WBFD honors fallen firefighter Michael Greene
By JEFFREY NEGRIN jnegrin@liherald.com
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
West Babylon Fire Department members and residents gathered to rededicate the intersection of Arnold Avenue and Learner Road as Mike Greene Way, honoring firefighter Michael Greene, who was killed in the line of duty 20 years ago.
This is the place for a caption for this photo. caption caption.
Leigh Babirad/Herald Community leaders and Village of Babylon Historical Society members gather on the steps of the historical society for a photograph at the society’s America 250 event. Pictured: Karen Petz, Steve Loudon, Wayne Horsley, Kevin Conley, Donna Consola, Legislator RJ Renna, Marsha Collock, Judy Skillen, Gilda Gricka and Carolyn Romaine.
By JEFFREY NEGRIN jnegrin@liherald.com
Babylon groups mark America’s 250th anniversary with history and art exhibit
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Flags, historical photographs and memorabilia filled the Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society on June 11 as the organization partnered with the Babylon Village Arts Council to celebrate the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The event featured a historical display curated by Town of Babylon Historian Mary Cascone and a flag-themed art exhibit showcasing work by local artists.
Cascone, who also serves as a trustee of the historical society, said many of the artifacts came from her personal collection, built over the past 15 years through antique and thrift shopping, as well as items from the historical society and the Town historian’s office. A ship’s bell was on loan from the Barrier Beach
Civic Association.
The exhibit was divided into three components — a display case, a two-sided historical display board and a collection of flag banners — and had been in development since fall 2025.
“The display board helped me imagine the three eras of the exhibit—1876 for the 100th anniversary, 1926 for the 150th anniversary and 1976 for the 200th anniversary,” Cascone said.
“Thankfully, we are now in a time when it is easy to find newspaper articles and I was able to collect news articles and ads from the summer of 1976 and display them with photographs from the village’s 200th celebrations.”
Cascone credited Gilda Gricka, an employee in the town historian’s office and an officer with the historical society, with helping assemble the display. Gricka also baked a commemorative cake for the event.
Greene, a former captain and father of four, died June 16, 2006, while removing a salvage cover from the roof of a fast-food restaurant on Montauk Highway in Lindenhurst that had sustained damage during a fire the previous day. He was electrocuted in the incident.
The annual rededication ceremony, held June 16, has become a remembrance of Greene’s service and the risks volunteer firefighters and their families face while “answering the call.”
Greene, of Rendezvous Truck Company No. 4, joined the department in April 1994. He served as lieutenant from 2000 to 2002 and as captain from 2002 to 2004. At the time of his death, he was chief driver of the heavy rescue truck.
He had also been recognized for earlier acts of heroism. On Dec. 19, 2005, Greene helped rescue a woman from a burning home while conducting a
search with other firefighters. He was named Firefighter of the Year by the West Babylon Fire Department and was scheduled to receive the Silver Medal of Valor from the Suffolk County Fire Academy.
Greene was described by colleagues as a devoted husband to Elizabeth and father to his children, Colin, Katie, Kristen and Meghan.
West Babylon Fire District Commissioner Vincenzo Vacchiano said Greene served the department for more than 12 years.
“Those members who served alongside Mike, I know we can all agree that his dedication, hard work within this department did not go unnoticed,” Vacchiano said.
Town Councilman Terence McSweeney also paid tribute, saying, “Mike Greene was a dedicated firefighter and respected member of this great department,” adding that his service left “a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
McSweeney said Greene understood “what it meant to answer the call to duty,” adding that he devoted “countless hours protecting others, serving his community and supporting his fellow firefighters.”
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Christie
Rex Heuermann gets sentenced for Gilgo killings
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Rex Heuermann was sentenced on June 17 to three consecutive life terms with no parole and four times to 25 years to life for the murders of seven women whose deaths have been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings, bringing a dramatic end to one of Long Island’s most notorious criminal cases.
“Eight young women were aimlessly and brutally murdered,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said before the sentences were handed out. “The defendant has earned a maximum sentence in this case.”
After state Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei in Riverhead read the prison sentences he yelled at Heuermann’s attorney, Michael J. Brown, “get him out of here.”
Appearing before Mazzei in Riverhead on April 8, Heuermann, 62, acknowledged responsibility for the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack. He also admitted to killing Karen Vergata, whose remains were discovered in separate locations on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach.
He strangled six of the women and, in several cases, dismembered their bodies before disposing of the remains along
Ocean Parkway and in other locations across Long Island between 1993 and 2011.
Heuermann admitted to strangling Costilla in November 1993. He also admitted to killing Vergata in 1996 and dismembering her body at Blue Point Beach. He acknowledged strangling and dismembering Taylor in 2003 and strangling and dismembering Mack in 2000 before disposing of portions of her remains in Manorville and near Gilgo Beach.
He further admitted to strangling Brainard-Barnes in 2007, Barthelemy in 2009, Waterman in June 2010 and Costello in September 2010. The admissions brought an end to a legal battle that began after Heuermann’s arrest in July 2023.
The Massapequa Park resident had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his attorneys mounted an extensive challenge to the prosecution’s case, focusing heavily on DNA evidence, cell phone records and other forensic findings that investigators said linked him to the victims.
Prosecutors maintained throughout the proceedings that the case was supported by a combination of DNA evidence, cell phone data and years of investigative work conducted by a multi-agency task force led by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.
The Gilgo Beach investigation began in 2010 during the search for Shannan Gilbert, who disappeared after fleeing a home in Oak Beach. During that search, authori-
ties discovered the remains of four women along Ocean Parkway, later known as the “Gilgo Four.”
Additional remains were found in 2011, expanding the investigation into one of the largest serial homicide cases in New York history.
For years, the case remained unsolved amid investigative setbacks, jurisdictional
disputes and public frustration. That effort ultimately led investigators to Heuermann, an architect from Massapequa Park, who was arrested in Manhattan on July 13, three years ago. He was initially charged in the deaths of Barthelemy, Waterman and Costello before prosecutors expanded the case to include additional victims.
Heckscher State Park offers summer, fall nature programs
Heckscher State Park in East Islip is offering guided outdoor programs this summer and fall led by environmental educators.
Moonlight Nature Walk, July 24
A guided nature walk through the park under the moon and stars, illuminated by lanterns, will be held from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. Participants will explore trails through forests and salt marshes to observe nighttime wildlife. Lanterns will be available for registered participants, though attendees may also bring their own battery-powered lanterns.
The cost is $4 per person. Reservations are required through Eventbrite.
Kayak Tour, Aug. 8
A guided kayak tour of the Great South Bay is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will have the opportunity to observe native birds, turtles and other wildlife.
Attendees must bring their own kayak and life jacket. Space is limited. Bike Tour, Sept. 27
The park will also host a family-friendly nature bike tour from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Participants will ride through marshes and forests along the Great South Bay while learning about local wildlife and seasonal changes.
Riders must bring their own bicycle and helmet.
Program fees are $4 per adult and $4 per child. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. A $10 parking fee applies.
Reservations are required and may be made beginning two weeks before each program. To register, visit Eventbrite and search for “NatureEdventure.”
For more information about New York State Parks, call (518) 474-0456 or visit parks. ny.gov.
Students pitch business ideas in annual entrepreneurship program
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Wyandanch high school students recently presented original business concepts during the fifth annual Shark Tank Competition, an initiative designed to teach young people the fundamentals of business planning, collaboration and public speaking.
The program guides students through the process of developing a business idea from concept to presentation. Participants learn how to create a business plan, identify potential revenue sources, organize their ideas and prepare a professional pitch.
While students do not actually launch their businesses, they are challenged to think like entrepreneurs by developing detailed proposals and convincing others that their ideas are viable.
“The focus is on helping students think deeply about what they are trying to accomplish and how they can communicate that effectively,” said Stephanie Sternberg the Wyandanch High School Librarian and coordinator of the program. “They learn how to answer questions about their business, defend their ideas and explain why their concept would succeed.”
The experience also provides valuable life lessons beyond business fundamentals. For many students, the event marks their first opportunity to speak publicly before an audience.
Skarleth Murillo, Alexa Calderone (3rd Place), and Christopher Hernandez
Some participants have little or no public speaking experience before taking part in the program. Students present their business plans not only to classmates and teachers, but also to local business owners, executives and mentors who evaluate their proposals and ask questions.
The unique aspects and opportunities of the project were not lost on the student participants.
For Christopher Hernandez, whose business was to build, repair and customize bikes, the project gave him the chance to take something he loved to do and cre-
Mayor E. Donald Conroy Scholarship 2026 winners
Babylon High School senior Olivia Lynch has joined the group of past students who have been presented with the Mayor E. Donald Conroy Scholarship. Lynch received the scholarship based on her application that demonstrated her commitment and contribution to Babylon Village through the area of community service. Lynch will be attending Virginia Tech this fall.
In addition, Babylon High School senior Allie Manetta was presented with the discretionary award. Manetta will be attending Syracuse University this fall.
Each received their awards at the Babylon High School Scholarship Awards night held on June 11. For more information about the scholarship, visit mayoredonaldconroyscholarshipfund.com
ate a business out of it. “I always had an interest in bikes,” he said, adding that he believes his personality and set of skills will translate into business success.
“For me this project is an opportunity to take regular skills and turn them into earnings,” said Mitchara Etienne who designed custom made baseball hats.
And for Velajah Fields, the program offered her an opportunity to turn something she loves—animals— into a specialized pet care business.
Organizers said the interaction with professionals gives students a real-world perspective and helps them develop confidence and communication skills.
“Many of these students are pitching their ideas for the first time in front of CEOs and business leaders,” said Sternberg. “They learn how to collaborate with people outside their immediate peer group and gain experience working with mentors who guide them through the process.”
The program also emphasizes teamwork and professional relationships. Students work with one another, teachers and community mentors while developing their presentations, mirroring the collaborative environment they are like-
ly to encounter in future careers.
Among those helping lead the initiative is Tim Gomes, a retired CEO and founder of Gaia Management Advisory. Sternberg credited Gomes with playing a key role in the program’s success by mentoring students and helping coordinate the annual event.
“He is amazing and really helps me do a good job,” Sternberg said. “Like the students, I work collaboratively not only with other teachers but with Tim in different capacities. His support has been invaluable.”
After listening to the presentations, the judges made their choices: The firstplace prize of $500 went to the team of Iyana Carpenter and Abigail Argueta Vigil, for their Plastics to Purpose pitch. Lorica Michel earned the second-place prize of $300 for her Michel’s Bakery plan, while Alexa Calderon took third and a $200 prize for her Heart to Hand Kits idea.
Organizers said the program continues to grow each year, providing students with practical business knowledge while helping them develop confidence, communication skills and the ability to present ideas in a professional setting.
Babylon Village Hall to celebrate 100 years with community open house
Babylon Village will mark the 100th anniversary of Village Hall with a community open house on July 1, celebrating a century of public service from one of the village’s most recognizable historic landmarks.
The free event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Village Hall, 153 W. Main St., and is open to residents, business owners and visitors.
Attendees will be able to take guided tours of the building led by Town Historian Mary Cascone, who will discuss the history, architecture and significance of Village Hall. An exhibit featuring historic photographs, architectural renderings, documents and other artifacts will highlight the building’s evolution over the past 100 years.
The celebration will also include a commemorative cake donated by Torta Fina and a ceremonial cake-cutting with vil-
lage officials and a special guest.
As part of the centennial observance, Mayor Mary Adams and the Village Board of Trustees will announce the creation of a Babylon Village Hall time capsule. The mayor’s office will begin accepting small items that reflect life in 2026 for inclusion in the capsule, which is scheduled to be opened in 2126 during the building’s 200th anniversary celebration.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the generations of residents, elected officials and employees who have contributed to the success of Babylon Village,” village officials said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating this milestone with the community while preserving memories and artifacts for future generations.”
For more information, contact Lisa Tripp, assistant to the mayor, at (631) 6691212.
Courtesy Wyandanch school district
Participants in the Wyandanch High School 5th
Annual Shark Tank Competition: Abigail Argueta Vigil and Iyana Carpenter (1st Place), Zephaniah Morrow, Ayiana Ware, Evan Malone, William Morgan, Edwin Romero, Lorica Michel (2nd Place), Kayleen Braswell, Micthara Etienne,
Courtesy Bruce Zappia
Dr. Bruce Zappia, MEDSCF Committee Chair, with Olivia Lynch, the MEDCSF winner and Allie Manetta, the Discretionary Award winner
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents were reported by the Suffolk County Police Department’s First and Third precincts and other law enforcement agencies:
PETIT LARCENY
North Babylon: A bicycle was reported stolen from the McDonald’s restaurant at 1255 Deer Park Ave. on June 18. The theft was reported at 8:30 p.m.
• An unidentified person allegedly entered a locker at Planet Fitness on Deer Park Avenue and stole a gym bag containing AirPods. The incident was reported at 7 p.m.
Deer Park: Police reported that an unidentified person filled a shopping cart with merchandise and left the Stop & Shop at 421 Commack Road without paying on June 17 at 12:31 p.m. The police report did not include the value of the stolen items.
North Lindenhurst: Lottery tickets and other merchandise valued at approximately $300 were reported stolen from a 7-Eleven on Greene Avenue on June 16. The theft was reported shortly after 11 a.m.
Babylon: An assortment of bracelets valued at $300 and a red dress were reported stolen from Guru’s Gift Shop and Jewelry, 18 Deer Park Ave., on June 16. The theft was reported shortly after 5:30 p.m.
Copiague: Police arrested a suspect accused of stealing clothing and toys valued at less than $200 from the Target store on
Sunrise Highway on June 13. ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated - Jose Iraheta Hernandez, 30, of Central Islip; Maira Maradiaga, 49, of Central Islip; Eduard Herrera, 22, of Bay Shore; Julio Davila, 62, of Lindenhurst; Jose Delarosa, 40, of Orlando, Florida; Allison Rondon, 31, of Brooklyn; Neftali Espinal, 37, of West Babylon; Zachary Costanzo, 26, of Blue Point; Alex Herrerasolis, 21, of Baywood; Georgina Harry Narine of Islip Terrace; Carlos Gonzalez, 54, of Copiague; Stanley Rodriguez, 21, of West Babylon; Alexander Velasquez, 37, of Brentwood; and Prescilla Pagan, 31, of Deer Park.
Petit Larceny - Amanda Espinal, 40, of North Amityville; Jamie Correia, 62, of Northport; Angelo Toney, 53, of North Amityville; Manuel Ramirez Perez, 23, of Copiague; Selim Simsek, 23, of Copiague; Joseph Enright, 58, of Massapequa Park; Shateah Jones, 32, of West Babylon; James Maxwell, 58, of Wyandanch; and Xavier Sanchez, who was also charged with burglary and resisting arrest.
Grand Larceny - Joshua Johnson, 29, of Parkville, Maryland; Mark Jackson, 24, of Brooklyn; Christopher Springfield, 18, of West Babylon; and Mustafa Attia, 23, of Ronkonkoma.
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.
Deer Park woman loses more than $70,000 in scam, police say
Suffolk County police are investigating a scam that resulted in a Deer Park woman losing more than $70,000.
According to police, the woman was using her computer when a pop-up message appeared claiming her device had been hacked. The message provided a telephone number to call for additional information.
After calling the number, the victim spoke with an individual who claimed
to be affiliated with the FBI and told her that her computer was connected to the dark web, police said.
The caller instructed the woman to withdraw money from her bank accounts and told her that someone would come to her home to collect the cash. Police said multiple trips were made to the victim’s residence, during which individuals picked up the money.
The investigation is ongoing.
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-
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.
Park Ranger Exam, September 12
As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s independence, we are reminded that strength is found in our communities. For years, our home has been right here on Long Island. We are proud to stand alongside the local organizations, neighbors, and companies that keep our region thriving today.
Togeth�, we are building the next chapter of our story.
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.
WEB SITE: www.babylonbeacon.com /
rglickman@liherald.com
■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legals@liherald.com
WB student’s art to be on display in DC July 4th
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherld.com
West Babylon Junior High School seventh-grader Zarah-Valentina Gomez has earned national recognition after being named one of 250 winners in the 2026 America’s Field Trip art contest, sponsored by America250.
Her artwork, Steps of Freedom, was also selected as one of only six pieces featured on America’s Birthday Cake, unveiled at the Library of Congress on July 4 and later displayed at the White House Visitor Center from July 7 through Aug. 2.
The nationwide contest invited students to create artwork inspired by the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Zarah-Valentina’s winning piece reflects her belief that America’s freedoms were built through the courage and sacrifices of those who came before, and that every child has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and help shape the country’s future.
“I am really excited about it and can’t wait to see it featured at the Library of Congress,” said Zarah-Valentina, who plans to travel to Washington, D.C., to see her artwork on display.
She said the inspiration for Steps of Freedom came from her next-door neighbor, a military veteran.
“He inspired me,” she said.
The daughter of Zorayda and Luis Gomez, Zarah-Valentina will enter eighth
grade this fall. She was recently selected as a member of the Empyrean Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, and swas also accepted into the Advanced Studio Art class at West Babylon Junior High School.
Outside the classroom, she plays the violin and cello, competes in volleyball and tennis, and enjoys acting and modeling in fashion shows. She also likes spending time with her dog, Sammy.
School officials called the recognition a significant national achievement and
noted that it complements the junior high school’s ongoing America250 initiatives.
“We are incredibly proud of her and her accomplishments celebrated as part of the West Babylon Junior High School Library’s
ongoing America250 initiatives,” said Michelle Statfeld, the school’s library media and technology specialist, who worked with Zarah-Valentina on the project.
Zarah-Valentina Gomez whose art won a national competition
Courtesy West Babylon school district Artwork from West Babylon Junior High Student Zarah-Valentina is one of six pieces to be featured on America’s Birthday Cake.
L.I. Choice Awards celebrate local success
By Maureen Fitzgerald
Presented once again by PSEG Long Island, the fifth annual Herald Long Island Choice Awards Gala has quickly become one of the region’s signature contests and business recognition events. The program brings together hundreds of businesses and organizations across categories spanning dining, healthcare, home services, wellness, professional services, retail, entertainment and more.
Hosted by RichnerLIVE on May 19 at the Crest Hollow Country Club, the evening featured a cocktail reception, networking, dinner and the highly anticipated live winner reveal — with honorees learning their placements in real time throughout the evening. From the moment guests stepped into cocktail hour, the atmosphere carried an unmistakable buzz as finalists mingled and snapped photos in front of the glowing LI Choice Awards LED sign.
The applause erupted repeatedly as winners crossed the stage to accept their awards, with cheers echoing throughout the packed ballroom.
For many attendees, the evening represented more than just an awards gala; it was a celebration of resilience, growth and community recognition after years spent building businesses across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“This evening is about celebrating the people and businesses that make our communities special,” said Stuart Richner, publisher of the Herald and CEO of Richner Communications, during opening remarks. “It is the people in this room that are the economic engines of our communities.”
This year’s continued partnership with PSEG Long Island also reinforced the utility’s longstanding focus on supporting the region’s small business community through its Business First advocate programs, which provide guidance, energy efficiency resources and rebate opportunities to help local businesses grow and operate more sustainably. The utility company — ranked No. 1 by J. D. Power in business customer satisfaction — has granted over $3.5 million to help businesses lower operating costs, improve sustainability, and create jobs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Veronica Isaac, Senior Manager Customer and Community Partnerships, during the evening’s program. “Without your hard work, we would not have so many thriving downtown districts and beyond here on Long Island. Investing in and promoting small businesses will power the future of Long Island.”
The event also underscored how the LI Choice Awards has evolved beyond recognition. Drawing hundreds of thousands of votes across the region during the months-long public voting campaign, the program has become a platform that strengthens visibility for local businesses while fostering new partnerships and meaningful connections across industries. For many of
A beautiful poolside setting provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of networking and
the evening’s winners, the recognition has translated into tangible business growth, customer trust and lasting community credibility.
“Winning the Long Island Choice Award five years in a row for Best Auto Repair Shop, has been incredibly rewarding for our business. Because the award is voted on by the public, it means a great deal to know our customers continue to support and believe in us,” shared Kevin Killelea,
owner of Rockville Centre Auto Repair.
“The recognition has helped our business grow and flourish, while reinforcing the trust and reputation we’ve worked hard to build within the community.”
Sharing the same five-year milestone win, the Theralympic Speech Therapy team celebrated by extending “A huge thank you to our wonderful clients for believing in us, and to our
dedicated team for the care, passion, and heart you bring every single day. We couldn’t do this without you!!”
“Winning the past few years is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust our patients place in us every day,” said Dr. Howard Goodman, Long Island Weight Loss Doctor.
This year’s winners and finalists can be found in the LI Herald 2026 LI Choice Winners Guide and online at LIChoiceawards.com.
Photos by Tim Baker/Melissa Baptiste/Michael Rechter
celebration.
Proud sponsor PSEG Long Island was represented by Matt Connors, left, Andrew Cacioppo, Jordan Isaac, Veronica Isaac, Krista Kester, Sean Galvis, and Amy Di Leo.
Photos by Tim Baker/Melissa Baptiste/Michael Rechter
Laura D’Amato, second from right, and Apple Bank team members bring home the win.
PSEG attendees Krista Kester and Sean Galvis enjoy cocktail hour poolside.
Center Stage Music Center’s team takes center stage with their win.
The team at Discover Long Island, a proud supporting partner.
Girls Inc. of Long Island Executive Director Patricia Charlemagne, left, is among the winners.
Courtesy Le Selfiie Photobooth Zorn’s Bethpage CEO Merrill Zorn, left, beams after her victory, joined by a guest. The winning team at Suffolk Credit Union enjoys the evening.
The team at Strain Stars celebrates their victory.
The Results Fitness & Nutrition team celebrates their win across multiple categories.
Photos by Tim Baker/Melissa Baptiste/Michael Rechter
Dr. Ryan Sugarman of Memorial Sloan Kettering, second from left, accepts his award.
Winner Arthur Hakobjanyan, owner of Seaford Car Wash & Detail Center, celebrates.
Brendan Taber, winner and owner of Pick Up Pros, celebrates his win with his guest.
The winning team at Complete Basement Systems celebrates their victory.
Winner Alexis Tischler, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, of Comforted Companions Veterinary Care.
Winner Jennifer B. Cona, Esq., of Cona Elder Law, PLLC.
Babylon Village is ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
CONTINUED FROM COVER
Cascone said she hopes visitors recognize familiar items among the exhibits, whether it is 1970s clothing, church photographs or a Burger King glass, while also learning something new.
“My other hope is always that people appreciate the history of their communities,” Cascone said. “I always hope that by looking at our shared past that people recognize how they can be a part of their community and that the things that people do in our community today are what people will look back at in 2076, as history.”
Alongside the historical exhibit, the Babylon Village Arts Council invited local artists to create works inspired by the American flag.
“We wanted to have a community art show that celebrated the 250th anniversary but that was also creative and invited artist members and community members to be a part of it,” said Allyson Uttendorfer, vice president of the Babylon Village Arts Council. “We partnered with the historical society and we thought flags would be an ideal way to celebrate the season with Flag Day and the 250th anniversary.”
Uttendorfer said the artwork will be displayed during July in the two Museums of Miniature Art, or MoMAs, located at the historical society and the Nathaniel Conklin House. A third MoMA is planned for the Babylon Public Library, where the flag exhibit will serve as the first display.
“We’re very excited for the unveiling of really great work that our local artists put together,” said Shawn Uttendorfer, gal-
lery coordinator for the arts council. “We have a great range of age levels and ability levels—that has been fantastic to see and curate in a cohesive way.”
BVAC President Rose Norman thanked the participating artists, noting that members of the arts council and the broader community had “shown their love for the country” through their work.
Among the featured artists was Wayne Horsley, an artist and historian with the historical society, who said it was exciting to display his flag-themed artwork after keeping his interest in drawing largely private for many years.
Jeanine Aufiero, whose painting Freedom’s Sky depicts fireworks over the water, said she hoped the artwork would bring people together.
“I love the Babylon Village Arts Council and I loved painting this because it’s really nostalgic—we live on this beautiful island and I think most of us have seen the fireworks on the water, so I really wanted to paint for everyone to celebrate this incredible time,” Aufiero said.
Artist Jennifer Bartlett, whose work was also featured, said the exhibit was a fitting way to commemorate the nation’s milestone anniversary.
“I think it’s an amazing accomplishment for the country so having a show here at the Babylon Village Historical Society that’s about flags and the history of the country is a great way to celebrate,” Bartlett said. “I think we all need to keep celebrating—we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to be proud of.”
Susan Dean, a Babylon resident who
attended the event, said she was surprised by how much local history she learned.
“I’ve lived here for 53 years and I’ve never really known the whole history,” Dean said. “There’s a lot of history here.”
The celebration concluded with Gricka and Mayor Mary Adams cutting a commemorative cake.
“Thank you to the historical society and happy 250th to our country,” Adams said.
Historical Society President Judy Skillen said the historical exhibit will remain on display through December.
“The Village of Babylon Historical and Preservation Society is very excited to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country,” Skillen said. “This exhibit that we have put together is for the Village of Babylon to enjoy and also reflects those things that happened in our history—50 years ago, 100 years ago, 150 years ago.” Skillen encouraged residents to visit the exhibit and thanked Cascone, whom she called “the architect of this exhibit,” for her work. “It was a fun project,” Skillen said.
Allyson Uttendorfer, vice president of BVAC, poses with her artwork titled “After the Rain,” and her husband Shawn’s “Stars and Stripes.”
Mayor Mary Adams and Gilda Gricka cut the celebratory America 250 cake Gricka made for the event.
HERALD NEIGHBORS
Celebrating Flag Day, summer reading and nation’s 250th anniversary
Babylon elementary school students and staff marked the start of the summer season with a special Flag Day ceremony, summer reading kick-off, and a salute to the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.
The event featured a festive assembly that blended patriotism with a love of literacy. Students enjoyed patriotic sing-alongs, DJ music, bubbles, and prizes courtesy of the Babylon Public Library. The 11th NY Regiment of the U.S. Army Reserves provided flag-folding demonstrations and displayed a World War II jeep, while a special visit from the Suffolk Libraries Empowering Discovery Bus helped inspire summer reading excitement.
Flag Day in the United States is observed each year on June 14 and commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official national flag. The origin dates to June 14, 1777, when the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing the design of the American flag, stating it would have 13 stripes and 13 stars representing the original colonies.
The modern observance of Flag Day is often credited to Bernard J. Cigrand, a Wisconsin schoolteacher who began advocating in the 1880s for a national day honoring the flag. His efforts, along with those of other supporters, helped build momentum for official recognition. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949 Congress permanently designated it as a national observance.
Flag Day is not a federal holiday, but it is widely recognized through ceremonies, flagraising events, school programs, and civic observances across the country honoring the flag’s symbolism of unity, liberty, and national identity.
The fun, action-packed celebration in Babylon schools was a perfect way to close out the 2025–2026 school year, said school officials.
—Carolyn James
Courtesy Babylon school district
The students were given a flag-folding demonstration during the day’s events..
Teacher Susan Forthmuller with two of her students, Luke Murray and Lucas Douris.
Babylon Elementary School students say the Pledge of Allegiance a the event.
KRISTIN THORNE Emmy-Award Winning Investigative Reporter EMCEE
THERESA PORCARO Vice President, Growth & Marketing, Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine
VANDEGRIFT, MD, FACS Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Vandegrift Plastic Surgery
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, JULY 5
•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/.
TUESDAY, JULY 7
•Village of Babylon Board of Trustees work session: 6 p.m.; Village Hall, upstairs conference room, 153 W. Main
St., Babylon. For additional information, call 631-669-1500; or email: info@villageofbabylonny.gov; or visit the web site @https://www.villageofbabylonny.gov.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
•Town of Babylon Town Board meeting: 3 p.m., Town Board Room, 200 E. Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For additional information, call 631-957-3100.
•Lindenhurst Village Board of Trustees meeting: 6 p.m. work session / 7:30 p.m. public meeting, Lindenhurst Village Hall, 430 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. For updated meeting info., call 631-957-7500; or visit their web site @ https://villageoflindenhurstny.gov
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: Beacon 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.
Lindenhurst student wins $1,000 scholarship
Anthony Cristostomo, a member of Lindenhurst High School’s Class of 2026, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Gershow Recycling.
Gershow awards the competitive scholarship to a graduating high school senior
who intends to pursue a degree in either engineering or environmental science.
Anthony is shown at right, with Anthony Vanni, manager of Gershow Recycling, which has a location in Lindenhurst.
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
For Information on Advertising here, please call Ellen Reynolds at 516-569-4000 x286.
American Legion Post 94 hosting America 250 Parking Lot Party
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country with the American Legion Post 94 Babylon on July 12 from 1 to 6 p.m., with a rain date of July 26.
The event will include live music featuring American Ride, a tribute to Toby Keith and The Tucker Stevens Band. Additionally, there will be a special appearance by The American Bombshells Trio.
The event will also include military vehicles showcase, barbecue and food trucks, family zone and children’s activities, a balloon artist and more. All proceeds from the event will go toward veterans’ organizations. For more information, please call (631) 960-6510 or visit babylonlegionpost94.org. The American Legion Post 94 is located at 22 Grove Place, Babylon.
WB honors fallen firefighter on 20th anniversary of his death
Greene’s uncle, Kevin Greene, who attended the event, described him as a hardworking family man. “He always looked out and wanted the best for his family,” he said, calling his nephew’s death a “tremendous shock.”
Fire Chief William Allen said the ceremony helps preserve the department’s history and recognize the sacrifices made by volunteers.
“Sometimes it is hard to believe that things like this happen but this is a reminder,” Allen said, pointing to the street sign at the intersection.
Deacon Brian Miller of Our Lady of Grace Church in West Babylon who serves as the department’s chaplain, delivered the invocation and benediction.
The department maintains a memorial fund in Greene’s name. Contributions can be sent to the Michael J. Greene Memorial Fund, West Babylon Fire Department, 126 Arnold Ave., West Babylon, NY 11704, or by email at mgreenememorialfund@westbabylonfd.org
James/Herald
Left: Kevin Greene, the uncle of fallen firefighter Michael Green talks to West Babylon firefighter at services in memory of his nephew held June 16 .
Babylon Town Councilman Terence McSweeney speaks at ceremonies honoring fallen. Firefighter Michael Greene.
Fallen West Babylon firefighter Michael Greene.
West Babylon firefighters remove their hats and bow their heads in prayer during 20th anniversary service for fallen firefighter Michael Greene.
Carolyn
Right:
LONG ISLAND’S 2026 STAYCATION GUIDE
Celebrate America’s 250th at the Cradle of Aviation Museum!
Summer 2026 Starts Here.
2026 Summer Bucket List ❑ See a real Lunar Module ❑ Watch a Giant-Screen Movie
Walk the Air & Space Trail
Discover Aviation History
❑ Sit in an Airplane Cockpit ❑ Eat Astronaut Ice Cream
This year, skip the airport lines, expensive hotels, and rising travel costs. America’s 250th anniversary is happening right here in your own backyard.
Join us for a summer-long celebration of aviation, innovation, exploration, and discover with special exhibits, family events, and full-dome films on Long Island’s largest screen!
From early air fields to the Moon, Long Island helped shape America’s story. Come celebrate where history took flight.
Scan the QR code or visit www.cradleofaviation.org/celebrate250 for a complete list of ongoing celebrations and special events.
AMERICA
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Joe Gaeta remembers spotting mines off Normandy
When Joe Gaeta looks at the American flag today, the feeling is simple.
“I’m proud of myself,” he said.
The Wantagh resident turned 99 on March 9, making him one of the last surviving members of the generation that fought and served during World War II. More than eight decades after helping support the Allied invasion of Normandy, Gaeta still carries memories of the war — and of the unlikely journey that took him there.
Gaeta grew up in the Ravenswood section of Long Island City during the Great Depression. Life was difficult. His family of five lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and there was no refrigerator, only an icebox, filled with blocks of ice delivered to the neighborhood.
“We didn’t have heat,” he recalled. “We had kerosene, and all our clothes stunk of kerosene.”
His parents worked at a local cigar company, as did many of their neighbors. Gaeta attended P.S. 83 but never went to high school. Instead, he entered the workforce and later became a laborer in construction.
At 17, with many of his older friends already serving, Gaeta decided he wanted to enlist.
“All my friends were gone,” he said. “I told my father I wanted to go.”
His parents were not thrilled by the decision, but they signed the paperwork, allowing him to join the U.S. Navy.
TGaeta served aboard a ship that transported troops to Normandy during the D-Day campaign. While thousands of soldiers stormed the beaches, he spent much of his time below deck in the engine room, making sure gauges and equipment were functioning properly.
“I didn’t see nothing,” he said with a laugh. “I was in the engine room.”
But he certainly heard the battle. During breaks, the sounds of gunfire and explosions echoed around the ship. After the invasion, his vessel helped recover American soldiers from the water.
“We picked up a lot of dead bodies,” he recalled quietly. “I was 17-years-old.”
Gaeta was among the youngest men aboard his ship. While many of the sailors around him worried about wives and children back home, the teenager’s concerns were much different.
Veterans reflect on service, role in American history
“A lot of guys had families,” he recalled. “Me, I’m 17-years-old. I’m talking about the Yankees and the Giants.”
Decades later, he still remembers viewing the war through the eyes of a teenager.
“To me, it was a great adventure,” he said. “It really didn’t dawn on me until I was about 21 what I did.”
o me, it was a great adventure. It really didn’t dawn on me until I was about 21 what I did.
— JOE GaETa
One of Gaeta’s most important contributions came because of his exceptional eyesight. Navy officials recognized his ability to see long distances and frequently assigned him to the crow’s nest whenever the ship entered dangerous waters.
Twice, he spotted enemy mines.
The discoveries allowed naval crews to destroy the mines and alter the routes of ships following behind, helping protect countless service members.
“They made all the ships behind us take a different route,” Gaeta said proudly.
For his efforts, he received a reward that still makes him smile more than 80 years later: a day off and a steak dinner with the ship’s chef.
“They made a big deal out of me,” he said.
After the war, Gaeta returned home to a difficult job market as thousands of veterans searched for work. He found a path into the bricklayer’s union and built a career in the trades.
Today, he remains active with veter-
an’s organizations, including AMVETS and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During local parades, he often rides at the front.
“I’m the only World War II veteran,” he said. “When I walk in there, they make a big deal out of me.”
For Gaeta, service was never about recognition. But he hopes younger generations appreciate the sacrifices made by those who wore the uniform.
“You’re giving your life for your country,” he said. “It’s not something everybody does.”
Seaford Legion leader on service, sacrifice after 9/11 return to duty
For David VanderWerf, military service wasn’t a single chapter in his life — it was something he returned to when the country called again.
VanderWerf, adjutant of Edwin Welsh Jr. American Legion Post 1132 in Seaford and first division commander in the Nassau County American Legion, first enlisted at 17 in the National Guard and Reserve. But after the Sept. 11 attacks, he found himself drawn back to active duty.
“The impetus behind joining the regular Army was 9/11,” he said.
Raised in Glen Rock, N.J., VanderWerf said his interest in the military began early through a love of history and military simulation games with his father. Family members also served, including an uncle who flew bombing missions in World War II and another who spent decades in the Army Reserve.
After reentering service in 2003, VanderWerf deployed to South Korea,
where he spent nearly three years stationed near the Demilitarized Zone. There, he worked in combat arms on M1 Abrams tanks, serving as a driver, loader, gunner and briefly a tank commander.
A typical day, he said, began with physical training before long hours maintaining and repairing tanks in the motor pool. But the job also came with moments of high tension. He recalled monthly alerts simulating a potential North Korean attack, including one during the period when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test.
“We didn’t know why we were on alert at the time,” he said. “We were just ready.”
He also remembers the heavy responsibility of training soldiers who were later deployed to Iraq, some of whom were injured or killed in combat.
Despite those experiences, VanderWerf said morale among troops remained strong, grounded in camaraderie and shared purpose.
Today, VanderWerf has continued that sense of service through the American Legion, where he helps veterans navigate benefits, assists with community programs and participates in military funeral honors.
“Veterans and their families sacrificed a lot,” he said. “Freedom’s not free.”
For VanderWerf, the transition back to civilian life led him into leadership roles in restaurants and, later, continued community service on Long Island. But he said the core lesson of his military experience remains the same: service does not end when the uniform comes off.
Wantagh honors Revolutionary War patriot Thomas Jackson
As Wantagh residents gathered to honor veterans this Memorial Day, one of the community’s earliest patriots was remembered once again: Thomas Jackson, a Revolutionary War soldier whose roots run deep in the history of the hamlet.
Born on Dec. 24, 1754, in a house that once stood near present-day Jones Avenue, Jackson became an active supporter of the American cause during the fight for independence. Historical records show that he signed Queens County’s “Petition of Association” on Jan. 19, 1776 — a local declaration of support for the colonies’ break from British rule.
Jackson served as a private in the 4th Regiment of New York troops and helped defend local interests during the Revolutionary War. On Aug. 13, 1776, he received bounty funds for men assigned to protect livestock in Queens County before the Battle of Long Island, preventing supplies from falling into Brit-
Courtesy Joe Gaeta
World War II veteran Joe Gaeta remembers his military service with pride.
AMERICA
ish hands. He also participated in the capture of Fort St. George in 1780.
Following the war, Jackson remained a prominent local resident. In 1803, he built a large home in what is now Wantagh.
Jackson died on Nov. 29, 1842, and is buried in the Jackson Cemetery on Wantagh Avenue. More than 180 years later, his grave continues to serve as a reminder of Wantagh’s connection to the nation’s founding and the sacrifices made by its earliest patriots.
Reflecting on service during ‘forgotten war’
For Anthony Heckl, memories of military service stretch back more than seven decades, but some moments remain as clear as ever.
Heckl, a longtime Seaford resident and member of the Edwin Welsh Jr. American Legion Post 1132, served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. Though he was only 19 when he enlisted, the experience left a lasting impression.
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Laura Smith and Stacey Rose, whose ancestors have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War, were named the co-grand marshals of the Village of Freeport’s Memorial Day Parade. Despite the parade being cancelled due to rain, the pair were honored during an indoor ceremony.
I’m just proud to know that I’m part of these courageous people’s bloodline, and it informs me.
StACEy RoSE
Co-grand marshal, Freeport Memorial Day Parade
Smith is an attorney who lives in Seaford and has many ties to Freeport, including owning a home in the village. She is a descendant of Revolutionary era figures Adam Smith and Benjamin Raynor, the latter the namesake of Raynortown, which eventually became Freeport.
Adam Smith joined patriotic brigades along the Long Island’s North Shore at 44 years-old, while Raynor was only 20 when he joined the fight for American independence.
Laura Smith said that she was tremendously honored by the invitation to be one of the grand marshals, and hoped that the values her family, and so many others, have fought for are maintained today.
“These guys kind of bucked a trend, since it was very loyalist around here on the South Shore,” she said, referring to
For generations of heroes, anniversary offers time to reflect
“I was 19 when I went in and 22 when I came out,” Heckl said.
A native of Manhattan, Heckl said his path into military service began almost by accident. During a New Year’s Eve gathering in 1950, a friend in the National Guard challenged him to enlist. Two days later, Heckl and another friend signed up.
His service took him from California to Korea and later Japan. Assigned to a construction engineer unit, he worked in supply, helping ensure soldiers had the equipment and clothing they needed.
The memory that stayed with him most was not the military work itself, but the devastation he witnessed in Korea.
“When I got there, it was the poverty and the devastation,” Heckl recalled. “It made me wonder what it’s all about. Why war?”
Korea’s harsh winters presented another challenge. Heckl remembered shortages of winter clothing and boots, making it difficult to keep troops supplied during the bitter cold.
One of his proudest accomplishments was helping make sure soldiers in his company had the gear they needed.
“We were trying to keep the troops in clothing,” he said.
Not every memory was difficult. Heckl fondly recalled helping build a 250-bed hospital in the city of Taegu. When the project was completed, he and his fellow soldiers were thanked by the nurses.
“At the end of it, all the nurses kissed us,” he said with a laugh.
Returning home after the war was not always easy. Unlike veterans of other conflicts, many Korean War veterans felt their service received little public recognition.
“At least the Vietnam veterans got cursed at,” Heckl joked. “They didn’t even know I was gone.”
Today, after more than 60 years on Long Island, Heckl remains active with the Seaford American Legion, where he continues to honor the friendships, service and sacrifices that defined his generation.
Grand marshals honor their Revolutionary War ancestors
Smith and Raynor. “It was kind of a dangerous thing to do, and certainly unpopular that they did go against the tide.”
Smith also added that the legacies of
her ancestors inspire her to want to see the values of independence and fair representation upheld in today’s America.
“The government should be behold -
en to the people and should adhere to what it is that the people want, and not to forget that it’s for the people of the country,” she said. “Some people, they seem to be forgetting that.”
Rose, who has lived in Freeport for 40 years, is a substitute teacher at John W. Dodd Middle School, also in the village. She is a descendant of Benjamin Lattimore Sr., an enslaved Black man who was freed and later served in continental armies in New York during the Revolutionary War.
Lattimore’s descendants leading up to Rose have been very involved military service, abolitionist movements and civil rights. She speaks highly of the inspiration that her relatives provide and boldly works with her family to honor their legacy through publicly discussing the harsh treatments that Black U.S. service members and citizens often faced during the past 250 years.
“There’s a lot of Black American’s who have served in various capacities,” Rose said. “(President George) Washington didn’t want us in the military, but we were losing.”
Despite the wounds of persistent racism, Rose added she is honored to “give voice to my ancestors and give voice to everyone who served and continues to serve.”
“I’m just proud to know that I’m part of these courageous people’s bloodline, and it informs me,” Rose said during the Freeport ceremony. “It informs me the work is not over. Democracy is always a work in progress, a fragile idea. Today’s patriots are those who give military service for our country. … Our 250th anniversary is a time to reflect and think about the sacrifice of those who are no longer with us.”
Deliah Roberts/Herald
Stacey Rose, left, and Laura Smith, right, the two grand marshals for the parade, with Marie Carmel Houanche, chaplain of American Legion William Clinton Story Post 342.
Andrew Francis/Herald
Despite the rain, Phillip Matragas, Mayor Robert Kennedy and Laura Smith were still able to briefly enjoy riding in a Mustang convertible after the Memorial Day ceremony.
A&C Pest Management
East Meadow
acpest.com
B Safe Rubber Mulch
S&M Prompt Rubbish
Removal Service
S&M Tire Recycling
ACV Media
Hauppauge Media, Radio Presenter
Adam Zimmerman
Merrick
Syl-Lee Antiques
Alan B. Hodish, Esq.
Garden City
Law Office of
Alan B Hodish, LLC
All Business Management, LLC
DavidKondrup.com
David Kondrup CPP
All Island
Home Renovation
East Northport
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America’s Vetdogs & Guide Dog Foundation Smithtown VetDogs.org/GuideDog.org
American Burgers Rockville Centre
americanburgersrvc.com
Andrea M. Bernardo, Co-Chair
Rockville Centre
LI Walk for Preeclampsia
Andrea M. Brodie, Esq., Partner
Jericho
Meister Seelig & Schuster
Assemblywoman
Michaelle C. Solages
Elmont
New York State Assembly
Beach Baseball Camp & Clinics LLC
Long Beach
Beach Bombers Baseball Travel Teams
Ben Coggiano, President
Walter F. Cameron Advertising cameronadvertising.com
Best Skin & Body
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Bill Goode
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J.F. Goode Funeral Home
Brian Busto, CEO
Stetson Cybergroup stetsoncg.com Brookhaven
National Laboratory Upton bnl.gov
C Marlborough, Esq. Lynbrook FightWageTheft.com
Carolyn Argento Mgr
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Charlene Jackson
Baldwin
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Chrissy GrigoropoulosPeleytay, Esq. GrigorLaw.com
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Elisa’s Restaurant
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International
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Connie Pinilla
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Jorge C. Guadrón District 1 Town of Islip
Cynthia Nuñez Legislator 14th District
Dean Castagnaro Inc. General Contractor
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DGNY Property Management Melville dgnypropertymanagement.com
Donna M. Ferrara
East Rockaway
The Awakening Summit
Donna Stefans Woodbury
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Dr. Glen Shanock
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Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth
Dr. Helen Hsieh Vibrance 360 Vibrance360.co
Dr. Jamie Rockwin, P.T., DPT Merrick
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Physical Therapy
Dr. Kimon Bekelis
The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island strokecarelongisland.com
Dr. Paul C. Carey, D.D.S. Massapequa Dentist
Dr. Ron Mark Founder & CEO
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Episcopal Health Services
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Edward Jones
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Maureen Early
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Maxine Mayreis, DC, DACS
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Melissa A. Matassa
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Merrill Zorn-Jensen
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AMERICA
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
During the 250 years of its existence, the United States has experienced many domestic and global triumphs in large part due to the sacrifices and contributions of the millions of individuals who served in the military in various capacities.
In recognition of the ongoing service active-duty military members and veterans have offered this nation, several Long Island veterans shared their reflections on their service and what the celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary signifies to them.
Bill Morris, North Bellmore
Morris served in U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965, and was stationed in Arlington, Virginia, as a part of the Old Guard that watches over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The memorial serves as a symbolic resting place for the many soldiers who died and whose remains were unidentifiable due to the state of the body, poor record keeping or technological limitations of the time.
DHe expressed that it was an honor to be a part of the Old Guard and serving the country in a unique way. In addition to guarding the tomb, he was a part of different ceremonies at the White House and parades at the Washington Monument.
espite all of our differences, the country goes on — and we celebrate our heritage and our victories.
— BILL MoRRIS
Morris also was a part of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963 when JFK was assassinated in Dallas. When asked about what America 250 signifies to him, he reflected on how much history he had been a part of.
“It signifies that I’m getting old, because I remember the 200th anniversary,” he joked. “(The 250th) anniversary just shows that the country, despite all of our differences, goes on and we celebrate our heritage and we celebrate our victories.”
For America’s 250th, looking back on service
Photos courtesy Bill Morris
Bill Morris said he’s been “honored” to have participated in several emotional ceremonies, including the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.
Bill Morris has received several recognitions and awards for his service in the Old Guard.
Morris added that he hopes to see the U.S. government provide additional support for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and encourages the country to care more for veterans.
“There’s way too many veterans on the street,” he said. “Too many on drugs. They need more care, they need more mental health (resources), they need more benefits. And I know the Veterans Affairs are trying to do that.”
Lomonaco Angelo, Lynbrook
Angelo, a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1951 to 1955, also worked as a New York City police
as a
Deliah Roberts/Herald Herald reporter Andrew Francis with U.S. veteran Marie Carmel Houanche at the 2026 Freeport Memorial Day Ceremony at Freeport High School.
officer for 20 years. He said that the nation’s 250th birthday is “meaningful” and he also hopes to see the legacy of veterans honored better.
“People, don’t forget the veterans,” he asks, mentioning “the different eras to World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, until the present.”
Angelo does his part to try to honor fellow veterans by volunteering at the New York State Veterans Home in St. Albans.
Marie Carmel Houanche, Freeport
Houanche was a nurse in the U.S. Army for 20 years being sta-
tioned in Houston, Texas and other areas of the country. Despite retiring from the military in 2011, she has remained tied to it by serving as chaplain at the American Legion’s William Clinton Story Post No. 342 in Freeport.
Despite having not been a typical soldier, Houanche said that her experiences were transformative since she was required to still meet the same physical fitness requirements that regular soldiers met. She also learned how to speak French, Korean, French, Creole, Spanish, English and a bit of Russian throughout her life of service.
Houanche said that America’s 250th anniversary is both a celebration of progress and independence.
T here’s way too many veterans on the street. They need more care, more mental health resources and more benefits.
— BILL MoRRIS
“The reason that we celebrate the 250th anniversary is because we have our freedom and independence, and if it wasn’t for the military, all the different branches working together, we wouldn’t be free today.”
Stephen Nicolino, Freeport
Nicolino, who recently celebrated his 94th birthday, was a U.S. Air Force traffic controller from 1952 to 1956. After graduating from high school, the same day as the Korean War started, he reported to basic training at the now closed Sampson Air Force Base in Seneca Lake, New York, and went on to be stationed at bases in Massachusetts and England. Following his service, he went on to graduate from Hofstra University with a degree in business administration. When asked about America 250, he said that he and his family have loved the U.S. for over a century.
“My parents came from Italy in 1921 and never looked back,” Nicolino said. “He became a citizen within five years of being here in the United States.”
Nicolino’s family ties to service and patriotism extends to his brother Benedetto Nicolino, who was a Suffolk County police officer in the 1950s and 1960s who would become the first Long Island police officer with a K-9 dog.
Courtesy Marie Carmel Houanche
Marie Carmel Houanche worked
nurse in the U.S. Army for 20 years before serving as an American Legion chaplain.
AMERICA
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STEPPING OUT
Block party
The nation’s story comes to life at L.I. Children’s Museum
By Abbey Salvemini
Excitement is building as we head into Fourth of July weekend. All ages can find meaning and inspiration in this milestone 250th anniversary: even play takes on a patriotic twist. Long Island Children’s Museum provides young visitors a hands-on way to connect with America’s story as only kids can — by building and imagining. Through creativity and play, children can explore the country’s landscapes, wildlife and enduring symbols that are found in the museum’s “Red, White & Blue Blocks” exhibition.
At its core, the exhibit, which runs through Sept. 6, is built around a concept children readily understand. For Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president of program and visitor experience, the best way to introduce young visitors to the 250th anniversary was to frame it as a birthday celebration — one on a truly grand scale.
“Birthdays are such a big part of what kids love,” Terzulli says. “We wanted to recognize and really lean into the celebration.”
The exhibit features large blue foam building blocks paired with red, white and blue accessories that encourage open-ended creativity. Inspired by the stars and stripes of the American flag, block building lets kids imagine what futures they will build together.
Throughout the first floor gallery space, prompts invite families to build birthday cakes, create monuments and design perches for bald eagles, our national bird.
The museum also incorporated an environmental and geographic component by highlighting animals native to the United States.
Large murals showcase species including buffalo, elk, mountain goats, beavers and alligators, while children can use animal puppets and blocks to create habitats inspired by each creature’s natural environment.
“This country is just so beautiful,” Terzulli says. “There are so many environmental aesthetics and animals that are indigenous just to America.” Everyone is encouraged to study the murals for inspiration and think critically about the environments different animals call home. Some may build rugged mountain landscapes for goats, while others design swampy habitats for alligators complete with rivers
and marshes. What begins as a building exercise often opens the door to deeper discussions about ecosystems and the natural world.
“It’s really beautiful to see families looking at the murals and saying, ‘I don’t know if I’ve spent enough time traveling America’” Terzulli continues. “Our landscape is so unique.”
The exhibit’s open-ended design encourages children to chart their own creative paths. While some build patriotic displays or towering birthday cakes, others tackle ambitious engineering projects, from roller coasters to replicas of famous landmarks. No two building sessions look quite the same.
Terzulli recalls one child attempting to recreate Mount Rushmore with the oversized foam blocks. Other visitors have become fascinated with beavers, constructing dams after discovering the important role the animals play in shaping ecosystems.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• View the events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
“The beautiful thing is they’re organic, and they allow the learning to spring up for whatever the family’s interest is,” she adds.
One particularly popular challenge involves designing perches for bald eagles.
“I’m loving seeing these perches for the eagle, because they get really competitive,” Terzulli says.
A cozy reading area stocked with books on geography, wildlife and state symbols extends the learning beyond the block-building space. The educational approach, according to Terzulli, reflects the museum’s broader vision for its America 250 programming — one that emphasizes exploration and celebration rather than history lessons. Her team intentionally took a different approach from many America 250 initiatives, focusing less on historical interpretation and more on helping children celebrate and connect with the country in age-appropriate ways.
“We’re not really doing the historical element,” she explains. “We felt like we’d leave that to historical homes and foundations. Ours is more about our country’s birthday.”
Beyond play, the exhibit and its companion programs are intended to foster shared family memories that can last a lifetime. Terzulli vividly remembers celebrating America’s Bicentennial in 1976 as a child and relates that today’s young visitors may someday reflect on the nation’s 250th birthday with similar fondness.
“I remember wearing a little bonnet and making a poster that said 1776 and marching with my siblings and cousins in [this] parade,” she recalls. “I want kids to remember where they were; so that when they’re my age, they’ll have a reflective moment.”
At its heart the exhibit is designed to foster the kinds of shared experiences that families carry with them long after the blocks have been put away. Amid the excitement surrounding America’s 250th, Terzulli sees the celebration as an opportunity to pause, connect and find joy together.
As Terzulli puts it: “Coming together and celebrating what makes life full of joy is important.”
Sky-high salute to America’s 250th
Jones Beach is ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a spectacular three-day holiday weekend extravaganza. This year’s edition of the FourLeaf Air Show combines beachfront fireworks spectacle with one of the nation’s premier air shows, always an anticipated summer tradition. Festivities begin Saturday fireworks. The 25-minute display, presented by Garden State Fireworks, starts at 9:30 p.m. and will be synchronized to patriotic music. Sunday and Monday bring more excitement with the FourLeaf Air Show, headlined by the returning U.S. Navy Blue Angels. In a historic international tribute, the lineup also features the Royal Air Force Red Arrows making their first New York appearance, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds returning to Long Island for the first time since 2018, and the British Army Parachute Display Team Red Devils, among the exciting lineup. Together this is surely a signature semiquincentennial celebration that brings everyone together for a weekend honoring the nation’s history military service for a once-in-a-generation celebration.
Saturday through Monday, July 4-6. Jones Beach, Wantagh. More details available at fourleafairshow.com.
America’s birthday 19th century-style
Fourth of July is so much more than pyrotechnics. Step back in time into the 1800s at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for a more laid back type of holiday. The historic village transforms into a fully immersive living-history experience. Events include a patriotic parade through the village streets, military drills, and historical reenactments that bring the era to life. Guests can watch craft demonstrations showcasing traditional trades, enjoy storytelling sessions, and take in performances by a brass band echoing the music of the period. A reading of the Declaration of Independence offers a powerful reminder of the holiday’s origins, while old-time baseball — played by vintage rules — adds a spirited, hands-on touch of recreation. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and settle in with family and friends.
Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org or call (516) 572-8409 for more.
Photos courtesy LICM
Imagination takes shape in foam and color as children build within the Long Island Children’s Museum’s “Red, White & Blue Blocks” exhibit.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
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
The Village of Lindenhurst welcomes all to a concert with
The Bronx Wanderers
The Bronx Wanderers visit the Paramount stage for a night of classic pop, rock, oldies and their signature brand of comedy. What do you get when a father, his two sons, and two high school classmates come together to create a show? A wildly entertaining mix of hilarious personal stories, a powerhouse playlist spanning every genre and decade, and one unforgettable family’s journey through life and music. Meet The Bronx Wanderers — a high-energy musical experience that’s been bringing audiences to their feet for over 20 years. With a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, modern hits, and dynamic storytelling, this band has mastered the art of connecting with fans of all ages in one sweeping, musical tour de force. The Bronx Wanderers have spent seven years as a Top 5 show in Las Vegas out of 223 productions. They’ve earned 12 “Best of Las Vegas” awards, were named Best Tribute Show by Las Vegas Weekly in 2022, hold a prestigious residency at the South Point Hotel and Casino, and were inducted into the East Coast Music Hall of Fame. Their on-stage chemistry and infectious energy they bring night after night prove they’re still having the time of their lives — and by the end of the show, you will be too.
Lipstick, performing 80s pop and rock..
• Where: Village Square Park, corner of North Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst
• Time: 7:30-10 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 957-7500
‘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 July 5 and July 8
• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum. org or call (631) 854-5579
Farmers Market
Stop by for fresh produce and products from various vendors. Open every Saturday until Oct 24.
• Where: Village of Babylon Gazebo, 244 W. Main St., Babylon.
• Time: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Contact: longislandfarmersmkts@gmail. com
Tunes with Jake Miller
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
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
Kiwanis Club of Lindenhurst meets The Kiwanis Club of Lindenhurst holds their next meeting. All interested are welcome to attend.
JUL
8
Babylon Town Board Meeting
The Town of Babylon holds their next town board meeting. All are welcome to attend.
• Where: Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: (631) 957-3000
Summertime sounds
The Town of Babylon’s Summer Concert Series continues with Strawberry Fields. These summer concerts are free. 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
JUL
9
Serving our Savior Feeding Ministry
The First Presbyterian Church of Babylon offers their weekly “Grab and Go.” No questions are asked. All are welcome.
• Where: 79 E. Main St., Babylon
• Time: 4-6 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 587-5838
JUL
22
Shakespeare in the Park
• Where: Lindenhurst Memorial Library, 1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst.
• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 957-7755
JUL
Rockin’ tunes The Village of Lindenhurst concert series continues with Knockout, performing rock and roll.
• Where: Village Square Park, corner of North Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst
• Time: 7:30-10 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 957-7500 JUL
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes rocker Jake Miller. Since 2004, Jake has been touring with various Van Halen tribute acts including Bottoms Up, Everybody Wants Some and currently with Completely Unchained. He has toured all across the United States and overseas. While keeping his busy schedule, Jake still finds time to write and record original songs as well as guitar session work.
Grab-and-Go Free Dinners
7
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
The Village of Babylon proudly presents Shakespeare in the Park, performed by the South Shore Theatre Experience. Enjoy the “Two Gentlemen of Verona.”
• Where: Village Gazebo, 244 W. Main St., Babylon
• Time: 6:30 p.m., also July 26, Aug. 12
• Contact: (631) 669-4878
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.
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 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 OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK Deutsche Bank National Trust Com -
pany, as Trustee for Soundview Home Loan Trust 2006-WF1, Asset- Backed Certificates, Series 2006WF1, Plaintiff AGAINST Orlando Stokes; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 1, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Townhall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on August 6, 2026, at 1:00PM, premises known as 25 Mount Avenue, Wyandanch, NY 11798. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wyandanch, Town of Babylon, in the State of New York, District: 0100 Section: 055.00 Block: 03.00 Lot: 028.001. Approximate amount of judgment $272,076.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 601871/2024.
Darrin Berger, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: May 27, 2026 26-354. 7/2, 9, 16, 23
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. 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
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.
26-334. 6/18, 25, 7/2, 9
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
Public Notices
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 following 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 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 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
SUFFOLK COUNTY NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTSTATE OF NEWYORK-COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
BETTER PROPERTY ENTERPRISES LLC., Plaintiff, -AGAINSTALBANY AMITYVILLE LLC, 510 AMITYVILLE LLC, et al., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 8, 2025, the court appointed Referee, will sell at public auction at the Town of Babylon, Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 28, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
Premises known as 51o Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot
piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York. Section 173.00 Block 01.00 and Lots 13.00. Approximate amount of judgement: $294,688.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgement, Index No.: 630800/2023 Referee: Laurie Gatto, Esq. Plaintiff Attorney: Solomon Herrera McCormick, PLLC - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 202, Melville, New Yori< 11747
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Suffoll< County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. 26-355. 7/2, 9, 16, 23
ASSESSOR'S OATH (Pursuant to Section 514 of the Real Property Tax Law) STATE OF NEW YORK ) COUNTY OF SUFFOLK )
TOWN OF BABYLON )
I, the undersigned, do depose and swear that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the foregoing final assessment roll for 2026/2027 conforms in all respects to the tentative assessment roll with the exception of changes made by the Board of Assessment Review and assessments made by the Commissioner of Real Property Services.
Matthew R. Cronin, IAO Assessor Town of Babylon 26-358 7/2
July 2, 2026
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 FILING OF ASSESSMENT ROLL
(Pursuant to Section 516 of the Real Property Tax Law) and (THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TAX ACT)
Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Town of BABYLON, Suffolk County, New York, for the year 2026/2027, has been completed and verified by the undersigned As-
sessor, and a certified copy thereof will be filed in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Babylon located at 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the 1st day of July . The Town Clerk will deliver the Certified Roll io the Supervisor of the Town of Babylon, on the 3rd day of August , thirty (30) days after the date of this publication. The Final Roll is available for your inspection on the Town of Babylon's web-site: www. townofbabylonny.gov.
Matthew R. Cronin, IAO, Assessor Town of Babylon 26-357 7/2
Read the Legals and Keep Informed
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
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. 26-329. 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
LBAB4
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
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
INDEX NO.: 033838/2007
Date Filed: 06/15/2026
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS WITH NOTICE MORTGAGED
PREMISES: 55 Irving Avenue, Wyandanch, New York 11798
DSBL #: 0100-058.0001.00-051.000
Plaintiff designates SUFFOLK County as the place of trial; venue is based upon the county in which the mortgaged premises is situate.
STATE OF NEW YORK
SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association
Plaintiff, vs. Public Administrator of Suffolk County, as Administrator of the Estate of Della Gause aka Della L. Gause; Denise Gauze Hill, as Heir to the Estate of Della Gause a/k/a Della L. Gause, if living and if she be dead, her heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants; and all heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated; Darryl McNair aka Darryl E. McNair, as Heir of the Estate of Della Gause a/k/a Della L. Gause; Desiveno Gause a/k/a Desireno B. Gause a/k/a Desi Gause, as Heir of the Estate of Della Gause a/k/a Della L. Gause;
Public Notices
Dwayne Gauze a/k/a Dwayne Gause, as Heir of the Estate of Della Gause a/k/a Della L. Gause; Clerk of Suffolk County Court o/b/o The People of the State of New York; Clerk of the Suffolk County District Court; Clerk of the Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency; Town Supervisor, Town of Babylon o/b/o People of the State of New York; New Yok State Department of Taxation and Finance; United States of America o/b/o Internal Revenue Service; Unknown Heirs of The Estate of Della Gause a/k/a Della L. Gause and all the heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated and Unknown Heirs of the Estate of Estate of Eldarius Dino Gause a/k/a Eldarius D. Gause, and all the heirs at law, next of; kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom
and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated; John Doe #1 through #6, and Jane Doe #1 through #6, the last twelve names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Amended Complaint.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME.
SPEAK TO AN AT-
TORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING PAYMENT TO YOUR MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $126,350.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Suffolk on September 15, 1998, in Liber 19397, Page 331, covering premises known as 55 Irving Avenue, Wyandanch, New York 11798, DSBL #: 0100058.00-01.00-051.000
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. The Plaintiff also seeks a deficiency judgment against the Defendants and for any debt secured by said Mortgage which is not satisfied by the proceeds of the sale of said premises.
TO the Defendants Denise Gauze Hill, as Heir to the Estate of Della Gause a/k/a Della L. Gause, if living and if she be dead, her heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid defendants; and all
heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, assignees, and successors in interest of any of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, and all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to plaintiff, except as herein stated, the foregoing Supplemental Summons with Notice is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Christopher Modelewski, J.S.C. of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk, dated June 4, 2026 and filed June 5, 2026.
Dated: June 18, 2026 /s/ Deborah M. Gallo Deborah M. Gallo, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, New York 10170
Phone: 347.286.7409 Fax: 347-286-7414
Attorneys for Plaintiff, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT
CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process.
To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Banking Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department's website at www.dfs. ny.gov.
FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS
Be careful of people who approach you with offers to "save" your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner's distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.
26-353. 7/2, 9, 16, 23
LBAB5
PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD OF APPEALS
VILLAGE OF BABYLON
PURSUANT to the provisions of Article VII of the Building Zone Ordinance of the Village of Babylon, NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Babylon will hold a public hearing at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in the Municipal Building, at 153 West Main Street, Babylon, New York to consider the following applications:
• Application of Robert Ruggieri, 103 Cooper Street LLC, 103 Cooper Street, Babylon, NY, for permission to maintain a special use variance to operate business offices at the premises located at 103 Cooper Street, Babylon, NY. Property located in the Residence O District, Suffolk County Real Property Tax Map District 0102, Section 11, Block 1, Lot 6. Application made in accordance with Sections 365-17 and 365-35.
• Application of Chris Zarcone, 76 Sunlight Walk, Holbrook, NY 11741, agent for owner Marc Howard, 207-9 LENR, LLC, 155 Peninsula Drive, Babylon, NY, for permission to maintain a special use variance to operate a boxing gym on the premise located at 207 Little East Neck Road, Babylon, NY. Property located in Residence O District. Suffolk County Real Property Tax Map District 0102, Section 5, Block 1, Lot 51.1. Application made in accordance with Sections 365-17 and 365-35.
• Application of 101 Peninsula LLC, c/o Catapano
Public Notice
Engineering & Architecture PC, 175 Broadhollow Road, Suite 225, Melville, NY 11747, agent for owner 101 Peninsula, LLC, Kristopher Amplo, 148 Wyandanch Avenue, Babylon, NY, for permission to construct a pool house on the premises located at 101 Peninsula Drive, Babylon, NY requiring a variance to reduce the total side yard setback from 15 feet required to 10 feet proposed. Property located in the Residence A-11 District, Suffolk County Real Property Tax Map District 0102, Section 15, Block 3, Lot 27. Application made in accordance with Sections 365-13 and 365-35.
• Application of Long Island Integrative Health Medical Wellness, 1613 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566, agent for owner, Louvin Cos LLC, 4403 Oak Beach Association, Oak Beach, NY 11702, for a special use variance to operate a holistic pain management and wellness services within the Fitness Incentive Spa on the premises located at 157 Deer Park Avenue, Babylon, NY. Property located in the Retail Business District, Suffolk County Real Property Tax Map District 0102, Section 10, Block 4, Lot 3. Application made in accordance with Sections 365-20 and 365-35. APPLICANTS OR THEIR DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVES MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT THE ABOVE HEARING.
BRUCE HUMENIK, CHAIRMAN
JEFFREY C. WEBER, SECRETARY 26-356. 7/2, 9
The Town of Babylon Rental Review Board will hold a Public Hearing at The Town of Babylon 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York (East Wing Board Room) on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6:00pm
NEW APPLICATION
1. Avinash Agnihotri 1473 2nd St West Babylon NY 11704
SCTM NO: 0100139-1-32
RENEWALS
1. Capogna 1195 Great Neck Rd. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-1794-9 26-359 7/2
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD
Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, July 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s):
PUBLIC HEARING/ MINOR SUBDIVISION
JOB# HPLN-37; Jamie Moynahan: SCTM# 0100-138.00-01.00040.002 and 0100138.00-01.00-040.001:
Zone – B Residence: SEQRA – Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: The applicant is proposing to legally maintain the subdivision of a 10,000 sq.
Public Notices
ft. parcel into two (2) 5,000 sq. ft. parcels in order to legally maintain the existing one-story, singlefamily dwelling on Lot 2 and to construct a new two-story, singlefamily dwelling on Lot 1.: Property is located on north side of 7th Street, 436.02' west of Little East Neck Road, West Babylon, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York
PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS
Babylon Beacon: 07/02/2026
26-360 7/2
Notice of formation of Everbloom Society LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SS Y) on 03/06/2026 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: Everbloom Society LLC, 654 Bermuda Rd, West Babylon NY 11704 Purpose: Any Lawful Act.
26-361 - 7/2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 8/6
Subway, miracle tabby, is ready for a safe home
A month ago today, on the evening of June 2 nd at 3am, an MTA supervisor was monitoring Queens subway tracks when he spied an injured male tabby lying on the tracks after a subway must have roared over him.
Harlan, the supervisor who is the husband of Last Hope cat coordinator Doreen, rushed to save the poor cat. First, he had to make the call to turn off power so he could climb onto the track and grab the cat we are now calling Subway.
Harlan retrieved the injured tabby, and soon after found a plastic milk crate outside the station. He covered the quiet cat, most likely in shock, with a paper towel, while frantically calling Doreen and NYC Animal Control (who said they would send an agent but if they did, the agent never found Harlan.)
Pets, Pets, Pets...
JOANNE ANDERSON
old TV show. We tried to make sure someone was not missing a cat.
NEXT- WAS SUBWAY FRIENDLY OR FERAL?
Harlan’s shift ended at 6am so he continued monitoring the subway tracks until then while carrying Subway in the crate. Meanwhile, Doreen had notified a Long Island veterinary emergency hospital that Harlan was bringing in a cat that had been hit by a subway.
Harlan arrived at the clinic at 6:45. The staff took Subway in immediately, examined him, and gave him fluids and pain medications to stabilize him.
His face, especially his eyes, bore the brunt of his injuries. One eye ruptured and would need to be enucleated (removed) in about two weeks. The vet’s concern was whether he would have any vision in the remaining eye.
FIRST- DID SUBWAY HAVE AN OWNER?
Who is Subway? How did he wind up on subway tracks in Jackson Heights? Did he have an owner; was he a bodega cat?
It turns out this male tabby was an intact male, about three years old with no microchip...of course, no ear tip. A vet tech wearing thick gloves held Subway on his lap on Wednesday and the cat was calm.
We distributed social media posts, asking if anyone knew of a Queens tabby like Subway. If so, please contact Last Hope. Yes, he was a feline needle in the Big Apple’s haystack: “There are eight million tabby stories in the naked city,” as they would say on an
After stabilizing Subway, the hospital staff needed to determine whether this poor waif was tame or feral. That fact would decide how to proceed with Subway’s care. If he were feral and untouchable, it would not be fair to him to remove one eye because of extreme pain and possibly leave him completely blind if the other eye had been destroyed by his brush with the subway car. Returning him to where he was found was out of the question; contained ferals are usually miserable and a caged, blind feral could feel tortured. In such a case, euthanasia may be the most humane way to ease his pain and confusion. Thanks to a second miracle, Subway is friendly, and was kneading, or in cat-speak, “making biscuits”, by the third day at the emergency hospital.
VARIED VISION TESTS:
In the middle of June, a veterinarian at the animal emergency removed Subway’s ruptured eye and closed the socket. After recovery at the hospital, Subway moved to Last Hope where we continued to assess if he had any vision in his remaining eye.
Fake Test1 - I took one step into his room, and Subway rushed to the front of his cage to “look” at me. His remaining eyeball appeared fine- much better than it looked right after his Close Encounter with a subway. A volunteer with much more veterinary savvy than me said Subway heard me come into the room. So, I held up three fingers and used my ventriloquist voice to simulate Subway meow counting my fingers.
Real Test 2- days later at a Last Hope clinic our vet examined Subway’s eye ...everything seemed good. Then Subway spent quality time loose with Doreen. Subway is extremely social and negotiated open space with no problem.
Our Miracle Man is at the Last Hope Wantagh Cat Center, 3300 Beltagh Avenue and is greeting his public in pursuit of a safe, pampering, real home. Meet Subway, up close. I promise he will see you approaching him. For more information, call (631) 671-2588.
Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Availability is a Must.
Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses.
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Why should we have to pay for changes?
Q. We want your opinion. Who should pay for changes to our drawings in order for us to get our permit? We got a list of problems from the building department, and most of them seem pretty simple, but our architect is telling us these are changes, and he wants to be paid for doing the changes. They most include words to change, but there are some other things. The plans are too big for the property by only a few feet, and the height is more, because we want 10-foot ceilings on each floor. Why should we have to pay for changes? The architect should have known about this.
A. The answer to your question is another question. Whose building is it? Who wants the high ceilings that prompted the extra height? You, the owner, are the driving factor in the direction your plans went, and because of that, and the outcome you want to ultimately reach — approval, legality and a building you started out wanting — there is the price of services by each person you hire.
Many people have a misperception of the process of planning a building. They also have this commonly held belief that the builder knows the laws, the structure, the unique, unwritten requirements of the municipality. Owners place faith in a system they imagine works a particular way, and find out the hard way that things are often not what they assumed they would be.
I have had many experiences in which I warned clients that doing or insisting on certain things was going to get rejected, just to hear them say, naively, “Let’s try anyway,” doubting the advice, only to be turned back. In most cases, they insisted that the architect bear at least part of the cost for the redoing. That’s when you realize the personality of the person you are working for, when they cannot take responsibility for ignoring good advice.
Over the years, there have been many people who insisted that they “knew somebody” who would allow something that wasn’t ordinarily allowed. Very rarely did that strategy work. This question sounds similar, where you don’t want to bear the responsibility, yet the end result should be that you must.
Remember, going forward with the idea that changes may have to be made causes an even bigger problem. The changes have to be as thoroughly and thoughtfully addressed as the first time. Making constant calls to see if the work to change the plans has been done is frustrating, because if any issue, any note, any inconsistency is left that should have been changed, the construction project can take an ugly turn.
I have often wanted to put a note on the plans, in tall, bold letters, that “change is bad.” Changes unravel the best-laid plans. Others reading this should understand that municipalities are consistent, and if the architect, builder, electrician or plumber advises you to think twice based on trying to break a regulation, listen. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Ask The Architect Monte Leeper
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Our first 250 years are worth celebrating
Every Fourth of July is cause for parades, hot dogs and backyard barbecues. But this year’s commemoration is special. It marks the unprecedented success of the greatest experiment in history: 250 years of representative government, which has provided more people with more freedom and opportunity, attained more international power and done more for justice and peace around the world than any nation in history.
I say this not as a super patriotic or chauvinistic extremist, but as someone who has studied history and experienced 28 years as a member of Congress. I know that even among too many of its own citizens, America is not held in universally high regard. Indeed, recent polling shows that only 29 percent of the members of one of our major political parties are proud to be Americans. Among many countries, including some we have liberated or defended, support for America is considerably less. This disdain, especially among our own citizens, is regretful and shameful — and
Iwithout foundation.
Unlike the overwhelming majority of countries that have been ruled by dictators and, in many cases, tyrants, the United States has always been a representative democracy, with the people having the final word in choosing our leaders. Having traveled to many countries during my time in Congress, including emerging democracies and countries liberated from Soviet domination, I’ve seen firsthand how much their people cherish the right to vote and being able to take part in the political process.
I’ve seen firsthand how emerging democracies want to emulate our freedoms.
Similarly, they admire and attempt to emulate our freedoms of speech, religion and assembly and a free press. Before the naysayers go apoplectic, I acknowledge the imperfections in our history. Women’s suffrage wasn’t achieved until the second decade of the 20th century. The evil of slavery, though ended by the bloody Civil War, will forever stain our history, as will the injustice of Jim Crow. The beauty of our system, though, is that our founding fathers saw America as an evolving experiment, as expressed in the words of the Constitution, “to form a more perfect union.”
Most uniquely, the U.S. is a nation of
immigrants from countless countries, many of whom were warring with one another before arriving on our shores. It hasn’t always been easy, but so many peoples from disparate cultures have come together to form a common union while maintaining their own traditions, resulting in a beautiful mosaic, a stained-glass window. Waves of immigrants give our nation new and needed lifeblood.
All my grandparents were immigrants who came here with no money and little formal education. Nothing was handed to them when they got here, yet they worked hard to achieve the American Dream, and each generation has done better than the one before it. At various times, of course, there have been intense debates over what our immigration policy should be.
At times those debates were shameful, such as when exclusion laws were adopted against Chinese immigration, and when the State Department refused to admit Jews attempting to escape Hitler’s Germany. There were also the dangerous excesses of the Biden years, when at least 10 million immigrants entered the country illegally, without examination for criminal or terrorist activity. I believe that while immigration brings needed
energy and vitality, it must follow laws that are strictly enforced. A nation without borders isn’t a nation. And to the naysayers, I would note that more legal immigrants enter our country each year than any other nation.
In foreign policy, America tried to avoid foreign wars into the 20th century. Attempts at isolationism and Fortress America were shattered by two world wars and the Cold War, when we realized we could no longer rely on two huge oceans to shield us from “foreign wars.”
After World War II, when we had a monopoly on nuclear weapons and the world’s strongest economy, we adopted the Marshall Plan and established defensive alliances such as NATO to rebuild Europe and prevent Soviet expansion. In the ensuing eight decades, Europe has been rebuilt, the Iron Curtain has come down and, for the first time in centuries, there was no invasion of one European country by another until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
None of this stability would have been possible without American leadership. We have every reason to be proud of what our nation has achieved at home and throughout the world. Happy birthday, America!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Sometimes real life rhymes with the times
t is America’s 250th anniversary, and our 58th. This year, both events will be glorious, and also somewhat troubled.
When we were planning our wedding for the summer of 1968, we decided on July 3, so that the next day would always be a holiday, the opposite of a declaration of independence and a celebration of our personal union. We married at 21 and then grew up together. At times we grew apart, just like this country, but we always found our way back. At every stage we were different people from the kids who got married on July 3, 1968.
In the spring of ’68, we joined the voices raging against the war in Vietnam. My future husband was drafted and then deferred just weeks before the wedding; otherwise, he might have been on his way overseas. Just one of the many what-ifs in a lifelong marriage. We had two kids who are now oh my god in their 50s. We suffered a miscarriage first, so we carry a memory of
Nthat heartbreaking what-if. We celebrated many of our anniversaries on the road. Bitten by the adventure bug early on, we took our coddled kids to Montana for July summers, trips that changed everyone’s life view and path forward. Our families on both sides grew up in Brooklyn. No one had ever heard of fly fishing, rock climbing and wilderness hiking. It all started when I read an ad in Outdoor Life magazine, an offer to rent “Curley’s Cabin” on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River in Darby, Mont. We did it, and then traveled Montana every summer for 10 years. Those were the best anniversaries.
Donnie fighting every day to stay strong and find good time.
July 3 won’t be just another anniversary. These last years have tested him and me and us. You wouldn’t think that after all these decades, I could find something new in the old dude to admire. But I have. He has summoned grace in this unfair fight and has never missed a chance to reach out to someone else who is struggling.
umber 250 will be number 58 for Donn and I, at a challenging moment.
Our marriage is no more perfect than it was 58 years ago, but the union remains strong as we fight to keep finding good-enough days and weeks and months ahead.
to reaffirm our democratic values and all the “truths we hold self-evident.” The Trump administration is dismantling the agencies and programs that guarantee our freedoms, our safe travel, our clean food and water. Trumpism has been spawned by a leader whose vision is limited to self-aggrandizement. The poorest and neediest in our country are suffering the most from impulsive policy changes and international policy failures.
In place of fair, thoughtful policy, our shrinking newspapers report favoritism and cronyism, no-bid government contracts and alleged slush funds meant to reward extremist elements of the MAGA movement. Instead of the best and brightest, the corrupt and incompetent rise to power.
By 2019 my husband was ready to retire his LIRR monthly pass, close his business and play golf forever. But nothing is forever, and anniversaries take on the mood and tenor of the moment you’re in.
On our 56th anniversary, we had dinner with our kids — four days before my husband had surgery for pancreatic cancer. Every anniversary since has been a gold star for a heroic man who survives a devastating disease that shows no mercy. And here we are in 2026, with
In many ways, our small personal life, our anniversary history, rhymes with the great anniversary of America unfolding this week. Despite the rockets’ red glare, our country is struggling to find a way back to its core values of individual freedom for all and respect for a Constitution that protects that freedom.
After 250 years, our democracy is threatened by a perfect storm: Damaging political winds, rising waves of racism and antisemitism are crushing the life out of our America. Authoritarianism is having its day even as we struggle
On this 250th anniversary, the moment feels more challenging than celebratory.
In my own life, as I watch the fireworks and feel their reverberations in my heart, Don and I will celebrate another anniversary, hoping for more good time ahead.
In our shared American life, as I watch the fireworks, I will remember that democracy is everything — the lifeblood of the American story.
Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
In Congress, July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence was first published on July 6, 1776, in a newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post. We are proud to commemorate that high point in American journalism by reprinting that historic document.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at
places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Government:
For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.
The Declaration was signed first by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, and then by 55 others representing the 13 original states.
The Peace Corps language lesson 35 years in the making
my plane lifted off from Long Island MacArthur Airport in June 1991. The night before, Jupiter, Mars and Venus had aligned in the night sky above my family’s home in Yaphank, in Suffolk County — an auspicious moment that foretold a journey I’m still on today. That propeller plane — so loud it rattled inside my brain — was headed to Washington, D.C., where I attended a three-day Peace Corps orientation before traveling to Bulgaria for two years of volunteer service as an English teacher. I had joined the corps at 24, in part out of a longing to see the world beyond my hometown. I never imagined how Peace Corps service would reshape my worldview — an experience that resonates today in my teaching as a Hofstra University journalism professor.
I was among the first two dozen Peace Corps volunteers sent to Bulgaria, only 18 months after the fall of communism there. At first I felt excited to be living 4,800 miles from home in a society
that moved more slowly, more deliberately, with a deep appreciation for food and wine, art and music. Living in Veliko Tarnovo, a thousand-year-old city perched atop steep hills overlooking the Yantra River, I was happy.
I couldn’t escape the feeling, though, that I was a foreigner, an outsider, despite the many kindnesses that Bulgarians showered on me. Language, in particular, set me apart.
Learning Bulgarian — really learning it — might rid me of my sense of otherness, I thought.
mintermediate? Nothing like A.I. to offer a harsh dose of reality.
y Bulgarian fell within the ‘ lower intermediate ’ range .
Then, amid my Peace Corps service, I married Katerina, a Bulgarian who taught — and still teaches — English. I wanted — needed — to feel more connected to her family, who became my family.
Katerina and I have spoken Bulgarian together, on and off, for nearly 35 years. Last summer I measured my listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with multiple A.I.-designed tests. After days of evaluation, A.I. delivered its verdict: My Bulgarian fell within the “lower intermediate” range.
I had long known that it was riddled with grammar errors, and I often struggled to pronounce many of the sounds unique to the language — but lower
by Tim Baker
I resolved to improve, and I’ve practiced and studied the language daily since. I talk with Katerina on walks through our Merrick neighborhood; read the Bulgarian-American community newspaper Sega; watch Bulgarian newscasts, TV series and movies; listen constantly to the Bulgarian alternative rock band Ostava; translate children’s books and Facebook posts; and drill with flashcards and grammar guides.
Slowly, steadily, I’ve moved up to upper intermediate. Progress has been hard-fought, though, full of minor wins rather than big breakthroughs — recalling an infrequently used word and dropping it into a sentence, pronouncing a tongue-twisting noun, deciphering word order to interpret a text.
I’m often frustrated and always humbled. I can understand 75 percent or so of spoken Bulgarian, but being able to speak it and write it quickly and eloquently is another matter entirely. As a writer and journalism professor, it’s maddening when I fumble over Bulgarian words, as I often do. Words are my currency, my livelihood. They need to flow. Based on my current progress, I’ll
likely need another three to six years of daily study to reach the advanced level of fluency.
Pushing myself to learn Bulgarian at a higher level has made me think of the Latino and Haitian communities that I’ve covered and researched in Hempstead and Uniondale in recent years. I think of the immigrants who must navigate schools, workplaces, doctors’ offices and government agencies in a language they are often still learning, while negotiating an increasingly complicated and precarious immigration system.
Imagine moving through the world understanding only 75 percent of the critical information you need for daily survival — or 50 percent, or less — and dealing with the anxiety that must come with that lack of knowledge. The fear. Possibly depression.
I set out last year to improve my Bulgarian because I want to understand my wife’s culture on a deeper level, and language is central to culture. I do not, however, need Bulgarian to survive. English, on the other hand, is vital to immigrants’ daily existence in the U.S. It’s a lifeline in an increasingly hostile sea.
Scott Brinton, a former executive editor of the Heralds, directs Hofstra University’s Graduate Journalism Program and coordinates its new Peace Corps Prep Program.
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