Babylon Herald Beacon 06-25-2026 by Richner Communications, Inc

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Also serving Babylon, Bay Shore, Copiague, Deer Park, Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Islip and Wyandanch

Artist Ron Becker reflects on life

Copiague student wins prestigious science award

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School freshman Isabella Rufrano earned first place at the New York State Science Congress in Syracuse, marking the first time a student from the Copiague School District has captured the top honor at the statewide competition.

The achievement is especially notable because Rufrano, a freshman, competed against students in grades 9 through 12 from across New York. “I am very proud,” Isabella said. “This was definitely the hardest research I have had to do, so receiving this recognition is great.”

Rufrano advanced to the state competition after placing first in the Medicine and Health category at the regional Long Island Science Congress. That performance qualified her for the statewide event.

At the state level, she presented research titled “Parental Sex as a Determinant in Fluoxetine-Induced Effects on Reproductive and Developmental Outcomes in Drosophila melanogaster.”

The project examined whether exposure

to fluoxetine, the antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, affected offspring differently depending on whether the mother or father was exposed. Rufrano used fruit flies, a common laboratory model, to study how parental exposure influenced development and reproductive outcomes in future generations.

District officials said the win represents a milestone for the district, which has previously sent students to the competition but had never produced a first-place finisher.

Science research teacher Kaitlyn Thompson said Rufrano’s work reflected both discipline and scientific curiosity.

“Through her work, Isabella demonstrated the skills and determination needed to stand out among some of New York’s top young researchers,” Thompson said.

District officials said Rufrano’s success was supported by members of the science department, including Kerri Hall, Renee Locker and Tracy Wenzler.

The New York State Science Congress brings together top student researchers from across the state to present original scientific work in a variety of categories.

Village targets unsafe home

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Aesthetics and safety were among the key topics discussed at the Village of Babylon Board of Trustees meeting on June 9, as village officials addressed a property occupied by squatters and outlined efforts to enhance the appearance of the downtown through a newly formed Façade Improvement Program.

The board adopted a resolution addressing concerns at 89 Park Ave., where exterior inspections conducted by the village building inspector and village engineer determined that the residential property has “multiple violations” creating dangerous and unsafe conditions. According to the resolution, the conditions pose a hazard to the homeowner, occupants and neighboring properties and constitute a blight on the community.

The resolution authorizes the village attorney to commence an action in Suffolk County Supreme Court seeking a court order requiring the property owners to immediately remediate the dangerous conditions. If the owners fail to do so, the village would be permitted to complete the remediation and “levy costs incurred thereby to the village tax roll and warrant for said property.”

Mayor Mary Adams said the property has been occupied

by squatters and that each individual living there has filed for bankruptcy, delaying the court’s ability to issue an eviction warrant.

“After 7 or 8 squatters, the judge decided to issue the warrant and hopefully have the sheriff go in and evict them,” Adams said. “We’re waiting on that process now to occur as the house is dangerous and it is unsafe.”

She added that the situation is not one the village wants to tolerate.

“I’m glad we’re moving forward on this,” Adams said. “Let’s get this cleaned up once and for all.”

Village Attorney Charles J. Casolaro described the resolution as a necessary first step.

“This is a first step — there are some things under our village code that we have to follow, and one of them is this resolution, but this will ensure that we get to the courts quickly and we remediate this property quickly because it’s in very bad condition,” Casolaro said.

Trustee Jeffrey Szabo also discussed the village’s newly formed façade improvement board, which he said has been working to improve the appearance of the downtown business district.

“We have been trying to be as creative as possible in working with the business owners

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Courtesy Copiague school district

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School freshman Isabella Rufrano earned first place at the New York State Science Congress in Syracuse.

FRIDAY JULY 17, 2026

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If interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact communitysr@woundedwarriorproject.org.

Babylon Village block party season kicks off with crowds and community

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

The Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce kicked off its annual summer block party series on June 4, drawing crowds to Deer Park Avenue to explore a variety of vendors, restaurants and outdoor dining options.

Visitors spent the evening shopping, dancing, sampling food and enjoying activities for children as businesses and organizations lined the village’s main thoroughfare.

“We’re excited to invite the community of Babylon Village into the restaurant,” said Leo DeNicola, owner of Tejanos Tex-Mex Cantina, which offered outdoor dining that many attendees took advantage of on the summerlike evening.

Other restaurants participating in the block party included Argyle Grill and Tavern, Masa, Torta Fina, Roast Sandwich House, Babylon Social, La Bottega, Barrique and The Brixton.

Chrissy Bencivenga, who typically performs at The Brixton with her band, Chrissy and Jess, but was not performing that evening, was delighted to run into bandmate Jessica Zaret and friend April Nothdurft at the event. Bencivenga said she enjoys attending the block parties in addition to working in the village.

Vendors Jasmine and Ray Cumberbatch of What’s The Tea said they return to the street fair series every year.

“I’ve always loved it here,” Ray said. “I used to work here, and the people are really nice.”

Other vendors included Babylon Post 94 American Legion, the Swell Taco food truck, Pilot Club of Babylon, Christ Episcopal Church, Babylon United Methodist Church, Talia’s, Meet Me There coastal apparel, Serve Babylon, Jupiter Sky Creations, Babylon Public Library and a variety of other businesses selling clothing, jewelry, pet items and treats.

Mary and Michael Cusumano attended the block party with their daughters, Margaux and Michaela. Mary said the family attends every block party. Fiveyear-old Margaux said she was looking

Staff at Tejanos Tex-Mex Cantina getting ready to welcome attendees of the block party to their restaurant.

DeNicola, Joe DeNicola, Shelby Kowalewsky, Emily Ventura,

forward to getting her face painted with a rainbow dog design and enjoying some chocolate ice cream.

Music filled the avenue throughout the evening as attendees danced to live performances by NY Hard Drive Band and Ernest Wellsley, who performed songs spanning the 1970s to today.

“What a beautiful start to the block party season in Babylon Village — the weather was perfect,” said Tom Vitale, president of the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber was elated to begin Pride weekend with this first block party, ultimately culminating with the seventh annual Pride Parade in the village.”

Vitale said he and chamber members are looking forward to the remaining block parties this summer.

“We can’t wait to see you all there, and don’t forget to bring a friend or three,” he said.

The next Babylon Village block parties will take place July 16 and Aug. 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Deer Park Avenue.

and Leo DeNicola.

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Pictured are: Danny Racioppi, Jack

Dillon Sharpe

Olivia, Emila and Bella Franco all smiles after getting their ice cream at the block party.

Friends Chrissy Bencivenga, April Nothdurft and Jessica Zaret unexpectedly meet up at the block party.

Mary and Michael Cusumano attended the block party with their daughters Michaela and Margaux who was waiting to have her face painted with the rainbow dog.

Brother and sister, Patrick and Margie taking a break from dancing to NY Hard Drive Band with their parents Patrick and Katie Mischik-Stankard for a quick photo.

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department and other local law enforcement and emergency service units: PETIT LARCENY

Deer Park: An unidentified man walked into BJ’s at The Arches shortly before 7 p.m., June 11 and left with $250 worth of clothing without paying for the items.

CRIME WATCH

•Fifty-two dollars in groceries was stolen. From Uncle Giuseppe’s supermarket June 7. The report was filed shortly before noon.

West Babylon: An unidentified driver pulled up to the Gulf gasoline station on Little East Neck shortly before 11:30 a.m., June 11, filled up the tank of his/ her vehicle and left without paying for the gasoline.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

•Babylon Village Farmer’s Market: Every Sunday, June thru November, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Village Gazebo, 244 W. Main St. (Montauk Hwy.) in Babylon Village - rain or shine. You can visit their web site @: https://longislandfarmersmarkets.com/.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

•West Babylon Library Board of Trustees meeting: 6 p.m., at West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon. For info., call 631-669-5445; or visit the web site @ wbab.suffolk.lib.ny.us/.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1

•The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in partnership with the Natural Heritage Trust, released the 2026 Children’s Summer En-

tertainment schedule. Beginning in July and running thru the end of August, the Children’s Summer Entertainment offers families several opportunities to enjoy a variety of free, fun and interactive shows/activities at state parks throughout Long Island. A vehicle use fee may be in effect and participants are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. There are no rain dates for the performances. For the schedule and/or additional information call 631-321-3510; or visit: parks.ny.gov.

THURSDAY, JULY 2

•Village of Babylon Architectural Review Board: 8 p.m. @ Village Hall, 153 W. Main St., Babylon. For additional meeting information, call 631-669-1500; or email info@villageofbabylonny.gov, or visit the web site @https://www.villageofbabylonny.gov.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

•Happy 250th Birthday to America . . .

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Record Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

Application process open for opioid settlement funds

Suffolk County has opened applications for the third round of opioid settlement funding, making additional resources available to organizations providing prevention, treatment, recovery and harm-reduction services.

County Executive Ed Romaine and officials from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced the funding opportunity, which is supported by settlements reached with opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.

“The opioid epidemic has impacted families and communities across Suffolk County for far too long,” Romaine said. “These settlement funds are helping us expand access to treatment, strengthen recovery services, support prevention efforts, and save lives.”

Since launching the program, Suffolk County has awarded more than $57 million to 50 organizations supporting 76 programs countywide. Half of the funding has been directed to treatment ser-

Copiague: Someone stole a bicycle that was in front of a home on Vespucci Avenue. The theft was reported shortly before 7:30 p.m., June 8.

•Suffolk County police arrested Alissia Campbell, 28, of 805 Bayview Ave., North Amityville June 6, charging her with stealing $27 worth of clothing from Target on Sunrise Highway.

North Lindenhurst: An assortment of make-up valued at $118 was stolen from the CVS pharmacy on North Wellwood Avenue June 8. The report was filed at 2:20 p.m.

ROBBERY

Deer Park: Police said an unidentified subject forcibly took a speaker from a victim on Deer Park Avenue. The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m., and the speaker was valued at $220.

MAKING GRAFFITI

Deer Park: Representatives of ARMA Containers Industry Court called police shortly before 8 a.m., June 8 to report that a truck and container were damaged by graffiti.

ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired

- Erika Lander, 50, of 253 Feller Dr., Central Islip; Cameron Smith, 24, of 370 Triangle Rd., Hillsborough, New Jersey; Jose Quintanillauman, 22, of 9 Banbury Ct., Copiague; Kevin Lovegrover, 22, of 21 Northfield Lane, West Bay Shore; Axel Sarmiento, 30, of 60 Adams Ave., Oyster Bay; Angie Perez, 21, of 114 Dickman St., Brentwood; Hugo Lezama Hernandez, 39, of 194 Ocean Ave., Brentwood;

Menacing - Jose Francisco Mamanipadilla, 43 1375 Thompson Dr., Bay Shore; Roshane Henry, 29, 77 South 21st St., Wyandanch (With a Weapon).

Petit Larceny - Jason Edwards, 621. N. Kings Ave., Lindenhurst; Latoya Rolle, 40, of 76 E. Minerva Rd., Copiague; Darrin Mosca, 56, 221 Washington Blvd., Long Beach.

Trespassing - Rafael Garcia, 53, of 1510 Industrial Court, North Bay Shore. Robbery - Abdel Felix Santiago, 27, 1549 Ohio Ave., North Bay Shore. Burglary - Hugh Smith, 59, of 55 Bailey Ave., North Bay Shore.

Unlawful Speed Racing - Taskin Sener, 38, of 27 Parkside Rd., Hempstead.

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.

Motorcyclist seriously injured in car collision in Wyandanch

Suffolk County Police First Squad detectives are investigating a crash in Wyandanch that left a motorcyclist seriously injured late Saturday night.

According to police, Kemish HuttonMurray, 43, of Wyandanch, was driving a 2011 Honda Accord southbound on Long Island Avenue and attempting to make a left turn onto eastbound Long Island Avenue when a northbound 2011 Yamaha motorcycle collided with the passenger side of her vehicle at approximately 11:10 p.m. on June 13.

The motorcycle operator, Kendron Rivers, 30, of Huntington Station, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip for treatment, police said.

Hutton-Murray was not injured in the crash.

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the First Squad at 631-854-8152.

vices, with additional investments in prevention, recovery and harm-reduction initiatives.

Applications will be reviewed by the Suffolk County Opioid Settlement Fund Selection Panel, which includes county officials and a community advocate. Eligible applicants must maintain a significant presence in Suffolk County and provide services to county residents.

“The opioid crisis is an issue that can affect anyone in our community,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. “These resources allow us to strengthen our network of providers and ensure that prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services remain available to those who need them most.”

The application portal will remain open through July 6. Contracts awarded through this funding round will begin Jan. 1, 2027.

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Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, on

Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington

Knicks parade draws huge, celebratory crowd

By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com

New York City held a ticker-tape parade celebrating the Knicks’ NBA championship win over the San Antonio Spurs last week — the Knicks’ first title since their 1973 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lower Manhattan was packed on June 18, with paradegoers clamoring for space along the route up Broadway from Battery Park to City Hall. Each Knicks player had his own float, atop which he and a group of team staff celebrated.

Star center Karl-Anthony Towns had a special guest on his float: Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who gave a speech congratulating the team at a ceremony at City Hall after the parade, where the team was presented with keys to the city.

Mamdani told the crowd that the oddsmakers had given the Spurs a 99.6 percent chance of winning Game 4 of the championship series. “A 99.6 percent chance of tying up the series 2-2 …,” the mayor said. “But there is one thing that the pundits don’t get about this city: It is in that .4 percent that we go to work.

“It’s in that .4 percent that the Knicks do what New Yorkers have always done when we are told that something is impossible,” Mamdani added. “We find a way. We win.”

Actor Timothée Chalamet, film director and Knicks superfan Spike Lee, and rapper Fat Joe were also on floats with the Knicks players.

According to city officials, the parade attracted a crowd of over 2 million, but when the estimates of the number who didn’t make it into the viewing area are included, the approximate totals were much larger. Among those in both categories were a number of Long Islanders, who took the LIRR into the city to support the team’s historic win.

Brothers Bryan and Christian Rosado, of Long Beach, made it into Manhat-

tan by 6 a.m., but that wasn’t early enough for them to get a good view of the parade. But they said they appreciated the experience nonetheless.

“I’d love to say we stayed to watch the whole thing, but we really weren’t going to see much,” Bryan Rosado said. “It might have felt like hell on earth, but it was worth celebrating the Garden becoming Eden again.”

“The parade was an unorganized mess — it was so chaotic,” his brother said. “I still think being with so many other New Yorkers, laughing, chanting and celebrating, made it worth it.” The unity Christian described spread through the streets, and many Knicks fans were wearing Yankees and Mets caps as well.

Jacquelle Lainez, of Freeport, managed to get a better view than the Rosados. Her plans were also altered by how early paradegoers began gathering in

Lower Manhattan. “My friend I was supposed to go with said her phone fell off her nightstand, lost power and died before her alarm could go off,” Lainez said. “I waited for her from 4 to 5:30 a.m., but after that I just went. It’s her loss.”

The unity was palpable on Church Street, parallel to the parade route. Fans who couldn’t get a view of the parade flooded the street, climbing on sanitation trucks, crowding subway entrances and climbing lampposts. Chants of “Knicks in 5!” “Let’s go Knicks!” and “Jalen Brunson” rang out regularly.

Even after the parade, Lower Manhattan was still full of Knicks fans buying shirts from street vendors, getting much-needed drinks at delis, and congratulating one another as if all were members of the team. New Yorkers’ connection to the Knicks was clearly as strong as it has been in decades.

Guard Josh Hart, who, like each of the players, had a float of his own, looked comfortably well-equipped.

J Goy/Herald photos

Some of the estimated 2 million people — not counting the crowded side streets — who attended the Knicks’ championship parade in Lower Manhattan on June 18.

Knicks Captain Jalen Brunson in the foreground as the confetti fell.

Actor and Knicks superfan Timothée Chalamet joined in the championship parade festivities.

Copiague journalism students earn honors at Hofstra media awards

Copiague High School’s journalism program was recognized at the 2026 Long Island Broadcast Alliance for Senior High Awards, held May 21 at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

The event marked several milestones for the program under the guidance of advisers Daniel Barresi and Heather

Meldinger. This was the first year Copiague attended the ceremony and featured its largest group of student participants. It was also the second year the program submitted student work for evaluation by industry professionals and the first time the district placed in the competition.

Copiague Voice News earned two

third-place awards. The Spotlight Award for Best Human Interest Feature Package went to “Unsung Heroes: Food Service,” produced by juniors Paola Gonzales and Katie Gonzalez. The piece highlighted the dedication and professionalism of the district’s food service staff.

The program also earned third place for Best Public Service Announcement.

The winning PSA, “6:50 A.M.,” was created by senior Oscar Velasquez and sophomore Isaiah Nunez and focused on the consequences of late-night phone use.

School officials praised the students’ achievements and said the awards reflect the continued growth of Copiague’s journalism and media production programs.

Courtesy Copiague school district

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School’s Journalism program, Copiague Voice News, attended the annual Broadcast Alliance for Senior High awards ceremony on May 21.

Propel NY project continues permit process

By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com

The Propel NY Energy project, the installation of nearly 90 miles of underground transmission lines across a number of counties in New York state, is continuing the process of securing permits from the state. Representatives of New York Power Authority and NY Transco, the partners on the project, have provided an update on its progress and outlined the next steps.

Developers are required to secure a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the state Public Service Commission. Propel has not yet received that certificate, but Transco Project Director Steve Hatchard said the team is aiming to receive it by summer’s end.

Construction on the $3.2 billion project is slated to begin later this year and expected to last four years, with completion anticipated in May 2030. Crews are expected to progress 50 to 150 feet per day.

The new transmission lines would augment existing lines. In 2023, the New York State Independent System Operator chose the project as a solution to problems like increased demand on the state’s power grid and its vulnerability in severe weather.

A NYISO report from June 9 highlighted the challenges of aging infrastructure. “This report made it clear

that modernizing and expanding our transmission network is essential for long-term reliability,” Tia Santoro, NYPA’s senior director of government and community affairs, said, “especially in the downstate region.”

New York has 11,000 miles of transmission lines, including 241 miles of underground 345-kilovolt lines similar to those proposed for the Propel project.

The new transmission lines would not be built to carry energy generated by any one source. The energy that flows on the lines would be determined by NYISO.

A joint proposal — an agreement among Propel, state agencies and other parties that determines site, environmental impact and construction requirements to which the project must adhere — was filed with the Public Service Commission in April. The next step is the creation of a series of Environmental Management and Construction Plans, which must demonstrate compliance with the parameters established in the joint proposal. They will be opened for public comment before they are reviewed by the PSC. Hatchard said that if there is feedback that needs to be incorporated into the plans, they will be amended and a new public comment period will open.

Other components of the plans include descriptions of construction methods, emergency response proce -

dures and the responsibilities of contractors, inspectors and environmental monitors.

“The purpose of the environmental monitors,” Hatchard explained, “is to be a third-party set of eyes out there that is ultimately responsibility to the regulators from an environmental compliance perspective.”

There are five proposed phases of Environment Management and Construction Plans, each dealing with a different aspect or location of the project. Pre-filings have already been submitted for the first two phases.

“We have started to receive some

The Propel NY Energy project will span several downstate counties.

comments back on the E.M. and C.P. Phase One,” Hatchard said, “and we are looking forward to the comments back for Phase Two as well.”

The plans are scheduled to be filed for public comment this summer, and Hatchard said the team is planning for approvals to begin in the fall. Construction is slated to start late this year on part of the project in New Rochelle, in Westchester County, followed by work in the Town of Oyster Bay.

Hatchard said that during construction, residents can receive information through the mail, text messages and updates from the Propel NY Energy app.

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Ron Becker reflects on life through art, music and storytelling ‘The Colors of My Life’ inspires Becker’s latest exhibit

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD

cbabirad@liherald.com

It’s the threads of faith and love that Ron Becker, president of BACCA — the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts — and a Deer Park resident, said have shaped his life.

Recently coming off his multimedia show, “The Colors of My Life,” which ran on select dates throughout June, Becker will now present a related art exhibit at the Mills Pond Gallery in St. James from June 27 to July 24.

Below, the Amityville and Babylon Herald had the opportunity to speak with Becker about his recently completed show, his upcoming exhibit and what inspires him to keep creating.

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE SHOW YOU RECENTLY COMPLETED, “THE COLORS OF MY LIFE.”

“I described it as a live memoir. My son, Matthew, played guitar, and my brother, David, played saxophone, accompanying me on the songs I sang during the show. I showed photos and videos from my life to provide visuals while telling the stories. It was a combination of storytelling and narration. I also painted live on stage, but the audience didn’t see the paintings until the end of the show. The performance traced my life from childhood.”

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR AUDIENCE GAINED FROM THIS SHOW AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE THEY WILL RECEIVE FROM YOUR UPCOMING EXHIBIT?

“As I looked back on my life, I realized there were so many things that happened that, had they not occurred, I have no idea what my life would be. While putting together this show and exhibit, one memory led to another, and I realized how connected so many experiences in my life have been.

“I think many people come to that realization as they get older. I wanted to share that message and hope that audience members connected with the show because they had similar experiences, or that the way I handled certain situations gave them something to consider if they’re facing similar challenges.

“I’m sharing moments that were joyful and happy, as well as experiences that were traumatic and painful. The foundation that carried me through life was faith and love. That was a subtle thread running through the show and the stories I shared.”

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GRAVITATE TOWARD ART AND CREATIVITY?

“Art was my salvation — my safe place — when I was a kid, and I always thought I would become an artist. I was always open to learning new things because I figured they would help me later in life, whether I pursued them professionally or not. Each experience was another skill to add to my abilities.”

WHAT CAN VIEWERS EXPECT AT YOUR UPCOMING EXHIBIT AT THE MILLS POND GALLERY, TITLED “OUTSIDE THE BOX”?

“All of the work in the exhibit relates to the memories I shared in the show, and my son, Matthew, will be playing background music at the reception on June 27. There will be paintings, ceramics and sculptural pieces that help tell my life story. The exhibit is free.”

HOW HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH BACCA AIDED YOUR CREATIVITY?

“I’ve been serving as president for one year, but I’ve been a board member for many years. I first became involved with BACCA by submitting artwork to its annual exhibitions. When I saw the organization’s advocacy and the opportunities it provided artists in the Town of Babylon, I wanted to serve the community as well.

“I got that from my dad — he always volunteered and wanted to serve his community.

“My involvement with BACCA has exposed me to many other artists whose work inspires me, and I’ve made a lot of friends. If you’re a BACCA member, you can use the classroom space on Monday afternoons, bring your own supplies, work on whatever you’d like and socialize with other artists. That’s both inspiring and motivating.

“It’s also rewarding because I get to interact and work with government officials. Right now, we’re in the process of restoring an old house in Amityville that will become a gallery and classroom space.”

is from the June 4 dress rehearsal.

Life Lessons-Depicting Becker’s experiences that he says taught him lessons about life and himself through pain and trauma.

AS FAR AS YOUR OWN ART, WHAT COMES NEXT AFTER YOU FINISH THIS EXHIBIT?

“I’m always looking for creative challenges. It’s in my DNA. We’ll see what the next year brings.”

Ron Becker lives in Deer Park with his wife, Pat, who performs in community and regional theater. He also has a daughter, Amanda, and a son, Matthew.

Becker describes himself as a realist, interpreting the beauty he sees around him through his work. He has won numerous awards at Long Island galleries.

The opening reception for Becker’s exhibit, “Outside the Box,” will take place June 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. The exhibit will run through July 24 and will be open Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

Mills Pond Gallery is at 660 Route 25A in St. James. For more information, call (631) 862-6575 or visit millspondgallery.org.

To learn more about Becker’s work, visit rbeckerart.com or follow him on Instagram at @rbeckerart.

Courtesy Ron Becker Becker performs in his show “The Colors of My Life” at BACCA. This photo

Ralph T. Nocerino, civic leader and owner of local insurance agency

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Ralph T. Nocerino, who served his community, neighbors and friends for decades, died April 26, 2026. He was 79 years old. He was a longtime Republican Committeeman for the Babylon Town Republican party, president of the Amity Harbor Civic Association for more than two decades and

owned and operated his own insurance firm, Harbor Insurance Agency LLC.

“He was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need, especially after Super Storm Sandy’s devastation,” said Amity Harbor Civic Association President Steve Beck. “Mr. Nocerino worked tirelessly to lead the rehabilitation of the Amity Harbor Civic Association building and property subsequent to the Superstorm

America 250 commemorative tree

dedication and community celebration

The Babylon Beautification Society and the Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society invite all to join in a special community celebration commemorating the 250 th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 11 on Argyle Square Lawn from 3 to 5 p.m.

The celebration will include community remarks and reflections, a commemorative tree dedication, bronze

plaque unveiling, America 250 giveaways, complimentary refreshments and free tree-shirts.

A rain date will be scheduled for the following day, July 12.

Argyle Square Lawn is located at 175 W. Main St. Babylon, next to Village Hall.

For more information, please visit babylonbeautification.org/america250/

Thrift shop and yard sale, June 27

St. Patrick’s Church will be holding a thrift shop and yard sale on June 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They will have new and slightly used clothes, shoes, jewelry, household items, books, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, arts

and crafts and more.

If you are interested in renting a table, the cost is $25. For more information, please call (631) 242-7530.

St. Patrick’s Church is located at 305 Carll’s Path, Deer Park.

Park Ranger exam, September 12

The County of Suffolk is announcing their civil service exam for those interested in serving as a park ranger. They are seeking highly motivated individuals to take this exam which will be used to fill future vacancies within their park ranger division.

The last filing date is August 5 and the exam will take place on September 12.

To register, please visit apps2.suffolkcountyny.gov/civilservice/efile/.

For more information, visit smithtownny.gov/m/faq?cat=37.

Sandy destruction, while facing the same detail for his own flooded home— all while serving many victims who were affected by the storm as their insurer, through his highly successful insurance firm.”

As part of his work with the civic association, he started the AHCA Annual Tree Lighting ceremony in 2000, which became an annual event.

His work in politics was driven by his desire to fight for community interests, said those who knew him.

“He worked tirelessly for his community,” said Joe Barone, the Republican town leader. “He was a great zone leader for Copiague and for the Babylon GOP.”

A lover of nature, he enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing. He was an avid and internationally renowned duck decoy wood carver, giving a special presentation at the Babylon Village Museum Duck Decoy Exhibition in 2023. He served as chair for the US. National Decoy Show and won many awards, was published and held worldwide recognition for his work.

But his greatest joy was found in family and family traditions, according to his daughter Dawn Marie Dalto.

Mr. Nocerino is survived by daughter Dawn Marie Dalto and her husband James, his grandchildren Adrianna, Victoria, and Anthony Dalto and Alexandra, Dominick, and Antonia Sora; his son-in-law Michael Sora; his sister-in-law Gerry Nocerino, as

well as by nieces and nephews, Kristen, Diane, Michael, and Deborah, and many cousins.

Mr. Nocerino was predeceased by his wife Carol Ann, and daughter Lori Ann Sora, his parents Dominick and Mary Nocerino, and brothers Thomas and Frank.

Mr. Nocerino reposed at the Powell Funeral Home in Amityville. Father Gerard Gordon, Pastor St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church officiated at a Mass of Christian Burial assisted by the Consolation Ministry. Private Cremation followed.

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF BABYLON

Corner of Deer Park Avenue and James Street in the Village of Babylon, 631-661-5151

Website: babylonumc.org

Pastor: The Rev. Melissa Boyer SUNDAY SERVICES 9:30am - Worship in the Church Online at Website - 9:30am

Home of the James Street Players and the UMC Nursery School Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Ralph T. Nocerino

Village targets unsafe home, promotes downtown improvement program

and getting notifications out to not only the merchants in the village but also the building owners to really promote the opportunities that are out there,” Szabo said.

Szabo explained that a fund created with non-taxpayer dollars is available to help businesses make minor improvements, including upgrades to lighting, landscaping and power washing.

“We want to keep the downtown looking great,” Szabo said.

Businesses interested in applying for

the program or obtaining additional information may contact the mayor’s office at (631) 669-1212 or visit villageofbabylonny.gov.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE BOARD:

• Granted permission to Matthew Heenan to use the village gazebo on Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon for “The Great Family Footrace” community event. Approval is contingent on the timely receipt of required certificates of insurance listing the Village of Babylon as an additional insured and a signed, notarized holdharmless agreement.

• Approved a Snapper Clinic at the

Robert Moses State Park to host ‘Jr. Marine Biologist’ program

Families can explore the shoreline and marine life at Robert Moses State Park during a children’s nature program this summer.

The park will host “Jr. Marine Biologist” on June 27 from 1 to 3 p.m., giving participants the chance to study aquatic wildlife along Fire Island Inlet and the South Shore beaches.

The program is geared toward children and families, and participants should be prepared to hike on sand and get wet. Shoes are required, and organizers recommend water shoes.

Admission is $4 for adults and children. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. A parking fee of $8 or $10 is charged during the fee-collection season.

Reservations are required and may be made beginning two weeks before the event by visiting Eventbrite.com and searching “NatureEdventure.”

The New York state parks department oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses and boat launches statewide. More information is available at parks.ny.gov.

Gilbert C. Hanse Pool parking lot on Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon and a Snapper Derby at the Main Dock on Aug. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

• Permitted American Legion Babylon Post 94 to display temporary 11-by-17inch signs at various merchant locations throughout the village from June 12 through July 12 promoting the “America’s 250th Parking Lot Party” on July 12. The next Village of Babylon Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 8 p.m. at Village Hall, 153 W. Main St.

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Park Ave., Babylon in

STEPPING OUT

of Aviation Museum Extraterrestrial characters are part of the experience. Cosplayers will enchant visitors with a UFO dance party before the 300 drone light show.

A 300-drone light show serves as the day’s ﬁnale. The displays are inspired by aviation, space exploration and extraterrestrial lore.

Visitors learn how E.T. travels by creating a comet and launching ﬁlm-canister rockets powered by dry ice and Alka-Seltzer while exploring the science of propulsion and space travel.

Investigating the ‘unknown’ At the Cradle of Aviation UFO curiosity meets science

By Stacy Driks

Some questions have a way of capturing the imagination no matter how much time passes. Are we alone in the universe? What lies beyond our understanding of the cosmos? For those drawn to such mysteries, the Cradle of Aviation Museum offers an opportunity to explore the unknown through presentations, discussions and stories that examine some of the most intriguing phenomena ever reported.

The museum hosts “UFOlogy: Close Encounters at the Cradle,” on Saturday, a daylong event featuring investigators, astronomers, interactive exhibits and a 300-drone light show. Visitors can examine reports of unidentiﬁed aerial phenomena while exploring the curiosity, science and speculation that have fueled interest in the subject for decades.

“We thought it was a good opportunity because there’s been so much in the news and media over the past few years,” says Jen Baxmeyer, the Cradle of Aviation’s executive director. “Everyone’s been talking about it. We said, ‘Let’s use this as an opportunity to talk about some of the science and technology occurring out there and even some of the fun science that goes into investigating these things.’”

Throughout the day, everyone can explore demonstrations involving drones, astronomy and investigative technology. Activities range from comicbook creation and face painting to an alien autopsy — an alien-themed version of the classic game Operation.

Many of the elements Baxmeyer noted, are designed to disguise STEM lessons inside entertaining experiences.

“They’re not going to realize that they’re actually learning science,” she says.

One station demonstrates the physics of buoyancy and air pressure through a hovering UFO-inspired craft, while others allow visitors to experiment with drones and discover how modern aerospace technology works.

The Allmost Brothers

Keep your summer of music rolling along with a killer evening of jams with the Allmost Brothers Band at the iconic Lakeside Theatre at Eisenhower Park. They’re part of a double bill with Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Sons of Skynard. The Almost Brothers headlines at 8:30 p.m. with their rocking vibe. The popular progressive tribute act honors the tradition of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Working within the framework of ABB’s incredible and vast songbook, The Allmost Brothers inject something new, fresh and exciting into the material. In a matter of words: high level musicianship, authentic improvisational interplay, dedication to the high octane performance, and power that established the original ABB back in 1969, and sustained their 45-year career. Bandmates Sean McGrath and and Dave Filloramo on lead guitars, Joe Wasserman on vocals and keys, Dave Losee and Dan Roth on drums, and Tom Hooker on bass truly consider themselves a band of brothers. They thrives on chemistry and improvisation, bringing a unique ﬁre to the song book of the ABB during every performance.

The event also has a distinctly Long Island ﬂavor. Organizers intentionally selected local experts to participate.

Featured speakers include UFO investigator Ben Hansen, who discusses how researchers draw on ﬁelds such as physics, meteorology and mathematics to analyze sightings and videos, including cases from New York City and Connecticut.

Long Island-based researchers the Tedesco Brothers showcase the cameras, sensors and ﬁeld equipment they use to document and study unusual aerial observations, offering visitors a ﬁrsthand look at the technology behind modern UFO investigations.

• Saturday, June 27, noon9:30 p.m.

• Tickets are $25, $20 children, $75 for family four-pack, also $40 for Spaceballs/ UFOlogy combo; available at cradleofaviation.org

• Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City

“We’re trying to keep it Long Island,” Baxmeyer says. “Most of our organizations are local, and they’ll be talking about incidents that are very speciﬁc to Long Island.”

Among those participating are members of the Amateur Observers’ Society, who will set up solar and nighttime telescopes for public viewing. Visitors have an opportunity to learn more about astronomy while observing celestial objects through equipment operated by local enthusiasts.

As daylight fades, attention will shift outdoors for one of the day’s most anticipated attractions: a 300-drone light show produced by Grizzly Entertainment, the company behind the recent aerial display at Jones Beach on Memorial Day.

The synchronized drones create a series of aviation, aerospace and space-themed images in the night sky, with a few extraterrestrial surprises mixed in.

“We’re going to have some fun, exciting stuff,” Baxmeyer says. “We’ll have a DJ, we’re going to have our own E.T. doing kind of a kickoff dance party.

“A lot of people in the sciences shy away from talking about these types of topics. But people are interested in them. They’re talking about them on social media. Why not have the conversation here and give everyone the opportunity to learn about the science too?”

Visitors will also enjoy watching — or re-watching — “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” participate in themed activities and meet costumed characters inspired by popular science-ﬁction franchises and other extraterrestrial characters.

The museum also welcomes everyone to a pre-show on Friday, when visitors can screen“Spaceballs,” the 1987 sci-ﬁ parody.

While UFOlogy makes its debut this year, museum ofﬁcials are already looking ahead. A strong turnout could pave the way for the event to become an annual ﬁxture on the museum’s calendar, much like the widely attended Cradle-Con convention.

”We’ll probably give it a few years to catch on,” Baxmeyer adds. “If people enjoy it and it grows, we’d love to keep doing it.”

For now, she — and her team — are betting that a mix of curiosity, discovery and a little extraterrestrial fun is enough to bring everyone together for a day that is, quite literally, out of this world.

Friday, June, 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny. gov for more.

Hop aboard that “Midnight Train to Georgia” when the legendary soul chanteuse returns Westbury Music Fair. Gladys Knight is without a doubt one of the most inﬂuential, beloved, and important living singers on the planet. And while the Empress of Soul may have been in the business for more than 60 years now, that hasn’t stopped her from continuing to rock that beat as only she can do. The great ones endure, and Knight has long been one of the greatest.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s ﬁerce vocal power, elegant precision, and heartfelt performances have cemented her as one of music’s unquestionable icons. For sure, very few singers over these many years have matched her unassailable artistry. If you’re a fan of her classic Motown-style R&B, then you’ll surely want to see her perform — on more time.You know all her hits, now hear her bring them to life once again in her inimitable style.

Saturday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at livenation.com. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury.

Gladys Knight

Photos Courtesy Cradle

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JUN

Wendy Klemperer: Wrought Taxonomies

Vanderbilt Museum welcomes everyone to enjoy the exhibition of outdoor sculpture at the historic summer estate of William Kissam Vanderbilt II. Klemperer’s sculptures. a haunting assemblage of animal forms that span imaginary, endangered, familiar, and exotic species, celebrate natural history and the nonhuman world through evocative interactions with the surrounding environment. Using materials salvaged from scrapyards, she composes ecological narratives that respond to the history and collections of Suffolk County’s first public park and museum. Her brilliant use of gestural lines captures the spectator’s attention and invites museum-goers to reflect on the relationship between an interest in animal life and the incessant push of human industry. Visitors are encouraged to picnic on the grounds.

• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579

‘Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for an immersive exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan). It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of related videos play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals meets

The Town of Babylon holds their next Zoning Board meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 957-3012

Stewart Copeland’s ‘Have I Said Too Much’

Stewart Copeland, world-famous drummer, founder of the most successful rock band of the 1980s, The Police, heads out on his first American spoken-word tour: “Have I Said Too Much - The Police, Hollywood, and other adventures.” The accomplished frontman, also a composer of film scores, video games and operas — in addition to his accolades as multi-Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, writer and film maker — is ready to talk about it all in his usual funny, intelligent, sharp, and unique way. He became an all-time great after recruiting Sting and Andy Summers into his band in 1977. They enjoyed four consecutive number one studio albums, winning Grammy and BRIT Awards, and selling a cool 75 million records. Enjoying number-one hits with “Message In A Bottle,” “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” and the multi-platinum “Every Breath You Take.” Copeland has spent the subsequent near-four decades at the forefront of contemporary music, as a rock star and acclaimed film composer, and across the worlds of opera, ballet, chamber and world music. There were two books that dealt with his remarkable life, which are all part of this evening of conversation, with photos, videos and a Q&A.

NYBC Blood Drive

The New York Blood Center bus will be in front of Babylon Public Library collecting blood donations. Donors must be age 17 years or older (age 76 and over requires a note from doctor), in general good health, and have a photo ID or donor ID card with them. Appointments are recommended but not required.

• Where: 24 S. Carll Ave., Babylon

• Time: 12:30-6:30 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 669-1624 or donate.nybc.org

JUN

Gazebo Concert Series

The Village of Babylon free summer concerts continue. The Blend performs ‘60s, ‘70s and Motown. Bring seating.

• Where: 1Babylon Village Gazebo, 244 W. Main St. Babylon

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 669-1500

‘The Tempest’ Vanderbilt Museum’s Shakespeare in the Courtyard series returns with the Bard’s dramatic tale, a story of shipwreck and magic, It’s performed by the Carriage House Players in the Mansion’s beautiful Spanish Revival

courtyard. $20, $15 seniors and students.

• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport

• Time: 8 p.m.: also June 28 and July 1

• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum. org or call (631) 854-5579

JUN

27 Lindy Cares Color Run

Join in the Lindy Cares 7th Annual Color Run. Get ready for an exciting day of fun, fitness and community spirit, hosted by the Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition. This event is all about coming together, having fun and standing united for a powerful cause. By participating in the True Colors Run, you are helping educate youth about the risks of underage drinking and substance misuse while promoting prevention, health, and fitness as the foundation for a brighter future.

• Where: Fireman’s Park, 555 Heling Blvd., Lindenhurst

• Time: Registration at 8 a.m., run begins at 9 a.m.

• Contact: runsignup.com/ Race/NY/Lindenhurst/ LindyCaresAnnualColorsRun

Movie night at the gazebo

Babylon Public Library and the Village of Babylon welcome all to a showing Disney Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur.” Entry is free and hot popcorn, snacks and refreshments are served.

• Where: Babylon Village Gazebo, 244 W. Main St. Babylon

• Time: 8:30 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 669-1500

JUN

30

Grab-and-Go Free Dinners

Every Tuesday, Graband-Go free dinners are available at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Drive into the parking lot behind the church and a meal will be hand-delivered to you.

• Where: 576 Deer Park Ave., Babylon

• Time: 4-5 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 987-2896

ABBA tribute

JUL

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

JUN

28 Farmers Market

Stop by for fresh produce and to shop various vendors, every Sunday into October.

• Where: Village Gazebo, 244 W. Main St., Babylon

• Time: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Contact: longislandfarmersmkts@gmail.com

In concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes James O’Malley. For years he has composed some endearing and relatable songs that’s attracted audiences He’s appeared on concert stages and festivals throughout the area.

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

Nourish

JUN

29

Babylon

SitDown Dinner

Every Monday Nourish Babylon holds a sitdown dinner at Christ Episcopal Church. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: 12 Prospect St., Babylon

• Time: 5-6:30 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 661-5757

1

The Town of Babylon’s Summer Concert Series continues with Mamma Mania, The American Tribute to ABBA Bring your lawn chairs or blankets for music under the stars.

• Where: Tanner Park, 400 Baylawn Ave., Copiague

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 957-3000

Kid Zone

Children in grades Pre-K-5 are invited to First Presbyterian Church’s Kid Zone, weekly. Included is dinner, a Bible story, as well as crafts and games.

• Where: 79 E. Main St., Babylon

• Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 587-5838

Having an event?

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

By Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Thea Miller Babylon, 4 years old Go in the pool.

Sarah Camarillo Babylon, 8 years old Babylon Grade School I want to go to the beach.

Timothy Camarillo Babylon, 7 years old Babylon Elementary School Have playdates.

Briella Castellano West Islip, 8 years old Paul J. Bellew Elementary School. Go upstate and go to the waterpark.

Eliana Castellano West Islip, 4 years old St. Joseph’s Nursery School Go in the pool.

Pickles, Dog that Found Stolen World Cup 60 years ago had more than 15 minutes of fame

THE THEFT:

In 1966, England was scheduled to host the World Cup. Four months before international soccer teams played, the Football Association (FA) was asked to display the World Cup trophy in a glass cabinet at a rare stamp exhibition in central London. Security was supposed to be around the clock.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

But there were no guards on March 20 th when two thieves stole the trophy, valued at £3,000 (but insured for £30,000), and ignored the rare stamps valued at £3 million. Scotland Yard got involved when a ransom note was sent to the FA chairman, signed by someone named Jackson, demanding £15,000.

The FA chairman was advised to pretend to comply. An undercover policeman went to meet Jackson with a suitcase filled with newspaper, covered by £5 bills. Jackson, who was really a former soldier named Betchley, was spooked off, yet eventually arrested and sentenced to two years in prison.

PICKLE’S CHANCE DISCOVERY:

One week later, David Corbett left his flat in south London to make a

phone call. He leashed his Border Collie mix, Pickles, for a walk while on this errand. Pickles ran under a neighbor’s car and sniffed a package covered in newspaper and tied with tight string. Corbett tore the bottom wrapping and saw a blank spot, and then the words Brazil, West Germany, Uruguay printed. The other end revealed the familiar statue of a woman holding a shallow dish above her head.

Corbett took the package to the police who doubted it was authentic. They called a detective and Corbett was taken to Scotland Yard for questioning. At first, he was the prime suspect, but after an hour, they exonerated him and took him home where the press was waiting for Corbett and Pickles. The small dog with the super snozz became an international sports hero.

He must have been the good luck charm too, because England beat West Germany in the final and won the World Cup. Corbett and Pickles were invited to the celebratory dinner with the team. Pickles was allowed to lick Corbett’s dish clean and got a pat on the head from Prime Minister Harry

Wilson. Later, when the team went out on the balcony to meet the crowd, a star player held Pickles over his head while everyone cheered.

REWARDS FOR PICKLES AND CORBETT:

Fans presented Pickles with a special collar to hold his medals, including one from the National Canine Defence League. He won Dog of the Year and Italian Dog of the Year which came with a year of free dogfood. Pickles appeared in the 1966 British comedy “The Spy with the Cold Nose”. He played a dog who has a covert listening device implanted before being presented as a gift to the Russian leader. Spies recruit a veterinarian to retrieve the transmitter before the Russians find it. Pickles was also on a British TV show called “Blue Peter” which is one of the longest-running children’s TV program in the world, starting in 1958.

Meanwhile, Corbett collected £5,000 in 1966 as a reward which would be equivalent to £102,000 in 2026. He used the money to buy a house in Surrey. However, Pickles who was four years old when he found the trophy, died tragically the next year. He didn’t like cats. Corbett’s son was walking him with a choke chain collar attached to his leash when he saw a cat. The Border Collie pulled away from the son and took off after the cat. His collar got stuck on a branch when he tried to follow the cat up a tree. Corbett buried Pickles in his yard.

But 60 years ago, a mixed-breed dog with an extraordinary nose became a national hero and helped rescue the most famous trophy in sports.

In England, March 1966, Pickles, a pet Border Collie mix, made a chance discovery of the World Cup trophy stolen the week before.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST KEVIN GRIFFIN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LOUISE GRIFFIN, KERWIN GRIFFIN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF LOUISE GRIFFIN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 27, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM, premises known as 22 Lupidia Street, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying being at Amityville, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, and State of New York, District 0100

Section 163.00 Block 04.00 Lot 009.000. Approximate amount of judgment $270,528.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #622699/2024. Richard Lavorata Jr., Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 24-001654 90097 26-318. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST

Kerri Barrette; Michael Barrette; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered

April 20, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Townhall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 16, 2026, at 12:30PM, premises known as 42 Clark Street, West Babylon, NY 11704. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Babylon (Unincorporated Area) in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District: 0100 Section: 142.00 Block: 02.00 Lot: 011.000. Approximate amount of judgment $200,024.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 617045/2024. Daniele Coysh, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: May 8, 2026 26-317. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY. LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 39357, Pltf. vs. NEXTLIFE CAPITAL LLC, et al, Defts. Index #613544/2025. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 11, 2026, I will sell at public auction on the front steps of Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, No. Lindenhurst, NY on July 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. premises k/a 514 Mount Place, West Babylon, NY a/k/a Section 107.00, Block 01.00, Lot 011.002. Approximate amount of judg-

ment is $490,382.44 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RANDI E. ALARCON, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385. File No. LF624 - #102988 26-325. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

Notice of formation of CGP Realty LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/06/2024

Office location, County of Suffolk SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to:

The LLC, 375 W Main Street, Ste 130, Huntington NY 11743 Purpose: any lawful act.

26-311. 6/4, 11, 18, 25, 7/2, 9

Notice of formation of Ziggy’s Mobile Bar LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SS NY) on 03/04/2026

Office location, County of Suffolk

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to: Ziggy’s Mobile Bar LLC, 6 Patton Rd, St. James NY 11780 Purpose: any lawful act.

26-298 5/28, 6/4, 11, 18, 25, 7/2

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT

Public Notices

- COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

JOLANTA MOGILEWSKA AND TERESA PSZENICZNY, Plaintiff - against - JAN MAKAREWICZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 8, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on the 14th day of July, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Premises known as 119 Farmers Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York 11757.

(Section: 154.00, Block: 02.00, Lot: 082.000)

Approximate amount of lien $299,276.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 606548/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. 516/742-1212

Dated: May 18, 2026

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

Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change.

26-315 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 63 HOMEWOOD

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/17/26. Office Location Suffolk County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: 63 Homewood LLC at 3000 Marcus Ave., Ste 1W5, Lake Success, NY 110421009. Reg. Agent: eResidentAgent, Inc.1 Rockefeller Plaza Ste 1204, NY, NY 10020. The principal business address of the LLC is 3000 Marcus Ave., Ste 1W5, Lake Success, NY 110421009. Purpose: any lawful activity.

26-314. 6/4, 11, 18, 25, 7/2, 9

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: SUFFOLK COUNTY. WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT APPORTUNITIES

TRUST IX-C, Pltf., vs. CRYSTAL Y. DAVIS, et al, Defts. Index #620580/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 15, 2026, I will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., North Lindenhurst, NY on July 13, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., prem. k/a 38 Cedar Road, Amityville,

NY 11701 a/k/a District 0100, Section 123.00, Block 02.00, Lot 006.000. Said property located at a point on the Southerly side of Cedar Rd. distant 900.00 ft. Westerly from the corner formed by the intersection of said Southerly side of Cedar Rd. with the Southwesterly side of New Highway; Running thence SE, a distance of 121.08 feet; Thence SW, a distance of 50.01 feet; Thence NW, a distance of 125.65 ft. to the Southerly side of Cedar Road; Thence along the Southerly side of Cedar Rd. NE, a distance of 50.00 ft. to the point or place of beginning. Being and intended to be the same premises as conveyed to the party of the first part herein by Deed recorded in Liber 13071 CP 594. Approx. amt. of judgment is $438,876.23 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RICHARD LAVORATA, JR., Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940, New York, NY. File No. 27474-0013#102996

26-316. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, U.S. Bank Trust National Association As Trustee Of BKPL-EG Basket Trust, Plaintiff, vs. Barry Vanderberg, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 4, 2024 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on April 28, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town

Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 1261 America Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 141.00, Block 03.00 and Lot 062.001. Approximate amount of judgment is $366,584.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #624858/2023.

Pamela J. Greene, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 170741-6 26-307. 6/4, 11, 18, 25

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF CKSP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/26/26. Office Location Suffolk County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: CKSP LLC at 812 Park Ave #5/6D, NY, NY 10021. Reg. Agent: eResidentAgent, Inc.1 Rockefeller Plaza Ste 1204, NY, NY 10020. The principal business address of the LLC is 812 Park Ave #5/6D, NY, NY 10021. Purpose: any lawful activity. 26-313. 6/4, 11, 18, 25, 7/2, 9.

Notice of formation of 7173 Cleveland LLC

Articles of

Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/16/2025

Office location, County of Suffolk SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to:

The LLC, 375 W Main Street, Ste 130, Huntington NY 11743

Purpose: any lawful act.

26-310. 6/4, 11, 18, 25, 7/2, 9

Notice of formation of Connie Alexa Collective, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SS Y) on 06/02/2026

Office location, County of Suffolk SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to:

The LLC, 428 N Putnam Ave, Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Purpose: any lawful act.

26-326 - 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9, 16, 23

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0370-26-113080 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 626 Sunrise Highway, West Babylon, NY 11704, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at Parlays Lounge LLC. 26-345. 6/25, 7/2

June 25, 2026

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee for NRZ Pass-Through Trust IV, Plaintiff AGAINST

Elizabeth Romano

a/k/a Elizabeth R. Romano; Fortunato Romano; Rosario Romano; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 2, 2019, and Amended February 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 9, 2026, at 10:00AM, premises known as 35 Lapeer Street, Deer Park, NY 11729. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Deer Park, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District: 0100 Section: 027.00 Block: 02.00 Lot: 074.000. Approximate amount of judgment $363,743.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 019256/2013.

Justin M. Block, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: May 18, 2026 26-308. 6/4, 11, 18, 25

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE

SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-OP2, -againstTREVOR BUSH AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF LYANNE BUSH, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on October 28, 2019, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-OP2 is the Plaintiff and TREVOR BUSH AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF LYANNE BUSH, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on July 16, 2026 at 1:00PM, premises known as 11 WILLOW STREET, WHEATLEY HEIGHTS, NY 11798; and the following tax map identification: 0100-014.00-01.00062.000.

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

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606775/2015. Francesco P. Tini, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners,

PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

26-333. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

U.S. BANK TRUST

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION

TRUST, Plaintiffagainst - NIKOLAOS LIMBERATOS, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 23, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on the 16th day of July, 2026 at 1:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Deer Park, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York.

Premises known as 25 Wellington Avenue, Deer Park, NY 11729. (District: 0100, Section: 020.00, Block: 03.00, Lot: 027.000) Approximate amount of lien $663,206.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 629648/2023. Danielle Coysh, Esq., Referee.

Public Notices

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409

Dated: May 5, 2026

26-334. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. (LB Field Hockey) Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 02__/_02_/_2026_. NY Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: _26 Trask Lane Babylon NY 11561

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 26-332. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9, 16, 23

Notice of formation of RJV Compliance & Analytics LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/10/2026. Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to: The LLC, 1525 10th Street, West Babylon, NY 11704. Purpose: any lawful act.

26-336. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9, 16, 23

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON ACCESSORY APARTMENT REVIEW BOARD

Pursuant to provisions of Local Law # 9 of the Babylon Town Code, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Board Meeting Room in the East Wing of Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on Tuesday eve, June 30th, 2026. Public hearings begin 6:00pm. NEW APPLICATIONS:

•Ariful Munsi (HAPT-2433) 221 14th Street West Babylon, NY 11704

SCTM#0100•Christina Hoffman (HAPT7003)

11 Deauville Pkwy Lindenhurst, NY 11757

SCTM#0100Printing Instructions: RENEWALS BY AFFIDAVIT APPLICANTS, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR. ALL NEW CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED.

All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Sandra Thomas, Chairperson, Accessory Apartment Review Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York. Babylon Beacon: Thursday, June 25th , 2026 26-338 6/25

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice

Trunk Space Storage - Long Island located at 436 Sunrise Hwy West Babylon NY 25035 intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the below listed Storage Spaces. The public sale shall occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures. com on 7/16/2026 at 11:00 AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Joanne Lopez unit #B3R003. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. See manager for details. 26-339. 6/25, 7/2

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2019-2, Plaintiff, vs. HOLLY CASEY, if living, and if she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the fol-

lowing designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at-law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through, or under them and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-atlaw, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, ET AL., Defendant (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 28, 2026 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Town of Babylon, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM, premises known as 54 OAK BEACH AVENUE A/K/A 54 OAK BEACH ROAD, BABYLON, NY 11702. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying, and being in the town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York District: 0100, Section: 243.00, Block: 01.00, Lot: 024.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $568,126.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 624949/2024. 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.

For Sale information, please visit Auction. com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 2802832

JOHN MARANO, Esq., Referee Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

26-341 6/25, 7/2, 9, 16

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Jose Mejia, Lorena D. Ramirez Mejia, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 16 South 21st Street, Wyandanch, NY 11798. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Wyandanch, in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, and State of New York, District 0100 Section 055.00 Block 02.00 Lot 070.000. Approximate amount of judgment $413,795.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #625989/2025. For sale information, please visit Auction. com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 2802832. Robert Fuchs, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 24-001864 90195 26-342 6/25, 7/2, 9, 16

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF Suffolk, Avail 1 LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Unknown heirs at law of Antoinette Vaccaro, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 15, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 43 Cambridge Drive West, Copiague, NY 11726. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 198.01, Block 01.00 and Lot 043.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $460,251.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601511/2025.

Billie Jean Miller, Esq., Referee Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 26-327. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF Suffolk, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, As Owner Trustee of the Residential Credit Opportunities Trust VIA, Plaintiff, vs. Ralph A. Santiago a/k/a Ralph Santiago, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 29, 2025 and an Order Extend-

ing the Sale Deadline duly entered on May 18, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., premises known as 152 Gracie Drive, North Babylon, NY 11703. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 120.00, Block 02.00 and Lot 007.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $455,388.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604149/2025.

Francesco P. Tini, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:201344-1 26-328. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9

REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff - against - BRONX RIVER STRATEGIES, LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 3, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on the 16th day of July, 2026 at 9:30 AM. All

that tract or parcel of land, situate in Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York. Premises known as 22 East Booker Avenue, Wyandanch, (Town of Babylon) NY 11798. (DSBL#: 0100-080.0003.00-088.00)

Approximate amount of lien $171,374.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 203657/2022. William R. Garbarino, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618

Tel. 585/760-8218

Dated: May 26, 2026

26-329. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee for the Holders of New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-A, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Plaintiff

Public Notices

AGAINST

Mark Guerreri; Denise Guerreri; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 25, 2020, and Amended November 27, 2023, and Amended October 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 July 20, 2026, at 3:00PM, premises known as 41 Lenox Street, Lindenhurst, NY 11757. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Lindenhurst, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0103 Section 002.00 Block 03.00 Lot 086.002. Approximate amount of judgment $374,847.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 610008/2017.

Scott Lockwood, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: January 28, 2026

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

26-330. 6/18, 24, 7/2, 9

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Suffolk CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff

AGAINST

Estate of John S. Hovenec a/k/a John S. Hovanec a/k/a Johns S. Hovenec, et al, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judg-

ment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., North Lindenhurst, NY on July 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM premises known as 9 Pratt Street, West Babylon, NY 11704. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 220.00, BLOCK: 04.00, LOT: 033.003; District 0100. Approximate amount of judgment is $470,137.38 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 615255/2023. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale.

Danielle Coysh, Referee

FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 26-331. 6/18, 24, 7/2, 9

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT SUFFOLK COUNTY PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff against STEPHANIE JONES A/K/A STEPHANIE Y. JONES, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, NY 10591.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered

March 3, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at Babylon Townhall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 30, 2026 at 9:30AM. Premises known as 99 Cedar Road, Amityville, NY 11701. District 0100 Sec 122.00 Block 02.00 Lot 014.003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at North Amityville, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $477,699.30 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 616373/2024. Cash will not be accepted at the sale.The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District's Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing.

Richard Lavorata, Jr., Esq., Referee File # 2231-001202 26-340 6/26, 7/.2, 9, 16

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR CARLSBAD FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL ALVAREZ, NELSON ALVAREZ, JR., ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 22, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY

11757 on July 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM, premises known as 34 Monroe Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York, District 0100, Section 121.00, Block 03.00, Lot 071.000. Approximate amount of judgment $665,354.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612397/2017.

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-000311 90201

26-343 6/25, 7/2, 9, 16

Notice of formation of GAEA HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 03/30/2026

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to: GAEA HOLDINGS LLC, 324 Deauville Pkwy, Lindenhurst, NY 11757

For any lawful purpose. 26-346. 6/25, 7/2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-26-116608 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 388 Medford Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772, County

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-26-116628 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 688 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, NY 11738, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at El Asador Bar and Restaurant Inc. 26-348. 6/25, 7/2

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-26-115729 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 5801 Sunrise Highway, Unit 210, Holbrook, NY 11741, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at Tony's Tacos of Holbrook LLC. 26-349 6/25, 7/2

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0240-26-115400 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 111 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, County of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at Dough Castle Inc. 26-350 6/25, 7/2 of Suffolk, for on premises consumption at 388 Korean BBQ Inc. 26-347 6/25, 7/2

June 25, 2026 —

Probate Citation CITATION – File No. 2025-2103

SURROGATE’S COURT, SUFFOLK COUNTY

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,

By the Grace of God Free and Independent Philip Penna; and The distributees, heirs at law and next of kin of Mark J. Soldinger, a/k/a Mark Soldinger, deceased, if any be living; and if any be dead, their respective distributees, heirs at law, next of kin, legatees, devisees, executors, administrators, assignees and successors in interest, all of whose names, whereabouts and addresses are unknown and cannot be ascertained with due diligence, being the persons interested in the estate of Mark J. Soldinger, a/k/a Mark Soldinger, deceased. A petition having been duly filed by Margaret Uettwiller who is domiciled at 455 North Erie Avenue, Lindenhurst, New York 11757

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Suffolk County, at 320 Center Drive, Riverhead, New York, on August 18, 2026 at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of Mark J. Soldinger, a/k/a Mark Soldinger lately domiciled at 110 Burlington Avenue, Deer Park, New York 11729, United States admitting to probate a Will dated May 4, 2013, a copy of which is attached, as

Public Notices

the Will of Mark J. Soldinger, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that:

[X] Letters Testamentary issue to: Margaret Uettwiller

[ ] Letters Trusteeship issue to:

[ ] Letters of Administration c.t.a. issue to:

[X] Further relief requested (if any):

To dispense with the filing of a bond as directed pursuant to Article FIFTH of the Will.

Dated, Attested and Sealed, June 12, 2026

HON. VINCENT J. MESSINA, JR., Surrogate

Doreen A. Quinn, Chief Clerk

Name of Attorney: Mark J. Brosnan Firm Name: Brosnan & Associates, LLP Address: 1301 Franklin Avenue, Suite 300, Garden City, NY 11530 Telephone: 516-7391462 mark.brosnan@ brosnanlaw.com

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.

26-344 6/25, 7/2, 9, 16

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

ONE (1) YEAR BUILDING CLEANING CONTRACT SERVICING FOR WEST BABYLON FIRE DISTRICT STATION TWO AND STATION THREE Specifications, proposals and proposed contracts may be obtained at Fire Headquarters, 126 Arnold Avenue, West Babylon New York 11704, from the Fire District Secretary, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.

Bids must be delivered in sealed envelopes marked “ONE (1) YEAR BUILDING CLEANING CONTRACT SERVICING FOR WEST BABYLON FIRE DISTRICT STATION TWO AND STATION THREE” to the office of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West Babylon Fire District by 4:00 P.M. on August 3, 2026. Every bidder must submit a bid bond issued by an acceptable surety or certified or bank check payable to the West Babylon Fire District in the amount of five (5) per cent of the bid.

The West Babylon Fire District reserves the

right to reject any and all bids and to accept the best bid suited for its specific needs.

Dated: June 16, 2026

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

WEST BABYLON FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF BABYLON ATTEST:

Mary-Beth Briordy Secretary 26-351. 6/25

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids subject to all instructions, terms and conditions herein and pursuant to the specifications, will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners, West Babylon Fire District at the Fire District Office, 126 Arnold Avenue, West Babylon, New York 11704, until 4:00 P.M., on August 3, 2026, where they will be opened publicly and read aloud on August 3, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. prevailing time, on the said date for the service as specified and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practical for: ONE (1) YEAR BUILDING CLEANING CONTRACT SERVICING FOR WEST BABYLON FIRE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS Specifications, proposals and proposed contracts may be obtained at Fire Headquarters, 126 Arnold Avenue, West Babylon New York 11704, from the Fire District Secretary, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.

Bids must be delivered in sealed envelopes marked “ONE (1) YEAR BUILDING CLEANING CONTRACT SERVICING FOR WEST BABYLON FIRE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS” to the office of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the West

Babylon Fire District by 4:00 P.M. on August 3, 2026.

Every bidder must submit a bid bond issued by an acceptable surety or certified or bank check payable to the West Babylon Fire District in the amount of five (5) per cent of the bid.

The West Babylon Fire District reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to accept the best bid suited for its specific needs.

Dated: June 16, 2026

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS WEST BABYLON FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF BABYLON ATTEST:

Mary-Beth Briordy Secretary 26-352. 6/25

Students recognized for commitment to the arts at the All-County Art Show

The Lindenhurst School District recently honored student-artists Victoria Ogilvie, Abigail Scaccia and Renee Guschel for their participation in the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association, SCALA, All-County and Senior Scholarship Show.

The three students have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the district’s art program, participating for at least three of their four years in high school. They have taken full advantage of opportunities offered, including rigorous courses such as college ceramics, college Sculpture and AP 2D art.

Victoria Ogilvie was recognized at the Senior Scholarship Exhibition for SCALA. She will attend Fordham University, majoring in Graphic Design.

Abigail Scaccia was honored with a 3D Exhibition for SCALA and named an All-County Winner in the 3D category. She will attend Stony Brook University, majoring in Biology/Pre-Med.

Renee Guschel was recognized with a Mixed Media Exhibition for SCALA. She will attend the School of Visual Arts, SVA, in New York City, majoring in Illustration.

“These three extremely talented young women represent the best of what our art program strives to achieve,” said Robert Lombardo, director of fine and performing arts. “Their dedication, creativity, and academic rigor have earned them well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to seeing their continued success.”

Courtesy Lindenhurst school district Art teacher Anne Jeannine Cuozzo, from left with students Victoria Ogilvie, Abigail Scaccia and Renee Guschel, and Robert Lombardo, director of fine and performing arts.

DRIVERS WANTED

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EDITOR/REPORTER

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SENIOR REGULATORY AFFAIRS Manager, Topix Pharmaceuticals Inc., N. Amityville, NY (Hybrid) Responsible for ensuring compliance w/ all regulatory requirements of various agencies incl FDA, EPA, FTC, State Boards of Pharmacy & export/import regulations. This includes registration in various countries & issuance of required documents such as NAFTA certificates for Canada & Mexico. Secures international product registrations & maintains all of associated files, filings, certificates, testing & compliance governing overseas sales. Req: BS degree (or foreign equiv) in Pharmacy Administration, Regulatory Affairs or closely rltd fld & 2 yrs exp as Regulatory Affairs Specialist in pharmaceutical or cosmetics sector. Hybrid pos working 1 day/wk in office in N. Amityville, NY & 4 days/wk at home office. Salary: $111,000$116,000. For full job descr. & reqs. & to apply go to: https://topixskinhealth.com/join-our-team/, referencing job number RA2026.

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What’s involved in a net-zero home?

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A. Net zero for a home means producing as much energy as it consumes, bringing a utility balance to no expense. It’s possible, and the first thing you should look for is the orientation of the building and the location relative to problems. For example, a home near saltwater won’t allow for a well pump that will save hundreds on irrigation, and the home would need to be higher off the ground to avoid flooding, leaving greater surface exposure to cold.

You want to find a home where the back faces south and, if there’s a garage, it’s at the northeast corner, to act as a wind block. A home whose back faces south brings more daylight to kitchens, dining and recreation rooms, which are used more during the day and oriented to the backyard. Trees make a difference, too, because they provide a wind block, to reduce the time you run the boiler in the winter, as well as shade, reducing the heat on the home in summer and reducing air conditioning demand.

Make sure the property has drainage away from the home, and that shrubs are kept slightly away from the exterior walls. Where there’s more moisture, there’s more need for running a dehumidifier, which erases utility cost savings. Thermal operable window shades are helpful, but remember to open the blinds for daylight. The more sun-lit the rooms are, the lower the electric bill for lighting. And the better the windows (newer and more energy-efficient), the less heat and cool will be lost.

Look at the attic to see if insulation is uniform and thick. If you really want to save energy and dramatically reduce costs, consider re-insulating with closed-cell foam. It’s costly to install, but will pay you back in two to three years and for the rest of the time you’re in the home. Open-cell foam is less costly but also less insulating. Foam insulation is also a great sound reducer if you’re looking near a busy roadway or airport. You can also generate power and reduce utility bills substantially with solar panels, but understand that the time period to pay back is several years, often seven to 10.

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opinions

What it means to be a college graduate

At a time when some loud voices are questioning the value of college, I thought of my own experience.

In 11th grade, while other students were making college plans, I was uncertain of my future. Neither of my parents had gone to college. My mother died when I was 9 and my father, bankrupt from medical bills, was a single parent of two young children.

One day, my 10th-grade biology teacher, Joe Leone, stopped me in the hallway and asked, “Bobby, why haven’t you signed up for the SATs?” Why, indeed? No one had encouraged me. The guidance office, knowing my family’s circumstances, had urged me to apply to a non-selective Midwestern public university that didn’t require scores and was eager for students. With Mr. Leone’s encouragement, I took the SATs, earned a scholarship to Bucknell University, and the rest is history — a history whose critical hinge was a teacher who cared enough

to ask a question.

As a sophomore at Bucknell, I had doubts about why I was there and whether I could afford to stay, even while working 20 hours a week in the library and having saved money from summer jobs. Fortunately, my adviser, English Professor Mildred Martin, talked me into rethinking my decision to leave, and urged me to see the dean about additional scholarship aid. Together they helped me understand why I should stay, academically, and how I could stay, financially. I’ve been indebted to them ever since. Here I am, an educator who cares about students, like them.

Hing point and a foundation.

Research indicates that earning a college degree results in more career options, better health outcomes, lower rates of unemployment and greater citizen engagement. It is also reported to yield an average annual rate of return on investment of 9 to 10 percent more than a high school diploma.

igher education isn’t just about providing credentials for work.

My career path wasn’t a straight line, however. I went to college to be a minister, majored in English, got interested in advertising, joined Procter & Gamble, served in the Navy, returned to Bucknell in admissions rather than enter law school, attended an institute at Harvard and was recruited to be a junior dean at Cornell, where I earned my Ph.D. and taught sociology. Then I served in the top three posts in higher education, leading a state coordinating agency, a public college and a private university. Life can be like that. College is a start-

The goals of higher education aren’t limited to providing credentials for work. It helps students cultivate the judgment, creativity and character traits needed for success in a future no one can fully imagine. The intent is to prepare citizens with the judgment needed to advance a free society.

The purpose of any college education is to advance in knowledge, both expert in a major and general in electives and required courses; skills such as writing with coherence, grace and precision, and speaking with clarity and persuasiveness; abilities such as reasoning and leadership; and values such as regard for others and respect for diverse opinions.

College is, or should be, as much about character development and active citizenship as it is about preparation for

careers and advancement in commerce.

In recent years, about 2.5 million students have started their first year at one of the nearly 6,000 two- and four-year colleges and universities in the country. Of these, about 1,800 are private institutions and 1,900 are public. There are also about 2,300 for-profit colleges.

Unfortunately, nearly one-quarter of the students who start each year at fouryear colleges don’t continue to the second year, and before graduation, nearly another quarter will drop out. Twentyfive percent of undergraduate students are raising children or caring for dependents, and 73 percent work full time. Talk about pressure. Concerns about student success are among the reasons that many institutions have started first-year college programs designed to help students navigate and succeed in college.

These courses are designed to help students get the most out of college, to learn how to live a life of meaning and become one’s best self. I know they work because I’ve observed them and taught in them — one way of saying thank you to Professor Martin.

Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author, with Dr. Drew Bogner, of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”

Surviving the end-of-year overwhelm as an L.I. parent

sometime around May, something shifts for Long Island parents. One morning you glance at your phone and realize that between now and the last day of school, you’re expected to attend a spring fling, coordinate field day gear, buy a prom corsage, RSVP to three birthday parties, survive finals week alongside a teenager who sleeps until 2 p.m. — or a toddler who wakes up at 2 a.m. — label 14 pairs of camp socks with permanent marker, and, somewhere in there, actually exhale. As a mom of two and as someone who works alongside Long Island families every day, I want to say plainly: This is a lot. Joy stacked on top of more joy, on top of logistics, on top of a full-time job and dinner and everything else — that’s not a celebration. That’s a stress response in a party hat.

Parental stress doesn’t stay tucked inside. It moves through families. The short-tempered answer at dinner, the

argument over a permission slip, the exhaustion that makes it hard to be present for the moments you’ve been looking forward to — these are the quiet consequences of end-ofyear overwhelm. And yet we’ve normalized it to the point where parents feel guilty for being overwhelmed.

That’s why the EAC Network’s Long Island Parenting Institute exists. LIPI has been offering free and low-cost workshops and classes to parents across Nassau and Suffolk counties for years — practical, judgment-free spaces to build skills, find community, and be reminded that the village is still out there. You just sometimes need an invitation. Last year, LIPI served nearly 750 parents across the region. Its programming director, Kathryn Cannino, helps oversee programs on positive parenting, child development and strengthening family relationships. Asked about parents feeling stress this time of year, Cannino’s response was, “End-of-year stress is real, but parents don’t have to push through it alone, or perfectly. The families we work with often find that turning point is treating

p arental stress doesn’t stay tucked inside. It moves through families.

themselves with the same compassion they offer their loved ones — recognizing burnout is a signal to slow down and ask for support. Reaching out for support is a strength, and it also helps build the kind of connected village and supportive community that so many parents are longing for.”

So if you’re not the one managing the balancing act right now, look around. Someone near you probably is. Here are three simple ways to support parents in your community this season.

1. Be specific when you offer to help. “Let me know if you need anything” is easy to say, and almost impossible to act on. Instead, try, “I’m picking up dinner Friday — I’ll grab extra for you,” or “I can take the kids to Field Day.” Specific offers get accepted. Vague ones get politely declined by people who are too tired to ask.

2. Check in on the parent who seems like they’ve got it together. They don’t. At least not entirely. The parent who shows up at every event with snacks and a smile is often running on fumes by 9 p.m. Texting, “How are you actual-

ly doing?” can mean more than you know.

3. Say the quiet part out loud. We love our kids, and will do anything for them — but that doesn’t mean we have to do everything all the time, or that we have to do it silently and alone. When one parent names the overwhelm, others feel less alone in it. You don’t need to fix anything. Just being willing to say, “This time of year is genuinely hard” is a gift.

The LIPI team and community may be one of the best-kept secrets on Long Island, but the programs they offer are open to all. If you’re looking for your village, consider joining us for the sixweek Common Sense Parenting workshop series in July. Learn more and register at eac-network.org/li-parentinginstitute.

The end of the school year is supposed to feel celebratory — and it can, once we stop pretending the sprint to get there is effortless. So hang in there. Check on your people. Go to the concert. Cry a little at graduation. And when you’re ready to come up for air, we’ll be here.

Neela

Mukherjee Lockel is president and chief executive officer of EAC Network and a Long Island mother of two.

BaBylon

Stronger together as America turns 250

Kleiman

maryann Heins

Multi Media Marketing Consultants

offiCe

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Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail: babeditor@liherald.com

HERALD

as America approaches its 250th anniversary, there will be no shortage of celebrations.

There will be fireworks, parades, concerts, historical exhibits and ceremonies commemorating the nation’s founding. Those traditions are important, but the semiquincentennial should also be a moment to reflect on something deeper: the ideas, institutions and values that have enabled the United States to endure for two and a half centuries.

That reflection was encouraged recently at a Long Island Association event featuring former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, and Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat whose career has included service in Congress, as mayor of Chicago, ambassador to Japan and chief of staff to President Barack Obama.

The two men represent different political philosophies, and often disagree on public policy. Yet they shared a stage, exchanged ideas and demonstrated that debate does not require hostility, and disagreement does not require contempt.

In today’s political climate, that lesson is worth revisiting.

The United States was never intended to be a nation of uniform opinions.

From the earliest days of the republic, Americans have argued over the role of government, economic policy, foreign affairs and social issues. The nation’s founders themselves often disagreed vigorously.

What made the American experiment remarkable wasn’t the absence of conflict, but the ability to manage it with democratic institutions, civic engage-

letters

Do state leaders need to speak out on world affairs?

To the Editor:

ment and a commitment to a larger common purpose.

As the country turns 250, Americans would benefit from remembering that principle.

The strength of the U.S. has never come from everyone thinking alike. It comes from people bringing different experiences, perspectives and beliefs to the table while remaining invested in the success of the nation as a whole. Diversity of thought is not a weakness to overcome; it is one of the country’s greatest assets. It fuels innovation, challenges assumptions and helps communities solve problems that no single viewpoint can address alone.

And a healthy democracy requires more than debate. It requires its citizens to respect one another. That doesn’t mean surrendering convictions or avoiding difficult conversations. It means recognizing the humanity of those with whom we disagree. It means listening before responding. It means accepting that reasonable people can reach different conclusions while still caring deeply about their communities and their country.

Americans see examples of that shared connection every day, often outside politics. They gather to support local businesses, volunteer at food drives, coach youth sports, attend school concerts and celebrate community milestones. They cheer together when their favorite teams compete for championships. They fill venues like Jones Beach for summer concerts. They rally around neighbors after storms, tragedies and hardships. Those moments matter because they remind us of a simple truth: We need one another.

No individual succeeds entirely alone. Families depend on support networks. Businesses rely on workers and customers. Communities thrive when residents contribute their time, talents and energy. The same principle applies to the nation. America’s greatest accomplishments have been achieved when people from different backgrounds worked toward a common goal despite their differences.

The story of the United States is, in many ways, a story of perseverance. Generations have faced wars, economic downturns, social upheaval, natural disasters and political divisions. Each challenge tested the country’s resolve. Time and again, Americans found ways to adapt, rebuild and move forward. That spirit remains essential today. The metaphor is simple but powerful: We are all in the same boat. Some may sit on different sides. Some may prefer a different course. Some may disagree about how fast to move or where to steer. But if everyone rows in opposite directions, the boat goes nowhere. Progress requires effort, cooperation and a recognition that our destinies are linked.

As America celebrates 250 years, the occasion should inspire more than nostalgia. It should renew our commitment to civility, perseverance and community. The ideas that divide Americans from one another are not the ideas that will shape the nation’s future.

Citizens who engage respectfully, work together and share the belief that the next chapter of the American story can be even stronger than the last will build that future. Ours is a legacy worthy of celebration.

Re Kevin Kelly’s letter, “Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Brown are silent on Israel,” in the June 11-17 issue: Kelly is sympathetic to the need for stronger measures to protect the Jewish community “from harassment and the threat, or actuality, of violence.” He references opinion pieces in the Herald by Assemblyman Ari Brown and State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and he notes that neither of those state officials “offers the slightest criticisms of the Israeli government’s military response” to Hamas’s attacks on Oct. 7, 2003.

As a New Yorker who votes in statewide elections, I don’t see the need for any of our state or local elected officials to comment on issues of international import. Concern for local matters, including protection of the residents of New York, including the Jewish community, is their responsibility. They are not

opinions Stop hating on Elon Musk’s trillionaire status

after Elon Musk’s SpaceX went public, the entrepreneur catapulted to become the first trillionaire in world history.

Many folks, from socialists down to the average working stiff, are outraged, claiming that no individual should have so much money. But you can count me in the camp, along with National Review’s Charles Cooke, that celebrates when an american can create a product that is so universally coveted that he or she earns unlimited money. as I noted in my book “Solutions to america’s Problems,” class envy is a very dangerous thing. We shouldn’t be focusing so much on what others are making as we should on our ability to move up the social ladder to a higher quality of life.

Who cares if some people are getting super-rich if economic growth means that you and I and everyone else are making more money as well?

Letters

There’s nothing virtuous about having every citizen equally poor, as is the case in Cuba or North Korea (with the exception, of course, of their ruling classes in the Communist Party, who live large).

Jeff Bezos became a billionaire because he revolutionized how we shop. He made it convenient for us to stay at home and get stuff delivered. The inventor of uber made billions because he gave millions of people access to cheaper transportation.

JSteve Jobs became super-rich because he invented the iPhone and the iPad, which revolutionized communication. Elon Musk created PayPal, Tesla and now SpaceX. If people didn’t want to invest in his products, he wouldn’t make so much money.

That’s the case today, because the inflation beast has not yet been tamed.

But inflation is roaring not because Elon Musk became a trillionaire, but rather because of foolish government policies that simply spent, and wasted, too much money.

e ff Bezos became a billionaire because he revolutionized how we shop.

as was proven in the Kennedy, Reagan and first Trump administrations, cutting taxes and incentivizing investment creates a thriving economy that results in benefit to all. In each of those time periods, wages and wealth grew for the working and middle classes after across-the-board tax cuts were enacted.

Kimmel could have $50 million simply for telling jokes on late-night TV. and then there’s Formula One driver lewis Hamilton, who dates Kim Kardashian. He, too, has said that no one should be a billionaire. Someone should remind him that he himself is worth half a billion, and the woman he’s sleeping with has a net worth of $2 billion. When do we start confiscating her wealth to bring her under a billion?

So chill out on the news that Elon is making so much money. He’s got a product people want. If they didn’t want it, they wouldn’t invest, and he wouldn’t make that kind of money.

I’ve never had a problem with basketball’s leBron James making $40 million a year, because he’s worth it to the team owners since he brings in so much revenue.

The problem, of course, is when our economy is stagnant, and we see some people getting super-rich while the middle and working classes are struggling.

elected to opine on international matters. But even if they were to do so, why do they have to criticize a foreign government in order to provide a safe environment for citizens in our state? Is Kelly suggesting that the actions of a foreign government give people in New York the right to act in violation of the law, and to harass or commit violence against others here in New York? If so, he is misguided.

Regardless of how any person in New York feels about the actions taken by the State of Israel or any other matter, political or otherwise, and whether of local, state, national or international import, that person is entitled to protection from harassment and violence in New York.

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What’s especially galling is that new multimillionaires like Bernie Sanders and Jimmy Kimmel complain that no one should be a billionaire, let alone a trillionaire. It’s particularly galling coming from Kimmel, who has a net worth of over $50 million.

In the wealth-envy game, everything is relative. It’s obnoxious to Kimmel that someone can be a billionaire, but it might be just as revolting to someone making $50,000 a year that someone like

Framework by Tim Baker

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and beware of setting some kind of limit on what people can make, because what might be unreasonable to you may come back to bite you when someone making far less than you starts coming after your wealth because he or she feels that it’s just too unreasonable. Hear that, Jimmy Kimmel?

Steve Levy is president of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm. He has served as Suffolk County executive, as an assemblyman and as host of the “On the Right Side” podcast, and is the author of “Solutions to America’s Problems” and “Bias in the Media.”