Groovy crafts at Hempstead Lake
Families will enjoy creating groovy and colorful crafts at this family program for kids ages 6 and up. Learn to tie dye shirts and bandanas and make fun splatter paint art, Sunday, July 28, 10-11:3-0 a.m., at Hempstead Lake State Park. All you need to bring is a white cotton t-shirt and your creativity. 1000 Lake Drive in West Hempstead. To register visit Eventbrite.com.
Suicide Awareness Walk
Support the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation at Lister Park, Saturday, July 27, at noon, and be a part of the conversation to increase mental health awareness and education to prevent suicide. 250 S. Park Avenue. For more information visit RyanPatrickOsheaFoundation. org.
Catching up with the schools
The next meeting of the Rockville Centre Board of Education takes place, Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m. in the South Side High School Commons room. 140 Shepherd Street.
Sunday afternoon single mingle dance party
Enjoy a live evening of music, dancing and socializing on the rooftop at Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails, Sunday, Aug. 4, 4-7 p.m. 23 N. Park Ave. For more information visit Kaseysrvcny. com.
Having an event?
Bethany House annual golf and tennis outing
Hit the links at the Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence on Tuesday, July 30, for the 27th annual Bethany House golf and tennis outing. Check in starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at noon. Tennis will start at 1 p.m. followed by cocktails and dinner at 5 p.m.
This year’s honoree is Chris Accomando of Sceptre Vacations. There will also be a chance to win a trip to Ireland and 50/50 raffle tickets available. Sponsorship opportunities and registration for the event are available online at BHNY.org. All donations go directly to assisting and supporting the women and women with children, who come to Bethany House in a time of need. 615 Ocean Ave., in Lawrence.
Keeping up with the village
The next meeting of the Rockville Centre Village Board of Trustees takes place on Monday, Aug. 5, at 5 p.m. at Village Hall. 1 College Place.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
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 individuals to conjure authority.
Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
‘Walkin’ After Midnight’
Plaza Theatrical presents a showstopping tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. Through a colorful tapestry of iconic songs and witty personal storytelling, Carter Calvert uses her award-winning vocal talents to create this captivating musical tribute. Calvert, a Broadway star and title character in Always… Patsy Cline (opposite Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers), has gained rave reviews and triumphant accolades for her heartfelt portrayal of this legendary country recording artist.
She vocally captures Cline’s musical stylings pitch-perfectly in mega hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Both captivating and endearing, this fastpaced entertainment delights audiences of all ages. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Dems hope for blast of political momentum
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
The opening of a state Democratic office in Hempstead coincided with the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and Long Island Democrats are hoping for liftoff toward victory in November.
Congressional hopeful Laura Gillen, who is running against now incumbent Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, aims to defeat the Republican she ran against two years ago.
“We need a representative for this district who actually represents the district and delivers for the district,” Gillen said outside the 82 Main St. office. “I’ll legislate and act in the best interests of the people that I represent.”
She said that D’Esposito has not delivered for the district that includes communities from the Nassau border across the county’s South Shore to Wantagh.
Inside the office, members of 1199 Service Employees International Union, campaign volunteers and party supporters mingled with Rep. Gregory Meeks, who represents southeast Queens; Gillen, Siela Bynoe, a current county legislator now running for state senate opposing Republican Thomas Philip Montefinise; and Noah Burroughs who is opposed by Danielle Smikle in the 18th Assembly District.
Meeks spoke for nearly seven minutes to motivate the troops, noting that Long Island is vital to the hopes of Democrats.
“This the key to making sure we have and return to having the majority in the United States House of Representatives,” he said.
Calling the 2022 congressional elections a “tragic accident,” when several seats were lost, Meeks, who has served since 1998, said: “Because we won NY-3, we
only need four more seats and we know that NY-4 is going to deliver the goods and make sure that Laura Gillen is elected.”
NY-3 is the congressional district formerly represented by George Santos. After his ouster from the
House, former Congressman Ton Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip in a special election in February.
Bynoe thanked the people who supported her in the June primary against fellow Dem Taylor Darling, and noted that every vote is critical.
“It is important to support Laura Gillen,” Bynoe said. “there is much at stake. Our democracy is at stake.”
Bynoe then led the audience in the chant,” When we vote, we win.”
Burroughs, a native of Hempstead, who played in the NFL and taught for 20 years said his primary mission is to “give back to kids.”
“I do things more or less for the community — us all,” he said, noting that he “won’t’ stop walking and talking” the district and to potential constituents until the election is over.
Gillen also noted the energy in the office and acknowledged those who attended.
“We know what the stakes are in this election, and NY-4 we need a congressperson who actually shows and delivers for the people,” she said.
Despite being the challenger in her race against D’Esposito, Gillen, who did serve two years as Town of Hempstead supervisor before running for Congress, said she has a positive outlook.
“I feel really good about this campaign, I think you saw from this office opening there is tremendous energy and momentum,” Gillen said. “We’ve seen it in our grassroots support, we’ve seen it in our fundraising. And I think people are ready for a change in this district and I’m the change that they need.”
Change occurred again, as on Sunday President Joe Biden said he was bowing out of the presidential race and Vice President Kamala Harris now appears to be the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.
Jeffrey Bessen/Herald Democratic candidate for Congress, Laura Gillen, center, at the opening of the state Democrats’ office on Main Street in Hempstead on July 20.
Top fire department drill teams compete
The annual Joe Hunter Memorial Tournament helped raise $20,000 this year
By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern
Sixteen of the top fire department drill teams in the state gathered at Chief Brian D. Fahey Fire Training School in Hempstead on July 3 for the chance to compete in the 21st annual Joe Hunter Memorial Tournament.
Hunter was one of many FDNY first responders, who selflessly sacrificed his life to try and save others during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. He is remembered for his years of service as a volunteer member of the South Hempstead Fire Department and FDNY squad no. 288.
As a tribute to his life of service, Matthew Spinelli, one of his close childhood friends and a colleague with the South Hempstead Fire Department, has continued to help organize the drill competition with the help of the Hunter family since 2003.
In addition to testing the dexterity, skill and discipline of local volunteer fire departments, the tournament helps raise money for two scholarships in Hunter’s name — including one at South Side High School in Rockville Centre, where he graduated in 1987, and one at Hofstra University, where he received his bachelor’s in business management in 1994.
Spinelli said that this year’s competition raised a record-high of nearly $20,000 through application fees, donations and merchandise. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charity which helps support our nation’s heroes and their families. Through the years, the foundation has helped provide more than 1,200 mortgage-free smart homes to veterans, gold-star families and first responders. Additional funding is also given to specific families in need who are connected to fire departments on Long Island and New York City.
Spinelli said that he met Hunter when he first moved to South Hempstead when he was only nine, and they quickly became close friends.
“We basically became part of each other’s families,” Spinelli said. “He was
John Hill
the annual
just a great fireman, a good athlete and one of the best hydrant men in the drill team competitions. He was an outstanding guy. We miss him every day, and that’s why we keep this thing alive every year, to keep his name alive.”
He strongly believed that Hunter was on a path to becoming either the chief of the South Hempstead Fire Department, a battalion chief or a high-ranking member of the FDNY. Spinelli also quipped that there was a good chance that Hunter would have gotten married and had a family if given the chances since “girls were always chasing after Joe.”
The tournament has become one of the more selective and elite drill competitions in the state. Only the top teams in the New York State Championship competition are invited to attend.
The competition is broken up into eight different skill-based events, which include three-man ladder, B ladder, C ladder, B hose, C hose, efficiency, motor pump and buckets. The scores in each race are then tallied and combined to determine the winning fire department.
This year’s competition was extremely close, but it was the Islip Wolves who finished in first place with a total of 23 points. Trailing just one point behind, the West Hempstead Westerners and the Central Islip Hoboes tied for second place.
Also participating in this year’s tournament were the Westbury Turtles, the Port Washington Road Runners, the Lindenhurst Snails, the Copiague Yellowbirds, the Bay Shore Redskins, the North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers, the Miller Place Extinguishers, the Hagerman Gamblers, and the hosting South
LEGAL NOTICE
This leg of the competition consists of one driver, three ladder men and one climber in a class C fire vehicle equipped with a 25-foot speed ladder.
Hempstead Rascals, which includes members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department.
Spinelli said this year’s competition was one of the best to date, which he credited to the good weather forecast, scheduling close to Independence Day and the full crowd of spectators.
The upcoming New York State Championship Drill will be hosted in Central Islip on August 17, which will determine the lineup for the 2025 Joe Hunter Memorial Drill.
Public Notices
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CATHAY BANK, Plaintiffagainst- 222 SUNRISE LLC, et al., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 3, 2024 and entered on June 10, 2024, the below-referenced Referee will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau County Courthouse located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY, on August 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., the premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Rockville Centre, County of Nassau, State of New York, bounded and described as follows: Section: 38, Block: 318, Lot: 338; Said premises known as 222 SUNRISE HIGHWAY, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY. While there is no current mask or distance mandate in effect, auction attendees are requested to practice
social distancing whenever feasible. Approximate amount of lien $1,855,808.59, plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale. Index Number 607648/2023. BRUCE R. HAFNER, ESQ., Referee; Pryor Cashman LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 7 Times Square, New York, NY, 10036. {*ROCKVILLE CENTER HERALD*} 147753
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. PATRICK MARINELLI, ET AL., Defendant (s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side
Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 342 WILLOW STREET, SOUTH HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 36, Block: 283, Lot: 85. Approximate amount of judgment is $157,988.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 606958/2022. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the
Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee.
MATIN EMOUNA, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147921
for
at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Mila Assets LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 05/23/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202 Brooklyn, NY 11228
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 147882
Bill Kelly/Herald photos SHFD score three points in the C ladder competition.
Ladder men with the South Hempstead Fire Department spring into action during the B ladder competition.
Joe Hunter’s mother, Bridget, and
watch
tournament from the sidelines.
Business Intelligence Analyst wanted by 3W Auto Accessory Inc. in Oceanside, NY. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, or business-related major. Duties: Collect and analyze data from various sources, uncovering insights into sales, inventory, and market trends; Create interactive reports and dashboards, aiding decision-making by presenting key performance metrics; Forecast sales, conduct market research, and optimize inventory levels; Segment customers for targeted marketing and evaluate sales team performance; responsible for Data security and compliance, along with continuous improvement. Yearly Salary will be $80850 to $90000. Mail Resume to 3W Auto Accessory Inc., Attn: Qi Zhou, 3401 Lawson Blvd, Oceanside, NY 11572.
TEACHER AIDES
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
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST: PART TIME, Must be Fluent in English and Spanish, Must Have Good Computer Skills, Able to Learn New Programs, Pleasant Phone Voice, Good People Skills, Salary Negotiable. 516-726-0309 or Email Resume to coreybickoff294@gmail.com
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 salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
Grand Center Hall Colonial
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
As you pull up to this home you will notice a welcoming cul-de-sac. This home boasts a true Center Hall Colonial, a living room, dining room, newer eat-in-kitchen with custom 42" wood cabinets, stainless
LYNBROOK: 2 BR, Off Street Parking, No Pets, $3,100. 516-599-3174
WANTAGH 1 BEDROOM, Full Kitchen, Full Bath, Livingroom/Kitchen Combo, No Smoking No Pets. $1650. 516-731-3763.
Elmont $640,000
Norfolk Drive. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Many updates including bathrooms. First floor master bedroom. Cozy fenced-in yard.
Taxes: $13,272
BETH DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE SUNNY Private Entrance,Walk In Closet, Walking Distance South Nassau Hospital, Share Bath, 516-913-0804.
3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $3999; Purchase Together $9999. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316
ONE BURIAL PLOT FOR SALE at Beth David’s in Elmont. Asking for $6,500. Please contact Michele Flanigan at 518-546-9550
Hewlett $670,000
Peninsula Boulevard. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. New eat-in kitchen with shaker cabinets, high-end Samsung appliances and island, also sliding doors to private fenced-in yard. Move-in ready with new siding and roof. Taxes: $14,237.40
Lido Beach $1,430,000
Biarritz Street. Cottage. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Den/family room and home office. High-end finishes include cathedral ceiling and wet bar. Taxes: $19,573.89
Malverne $920,000
Foster Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Movein ready stunning home in convenient Westwood neighborhood. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Updates include skylight. Walk to Westwood LIRR. Taxes: $16,869.06
Merrick $1,200,000
Loines Avenue. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office and guest quarters in bonus finished attic. High end finishes include cathedral ceiling and wet bar. Entertaining style backyard with heated saltwater pool and pool house with 3 portico doors. 2 car garage. Security system.
Taxes: $23,818.67
Rockville Centre $1,650,000
Contractors seem to have plans of their own
Q. We are getting estimates for a small bump-out at the back of our house to add a breakfast room, and the estimates have been much higher than we were led to believe. We met with a contractor before we hired an architect, and he gave us a number, but suggested we get plans made, which we did. In addition to doing an estimate from the plans, the contractor said we should pay him for the estimate if we don’t use him because of the time he took. His card actually says “Free estimates.” Between the price, which went way up, and the fact that he wants money, even if he doesn’t get the job, we aren’t going to even consider him, but is this common, that he should have such a higher price and also want to get paid? Incidentally, he added a lot of things that aren’t in the plans and aren’t what we spoke about.
A. This scenario is common, and I often warn people that they should, preliminarily, try to get a ballpark estimate, just to be sure they can do the project before getting started with plans. It always helps to have the contractor and architect speak, so we’re all on the same page.
Most often, though, what ends up happening is a kind of disillusionment when the plans are done and the contractor’s numbers are much higher than discussed. I’m amazed at how many contractors, without a phone call or meeting, try to change the project, question the engineering or structure, or try to work around the architect after all the time and consideration given to planning. It’s rare to have a contractor not make statements about the structure, even though I have rarely dealt with a contractor who can show expertise, with a license in engineering, to alter the design. Many just want to make it simpler to build without ever having to recognize the long-term issues of high winds, heavy snow or building codes.
On the other hand, one individual tried to upsell the job, claiming that piles were needed on a home where there was a basement and no other pilings. In order to add underground pilings to the price, a deep soil test, showing the character of the supporting earth, would need to be done. The home is over 100 years old and shows no signs of settling, so the inclusion of piles, without even consulting the licensed professional, is unwarranted.
It’s true that contractors have a hard job doing estimates, especially because the prices of lumber and other commodities change. They can spend many weeks calling around to suppliers and checking pricing, only to have their integrity questioned. This can lead to increasing numbers to account for potential material price changes. While you can’t expect the cost to remain the same, it is fair to ask, at the beginning, for a higher-end number so the outcome isn’t so different. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Ask The Architect Monte Leeper
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Congestion pricing may be paused, but the fight continues
From Buffalo to Montauk, New Yorkers of every color, creed and religion find themselves struggling to stay afloat amid the ever-increasing tax burden imposed on them, especially by the legions of out-of-touch bureaucrats who wield power in Albany. For too long, Long Islanders seeking financial relief from our state capital have found instead that many of their elected leaders in Albany are all too eager to nickel-anddime hardworking taxpayers as a solution to the fiscal mismanagement rife across government-operated entities as well as those directly tied to New York state, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
There is no doubt that the MTA is a vital resource for New Yorkers, but the dereliction of duty by the agency’s lead-
ership has led to staggering budget deficits and wasteful spending, to the point where it now costs the MTA roughly $3 billion a year just to service its enormous debt. Recognizing the unsustainable nature of this spending spree, the MTA conspired with Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Democrats to siphon more cash from commuters via a congestion pricing plan, which is nothing more than a thinly veiled commuter tax.
that part of Manhattan altogether — like many in the trucking and carting sector.
Will Gov. Kathy Hochul simply restart the plan after November’s election?
Charging drivers who enter Lower Manhattan via car a fee in addition to the tolls already collected on many bridges and tunnels is nothing short of highway robbery, and New Yorkers resoundingly rejected this latest Democratic cash grab. Indeed, residents of every political stripe have voiced their concerns about this new tax, which would see the average commuter fork over an additional $4,000 for the privilege of entering Lower Manhattan, and force many businesses to raise prices or shy away from conducting business in
I was proud to stand alongside fellow Republicans, and some common-sense Democrats, to raise the alarm across the tristate area about this anti-business mandate. What’s more, I introduced bipartisan federal legislation to reject congestion pricing and to ensure that this disastrous plan did not come to fruition. After repeated public calls to Governor Hochul and the Democrats in the State Legislature to scrap the plan, the people were heard, and Hochul “paused” the implementation of congestion pricing at the 11th hour last month.
But the timing seemed suspect.
Poll after poll across New York told the same story: Congestion pricing was an awful plan, and voters were prepared to take their frustration to the ballot box. It isn’t hard to connect the dots and conclude that Hochul only delayed implementation of congestion pricing
because, on the federal level, Democrats feared that it would imperil their campaigns in competitive House districts leading up to the November election — including the one for my seat. I find it hard to believe that New York state and its governor invested significant money in constructing the new tolling infrastructure across Manhattan only for Hochul to have a change of heart at the last minute.
So it is vital that while commonsense, anti-congestion pricing advocates have the wind at our backs, we press on and demand further reassurances — in law — that this plan will not simply be restarted once the all-important fall election season has concluded.
It is extraordinarily important that New Yorkers stand united in continued opposition to Hochul’s disastrous congestion pricing plan, and demand more concrete protections against the implementation of this debilitating scheme as we move forward. I will be sure to keep up the fight in Washington as your voice on Capitol Hill.
Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.
She won a house in a raffle, and took the cash instead
summer is a great time to unwind, relax and spend time with family. If you’re on the event planning committee for the RVC Historical Society, it’s also a great time to start thinking about fall programs at the Phillips House Museum. Our team has put together some wonderful events for the fall, which I’ll list below.
Today we’ll share some important housing developments that took place in the village around the turn and early decades of the 20th century.
At the end of the 19th century, almost all the land south of Merrick Road — then called Southern Boulevard — and east of Park Avenue was owned by the Davison Family. As the need for housing increased, the family began subdividing the land into the Davison Park housing development. The home at 84 S. Marion, at the corner of Arlington Place, was likely constructed in the 1890s in Dutch colonial style, with a large barn and carriage house in the rear.
At the time, the property extended from Marion to Davison Place. By 1924,
the property was subdivided and a second home was built at the corner of Davison and Arlington. In 1983, the property was subdivided yet again to construct 15 Arlington. While local legend has it that New York City Mayor John Hylan used the home as a summer residence in the 1910s, perhaps the most famous residents of 84 S. Marion were the Rosenbaum/Russell family who occupied it in the 1920s.
T
he house at Village Avenue and Allen Road was the ‘home of the future.’
Harry Rosenbaum was an early investor in the city’s garment real estate business, and his daughter Edith became famous as a saleswoman, a fashion journalist and a buyer for many highend designers in New York and Paris. (She later changed her name to Russell to avoid antisemitism.) During World War I she took a break from fashion and became one of the first female wartime journalists, reporting from the front lines. But perhaps most notably, Edith was a survivor of the Titanic, and her story was featured in the book “A Night to Remember.”
With housing development in full swing by the 1930s, the Rockville Centre Building and Industrial Exposition was founded to connect builders, architects and prospective homebuyers to boost the local industry. It was an annual
event in a tent on open land at the intersection of North Forest and the Long Island Rail Road tracks. To attract a larger crowd in 1937, the club raffled off a “model home” at 881 N. Village — the “home of the future,” with a modern exterior design and modern conveniences inside on the interior, a departure from the more popular building styles of the time.
The square house had a white exterior and a copper roof, steel-edged corner windows, indirect lighting, gas heat, an electric kitchen, and central air conditioning. Gertz’s department store provided all the furniture, and Westinghouse provided all the appliances. For three weeks in the summer of 1937, over 15,000 people came to tour the home, at Village Avenue and Allen Road, a newly developing area of town.
The winner, Mrs. Grace Houghton, of Rockville Centre, was announced at Hickey Field after a parade through town. Houghton opted to take $12,000 in cash instead of the house, which was then sold to A. Heim, of New York City, in January 1938. The exterior of the house remains almost entirely intact despite its 87 years on North Village Avenue.
There are accompanying photo-
graphs for these stories and more on our website.
This fall, the Rockville Centre Historical Society will offer four programs:
■ Is My Home Historic? How to Gather Research on Your Historic Home. Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. Presented virtually.
■ The Nuts & Bolts of Historic Preservation. Oct. 23, at 7 p.m., at the Phillips House Museum.
■ Long Island Author Series, featuring Tim Keough, author and assistant history professor at CUNY: In Levittown’s Shadow: Poverty in America’s Wealthiest Postwar Suburb. Oct. 8, at 7 p.m., at the museum.
■ Long Island Author Series, featuring Dr. Paul van Wie, history professor at Molloy University: van Wie will speak about ecological and historic events that occurred on the Hempstead Plains, an area that covered 40,000 acres of Nassau County. Nov. 7, time TBD, at the museum.
Visit our website, rvchs.org, email us at rvchistoricalsociety@gmail.com, or call (516) 670-5737 for more information about these programs and other upcoming events.
Until next time — enjoy your summer, and go make your own history!
Jim Belling is a member of the board of trustees of the Phillips House Museum and the Rockville Centre Historical Society.
HERALD
HeraLd editoriaL
Face mask bill must strike a delicate balance
amid ongoing debates about public safety and individual rights, the Nassau County Legislature is poised to make a significant decision that could have an impact on both.
Republican Legislator Mazi Pilip has proposed a bill that would make the county one of the first in the metropolitan area to ban face masks that conceal a wearer’s identity.
The proposal, backed by all 12 Republican county legislators, aims to unmask those responsible for violent acts during protests, imposing fines of up to $1,000 and potential jail time for violators.
A similar measure was proposed by State Sen. Steve Rhoads last month, after six young men wearing masks attacked another man at the Academy Charter School graduation at Hofstra University.
The Pilip bill is a reaction to violence involving people wearing masks in recent months during protests at universities including Columbia, George Washington and Yale. Pilip said that when they cover their faces, people can act as brazenly as they wish, which is unacceptable, and the idea behind the proposal is to curb violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
A laudable goal — but this well-meaning legislation may compromise public health and civil liberties, particularly when face masks are used as intended. They became an essential public health
Letters
Jerry Kremer should rethink congestion pricing
To the Editor:
tool during the coronavirus pandemic, and are not just a means of personal protection, but also a potential collective shield that helps reduce the transmission of airborne viruses.
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of masks in curbing the spread of infectious diseases, thereby saving lives. To undermine this practice, even with the pandemic seemingly behind us, could have dire consequences for public health, especially as we ponder future outbreaks of other diseases.
The proposed bill includes exemptions for those wearing masks for health or religious reasons, but the enforcement of those exemptions would raise significant concerns. While the Republican presiding officer of the County Legislature, Howard Kopel, said he doubted anyone would intervene when an older person wears a mask for health reasons, there appear to be broader worries. The New York Civil Liberties Union has voiced concerns that the legislation paints a target on the backs of people of color, and protesters who disagree with government policies.
Those sentiments are echoed by Democratic Legislator Debra Mulé, who highlights what she sees as the ambiguity surrounding the bill’s implementation and enforcement.
Historical and current events have shown that laws with vague enforcement guidelines often disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Even the appearance that some were
Re Jerry Kremer’s recent column, “It’s time to give the governor a break”: I strongly disagree with Kremer’s opinion about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s cancellation of congestion pricing. This money would have been of great benefit to those of us who ride the Long Island Rail Road and the New York City transit system. It would also have helped to reduce air pollution in New York City, a big problem.
As we’ve seen in the weeks since the governor canceled this program, there is no Plan B for funding the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital program, despite her absurd statements to the contrary. There is a real risk of losing significant federal funding for the Second Avenue subway. Also, muchneeded new electric train cars for the LIRR will likely now be indefinitely delayed.
I’m guessing that Kremer doesn’t ride the railroad and experience some of the very old M-3 passenger cars, which break down frequently. The now canceled capital program would also have improved accessibility at LIRR stations, not to mention helping
being unfairly targeted by a face mask law would not only undermine trust in public institutions, but also exacerbate existing social and racial tensions.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s consideration of a mask ban on New York City transit, and similar proposals from other state legislators, indicate a broader trend toward restricting mask use that, if taken up by individual counties as well and not carefully managed, could become the focus of endless litigation and, yes, masked protests. Legislators’ focus should instead be on fostering a safe environment without infringing on individual rights or compromising public health. Rather than outright bans, there should be a nuanced approach that balances safety with the right to wear masks for legitimate reasons. Enhancing security measures at protests, improving surveillance to identify perpetrators of violence without compromising the anonymity of peaceful demonstrators, and fostering better communication between law enforcement and the public could be more effective strategies.
Legislation that restricts the use of masks must be carefully crafted to avoid unintended consequences that affect citizens’ freedoms or can be seen as discriminatory. As the County Legislature considers Pilip’s bill before a scheduled Aug. 5 vote, it should seek input from a wide range of stakeholders before finalizing it, in an effort to protect both public safety and individual rights.
opinions
We are not a nation of one religion
my earliest memories of church are of getting dressed up and heading to St. Dominic’s, in Oyster Bay, with my family. We’d dab our fingers with holy water, make the sign of the cross and walk into the pews, where I would immediately grab a hymnal and start looking through it, hoping we’d get to sing some of my favorites, like “The Lord of the Dance” or “We Three Kings.”
As I grew up, I continued to enjoy many aspects of religion, from getting into (very amateur) theological debates with my friends to the sense of community and belonging it can provide, even as my belief in God slipped away.
While I don’t go to church too often anymore, I still have a special place in my heart for the magic, the importance and the splendor of religion, especially Christianity. The history of religion is one of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and led to some of the most phenomenal art, literature and philosophy that humanity has ever produced.
But I’ve been deeply disheartened by some political stunts that have taken place around the country in the name of religion. None more so than the recent efforts by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to require all public classrooms in the state to display the Ten Commandments. This comes at a time when there are calls for America to “return” to being a Christian nation, and for Christianity to play a more prominent role in our government, with many echoing the sentiments of Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert that “I’m tired of this separation of church and state junk.”
were in fact deists, with no personal connection to any one church. George Washington attended a different denomination’s service every week, while many suspected Benjamin Franklin of being a secret atheist.
a nd you need look no further than the Constitution to be reminded of that.
That “junk” Boebert so eloquently refers to is one of the defining pillars of the Founding Fathers’ vision for our country. Because despite what Christian nationalists argue, the United States has never been a Christian nation, and was expressly founded on the idea that any people, with any religious beliefs, could find a home here, even if reality has not always reflected those ideals.
Some argue that the founders were themselves Christian, and that religion played a huge role in the creation of the nation. What this conveniently ignores is the fact that many of them
Letters
to buy new diesel train cars and locomotives, which are approaching the end of their useful lives.
Kremer noted the economic cost of congestion pricing, and perhaps some adjustments could be made. But not funding our transit system is a terrible idea, and it will absolutely result in higher costs to taxpayers in the end.
I once thought of Mr. Kremer as a fairly progressive and effective legislator, but I guess that’s all in the past now that he’s a lobbyist.
In contrast, Kevin Kelley’s column, “Our future should include transit-oriented development,” makes a lot of sense. We urgently need housing and transportation here on Long Island. Kremer’s negative comments about transit funding accomplish nothing, except to play to the short-term interests of uncaring politicians.
I suggest he think about this, and reevaluate his position.
MICHAEL CRAvEN Point Lookout
Road violence vs. gun violence: no comparison
To the Editor:
Anyone
rides a bike or walks across an intersection in
Nassau County knows that life-threatening recklessness behind the wheel has become terrifyingly common. In fact, 20 times more people are killed in the county by drivers than by shooters. yet elected officials, led by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, are doing little or nothing to reduce traffic violence. Instead, in a stunning example of skewed priorities, Blakeman and his political allies stir public fears of the comparatively tiny threat of gun-related crime.
In 2022 — the most recent year for which statistics are available — traffic violence claimed 81 lives in Nassau County. That same year, a total of four people in the county were killed by armed assailants.
And the roads are becoming ever more deadly.
“Traffic fatalities in New york have grown at an alarming rate since the pandemic,” state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a report last month.
Speeding and drunk or distracted driving are among the leading causes of this upsurge. But the Nassau County Police Department issued 66 percent fewer speeding tickets in 2022 than in 2019, the year prior to the pandemic. DWI arrests have also sharply decreased.
“In Nassau County,” Blakeman declared in March, “we back the blue, and we fund our police.” He boasted that more than 200 officers have been added
Thomas Jefferson even went so far as to reply to a letter by the Danbury Baptist Association by declaring, “When (the Church has) opened a gap in the hedge or wall of separation between the garden of the church and the wilderness of the world, God hath ever broke down the wall itself, removed the Candlestick, etc., and made His Garden a wilderness as it is this day. And that therefore if He will ever please to restore His garden and paradise again, it must of necessity be walled in peculiarly unto Himself from the world …”
Even earlier, Roger Williams, a Puritan minister and the founder of Rhode Island, was banished from Massachusetts for his “erroneous” and “dangerous opinions,” for preaching against the king and for the separation of church and state. Williams feared that the co-mingling of religion and government would not only lead to oppression, but would damage the integrity of the church.
Favoring one religion over others goes directly against the Constitution itself. The Establishment Clause, a key component of the First Amendment, states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” While the exact meaning of “establishment” has been debated by legal scholars for centuries, the broad understanding has traditionally been that the government cannot, and should not, promote one religion over any other.
Religion is a wonderful thing. It brings people together, and encourages us to consider our place in the universe. I’ll be the first to stand up when people of any religious denomination in this country are being oppressed for their beliefs.
At the same time, we cannot allow any religious ideology to influence the functioning of our government, because once we start telling people how to live, love and think based on our religious beliefs, we are no longer upholding religion, but tyranny. As a wise carpenter from Nazareth said in Matthew 22:20, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.”
Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@ liherald.com.
Framework by Tim Baker
to the county’s police force since he took office in 2022. That rhetoric, and those statistics, mean little to the families of children and adults killed in preventable crashes. And almost all motor vehicle fatalities can indeed be prevented with safer road
designs and tighter enforcement of traffic laws. Nassau County public officials must stop ignoring this worsening threat to the lives of their constituents.
At last Saturday’s next-to-last Food Truck Festival — Wantagh
KEvIN J. KELLEy Atlantic Beach
who travels by car,
