Marie Burns, center, celebrated the completion of her chemotherapy treatment with family and friends after ringing the bell at her treatment center on Jan. 15. Burns, a longtime Relay for Life participant, will be the survivor speaker at this year’s relay in Baldwin on Saturday.
By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
For 16 years, Marie Burns walked Baldwin’s Relay for Life track in support of cancer patients and survivors. On Saturday, the longtime participant will return in a different role, serving as the event’s survivor speaker after battling Stage 3 ovarian and peritoneal cancer.
After spending years raising money and advocating for cancer research, Burns, 59, hopes her own experience will encourage residents to prioritize their health and support the cause she has championed for more than a decade.
Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature event, raises money for cancer research, patient services and advocacy while celebrating survivors and honoring those lost to the disease. As of press time, Baldwin’s nine participating teams had raised more than $22,500. This year’s relay will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. in Baldwin Park.
Burns first got involved in 2009 when her younger sister, Geanine, was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39. Looking for a way to help, she joined the Baldwin event.
“I felt like it kind of gave me a purpose, something I could do to help my sister,” Burns said. “I just felt like, for her, it gave her a voice.”
That desire to make a difference led Burns to a group of Baldwin mothers who were building a Relay for Life team of their own. She joined Renee Salmon and Jennifer Scarduzio on the team, which was called Because We Care, reflecting its mission to support families affected by cancer and to raise money for research. Years later, both Scarduzio and Burns would face cancer diagnoses of their own.
Today, the team remains one of Baldwin’s top Relay for Life fundraisers, ranking second among the event’s nine teams.
Over the years, Burns became increasingly involved in the event, serving on the planning committee and later as an event chair while helping organize fundraisers throughout the year.
One of her favorite traditions is the annual luminaria ceremony, when candlelit bags line the Baldwin Park track in honor of loved ones affected by the disease. “That’s always a very emotional time,” Burns said. “You get to see truly how many people, even
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
For those struggling with substance abuse and other addictions, help is always around the corner. While hotlines, support groups and personal counseling are available, two experts in the field are pioneering a new, modern method.
Frantz Michel of Baldwin and Spencer Cook of East Meadow are partners in the addiction treatment platform SoberIn40, a digital program that offers special, automatically tailored courses and challenges to help people in need get through tough times.
ability, daily check ins, and motivation throughout the experience.
I needed to understand my disease.
SPENcER cooK Founder of SoberIn40
This month, they announced a new initiative to take the effort farther than ever before: anyone who can achieve 40 days of sobriety from alcohol or other substances can receive a $200 reward and a complimentary dinner for two at a restaurant partnered with SoberIn40. The challenge officially launched May 21 and will continue through May 21, 2027. Participants will use the SoberIn40 platform for account-
The two men’s motivation in combatting addiction is deeply personal. Each of them faced spent time inside the federal prison system for drug-related offenses and spent years learning how to undo the damage through research, mentorship programs and teaching various classes. When the two men were released, they sought to take these ideas farther and help people stay out of trouble and avoid being behind bars altogether. Cook, the founder of SoberIn40, was arrested in a multi-agency operation in 2014. Initially facing a 20-year prison sentence, Cook was commuted under the Second Chance Act for a reduced sentence. In 2020, after six and a half years of incarceration and a year under house arrest, he dedicated his new lease on life to becoming sober.
“I’m going to do everything in life that is completely opposite from what I’m used to and what feels normal,” he recalled
Continued on page 15
Meadow Elementary School students and staff gathered on the school’s back field for a Military Appreciation Day ceremony recognizing veterans, active-duty service members and military families during National Military Appreciation Month.
Dressed in red, white and blue and waving American flags, students joined veterans and guests for the annual event, which opened with a performance of “God Bless America” by the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes & Drums band.
The ceremony was organized by teachers Linda Sandorfi and Vincenza Simal and led by Meadow’s Student Council. More than a dozen veterans representing the Army, Army National Guard, Air Force and Marine Corps were honored for their service.
Among those recognized was David Marshall, a 101-year-old World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army. Marshall, who enlisted at age 18, has become a familiar and inspiring presence at the annual event.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a $1,470 donation to Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit
Representatives of Building Homes for Heroes accepted a $1,470 donation from Meadow Elementary School during the school’s Military Appreciation Day celebration. The funds were raised through Meadow’s long-running bottle collection drive.
organization that provides mortgage-free homes to severely injured veterans and first responders. The money was raised through Meadow’s ongoing bottle collection drive.
School officials said the recycling initiative has collected more than 99,000 bottles over the past 13 years and generated more than $5,000 for the organization.
Now in its fifth year, the Military Appreciation Day ceremony also featured performances by the Meadow band and chorus. Members of the Baldwin Fire Department participated in the event, displaying a large American flag suspended between two ladder trucks.
Guests were also invited to view a war memorabilia exhibit in the school gymnasium and a “Wall of Heroes” honoring veterans connected to Meadow students and staff.
National Military Appreciation Month was established by Congress in 1999 to recognize members of the armed forces, veterans and their families. School officials said the annual ceremony helps teach students the importance of service, sacrifice and community support.
— Allyson Ferrari
By NICOLE TOBIA Intern
Residents of all ages gathered at Baldwin Park on May 16 for the Baldwin Civic Association’s annual Community Bike Rodeo and Parade. This event focused on bicycle safety, environmental awareness and strengthening community ties.
The Baldwin Civic Association, joined with the Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé and Legislator Scott M. Davis, who both represent parts of Baldwin, held this community event to teach young children about bicycle safety with educational activities and a community bike ride as summer approaches. Members of the Nassau County Police Department were also involved in this event.
“It’s a way to bring the community together and have an interaction between the civic association, members of the community, families, local police and others within the community,” Baldwin Civic Association president Kimberly Malone said. “We’re always providing opportunities for neighbors to get to know neighbors.”
The event allowed participants to become familiar with local businesses and explore different parts of their community.
The goal of the annual bike parade is to inspire a desire to be sustainable and have environmental awareness to all ages throughout the community, Malone explained to the Herald.
“We are hoping that in the future we can consider getting actual bike lanes in Baldwin,” she said. “This will encourage sustainability and environmental awareness.”
A major focus of the Bike Rodeo and Parade was to teach children about safe cycling habits before summer begins. Local police officers also explained proper helmet safety to the children and worked alongside young riders who are still learning to ride a bike.
“At the beginning of the bike parade, we have local police officers that actually teach the children about bike safety,” Malone said. “They teach them about wearing their helmets and other things related to bike safety. They even help some of the students learn how to ride a bike.”
Malone expressed that she hopes the event inspired children to want to be more involved in their community and more conscious of protecting the environment.
“Community isn’t just a given — community is created,” she said. “There’s a need to participate and also to give back and to be creative within their own community.”
As Baldwin continues to grow and evolve, organizers hope the annual Bike Rodeo and Parade will continue to bring families together while fostering a strong sense of community.
parents and children
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti announced a resolution aimed at preserving the terms “mother” and “father” in town government documents. The measure was introduced in response to state legislation that would replace those terms in family law with “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.” If adopted, the resolution would require the use of “mother” and “father” throughout the Town Code and in all official town documents.
A Baldwin man admitted guilt Thursday in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old college athlete who was struck by a stray bullet during a house party in Hempstead last November.
Jacob McMillan, 18, pleaded guilty June 4 before Nassau County Court Judge Helene Gugerty to second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the death of Amira McCleod, 19, of St. Albans, Queens.
McMillan is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 11 and is expected to receive a prison sentence of 20 years to life.
According to prosecutors, the shooting occurred at about 10:50 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2025, at a house party on Willow Avenue in Hempstead.
Authorities said McMillan attempted to enter the party but refused a patdown requested by the host. He then pulled out a handgun and fired two shots at the person conducting the search, striking the victim in the arm.
Prosecutors said McMillan fled south on Kennedy Avenue before turning and firing another shot. The bullet passed through the shoulder of a second victim and struck McCleod in the head, killing her instantly. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two other victims were transported to local hospitals and treated for their injuries.
Donnelly said in a release that
McMillan could have walked away from the party when asked to submit to a patdown search.
“Amira was innocent; enjoying her friendships and her youth when her life was shockingly and tragically cut short by this defendant’s violent outburst,” Donnelly said in the release. “This plea ensures justice for Amira and the countless people who loved her.”
Investigators said McMillan hid in a backyard near the scene before leaving the area in a ride-share vehicle that dropped him near his home in Baldwin.
Authorities identified him through surveillance footage, including video from the Baldwin Long Island Rail Road station, a Nassau Inter-County Express bus route and a doorbell camera near the party location.
McMillan was arrested Dec. 2, 2025, by Nassau County police homicide detectives and members of the department’s Bureau of Special Operations.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Brian Rodriguez of the Homicide Bureau and Deputy Bureau Chief Paula Cajdler of the Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau, under the supervision of Homicide Bureau Chief Michelle Lewisohn and the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Daryl Levy.
The defendant is represented by Brian Carmody, Esq.
A 63-year-old man was found unresponsive near the Baldwin Long Island Rail Road station last Monday morning, according to Nassau County police.
Officers responded to the area of Grand Avenue and Sunrise Highway at about 8 a.m. on June 1 for an aided case and discovered the man lying outside
near the train station. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Nassau County police medic.
The Homicide Squad is investigating, though police have not indicated that criminality is suspected.
— Allyson Ferrari
By JORDAN VALLONE
jvallone@liherald.com
A Passport not required. This summer, Eisenhower Park’s Lakeside Theatre will once again become a gateway to cultures from across the globe. Live performances, traditional cuisine and family-friendly activities will come to Eisenhower Park. Organized by the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, the annual series highlights the traditions and contributions of Long Island’s diverse communities. The first three events — Ukrainian American Night, Indian American Night and Israeli American Night — each offer a unique opportunity for residents to experience music, dance, food and cultural pride under the stars.
Ukrainian American Night kicks off the series June 6
The 2026 International Nights schedule opens with Ukrainian American Night on Saturday, June 6, at 6 p.m. at Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park. The event is expected to showcase the rich traditions of Ukrainian culture. Visitors can learn about centuries-old customs while enjoying entertainment that reflects Ukraine’s history and artistic heritage. Organizers typically incorporate community groups, performers and vendors who help create an immersive cultural experience. The evening also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Ukrainian Americans on Long Island, where many families maintain strong ties to their heritage through cultural organizations, churches and community events. Admission is free.
brings
Indian American Night returns to Lakeside Theatre on Saturday, June 13, beginning at 6 p.m. The event will spotlight the traditions of one of the world’s most diverse cultures through music, dance, food and artistic performances. Attendees can expect colorful presentations inspired by the many regions of India, potentially including classical and contemporary dance styles, traditional attire and cultural exhibitions. The celebration offers an opportunity for residents to learn more about Indian customs. Long Island is home to an Indian American population that has played an important role in the region’s business, educational and cultural landscape. The evening aims to promote cultural understanding while celebrating community pride.
Israeli American Night will take place Sunday, June 14, at 5 p.m., continuing the weekend of cultural celebrations at Eisenhower Park. The event is expected to feature music, dance and traditions reflecting the diverse backgrounds that make up Israeli society. Visitors may experience performances inspired by Jewish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and modern Israeli influences while learning about the country’s cultural heritage. Community organizations often use the event as an opportunity to highlight educational initiatives, cultural programs and traditions that connect generations. Food vendors and informational displays may also be part of the evening’s offerings. Organizers say the event provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents of all backgrounds.
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
While much debate has surrounded the sports and soccer fan experience tied to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup — from concerns over rising ticket prices to reports of steep train fares for matches — experts say Long Island businesses could see a significant economic boost from the tournament coming to the region.
New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the home of American football teams New York Jets and Giants, will host eight soccer matches, including two playoff games and the championship final match. Despite the fact that no games will be played in New York, FIFA’s temporary renaming of MetLife Stadium as “New York/New Jersey Stadium” markets the New York metropolitan area to the thousands of fans who will be following the tournament.
Steve Kent, chief economist and director of the Long Island Association’s Research Institute, says that the World Cup promises to be economically beneficial for Long Island.
World Cup matches, Kent believes that local businesses may be able to capitalize on the interest the tournament sparks amongst residents.
“I also think that you may even see more spending at restaurants, caterers and supermarkets as people start to take in food to watch some of these things at home,” Kent explained. “It’s a worldwide event and it’s increasingly something that the people of Long Island are more and more interested in.”
t’s a worldwide event and it’s increasingly something that the people of Long Island are more and more interested in.
StE vE KENt Chief economist, Long Island Association
“I think that our general view is that it would be a positive for the Long Island region,” Kent said. “We’re already seeing watch parties starting to be established. For example. Stony Brook University is going to have one at LaValle Stadium… and I think all of those things will bring incremental dollars to Long Island.”
While Long Island hotels may be a bit out of the way for some fans visiting New York and attending
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This growth in interest has been seen in rising rates of adult and youth participation in soccer across Long Island. The Island F.C., a professional men’s and women’s soccer club based in Uniondale that plans to join the MLS Next Pro league in the 2027 season, has contributed to soccer’s popularity on Long Island through hosting youth soccer academies and other events locally.
“Long Island has had one of the deepest soccer traditions in soccer history in the country especially in the youth space and then also the traditional space,” said Travis Lamprecht, The Island F.C.’s president of business operations. “I think what’s unique about Long Island is that it’s always been a hotbed for the sport. So, with The Island F.C. launching, and then obviously what the World Cup coming here, it’s a celebration of what has been growing for a long time.”
In recent history, the Long Island Association has also noticed other major sporting events nearby, like the 2025 Ryder Cup that was held on a golf course in Farmingdale, directly impact Long Island economically. While it is not yet clear how directly Long
just locally, are affected by cancer.”
After years working as a clerical assistant in Nassau County courts, Burns entered 2025 focused on a new chapter in her career. In May, she accepted a promotion to senior court clerk in Manhattan Supreme Criminal Court, but less than two weeks into the job, a lingering case of shortness of breath prompted her to seek medical attention.
A chest X-ray revealed that one of her lungs was filled with fluid, leading doctors to admit her to the hospital for two nights. A subsequent CT scan uncovered multiple masses in her ovaries, uterus and peritoneal lining, resulting in a diagnosis in June of Stage 3 ovarian and peritoneal cancer.
“Honestly, I was numb,” Burns recalled.
After the initial shock, she said, she quickly shifted her focus back to work. Barely a month into her new role, she continued commuting to Manhattan while juggling medical appointments, chemotherapy treatments and the uncertainty of her situation. She under-
went a hysterectomy in October, returned to work in December and continued chemotherapy. In March doctors found no evidence of disease, though she continues to receive maintenance infusions every three weeks.
Throughout her treatment, Burns leaned on family, friends and fellow members of Because We Care, many of whom stepped in to help with rides, appointments and day-to-day support.
Among those who stood by her was Salmon, a longtime friend and the team’s captain.
“She never showed any fear that I saw,” Salmon said. “Even when chemo got the better of her, she still was like, ‘I got this.’”
“It’s overwhelming and beautiful,” Burns said of the support she received.
She had helped Scarduzio during her battle with breast cancer years earlier. When Burns was diagnosed, Scarduzio said, she was devastated, but hopeful. Burns’s willingness to speak publicly about her diagnosis, Scarduzio said, offers hope to other women facing similar challenges.
Courtesy Marie Burns
dressed in a relay for Life t-shirt, marie Burns received chemotherapy treatment at perlmutter Cancer Center in July 2025.
For years, Burns listened as survivors shared their stories from the Relay for Life stage. It wasn’t until her own diagnosis that she fully understood what those experiences meant.
“You look over the years of all the survivor speakers, and you listen, but you don’t get it,” Burns said. “Then you’re one.”
The experience transformed her perspective on cancer. What had once been a cause she supported became a reality she
lived through, giving her a firsthand understanding of the fears, side effects and daily challenges faced by patients and survivors.
When relay organizers asked Burns to serve as this year’s survivor speaker, she initially declined. She worried that people would see her diagnosis before seeing the person she had always been. “I want to be Marie,” she said. “Not Marie who fought cancer.”
She later changed her mind, believing her experience could help others recognize symptoms, advocate for themselves and seek medical care. She also hoped that sharing her story would remind people that cancer can affect anyone.
Burns was a natural choice for the role given her years of involvement with Relay for Life and her willingness to share her experience. “Marie exudes positivity, always with a smile — never a negative word about anything or anyone,” Baldwin event organizers Miguel and Abby Melendez said.
The Melendez’s said they hope this year’s event will raise awareness about the resources available through the American Cancer Society, including rides to treatment, lodging assistance and support programs for caregivers.
During the survivor lap on Saturday, Burns said, she will be thinking about her three children, family and friends who supported her throughout treatment.
“If it helps one person go to the doctor or take care of themselves,” she said, “then I think my mission is OK.”
The Baldwin Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 28th for the new home of Kolsteins Music. Located in the iconic Koch building at Sunrise Highway and Grand Avenue, owner Manny Alvarez has transformed this space to become a beautiful upscale addition to Baldwin. Those in attendance included county legislator Deborah Mule, Karen Montalbano from the civic association, and representatives from the offices of Bruce Blakeman and Judy Griffin. A reception followed with an evening of live musical performances and refreshments.
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Herald Community Media and Reworld partnered to celebrate Long Island’s leading environmental advocates and innovators during the Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, held May 14 at the Heritage Club at Bethpage.
The event recognized individuals and organizations making significant contributions to environmental sustainability while also honoring student leaders working to protect Long Island’s natural resources.
“Nothing unites Long Islanders more than our natural environment, from beaches and bays to wetlands and parks — these treasures are our fountain of life, beauty and resources,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications. “Tonight, we gather to honor environmental champions who are working tirelessly to protect
Long Island’s natural ecosystem for future generations. Their efforts are challenging but vitally important and we thank them for their unwavering dedication.”
The ceremony, emceed by comedian Tom Kelley, also featured awards for four Student Champions for Sustainability and a total of $7,500 in student sustainability initiative prizes.
Adel Omrani, president of Reworld’s East Region, highlighted the company’s role in transforming waste into energy.
“You don’t think of waste when you put it at the curb, and you usually don’t think about disposal, but there’s a lot of processes that goes into that,” he said. “We generate electricity out of that and recycle metals. Just for Long Island, for example, we power 100,000 homes just from processing this waste and using it as fuel.”
Omrani said collaboration among environmental leaders remains essential.
“It’s a very big part of what we do as a community,” he said.
Reworld Market Area Director James Regan stressed the importance of sustainable waste management on Long Island.
“For Long Island, an issue like sustainable waste management is extremely important given how populated it is and how limited resources are,” he said. “Reworld, for us, has a focus to continue to partner with all
these great champions of sustainability to ensure we have sustainable waste management for decades to come.”
New York State Senator Siela Bynoe spoke during the dinner portion of the event.
“I have really had the environment in mind as I’ve been in my various roles in government,” she said.
Bynoe’s life experiences motivated her to pursue environmental advocacy, witnessing increased cancer rates due to local contamination in the Caribbean and disproportionate harm done to marginalized communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I set off on a path to make sure that we can conserve water, make sure we have clean water, and make sure that we are doing what we can to ensure that we sustain this community, this county and this state (so) that we have a bright future,” she said.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, a longtime environmental advocate, discussed his commitment to protecting Long Island’s future.
“I’m very concerned about the direction we’re going as a state and as an island, and I’m looking to change that direction by doing a number of things,” he said.
Romaine cited efforts to improve municipal waste management, expand solar energy infrastructure and advance environmentally friendly policies.
“I could have retired long ago, but there are things that I want to accomplish,” he said. “We need to see change.”
Among the evening’s featured speakers was sports broadcaster and former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, who reflected on his connection to the Great South Bay.
“When I was a kid, between the ages of 14 and 17, I spent a lot of my summers on the Great South Bay — I was a clammer,” he said. “It was great, but there were areas of the Great South Bay that we couldn’t clam in because it was considered polluted... It took many years for it to turn around and to start going back the other way, and it’s one of the things I’m most proud about.”
Esiason praised young environmental advocates being recognized at the event.
“I’m very, very proud of them, and very proud of what they’re trying to do for the beaches of the Great South Bay,” he said.
Girl Scouts Emma Klein and Zoe Lazarus, Roslyn High School sophomore Charles Metzger and Hauppauge High senior Matias Ka-
laitzis were all winners of the Student Champions for Sustainability Award. The four were recognized for their civic service, from cleanups to awareness efforts.
National Grid Ventures, the main natural gas utility for over 600,000 residential and business customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties; Tritec, primarily known for mixeduse developments, transit-oriented communities and commercial property management across Long Island; and UBS Arena, the home of the New York Islanders, were all recognized with team awards.
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld continues to support environmental progress across Long Island. The company operates facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport and Ronkonkoma, processing two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycling thousands of tons of metals and generating electricity for local homes while helping reduce landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information about Reworld and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, visit ReworldWaste.com.
To view more pictures, visit RichnerLive.com.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald Sponsors for the night (back, from left) included Ricardo Salce, Bobby Green, Rudy Winkler, Rob Balbierz, James Regan, Bill Murphy, David Sharp, Adel Omrani, Maureen Early, Ed Sandkuhl, Matt Augi, Brian Aerne and (front, from left) Kamrun Haque, Vickey Ardounis, and Rehan Simonia from the team at Reworld.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald Honoree Suffolk County Executive, Edward P. Romaine with special guest, former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald Honoree Maxine Montello, New York Marine Rescue Center executive director.
Each honoree was presented with a crystal award commemorating their outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Tim Baker/Herald
A special thank you to Adel Omrani, President of Reworld East Region, whose vision and leadership helped bring this inspiring celebration of sustainability to life.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald Guests enjoyed freshly shucked oysters by Keena Boyle of Tall Mutha Shucka during the cocktail hour.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald Honoree State Senator Siela Bynoe, District 6.
Baptiste/Herald College Student Champion Honoree Vienna De Lombaerde, who attends Hofstra University.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald The duo team honorees for the Student Champion Award: Sayville High School 9th graders Emma Klein, left, and Zoe Lazarus.
Baptiste/Herald Honoree Cynthia Seibold, founder and executive director of Balloon Mission, Inc.
Melissa Baptiste/Herald Honoree Derek Betts, Nassau County Soil and Water District Manager, left, with Conservation District Lead Community Relations Specialist Maureen Early and Reworld. Market Area Director James Regan.
Honoree Robyn Silvestri, executive director of Save the Great South Bay.
Baptiste/Herald Honoree Devon Giordano, Long Island Conservancy executive director.
Honoree Julie Tighe, president of New York League of Conservation Voters
Honoree Corey Humphrey, C.P.E.S.C, District Manager for Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Friedberg JCC’s annual Parkinson’s 5K Run/Walk brought runners, walkers and supporters of all ages to Baldwin Park, raising funds for the center’s Parkinson’s programs while promoting community connection and awareness of the disease.
The May 17 event, now in its fifth year, featured a looping course that began and ended at Baldwin Park. According to Gloria LeBeaux, director of social work services at the Friedberg JCC, the fundraiser originally supported dementia services before shifting its focus to Parkinson’s programs as demand for those services in the community grew.
“We have such a robust program with so many people in the community using our services,” LeBeaux said. “Most of our services for Parkinsons are free of charge, so it really does become difficult to continue to provide quality care for the community without a fundraiser.”
The event drew 99 registered runners, with total attendance estimated at about 150 people when volunteers, family members and sponsors were included. Participants ranged in age from children as young as eight to adults older than 80, reflecting the broad community support surrounding the cause.
The JCC offers a wide variety of Parkinson’s-related services, including
exercise classes, counseling, support groups, educational presentations and social programs. LeBeaux said the organization was among the first on Long
Island’s South Shore to provide comprehensive services that extend beyond fitness programs alone.
“Fitness is a big deal,” she said. “We have boxing, yoga, ping pong and so many other programs, but we also do counseling, support groups and educational programming. We realized it needed to be a full effort.”
LeBeaux said increased awareness of Parkinson’s disease, along with improved diagnostic technology and high-profile public figures discussing their experiences with the disease, has helped bring greater attention to the need for support services.
Among the top finishers was 19-yearold Jessica Weissman of Jericho, who placed first overall among female runners. Tyler Paige, 18, of Lynbrook, earned first overall among male runners.
One participant who drew attention throughout the event was Billy Richards, 44, of Bay Shore, a Marine and Army veteran who completed the race carrying a 45-pound rucksack and an
American flag. Richards finished first in his age group while raising awareness for Operation Vest, an organization focused on reducing veteran suicide. The race was part of his challenge to complete eight 5Ks in eight states in eight days.
LeBeaux said the event’s greatest impact came from the atmosphere of encouragement and unity displayed throughout the day.
“If somebody who’s 80 is running, people are cheering for them just as much as they cheer for a 20-year-old competitive runner,” she said. “It’s about celebrating each other and recognizing that we can all support one another.”
She added that the event also aims to reduce stigma surrounding Parkinson’s disease and remind community members that even small acts of participation can make a meaningful difference.
“By running or volunteering or contributing, people are helping support a disease that affects so many families,” LeBeaux said. “We want people to feel connected and know that they are part of something important.”
The Baldwin Civic Association will host its first Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 at the Baldwin Community Garden.
The Baldwin Civic Association will host its first Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 at the Baldwin Community Garden, marking the federal holiday with an evening of food, entertainment and community activities.
The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at the garden, located at 1980 Grand Ave. Organizers said attendees can expect food trucks, vendors, games and live entertainment.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free — more than two years after President
Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday has become a national observance celebrating freedom, Black history and culture.
The Baldwin Civic Association said the event is intended to bring residents together while recognizing the significance of Juneteenth and its place in American history.
Vendor opportunities remain available. Those seeking additional information may contact organizers at BCAJuneteenthCelebration@gmail.com.
The celebration is open to the public. — Allyson Ferrari
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Herald Community Media captured three awards at the annual Press Club of Long Island Media Awards and Long Island Journalism Hall of Fame induction dinner on June 4.
Oceanside/Island Park Herald reporter Abigail Grieco won the James Murphy Cub Reporter of the Year award, given to “emerging journalists who show strong early promise in the field.” Journalists who have worked full-time for fewer than 18 months are eligible. Grieco was an intern with the Herald in 2023, and began working full-time in October 2025.
Deputy Managing Editor Jordan Vallone and previous senior reporter Mohammad Fariq shared a second-place award in the transportation category for the story “Southern State: a road still stuck in the past,” which was part of the Herald’s 2025 series on the Southern State Parkway.
“A compelling and well-structured piece that effectively examines the longstanding dangers of the Southern State Parkway,” judges wrote. “The article succeeds in connecting historical design flaws with present-day traffic realities, clearly explaining how outdated infrastructure continues to contribute to
accidents.
“Particularly strong is the integration of data, expert references, and concrete examples, such as low overpass collisions and hazardous curve segments,” the judges added. “The writing remains clear and accessible while addressing a complex safety issue. Overall, a thoughtful and informative investigation with clear public relevance and lasting value.”
Photographer Erik H. Lee earned a third-place award for a photo of the Wantagh High School baseball game.
“These awards reflect our commitment to strong local journalism and to telling the stories that matter most to Long Island communities,” Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, said. “We are especially proud to see our emerging reporters, experienced editors and talented photographers recognized for work that informs the public and has a lasting impact.”
Four veterans of Long Island journalism were inducted into the PCLI’s Hall of Fame: Photojournalist Michael DelGiudice, radio reporter Sophia Hall, former Newsday editor Anthony E. Insolia, and Shirley E. Perelman, who covered many major stories for Newsday, from the Long Island garbage barge to the trial of O.J. Simpson.
For more information on the press club, go to PCLI.org.
By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
The 126th U.S. Open Championship, which begins next week, is being played at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club — known as one of the “cathedrals” of golf — for the first time since 2018.
Eric Steimer, senior director of U.S. Championships at the United States Golf Association, said the USGA’s transportation strategy is intended to reduce congestion around the site while providing multiple travel options for fans attending the tournament.
The plan, developed in collaboration with the Long Island Rail Road, Suffolk County and New York state officials, will be in effect from June 15, three days before the tournament starts, until June 21, the day it ends.
Steimer said that the 15-person team that planned transportation operations recognized early that travel logistics would be one of the event’s biggest challenges. “Any time we’re out here in eastern Long Island at Shinnecock Hills, transportation is a challenge,” Steimer said. “We’re doing a lot of different things to really try to mitigate that.”
As it did eight years ago, the LIRR’s Montauk Branch will provide transportation to and from the tournament. A temporary station will be constructed in Tuckahoe, across from Shinnecock Hills, on the south side of County Road
said. “Anyone that looks at Calverton on a map is going to see that it’s pretty far away from Shinnecock Hills, but at the same time it is very accessible for anyone that’s coming from points west or coming along the Long Island Expressway.”
For residents of Southampton, Sag Harbor, Easthampton and neighboring communities, Steimer recommended using a rideshare program operating from Stony Brook Southampton’s campus.
Hamton Jitney will operate shuttle service for spectators traveling from Montauk, Amagansett, Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, Water Mill and Southampton. Pickups and drop-offs will be located near Admission Gate 2 on the Stony Brook campus.
39, adjacent to Stony Brook University’s Southampton campus. A temporary pedestrian bridge will span the roadway.
From June 15 to 17, the LIRR plans to operate 10 inbound trains and dozens of outbound trains, more than double the service it provided in 2018. During the championship rounds, June 18 to 21, 12 inbound trains and 13 outbound trains are scheduled to operate.
“The Long Island Rail Road is ready,” its president, Rob Free, stated in a news release. “Avoid the traffic and use our
exceptionally reliable service to and from Shinnecock Hills for all the golf action. Extra staff will also be on hand at Southampton to help customers throughout the championship for a great customer experience.”
Steimer explained that this year’s transportation differs from 2018 because satellite parking operations have moved from Gabreski Airport to Calverton Executive Airpark.
“We will have complimentary parking and complimentary shuttle buses to and from the championship,” Steimer
Fans traveling from New York City will have the option of using Blade helicopter service from June 18 to 21, with return flights scheduled each evening after play ends.
Steimer urged commuters not to arrange drop-offs on County Road 39, and said there would be increased police presence at intersections around the golf course.
“This is a plan that’s been carefully articulated with local experts to be able to implement this plan,” he said. “Now is the time to bring it to life.”
For more information on train service, go to MTA.INFO/document/209406.
‘Good times never seemed so good…’ Neil Diamond’s tunes are always in style
By Karen Bloom
For those who can’t get enough of Neil Diamond, perhaps the next best thing to seeing him perform, is when Robert Neary takes on legendary singer-songwriter’s persona.
retiring due to Parkinson’s, set out to create the best Neil Diamond tribute I could.”
And audiences certainly agree.
The multi-hyphenate performer brings his acclaimed show, ”So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience,” to Tilles Center, on Sunday, featuring his band and a special “hometown” guest performance.
• Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m.
• Tickets available at tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com or (516)
299-3100
The East Meadow High School Chamber Choir concludes the concert with a six-song finale, under the direction of Chorus Director Samantha Schick.
The collaboration is especially meaningful, as Neary is an alumnus of East Meadow High School, and the production’s trumpet player, Stephen Engle, formerly served as head of the music department at the school.
• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
“We always hope that for the two hours they come to our show, they [audiences] are able to forget about the craziness going on in the world, and relive the happy moments with the Neil Diamond’s iconic music.
People relate to his music and so many favorites bring so many people back to those beautiful days,” Neary continues.
Part of the show’s enduring appeal is Neary’s commitment to honoring Diamond’s catalog while keeping the performance dynamic and engaging for both new and returning audiences.
“I went right to his 50th anniversary hits album and compared each song to the success of each one and chart history. We now touch on 28 of them in a full show. We do various medleys that are able to incorporate more songs and with the fabulous multimedia, it really brings the songs to life. also go into the audience for Sweet Caroline and high five and hug on as many people as can,” Neary adds.
Over the years, the production has evolved into a full-scale theatrical concert experience.
“I set out to do exactly what it has become. So having it all continue to fall into place, has been all part of the plan. We continue to evolve in our production. Its started with eight members on stage and 22 songs. We now have amazing background singers, a violinist and a full multimedia presentation that is amazing. We also have included a full overture highlighting Neil’s career through the decades.”
His band, The Mystic, certainly adds to the experience.
The stage, TV and film star has created an acclaimed tribute experience. The show celebrates the timeless songs and storytelling of Neil Diamond, with the beloved hits from Diamond’s extensive catalogincluding “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “America, ,” and many more. Known for his remarkable vocals, Neary has earned praise for delivering a heartfelt and high-energy tribute to one of America’s most iconic entertainers. The concert was also filmed as a documentary feature that is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, where it continues to receive rave reviews from audiences nationwide.
Conversations in art
“I am beyond blessed to have this amazing band,” Neary says, enthusiastically. “I met them playing at a huge Halloween party and asked if they would like to join me in this venture and they said, yes.
To have this band and the comradery that they possess, having been together for 30 years, is just icing on the cake. We have such a great time on stage as well as touring together and it shows. Countless accolades say how amazingly tight the band is and that we all look like we are having fun.”
One could say that that that this performance’s special closing is the icing on the cake for Neary.
With decades in the entertainment industry, Neary has starred in three Broadway lead roles and appeared in more than 60 major television and film guest-starring roles. He has also built a worldwide social media following of more than half a million fans. Neary created “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience” in 2019 and, alongside New York-based band The Mystic, developed the show into the nationwide hit it is today. The production continues to sell out venues across the United States and is now set to expand internationally.
“I’ve always been a fan,” says Neary, of Diamond. “I even learned how to play the piano to Hello Again and knew could emulate his voice since high school. was an actor for 40 years, but in 2018, the business for me, started to slow down. After hearing he was
“I’m incredibly proud to return home and share this experience with students from East Meadow High School. Music education played such an important role in my life, and having these talented young performers join us for the finale makes this performance especially meaningful. It’s going to be a really memorable afternoon,” he continues.
“I’ve always wanted to add a choir, and with this Tilles show, being as big as it is, I figured now’s the time to make it happen. My best friend from junior high Stephen Engle, suggested them and immediately said, “Of course!”
Neary, who now resides in Melville after leaving East Meadow all those years ago to pursue his dreams in L.A., is delighted to be back on his home turf, especially reconnecting with his high school.
“It feels wonderful. So humbling and so blessed to be back where was when my career was only a dream away. The first time we played Eisenhower Park, was very emotional and now to play the Tilles Center with the EMHS choir, on such a grander scale, is even more unbelievable.”
Robert Neary enthusiastically gets his audiences involved in this celebration of the singersongwriter’s enduring catalog of hits.
Nassau County Museum of Art hosts an engaging conversation with curator and collections expert Lauren Brincat, whose work and expertise helped shape the current exhibition “250 Years of Art on Long Island.” Brincat, Chief Curator and Director of Collections at Preservation Long Island — a key lending partner to the exhibit — offers an in-depth exploration of the show’s themes, giving visitors a closer look at the wide-ranging artworks and historical objects on view. Her talk illuminates how the exhibit brings together painting and decorative arts to trace the evolution of Long Island’s artistic identity across the centuries. She also discusses the collaborative research and curatorial process behind the exhibition, highlighting how artists, collectors and communities have contributed to shaping and preserving the region’s visual legacy.
Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. Register at nassaumuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.
Baldwin Civic Association meets
Residents are invited to attend the Baldwin Civic Association’s monthly general membership meeting.
• Where: 3232 Grand Ave.
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 855-8824 or baldwincivic@gmail.com
Long Island Children’s Museum stages
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” for its final weekend. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon since you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can finally do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, the show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also June 13-14
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Baldwin Relay for Life
Take a step toward hope at Baldwin Relay For Life, where the community comes together at Baldwin Park to honor survivors, remember loved ones and help fight cancer.
• Where: 3232 Grand Ave.
• Time: 3-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 314-6835
Rhythm,
Families can participate in African American Music Appreciation Month at Long Island Children’s Museum by exploring the powerful sounds and rhythms that have shaped music history. Together sample a variety of songs from influential African American artist and genres and turn the sounds into art at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
FIFA World Cup Watch Party
Get in on the action at Eisenhower Park when USA takes on Australia.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Pride Month program Tweens/teens in grades 6-12 are invited to celebrate Pride Month by reading and discussing their current book selections or exploring LGBTQIAthemed titles on display at the library. Participants can also create their own Pride bracelets using materials provided by the library. No registration is required.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 2-4 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Book Launch: “More Than the Jersey”
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Get ready for an evening of sharp observations and quick-fire punchlines that are Daniel Tosh’s signature irreverent style when he brings My First Farewell tour to The Paramount stage.Acclaimed for his quick wit and deadpan delivery, he’s built a devoted following through both stand-up and television. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in marketing, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy full-time. His career gained national attention following a standout appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2001, leading to appearances on programs including Comedy Central Presents, Premium Blend and The Tonight Show. Tosh became a household name as the creator and host of Tosh.0, the long-running Comedy Central hit that paired viral internet videos with his trademark commentary and satirical take on pop culture. The series became one of the network’s most successful and enduring comedy programs, helping cement Tosh’s reputation as one of stand-up’s most recognizable voices. Expect an energetic set filled with new material, unexpected twists and the unapologetic humor that has defined Tosh’s career.
Father’s Day Program: Comics with CreativiDAD
Children and their father figures are invited to create their own comic strips during this Father’s Day-themed program. Led by artist Candido Crespo, participants will develop original characters and storylines while learning the basics of comic creation. The first session is for students in grades K-2, while the second is for grades 3-6. Registration is required.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 2-3 p.m. (grades K-2) and 3:30-4:30 p.m. (grades 3-6)
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Sunday music: Sympatico Jazz
Sympatico Jazz at Baldwin Public Library. The band present a mix of classic and contemporary jazz, drawing inspiration from artists such as Burt Bacharach and Sergio Mendes, and featuring songs associated with vocalists including Nina Simone, Etta James and Diana Krall. Tickets are required and are available at the reference desk or by calling the library.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave
• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Baldwin Public Library Walking Club
The Baldwin Public Library Walking Club is back at Baldwin Park. Participants will walk for about 30 to 45 minutes. Check email or the library’s website for updates, especially weather-related cancellations.
• Where: 3232 Grand Ave.
• Time: 10-11 a.m., also June 23, June 30
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island for a nighttime skywatching session at Old Westbury Gardens. Gates open 30 minutes before observing begins. Free with admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 8:15-10 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
New York State of Health Marketplace enrollment assistance
Representatives are available at Baldwin Public Library to provide assistance with New York State of Health Marketplace enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants can receive help navigating health insurance options and the enrollment process.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 1-4 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Baldwin Civic Association Juneteenth Celebration
Baldwin Civic Association hosts its first Juneteenth Celebration at Baldwin Community Garden. With food trucks, live entertainment, vendors and games for all ages. All are invited to gather in recognition of Juneteenth and enjoy an evening of culture and celebration.
• Where: 1980 Grand Ave.
• Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: BCAJuneteenthCelebration@ gmail.com
Join author Justin S. Williams as he discusses his book “More Than the Jersey” at its launch in Baldwin. “More Than the Jersey” is more than a football story. It’s about identity, resilience, brotherhood and the lessons that last long after the final whistle. Williams shares an unforgettable journey through the era of Joe Paterno and the realities behind big-time college football at Penn State.
• Where: 1205 Grand Ave.
• Time: 1 p.m.
• Contact: BookNookLI on Eventbrite.com to register
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.
thinking. “In order for me to do that successfully long term, I needed to understand my disease on a scientific level.”
Michel is the director of criminal justice partnerships at SoberIn40. He was serving two life sentences in federal prison before his sentence was commuted after about 15 years.
“I made some poor choices,” he said. “While I was incarcerated, I got to understand the effects of drugs on the community. I wasn’t a drug user, I didn’t drink, but I got to understand how my personal choices affected the community and selling narcotics. And from there, my journey began.”
The two men met thanks to their shared interests and mutual friends in the rehabilitation field.
“We’re always talking about how our lives led us to this journey where we can make a difference,” Michel said. “That’s why this app, SoberIn40, is so important; it’s because we know we can touch millions of lives.”
The SoberIn40 program is designed to “hijack the mind,” he said. He boiled his struggle with addiction down to two problems: cognitive dissonance and emotional bias.
Cook invested $700,000 of his own money after three years working in various sales roles into working with therapists and psychologists to develop the program after his incarceration.
“It’s a new industry — computational psychology,” he explained. “We ‘learn’ you in real time, and our algorithms figure out what you’re struggling with. Our course and content changes with what you’re struggling with in real time.”
N.G. Berrill, a forensic psychologist and founder of New York Forensic, was one of the first medical
professionals who got involved with SoberIn40’s development. “It sounded like he had an interesting idea,” Berrill said of Cook, “something that was innovative, and would provide to individuals struggling with substance abuse a method of intervention that doesn’t really exist at the present time.”
Berrill described the program’s use of machine learning, combined with the work of clinicians, as a “very positive” development in the field of substance abuse treatment.
“Substance abuse is just so destructive,” he said. “It’s so terrible for people’s lives, their families … rather than turn away, I think the real (solution) is to turn toward this.”
The first phase of the SoberIn40 program lasts 40 days, takes about an hour a day and consists of videos, questions and more. It is followed by a 120-day, half-hour-a-day after-care program, and after that it opens up to 300 maintenance courses.
The program now has 2,200 incarcerated people participating in 16 state and federal facilities, and about 400 members on mobile devices using the program’s app.
“This is my calling,” Cook said. “You really do find purpose when your life is at its lowest.”
“If someone has a sickness, you go to the doctor, but with drugs, people are afraid to make that first step: to ask for help,” Michel said. “We’re trying to bring something that that’s right in the home where there’s no stigmas attached. We’re two people that been through it.”
SoberIn40 is an outpatient care program — not a replacement for urgent treatments or medical emergencies. A free version of the program is available, and the full program can be accessed for $39.99 a month. To learn more, visit SoberIn40.com.
June 11, 2026 —
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY
ABS CAPITAL I INC.
TRUST 2007-HE3
MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-HE3, -againstCHRISTINE SHEEHY. NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 3, 2026, wherein
DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY
ABS CAPITAL I INC.
TRUST 2007-HE3
MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-HE3 is the Plaintiff and CHRISTINE SHEEHY is the Defendant. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 24, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2732 WINONA RD, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 54-226-505. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE LYING AND BEING IN BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 003202/2008.
Bruce R. Bekritsky, 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. 160314
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CHONDRITE ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. 34 DRIVE CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 19, 2024 and an Order Directing Release of Earnest Money Deposit to Plaintiff duly entered on March 25, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 23, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 3498 Bertha Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 590 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $883,031.27 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 607423/2021.
David S. Dikman, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 200539-1 160308
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of Preserved Goods, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/01/26 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 2 Barnes Avenue, Baldwin NY 11510. Purpose: any lawful act 160285
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Pltf. vs. HERBERT A. JENKINS A/K/A HERBERT JENKINS, et al, Defts. Index #009152/2014. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 5, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 882 Kings Parkway, Baldwin, NY 11510 a/k/a Section 36, Block 441, Lot 250-251. Said property beginning at the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Kings Parkway with the easterly side of Decatur Street and from said point, being a plot 41 ft. x 91.76 ft. x 40 ft. x 82.72 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,619.46 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. MICHAEL ZAPSON, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Ptlf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940, New York, NY 10016. File No. 017511-05247#102990 160423
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE OF STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC., BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST II, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiffagainst - MAURO A. TURCIOS, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 27, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 25th day of June, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being
in the Town of Hempstead, Baldwin, County of Nassau, and State of New York.
Premises known as 1420 Grand Avenue, North Baldwin, NY 11510.
(District: 10, Section: 36, Block: 230, Lot: 50) Approximate amount of lien $1,101,764.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 615033/2019. Michael Joseph Sepe, Esq., Referee.
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: April 23, 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 6feet 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.
160351
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE
CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC
SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2018-3, Plaintiff AGAINST TERRIE HAWKINS; CLIFFORD HAWKINS; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 26, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as
Baldwin Middle School science teacher Dawn Thompson was honored by the Long Island Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Educational Leadership Association (LISTEMELA) with the Star Award. She was one of twenty educators who were presented with this award.
Thompson was nominated for the award by Susan Ferrigno, the supervisor of science for grades 6-12 in the Baldwin Union Free School District.
“The STEM Star Teacher Award was created to honor educators who serve as a beacon of light for their students,” Ferrigno said in a statement sent to the Herald. “Ms. Dawn Thompson exemplifies that ideal.”
Ferrigno said what distinguishes Thompson is her ability to foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, creating a classroom environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, analyze complex ideas and develop problem-solving skills.
LISTEMELA is a professional nonprofit organization that supports Long Island educators and promotes equal access to high-quality STEM learning for all students. The nonprofit created this the Star award to honor educators who are committed to the goal and vision of the organization.
“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Dawn Thompson for this welldeserved recognition,” Superintendent Anthony Mignella said in a release sent to the Herald. “Now more than ever, STEM education plays a vital role in laying the foundation for our students’ future success.
“Her ability to ignite curiosity and foster critical thinking while instilling a love of science in her classes exemplifies the outstanding teaching taking place throughout the Baldwin Union Free School District each and every day.”
— Nicole Tobia
3554 Milburn Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 54 Block: 589 Lot: 16. Approximate amount of judgment $203,088.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614307/2023. For sale information, please visit ServiceLink Auction at https://www.servicelink auction.com or call (866) 539-4173. David I. Rosenberg, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 SPSNY822 90071 160509
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST LESLEY F. KIP, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on May 4, 2026.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 18 Willard Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land,
with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0054, Block 00215-00 and Lot 00039 and 00040. Approximate amount of judgment $214,479.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #606350/2024. Matthew Vishnick, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 160684
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST X-A, Plaintiff, vs. LOUIS A. YEARWOOD A/K/A LOUIS YEARWOOD, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee
Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 16, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 824 Hayes Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 577 and Lot 3. Approximate amount of judgment is $300,265.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 600282/2024. Leonard B. Symons, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:234179-1 160680
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Help Wanted
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
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. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PETER SCALAMANDRE & Sons, Inc. multiple openings, Freeport, NY. Assistant Project Manager($100,131/Yr): Provide, calculate, review, execute, perform, prep., analyze&assess environmental project impacts. Std benefits. Mail resume&position to Corp Secretary, Peter Scalamandre & Sons, Inc., 157 Albany Ave, Freeport, NY 11520 or email careers@scalamandreconstruction.com. EOE.
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators
Q. We’re looking for a house, and have run into a pattern where every house we see has some real problems. We’re wondering, after our home inspector looked at a house recently and found major foundation cracks, how we can figure out what to negotiate for the repairs. The house is on a canal, and also has other additions that have no permits (we checked). How do we go about discussing this with facts, and try to resolve what it will really cost if we buy the house?
A. I have a sinking feeling about the house, as you described. Some of the homes I have seen in high water tables, next to canals, in what are known as flood plain areas, are expensive and require a lot of engineering work to repair. Unfortunately, time doesn’t heal all wounds, and many people looking in areas adjacent to water don’t realize what they’re looking at.
The history of these close-to-the-water neighborhoods is an interesting study in civil engineering. Most of the areas, especially along shorelines, were previously swampland that was “reclaimed.” This means that tall reeds were often plowed under and covered with sand, dredged to make the adjacent canals deeper and more navigable while shooting the sand with water cannons, in a process called hydro-fill, to stabilize and level out the land for construction of developments.
At the time, unfortunately, there wasn’t the same level of scrutiny in issuing permits, and testing from those eras is sometimes questionable. One of the most obvious test reports I have ever seen was one in which every soil boring taken on a single property was written on a chart so that every number on every line was the same. A trained professional would realize that is nearly impossible. I imagine the person just filling in each line with the same ditto information just so they could get past filing the required report.
It’s all too common to see record plans, taken from building departments, showing standard foundation walls with no spread footing, and therefore no piles. Piles are the large, long poles or large helical screws that are jammed down into the earth until they reach a point where they can’t be jammed any farther. If you really love the location, you should hire an experienced engineer or architect, who will need to investigate the old records on file and also look at the foundation conditions.
If it turns out the house has either no underground pile report or a certified pile log, which is not unusual, then the foundation cracking can be caused by the continued settling of the house into the less stable ground. Will the settling stop at some point? Not for a long time — several lifetimes, predictably. There are ways to insert pile supports around the foundation, utilizing brackets and angled piles, to stop the settling. At that point, you need a professional’s plan and a pile company estimate to negotiate. Good luck!
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Most Long Islanders have a pretty good feel for the local economy, with housing demand up, unemployment down and new businesses replacing older ones. What many people don’t see is how all of those activities are connected.
A new apartment building isn’t just a construction project. A restaurant isn’t simply a place to grab dinner. A law firm does more than provide legal advice. Each of these businesses creates economic activity that extends well beyond its front door, generating jobs, income and spending throughout the region. Economists call this the multiplier effect, and it impacts Long Islanders every day. Our economy is often discussed in terms of individual industries — health care, education, construction, technology, hospitality, retail, professional services. Yet one of the reasons the economy has remained resilient through economic cycles is that no single industry dominates it. Instead, thousands of businesses of varying sizes create a diverse and interconnected economic ecosystem. That diversity helps explain why Long Island’s economy has grown into some-
thing much larger than many residents realize. Nassau and Suffolk counties together generate approximately $256 billion in economic activity annually. If Long Island were a state, its economy would rank roughly 23rd in the nation.
While those numbers are impressive, the more interesting story is how that economic activity is created.
our economy is powered by thousands of interconnected decisions we make every day.
Consider a neighborhood bagel shop. When a customer purchases breakfast, the economic impact doesn’t stop at the cash register. The bakery purchases flour, cream cheese, utilities, equipment, insurance, accounting services and transportation. Employees spend their wages at local stores, restaurants and service providers. The original dollars continue to circulate through the economy, creating value long after the first transaction takes place.
This process happens every day, in every corner of Long Island.
Over the past year, the LIA Research Institute has been examining these relationships through input-output analysis, a methodology used to measure the direct, indirect and induced impacts of businesses and institutions. The findings reinforce something many business owners already know from experience: local spending creates local prosperity.
Take a hypothetical Long Island law firm generating $1 million in annual
Drevenue. The direct activity supports attorneys, staff and business operations. But the firm’s impact extends to office suppliers, maintenance providers, technology vendors and numerous other businesses. When those secondary effects are included, the original $1 million generates roughly $1.6 million in total economic output throughout the region.
The multiplier effect becomes even more visible with large-scale investments. Consider the construction of a multifamily housing development. Before a single family moves in, the project generates significant economic activity through construction workers, architects, engineers, legal professionals, material suppliers, trucking companies, and dozens of supporting industries.
Our analysis of a hypothetical $100 million apartment development found that the project could support more than 600 jobs and create roughly $166 million in total economic output. This is in addition to the benefit of adding to our region’s housing stock to address the high demand and low inventory, which pushes up prices.
That’s why discussions of economic development should never focus solely on the initial investment. The broader impact often tells a much larger story.
For example, the LIA Research Institute
estimated that the 2025 Ryder Cup generated roughly $160 million in economic activity, not simply because spectators attended the tournament, but because visitors stayed in hotels, dined in restaurants and utilized transportation services. The ripple effects spread through our communities, strengthening the broader economy.
Long Island’s economy is powered by thousands of interconnected decisions made every day by entrepreneurs, workers, consumers, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and investors. From a neighborhood bagel shop to new construction, from a local law firm to an international sporting event, economic activity rarely stops where it starts. Every transaction creates additional opportunities that ripple across our region.
The next time you buy a bagel, hire an attorney, dine at a local restaurant or drive past a construction site, remember that you are seeing the multiplier effect in action.
On Long Island, dollars we spend at local businesses become wages for workers, revenue for suppliers and opportunities for families across our region. That’s how $1 becomes $1.60 — and why the strength of our economy depends on the success of the businesses and institutions that keep that cycle moving forward.
Steven Kent is chief economist of the Long Island Association and an associate professor of economics and finance at Molloy University in Rockville Centre.
id you forget something today?
Maybe you misplaced your keys, or couldn’t find your wallet or your handbag. Perhaps you didn’t remember to pick up your cellphone from the table in the restaurant, and had the horrifying realization that you left it somewhere — as I recently did.
Moments like these happen to everyone, especially as we get older. But those common shared experiences help fuel a very common fallacy: that memory impairment is a natural part of aging.
Yes, memory lapses can occur more frequently with increasing age, but there is a major difference between occasional forgetfulness, which is normal, and memory loss, which is not.
Dispelling misconceptions about the supposed inevitability of memory loss as we age is essential. Memory loss isn’t a foregone conclusion; it is caused by a
medical condition. Alzheimer’s disease, for example, is a progressive degenerative brain disorder, not an ordinary part of aging. Assuming that symptoms of memory loss are simply the result of getting older discourages many people from getting checked, which can have serious health consequences.
Many of the conditions that cause memory loss are treatable, if not correctable.
Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, depression, urinary tract infections and stress are just some of the conditions that can cause memory loss symptoms. The side effects of medication can also impact memory. All of these are treatable, if not correctable, but not without seeing a health care professional about your symptoms.
Failing to address these treatable underlying causes of memory loss can cause long-term cognitive decline and brain damage that is irreversible, and also raises the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness.
Differentiating between “regular” forgetfulness and something more seri-
ous can be difficult. A good rule of thumb is to watch for problems that are persistent, worsen over time and interfere with daily life. Not remembering where you parked your car every now and then is normal, but not remembering what kind of car it is can be a warning sign of a larger problem.
That’s why everyone should get routine memory screenings. They are an important early-detection tool that can help uncover a potential cognitive problem sooner for those experiencing symptoms. For those who are not, screenings are equally valuable, because they provide a baseline that people can monitor over time.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free, confidential memory screenings regularly at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville. Screenings are performed one-on-one with a qualified professional, and consist of a series of questions that test memory and other cognitive functions. A screening by
itself is not a diagnosis, but it can indicate whether someone should see a physician for a more comprehensive evaluation of potential cognitive impairment. Schedule an appointment for a free memory screening by contacting the Rabinowitz Center at (631) 223-4000. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to get screened. There are no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.
Just as important, if you notice that a loved one, such as a spouse or an aging parent, has become more forgetful, don’t just chalk it up to the fact that they’re growing older. Encourage them to get screened. The AFA Helpline, (866) 2328484, can provide guidance on how to have that sensitive conversation in a constructive and respectful way.
Forgetting something today doesn’t mean you have Alzheimer’s or are guaranteed to develop it in the future. It does mean you should be proactive, schedule a screening appointment and establish a trackable baseline for your memory. Your brain health is too important to forget about.
Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Established 1994
Incorporating the The South Shore Reporter and The Baldwin Citizen in 2013
Allyson FerrAri Reporter
rHondA GlickmAn Vice President - Sales
oFFice
2 Endo Boulevard
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Phone: (516) 569-4000
hen communities confront homelessness, the conversation often becomes trapped between competing concerns: public safety, housing costs, mental health, addiction and strained social services. But programs that make a real difference recognize a simple truth: Homelessness is both a humanitarian crisis and a public health crisis.
Addressing it requires more than temporary shelter or emergency interventions. It requires meeting people where they are — literally and figuratively. That is what makes street medicine and community outreach programs such powerful and innovative models.
Instead of waiting for vulnerable people to navigate a complicated health care system, outreach teams bring services directly to them. They visit train stations, commuter lots, wooded encampments, shelters and other places where homeless individuals live and gather.
The approach acknowledges a reality often overlooked in policy discussions: People struggling to survive day to day rarely have the ability to prioritize medical appointments, transportation, paperwork or insurance requirements. For many, simply getting through the next 24 hours is challenge enough.
Long Island’s most recent Point-InTime Count found more than 4,500 unhoused adults and children in Nassau and Suffolk counties, the highest total recorded since 2007.
To the Editor:
In a pair of opinion pieces in the May 28-June 3 issue of the Herald, Assemblyman Ari Brown (“New York’s radical mobs are testing America’s spine”) and State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (“Our state must do more to combat antisemitism”) deplored the rise in antisemitism locally, nationally and globally. The two legislators called for stronger measures to protect Jews from harassment and the threat, or actuality, of violence. No New Yorker of goodwill would oppose such protective efforts or deny that hatred of Jews is growing and spreading. It must also be acknowledged that Hamas is a terrorist organization that committed unspeakable atrocities in murdering 1,200 Israelis on Oct. 7, 2023.
But neither Brown nor CanzoneriFitzpatrick offers the slightest criticism
Behind every statistic is a person facing enormous barriers to proper health and stability. Chronic illnesses often go untreated. Mental health conditions worsen without care. Substance-use disorders become more dangerous. Small medical problems can become lifethreatening emergencies.
Traditional systems are often not designed to reach people living in these circumstances. Outreach programs are. What makes these efforts especially effective is their emphasis on trust. Team members may spend significant time with one person, providing medical evaluations, wellness education, supplies, referrals and, perhaps most important, human connection. People who often feel ignored, judged or invisible are treated with dignity and respect.
That trust-building is not a “soft” benefit. It is the foundation of successful intervention. People who trust service providers are more likely to seek treatment, follow medical advice, complete paperwork and engage with housing services. Those relationships can become the bridge that leads someone from instability to recovery and ultimately to permanent housing.
The results of street medicine programs across Long Island and the nation demonstrate the value of this approach. People have been connected to urgent medical care, chronic conditions have been managed before they became emergencies, and individuals have been guid-
ed into stable housing. While the numbers may seem modest compared with the scale of the crisis, they represent something larger: individualized, community-based care that works.
Housing itself is a public health issue. Stable housing improves physical health, mental well-being, medication compliance and overall quality of life. Yet obtaining housing often requires medical evaluations and documentation that many homeless people struggle to access. Outreach teams help bridge that gap.
These programs also serve as a reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone. Job loss, illness, family breakdown, disability or financial hardship can push an individual into crisis. People do not choose homelessness, yet they are often judged as though they did. Compassion alone will not solve homelessness. Neither will enforcement alone. Communities need practical, scalable solutions that combine health care, housing support and human connection. Street medicine and communitybased outreach programs are proving that such solutions exist. As homelessness continues to rise, communities should look closely at these models and invest in expanding them. If society wants to help people move off the streets, it cannot wait for them to come through the door. Sometimes the most effective solution is to bring the door to them.
the three-day Long Island Rail Road strike last month did more than disrupt commutes. It highlighted just how interconnected New york City and Long Island truly are.
For 72 hours, the effects rippled across the entire metropolitan region. Workers struggled to get to their jobs. Businesses lost customers and productivity. Restaurants saw cancellations. Meetings were missed. Supply chains slowed.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli estimated that the work stoppage cost as much as $61 million per day in lost economic activity. The losses weren’t confined to any one county or borough. They were shared by all of us, because our regional economy functions as one interconnected system.
As president and CeO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, representing thousands of businesses across Queens, I heard from employers immediately concerned about staffing shortages, delayed deliveries and declining foot traffic. The reason was simple: The workforce connection between Long Island and New york City is enormous.
According to Census data, around
240,000 Long Island residents commute into New york City for work, while roughly 310,000 New york City residents work in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Queens alone sends around 95,000 workers into Nassau County and another 28,000 into Suffolk County every day. Queens residents are among the largest workforce pipelines for Long Island employers, particularly in health care, construction, retail, transportation and professional services.
When that flow stops, even briefly, the economic consequences are immediate.
Lexactly why that mindset misses the bigger picture.
ong Island’s economy is deeply dependent on New York City’s, and vice versa.
That reality should also serve as a reminder in a broader political conversation that has become increasingly misguided recently. Too often, some elected officials and commentators have tried to frame Long Island and New york City as competitors, as though economic success on one side of the city line somehow comes at the expense of the other side. It doesn’t.
We saw this dynamic emerge during the pandemic, when some suburban leaders openly encouraged businesses to leave New york City and relocate to Long Island. More recently, some politicians have continued to take rhetorical swipes at the city’s struggles as a way to score political points.
But the LIRR strike demonstrated
of the Israeli government’s military response to Hamas’s barbarism. And silence on this score is used by bigots to assert — falsely — that all Jews are complicit in the slaughter of Muslims.
Reputable sources, including the Israel Defense Forces, confirm that Israel has killed over 70,000 Palestinians in Gaza in the past two and a half years. That toll is known to include several thousand children and hundreds of humanitarian workers.
In addition, Israel has killed more than 3,000 civilians in Lebanon in the past few months in retaliation for Hezbollah terrorist attacks that have taken the lives of about 100 Israelis.
The relentless, merciless and disproportionate response on Israel’s part has caused support for the Jewish state to plummet in the U.S. and worldwide. Only 37 percent of Americans now view Israel favorably, according to a Pew Research Center poll. Sympathy for Palestinians has risen correspondingly.
Anti-Israel sentiments do sometimes take the form of antisemitism. But most U.S. activists, including the many Jews who denounce the actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, cannot be fairly accused of religious or ethnic bigotry.
Influential figures like Brown and Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick are not helping shield Jews by ignoring the causes of Israel’s isolation. They also ought to be pointing out that Israel’s security will not be enhanced through endless warfare that gives rise to new generations of Palestinian militants.
The cycle of hate, death and destruction is certain to continue until Israelis and Palestinians work cooperatively toward a twostate solution.
KevIN J. KeLLey Atlantic Beach
Editors’ note: Ari Brown’s and Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s op-eds did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald.com.
Long Island’s economy is deeply dependent on New york City’s economic strength, just as the city depends on Long Island. Roughly 150,000 Suffolk County residents work in New york City’s five boroughs, with many commuting into Manhattan and Queens every day. Nassau County’s economic ties are even deeper. Meanwhile, businesses throughout the city rely heavily on Long Island residents as customers, employees and business partners.
Queens and suburban Long Island, in particular, share extraordinarily close economic ties. Queens is home to Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, major health care institutions, construction projects and entertainment destinations that employ thousands of Long Islanders. Long Islanders help staff schools, hospitals, financial firms and transportation systems throughout the city. At the same time, Queens residents support Long Island’s retail centers, restaurants, beaches and small businesses. The relationship is reciprocal by necessity.
That’s why the true competition facing our region isn’t between Queens and Nassau or between Manhattan and Suffolk. The real competition is coming from states aggressively attracting resi-
dents and employers away from New york altogether. Florida. Texas. The Carolinas.
When families leave the metropolitan area because housing costs become unsustainable, Long Island and New york City both lose. When businesses relocate operations out of state, the economic pain is shared throughout the downstate region.
Instead of trying to outcompete one another for headlines or short-term political advantage, regional leaders should be working together to address the challenges we all face: affordability, transportation reliability, housing shortages, public safety and economic competitiveness.
The LIRR strike also reinforced another important truth: Infrastructure matters. Reliable transportation is the backbone of the downstate economy. Millions of people depend on the seamless movement of workers and consumers throughout the region every day. When that system breaks down, even temporarily, it reminds us how fragile — and how interconnected — our economy really is.
In the future Long, Island and New york City will succeed or fail, rise or fall, together. That isn’t political rhetoric. It is an economic reality.
Tom Grech is president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and acting chair of the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency and Local Development Corporation.
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau