Months of planning, fundraising and preparation culminated June 13 as participants gathered at Baldwin Park for the Relay for Life of Baldwin, raising awareness and encouraging others to join the fight against cancer. Above, Relay members Jennifer Scarduzio, Abbey and Miguel Melendez, Linda Angelastro, Jim and Pat Kelly, and Lisa Coleman pose together in a sea of purple. At right, survivor speaker Marie Burns shares her cancer journey with attendees.
Students make global connections
By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
When third graders at Meadow Elementary School in Baldwin first began learning about Kenya, they expected to discover a world very different from their own.
Instead, they found children who played games, attended school, rode bicycles and shared many of the same interests that they held.
That realization sparked a newfound friendship between Meadow students and children in Kenya that culminated this spring with the Baldwin students helping fund 14 bicycles for a school in the East African nation — and watching the bikes arrive during a live video broadcast.
YMartin said the school selected Kenya as the focus of its study and received trunks filled with cultural artifacts, books, musical instruments and learning materials designed to immerse students in another culture.
“It was a project that really got kids excited about learning about cultures around the world,” Martin said.
ou could be small, you could be young, you can only be in third grade, but you can come together and do big things that have an impact.
Yol ANDA MAR tIN Principal, Meadow Elementary School
The partnership grew out of the Red Trunk Project, an educational initiative that combines social studies and literacy through hands-on learning. Meadow Principal Yolanda
Martin said the initiative also aligned with the district’s goal of developing “futureready” skills, encouraging students to think critically, communicate across cultures and see themselves as global citizens. But Martin wanted the experience to extend beyond classroom lessons. Working through the Baldwin School District and an organization called Hope for Kajiado, which supports a school and children’s home in Kajiado, Kenya, Meadow students began corresponding with their counterparts in
Continued on page 10
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
stAY ConneCteD suBsCriBe toDAY
News brief
Athletes commit to collegiate programs
Baldwin High School recognized 13 graduating student-athletes during its Spring College Signing Day ceremony in May as they committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities across the country.
The students will compete in basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis, cheerleading and track and field at the collegiate level.
The athletes honored were:
Basketball
■ Gabriel Phillips — The Pomfret School
■ Dylan Cudjoe — West Nottingham Academy
■ Isaiah Lett — Dutchess Community College
■ Leah Williams — Molloy University Tennis
■ Luke Lastique — Adelphi University Soccer
■ Matthew Alexandre — Adelphi University
■ Malachi Young — Hunter College Volleyball
■ Sabrah Folkes — Western Carolina University
Cheerleading
■ Arianna Joseph — University at Albany Lacrosse
■ Garris Williams — Dominican University
■ Amir Karl-Otto — Felician University
■ Ava Jerome — Virginia State University
■ CJ Keryc — Rowan University Track and field
■ Jordan Williams — Adelphi University
Family members, coaches, teammates and school officials attended the ceremony, which concluded with photos and a reception celebrating the students’ achievements.
OBITUARY
Anthony Froehlich
Anthony Froehlich passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026 at his home.
He was born on January 21, 1935 in New Hyde Park NY & lived most of his life in Baldwin, NY.
He served in the Air Force from 1957-1961. He worked in banking until 1994. He then retired to Saratoga Springs NY in 1996.
His hobbies included model trains, tropical fish, carpentry, stereo systems & computers.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years Judy, his six children Michael (Deidre), Patti (Ken), Kathy (Mike), Carl (Elaine), Bill (Karen) & Steve (Terry), 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents Anthony and Viola Froehlich and his sister Marie Ruhlin.
— Allyson Ferrari
Courtesy Baldwin School District
CJ Keryc, seated, celebrates her commitment to Rowan University’s women’s lacrosse program with family members during Baldwin High School’s Spring College Signing Day ceremony.
BHS guidance department hosts college
Baldwin High School hosted over 100 colleges and universities at their recent 2026 college fair. Organized by the guidance department, the annual event provided students with the opportunity to explore diverse college options and plan for their academic futures.
All students at Baldwin High School were invited to attend the fair during their free periods throughout the school day. From learning more about particular colleges they are interested in to just considering a path in higher education, this fair had something for everyone. Students were able to talk to admissions counselors and get a glimpse into the process of applying to and attending colleges and universities.
“This event is about access and awareness,” Baldwin High School’s assistant principal for guidance Stephen Saravia said in a release sent to the Herald. “By bringing over 100 colleges and universities, and trade schools directly to our students, we are helping them see the many opportunities available after graduation.”
Saravia applauded counselor Meghan Schlosser for her work in leading the planning and coordination of the fair.
“[Schlosser] helped make it such a successful experience for our students,” he said.
— Nicole Tobia
Admission counselors from the University of Arizona gave information to prospective students at Baldwin High School’s college fair.
fair
Photos courtesy Baldwin School District
The Baldwin High School college fair drew students across grade levels into the gymnasium to learn more about their options for possible future plans.
Students gathered at Hofstra University’s information table during the annual college fair. Students had the opportunity to learn more about a campus close to home.
A Baldwin High School student spoke to admission counselors from Adelphi University, learning more about the programs the university has to offer.
Courtesy Marc Eliot Stein
Thomas Dean to make stage debut this month
Thomas Dean, of Baldwin, will make his stage debut with the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island this month. He will be starring in the production of The Yeomen of the Guard.
The production will be staged at four Long Island venues: June 20 at the Star Playhouse at the Suffolk Y JCC in Commack, June 21 at the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale, June 27 at the Jeanne Rimsky Theatre in Port Washington and June 28 at the Madison Theater at Molloy University in Rockville Centre.
This year marks the production company’s first staging of The Yeomen of the Guard since 2009 as well as their 72nd season.
In The Yeomen of the Guard, set at the Tower of London during the reign of Henry VIII and famous among Gilbert & Sullivan enthusiasts for its dramatic story and its magnificent score. Dean will play the role of Colonel Fairfax, who is a young, aristocratic war hero who was silenced to die at the Tower of London. The play follows the story of Colonel Fairfax.
The show debuted in 1888 with the script and lyrics created by W.S. Gilbert and the score by Arthur Sullivan. The show includes one of its most well known songs, “Oh Mercy”.
The production is directed by Gilbert
& Sullivan scholar and veteran director Gayden Wren, with music direction by Stephen O’Leary and orchestral direction by Michael C. Haigler.
“It’s a really moving story, and the music is exceptionally beautiful,” the director Gayden Wren said in a release sent to the Herald. “It has plenty of laughs, but instead of the usual farcical Gilbert & Sullivan plot, it’s a story of realistically depicted people in situations that evoke real emotion. It’s been a pleasure to explore this complex, rewarding work with such a gifted cast.”
Wren commented on Dean’s starring role, complementing the newcomers’ vocal strength and stage presence.
“He’s also a gifted comedian and has found the humor in a part that is often played as downbeat and depressed,” Wren said. “For a newcomer, his work is admirable, and I look forward to seeing what happens with him in years to come.”
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on June 20 and June 27, and at 3 p.m. on June 21 and June 28. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $30 for seniors and $15 for students.
For more information about the production, visit gaslocoli.org/tickets
— Nicole Tobia
WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/baldwin
■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: baldwineditor@liherald.com
Elsie Maynard (Kara Vertucci), center, chooses the dashing Colonel Fairfax (Thomas Dean, left) over the jester Jack Point (Christopher Diamond) in Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island’s 2026 production of “The Yeomen of the Guard.”
By ALLYSON FERRARI
Things To know abouT beach Reads
Books to check out this summer
aferrari@liherald.com
As temperatures rise and vacation season gets underway, summer reading lists are taking shape. For many, the season provides a chance to slow down and finally tackle the novels that have been sitting on their shelves for months. Whether you’re looking for an emotional family story, an imaginative historical escape or a lighthearted romance, these three books offer compelling stories that are well suited for long days in the sun.
In Catherine Newman’s bestselling novel, Rocky, a mother of two, returns to Cape Cod for her family’s annual summer vacation, a familiar tradition that begins to feel increasingly fragile as she confronts aging parents, grown children and the realities of a long marriage. The novel explores aging, motherhood, marriage and the often-overlooked challenges of middle age, balancing sharp humor with moments of heartbreak and self-discovery. Equal parts witty and heartfelt, “Sandwich” captures the tensions, joys and quiet griefs of midlife while exploring the ways families evolve — and endure — over time. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories and realistic portrayals of family relationships will find plenty to relate to in Newman’s 2024 novel.
n “Yesteryear” by Caro Claire Burke
This historical fantasy-romance blends time travel with women’s history. “Yesteryear” follows Natalie, a modern woman who unexpectedly finds herself transported to the 19th century, where she must adjust to a society with far fewer rights and freedoms she is accustomed to. As she navigates life in another era, Natalie is forced to reconsider assumptions about independence, opportunity and the role of women in society. Blending historical fiction, romance and time travel, the novel offers both an entertaining escape and a thought-provoking look at how much life has changed and how much remains the same. Fans of historical fiction and stories such as “Outlander” will likely find this 2026 novel especially appealing.
A contemporary romance that has become a modern summer favorite. “Beach Read” centers on bestselling romance author January Andrews and literary fiction writer Augustus Everett, who unexpectedly become neighbors for the summer. Facing writer’s block, the two strike a deal to swap genres, challenging each other to step outside their creative comfort zones. What begins as a lighthearted writing experiment develops into a deeper exploration of grief, family relationships and second chances. With witty dialogue, memorable characters and an emotional core, the novel has become one of the defining beach reads of the past several summers.
n “Sandwich” by Catherine Newman
n “Beach Read” by Emily Henry
World Cup fervor spreads to Long Island
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Kids ran around as only children can — free and without care — as adults milled around the artificial-turf field and the seats of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the Stony Brook University campus.
I really love the USA, and I really want to support the team
This was the first of a few World Cup watch parties staged by Empire State Development, which promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity across New York. Several thousand people came for the soccer last Friday. The first game shown on the stadium screens was Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, being played in Toronto, as the event began at 3 p.m. Guests had a choice of watching the first game, the second game or both.
z Terryville
At 7 p.m., after those teams played to a 1-1 draw, the second session got underway, and many had come to root for the Unites States Men’s National Team, playing their first game of the quadrennial global tournament, which this year is being hosting across North America, with many of the games in the U.S.
Joe Nola, a Holbrook resident, brought his son Everett, 9, a soccer fan who started playing a few years ago and took to the sport.
“[I’m here] basically for him,” Nola said of his son. “He started getting into soccer and the World Cup, and I started following it a lot more the last couple of years. He’s really excited and so am I, so we’ve been waiting to check out more soccer, and saw this and thought it would be a full opportunity to watch the USA game.”
A travel soccer team player, Everett was a bit shy, but his father said he has an affinity for the “beautiful game.”
“As a family, we’re trying to watch more and learn more about it, so this is, like, a really cool experience,” Nola said, adding of Everett. “He plays goalie. He loves the pressure, for some reason. He drives his mother crazy with the stress. He’s a big fan of [Matt] Freese [the American goalie] and a lot of the goalies that we see internationally.”
Antonella Cortez, 11, from Setauket, who also plays on a travel team, was there to cheer on Team USA.
“I’m here to watch the game,” she said matter-of-factly, adding that playing soccer is fun. Her favorite position? “Anything besides middle and goalie,” she said.
Before the featured match of Paraguay vs. USA, in Los Angeles, the band Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set in a driving rainstorm that seemed to end just after they struck
Terryville, Liam Sobritch, of East Northport, and Connor Klinger, from Selden, all wearing USA jerseys, roleplayed interviewer and interviewee, so of course the natural thing was to interview them.
“I really love the USA,” Hernandez said, “and I really want to support the team. I hope they win the World Cup.” His analysis of the first half? “They played great. We need to space out a little more, but we could have this win.
“It was good,” Sobritch said. “We scored three, so maybe [we] space out a little more.”
“We need more spacing,” Klinger agreed, “but [we’re] amazing on the attacking.”
From an own goal by Paraguay in the opening minutes to a score by Gio Reyna in the match’s waning seconds, the U.S. team dominated in a 4-1 win. The next game for the Americans is Friday versus Australia.
Organizing events such as a World Cup Watch Party is not an easy feat.
“This is almost two years in the making,” Dan Gross, Empire State Development’s executive director for New York Special Events, said. “I drew up a plan. It really started with the governor. FIFA controls the tickets,” he added, referring to the World Cup’s governing body. “They control the ticket pricing. The need to make sure people have access.” Gross and colleagues drew up the plan to hold watch parties across the state. They developed a grant program so that all 10 state regions across New York could have watch parties as well.
“I am very proud to say we are the only state in the nation, from a states perspective, that is truly bringing the World Cup experience to all four corners of the state,” Gross said.
For information on future news related to the World Cup Watch Experience, go to ILOVENY.com/fifa-world-cup/ community-viewing-events.
their final chords.
At halftime, the kids resumed their playful running around, and adults
made their way back and forth to the LaValle Stadium concession stands. Young teens Logan Hernandez, from
Rock group Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set before the U.S.-Paraguay game in Los Angeles.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
As the U.S. team scored three first-half goals against Paragua, fans got to cheer often at the Stony Brook World Cup Watch Party.
Elmont resident Al Amin was a particularly colorful supporter of the U.S. team.
Baldwin schools, students unite in String Festival
The Baldwin Union Free School District’s String Festival struck a powerful chord this year by bringing together student musicians from every level of the district. In a rare and ambitious collaboration, elementary, middle and high school students performed sideby-side — an experience that few Long Island districts have attempted.
Held during Music in our Schools Month in March, the festival celebrated not only musical talent but also the strength of Baldwin’s performing arts program. The highlight of the evening was the all-district finale, where students of varying ages and skill levels from the elementary, middle and high schools united on one stage as a single orchestra.
“This year was special because this was the first time we attempted an alldistrict finale, in which all members, elementary through high school orchestra played on the stage at the same time,” the district’s director of fine and performing arts André Poprilo said. “This is not an easy feat musically or logistically, but it was a powerful moment for our students and a powerful demonstration of the strength of the program.”
Coordinating the performance required extensive planning, from aligning musical arrangements to managing rehearsal schedules across schools. The evening was made possi -
The Baldwin Union Free School District’s String Festival was held during Music in Our Schools Month in March, highlighting the district’s commitment to arts education and bringing together student musicians from every grade level to perform as one orchestra.
ble through the dedication and high level of instruction of music teachers
Stephanie Muir of Baldwin High School, Noellia Nicotri of Baldwin Mid-
dle School, and Maia Nau of Meadow Elementary School.
The 2026 String Festival reflected the district’s commitment to arts education and innovative educational experiences.
— Allyson Ferrari Courtesy Baldwin School District
7
BALDWIN HERALD — June 18, 2026
Driscoll seeks Gillen’s congressional seat
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Jeanine C. Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, says her experience managing one of Nassau County’s most visible local offices has prepared her for a run for Congress, and she is seeking the Republican nomination in New York’s 4th District.
Driscoll, 59, a Republican and a longtime resident of Bellerose, will face Marvin Williams in next Tuesday’s primary. The winner will take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen in November.
Driscoll said she decided to enter the race after former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito lost to Gillen in 2024.
“I was called and I found out that they were interviewing candidates,” Driscoll said. “I’ve been in office for seven years. I’ve lived in Nassau County for about 25 years. I’ve been a volunteer, I was a village judge, and I’m a lawyer. I have the life experience to do this.”
She said the timing also aligned with her family life, noting that she and her husband are now at a stage where their youngest child is heading off to college.
A central focus of Driscoll’s campaign is tax policy, an issue she said has defined her public-service career. “I have always been focused on trying to alleviate the burden of taxpayers,” she said. “That’s been my number one priority since I’ve been in office.”
As receiver of taxes, Driscoll said, she has worked to expand access to property tax exemptions and educate homeowners about available relief programs. Her office has also implemented services such as drivethrough payment windows, satellite offices, online payment options and email reminder systems.
She said she also regularly hosts seminars on tax grievances and exemptions. “I don’t leave until every question is answered,” she said. “I’ve been in libraries
at 10 o’clock at night helping people understand their taxes.”
Driscoll said that direct contact with residents has shaped her understanding of public service more than any other experience. “No one deals with constituents
every day like I do,” she said of area tax officials. “People are in my office every single day, and I hear firsthand what they’re going through.”
In Congress, she added, lawmakers often lack dayto-day exposure to constituent concerns.
Driscoll also noted her background as an attorney for more than three decades and her prior service as an associate village justice. She has also been active in community organizations, including the Floral Park Memorial PTSA and the Junior Women’s Club of Bellerose.
Her policy priorities, she said, would center on reducing costs for families through tax relief measures, changes to federal deductions and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Rising insurance costs, housing prices and taxes are all contributing to what Driscoll described as an affordability crisis on Long Island.
“You have people who grew up here, raised their families here and now they can’t afford to stay,” she said. “She supports efforts to increase take-home pay by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding the deduction for state and local taxes.
Asked why voters should choose her over Williams in the primary, Driscoll said that experience and familiarity with local taxpayers set her apart. “I know the residents, I know the taxpayers and I know how Nassau County works,” she said. “I’ve worked directly with people who are struggling, and I understand what they need.” She also emphasized her endorsement by the Nassau County Republican Committee.
As for what differentiates her from Gillen, Driscoll said the contrast comes down to tax policy and fiscal priorities, and that she looked forward to making her case directly to 4th District voters. “I’m all in,” she said. “I want to win this seat, and I believe I can.”
Williams is campaigning for GOP primary
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams will face off against Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine C. Driscoll in the Republican primary in the 4th Congressional District next Tuesday. The winner will challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Laura Gillen in the November general election. Williams, 64, is a lifelong New Yorker and current Garden City resident who has spent 30 years in public service as an active-duty Air Force chaplain, senior pastor and senior executive at the federal level. He is focusing his campaign to represent Nassau County’s South Shore communities on lowering costs for Long Island families, restoring public safety, securing the country’s southern border, creating congressional term limits, supporting veterans and, he said, bringing accountability to Washington D.C.
“The core lesson is exactly the same in ministry as it is in the federal government: When a mission is failing, you do not keep sending the same people back with the same plan,” Williams said. “That is not just political partisanship — that is the voters of Long Island loudly telling Washington that they have not been heard.”
Williams said that hearing those loud cries, and his love for country and community, motivated him to run for the congressional seat and create “lasting change” for Long Islanders in the 4th District, economically and socially.
“I am not running because I need a new career,” he told the Herald. “I am running because I have the time, the executive experience and the absolute political
“In
independence to do this job for the right reasons.”
Williams listed affordability, public safety and immigration, honoring veterans, and term limits as
his “four critical priorities.” Additionally, he wants to reduce energy and transportation costs, especially for Long Island.
Despite having less political experience than Driscoll and Gillen, Williams maintains that experience is far from the most important quality of a political leader.
“In this race, political tenure is not the most important asset,” he said. “Proof of capability is. Traditional political experience simply means time spent occupying a seat in a government building. Proof means tangible, measurable results you can put a clear dollar amount on – and I have those numbers.”
Williams also points out that he already has experience serving at the federal level, leading the charge for Air Force Inspection System reform and spearheading operational adjustments that, he said, saved $30 million in overseas operations at the Naval Supply Systems Command.
He believes that his military experience also makes him a more qualified candidate for Congress. He credits the lessons he has learned about service and the time spent as a senior federal executive as more than adequate background to know how to represent Long Island residents.
“Long Islanders are carrying an immense amount of economic and social worry right now,” Williams said. “They need a representative who genuinely hears them, not a career politician who reads about them in a polling memo. … My service makes me uniquely qualified, because three decades of mission-driven, results-accountable executive work is the precise preparation required for a job that demands those qualities today.”
Courtesy Driscoll for Congress Jeanine Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, is the Republican and Conservative choice for Congress in the 4th District.
Courtesy Marvin Williams for Congress
this race, political tenure is not the most important issue,” Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams said of the Republicans’ effort to unseat Gillen.
ERASE Racism hosts forum on inequality
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
The Long Island-based advocacy group ERASE Racism held its 25th Anniversary Benefit event earlier this month, giving out awards for anti-racism and anti-discrimination work and awarding scholarships to students who embody the organization’s values.
Hundreds of guests crowded the Garden City Hotel on June 3 for a cocktail hour and to take part in ERASE Racism’s silent auction, where items ranging from artwork to lottery tickets were bid on for up to thousands of dollars. The funds will go to ERASE Racism advocacy initiatives for public education and housing equality.
Students Ria Bhatia, of Jericho High School; Edwin Montes Dubon, of Uniondale High; Zamari Paul, of Malverne High; and Janeiry Savinon, of New Hyde Park High, were each awarded $500 scholarships for winning a student essay contest. Malverne High student Matthew DaCosta was awarded the $1,500 John Wenzel Scholarship for his work with ERASE Racism.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and activist Monique Fitzgerald were honored with special awards for their advocacy against structural racism. HannahJones’s work on the 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine and audio series
examining the beginnings of American slavery and its generational effects, was highlighted during the program.
Hannah-Jones and Elaine Gross, ERASE Racism’s founding president, had a “fireside chat,” discussing how racism continues to impact life for minorities, particularly Black communities, on Long Island and across the country.
“This is a hard time for civil rights organizations, because there is a very organized and powerful effort from the highest reaches of the government that basically is saying there is nothing
called structural racism,” Gross told the Herald before the event.
She identified an April settlement between the U.S. Justice Department and the Town of Oyster Bay over alleged housing discrimination as an example of structural racism on Long Island. In the case, which was settled in U.S. District Court, the town was found liable for “intentionally discriminating against Black individuals” by giving the children of current residents priority in purchasing housing units under its Next Generation housing program. This allegedly hindered the ability of Blacks and
other racial minorities to buy homes in predominantly white Oyster Bay.
Hannah-Jones pointed out that racism on Long Island often is not a conscious effort by residents, but rather the result of the region’s historically discriminatory structure.
“You as an individual white person don’t have to be racist at all to have your housing choices and the benefits of your housing choices shaped by a structure that you have nothing to do with creating,” she said.
Talking more about the 1619 Project and contemporary racism, Hannah-Jones contended that the sanitized way in which many schools and institutions deal with America’s racist history is counterproductive to the goal of erasing racism.
“The truth about America is deeply heartbreaking,” she said, “but I find the truth to be a liberating thing, because one can confront the truth that everything that is within the law is constructed. If you know that it’s constructed, then you know it can be deconstructed.”
Hannah-Jones acknowledged that she was not very optimistic about race relations and how discrimination is handled in the U.S., citing the current administration as a reason for such pessimism. But, she and Gross said they believe that as today’s young people advocate for social justice, they have the potential to unlock a better future for Long Island and beyond.
Courtesy ERASE Racism
Elaine Gross, founding president of ERASE Racism, left, hosted a “fireside chat” with Nikole Hannah-Jones on the continuing impact of racism on Long Island.
Students discover common ground abroad
East Africa through pen-pal letters and virtual meetings.
Students also exchanged small items representing their communities. Meadow students sent bracelets, pencils and information about Baldwin, while receiving cultural items from Kenya.
Meadow teachers connected with teachers overseas, while students exchanged stories about their daily lives. During a live Zoom session, children on both sides of the globe quickly discovered common ground.
“We saw a student with a Roblox shirt on,” Martin recalled. “One of our students said, ‘Oh my God, I love Roblox too.’”
Students also discovered shared interests in sports, food and family life, helping diminish misconceptions they may have held about what life in Kenya is really like, Martin said.
Third grade teacher Monique Hayles said students were eager to learn about Kenya from the beginning, particularly because the lessons included artifacts they could see, touch and examine. As they exchanged letters with their pen pals, students began noticing similarities alongside cultural differences.
“The students were pleased to know they had more similarities,” Hayles said. “I could see the connection growing over time.”
As the partnership developed, students began looking for ways to help their new friends.
Initially, school leaders considered sending sports equipment and school supplies. However, after learning about shipping costs and discussing logistics with students, they discovered a greater need. The Kenyan school, which serves roughly 600 students, had only two bicycles available on campus.
For many Kenyan students, bicycles can significantly reduce travel time to and from school.
Meadow students, families, staff members, the PTA and local Girl Scouts contributed to a series of fundraising efforts throughout the year, raising money for bicycles for the Kenyan
meadow elementary students display a handcrafted basket from Kenya while exploring cultural artifacts provided through the red trunk project.
school. Together, they raised roughly $1,400 — enough to have 14 bicycles built locally in Kenya.
Martin said the effort also became a lesson in economics and problem-solving as students considered how to make the greatest impact possible.
Rather than shipping donated sports equipment overseas at significant expense, students learned that building bicycles locally in Kenya would stretch their fundraising dollars further and better serve the community.
“We had to think globally,” Martin said. “How do we make sure it’s a help and not a hardship?”
The emotional payoff came after the bicycles were delivered to the school on June 1, when students watched a Facebook Live broadcast showing the bicycles being distributed.
“It was a full-circle moment,” Martin said. “What they thought was a small gesture had such a huge impact.”
During the livestream, students
won’t be late to school,” one student said. Another added, “I feel happy because now they can travel to school, and they don’t need to walk to far places.”
The project also broadened Meadow students’ understanding of the world.
Several students said they were surprised to learn how much they had in common with children their age thousands of miles away. One student said Kenya was “more like here than I thought it was,” while another said the experience changed their view of children in other countries because “they are a little more similar to us.”
Hayles said those moments helped reinforce lessons about empathy and giving that students had previously explored through social-emotional learning activities.
Martin said Meadow plans to continue the partnership next year through additional Zoom meetings, cultural exchanges and service projects.
The experience exceeded expectations, she said, because it showed that children have the ability to make a difference.
watched Kenyan children climb onto the bicycles and begin riding them, a moment Martin described as both emotional and rewarding.
“I felt excited that the kids in Kenya
“You could be small, you could be young, you can only be in third grade,” Martin said. “But you can come together and do big things that have an impact.”
Students investigate traditional Kenyan fabric and other artifacts as part of a social studies and literacy unit focused on life in Kenya.
meadow elementary students explore traditional Kenyan beadwork during a classroom activity designed to deepen their understanding of another culture.
Photos courtesy Meadow Elementary School
meadow elementary third graders watch a presentation about Kenya as part of the red trunk project, a global learning initiative that connected Baldwin students with peers in east africa.
Baldwin honors fallen service members
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Despite the cancellation of Baldwin’s annual Memorial Day parade because of inclement weather, residents, veterans and local officials gathered at Baldwin High School on May 26 for a Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony hosted by American Legion Baldwin Post No. 246.
The post invited Legion family members, veterans and community residents — including those who would have participated in the parade — to attend the ceremony, emphasizing that the community would “not miss the opportunity to Honor and Remember.”
The ceremony honored the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. military. Veterans, first responders, elected officials and residents filled the auditorium to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin joined American Legion Post No. 246 Commander Hare, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé and members of the Baldwin community for the event.
“Although the Baldwin Memorial Day Parade was unfortunately canceled due to the weather, it was inspiring to see the community still come together in the high school auditorium to recognize the true meaning of Memorial Day and pay
tribute to our fallen heroes,” Griffin wrote on social media. “The ceremony provided an important opportunity to reflect on their courage, sacrifice, and the responsibility we all share to preserve their legacy for future generations.”
The ceremony also recognized this year’s parade grand marshal, Erik Mahler, who received a New York State Assembly citation. Griffin congratulated Mahler and thanked American Legion Baldwin Post No. 246, the Baldwin School District and the event organizers for continuing the annual tradition despite the weather.
Members of the Baldwin Fire Department participated in a wreath-laying ceremony, standing beside a red, white and blue memorial wreath beneath a large American flag displayed inside the school.
Members of the Baldwin Fire Department gather around a memorial wreath during Baldwin’s Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony, held indoors after inclement weather forced the cancellation of the annual parade. Grand Marshal Erik Mahler, center, receives a New York State Assembly citation during Baldwin’s Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Baldwin High School after the annual parade was canceled because of rain.
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
11 BALDWIN HERALD — June 18, 2026
Adelphi showcases summer art exhibitions
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Adelphi University is welcoming the community to a series of free summer art exhibitions on its Garden City campus, featuring works that range from student creations and abstract paintings to international cultural traditions and social activism.
The exhibitions are being presented throughout June, July and early August in galleries across the campus and are open to the public.
Among the featured shows is “Strolleroptera,” a solo exhibition by artist Despina Zografos, on display through June 21 in the Performing Arts Center First Floor Gallery. The exhibit features hand-cut paper works inspired by Zografos’ childhood on the Greek island of Crete and the traditional lacework, crochet and embroidery passed down through generations of women in her family.
The Adele and Herbert J. Klapper Art Gallery is hosting “Reimagining the Future: Nurturing Change for a More Dignified and Meaningful Co-Existence” through June 30. Curated by the independent initiative Artivism, the exhibition explores themes of social transformation and encourages reflection on actions that can help shape a better future.
At the Swirbul Library Lovely Gallery, visitors can view “Emergent Light,” a solo exhibition by Lisa Petker Mintz run-
Photos courtesy Adelphi University
Intricate hand-cut paper artwork by artist Despina Zografos is featured in “Strolleroptera,” a solo exhibition on display at Adelphi University’s Performing Arts Center Gallery through June 21. The exhibition draws inspiration from Zografos’ childhood memories of Crete and traditional textile patterns passed down through generations of women in her family.
ning through Aug. 2. The collection features abstract paintings that examine vulnerability, intuition and transformation through layers of color and texture.
The university is also showcasing young local talent through “Art in the Heart,” the New York State Art Teachers Association Region 9 Exhibition, on display through June 18. The annual exhibi-
tion features artwork from K-12 students representing 19 Nassau County school districts, including Bellmore-Merrick, East Rockaway, Freeport, Hewlett-Woodmere, Levittown, Long Beach, Massapequa, Oceanside, Valley Stream and West Hempstead.
Now in its 16th year, “Art in the Heart” highlights student creativity across a
“Pond Reflections 4,” an abstract acrylicand-mixed-media painting by Lisa Petker Mintz, is among the works featured in “Emergent Light,” on display through Aug. 2 at Adelphi University’s Swirbul Library Lovely Gallery. The exhibition showcases a collection of abstract paintings exploring intuition, transformation and the creative process.
variety of artistic media and cultural perspectives while strengthening connections between local schools and the broader community.
All exhibitions are free to attend. For more information, visit adelphi.edu.
STEPPING OUT
‘Celebrity Autobiography’ is back in the spotlight
By Iris Wiener
For more than three decades, Angelo Fraboni has built a career that spans Broadway stages, national tours, arts administration, and theatrical producing. Today, while serving as Artistic Director of the Madison Theatre, on the Molloy University campus, Fraboni continues to leave his mark on the professional theater world as a producer of Broadway’s “Celebrity Autobiography,” the comedic sensation currently delighting audiences once again after its original Drama Deskwinning run in 2008.
The show, created by Eugene Pack, takes passages from celebrity memoirs and transforms them into a live comedy event performed by well-known actors. For Fraboni, the appeal of the production has remained remarkably consistent since he first became involved. “Laughter,” he says when asked why the show continues to resonate.
“Everyone needs something to laugh at and just enjoy where you don’t have to think very hard. It’s easy laughter. We’re not making fun of people; we’re just reading this banal dialogue that people write in their autobiographies.”
That spirit of spontaneity has helped make “Celebrity Autobiography” a unique theatrical experience. Unlike most productions, the cast has little rehearsal time together before stepping onstage.
“The actors are cracking each other up as much as they’re cracking up the audience,” Fraboni says. “The greatest thing about the show is the rawness of it and these celebrities being human on stage with each other. It’s glorious.”
Fraboni has been involved with the production since its early years, serving as both producer and general manager before focusing exclusively on producing. He has helped bring the show to audiences across the United States and around the world, while continuing to oversee one of its most challenging components: casting. While the rotating cast has already featured the likes of Katie Couric, Rita Wilson, Keenan Thompson, and Tony Shalhoub, it also has an especially strong Long Island connection, featuring local entertainment icons such as Alan Zweibel, Susan Lucci, Ralph Macchio, and Ray Romano. Pack and co-producer
Douglas Denoff are also from the area.
While Fraboni’s current work places him at the center of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, his path to producing began far from New York. Raised in a mining town in northern Minnesota, he started ballet lessons at age six alongside his twin brother.
“I was really into sports,” he recalls. “My mom and dad said, ‘Why don’t you take ballet? It will help with your athleticism.’”
What began as an extracurricular activity soon became a career. After high school, Fraboni joined a ballet company and performed professionally for five years. A chance audition for “West Side Story” during an off-season changed everything. The opportunity introduced him to acclaimed choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell, who cast Fraboni in six of his first seven productions. The experience ultimately led to his Broadway debut in “Cats” and opened doors throughout the industry.
As a performer, Fraboni developed a habit that would later serve him well as a producer and artistic leader.
“I would listen and watch,” he says. “I wanted to hear what the directors and choreographers were saying. I was very tuned in to what was going on.”
Eventually, curiosity about the creative process led him offstage and into producing. The transition revealed a side of theater audiences rarely see.
“As a performer, you show up to the theater do your job, and get your paycheck,” he says. “As a producer, you’re working constantly for months and months, sometimes years. Your job is never done.”
That commitment to building opportunities for others became the foundation of his work at Molloy University. Fraboni’s connection to the institution dates back more than two decades, when he helped bring Broadway legend Carol Channing to campus for a gala performance. There, he met then-president Drew Bogner, who shared plans to build a theater. One decade later, Fraboni received a call encouraging him to apply for the artistic director position at the newly constructed Madison Theatre.
“It was still a shell,” he remembers. “I was instrumental in how they built the infrastructure.”
Over the next 15 years, Fraboni transformed the Rockville Centre venue into a regional performing arts center featuring Broadway-caliber productions, symphony performances, international artists, jazz concerts, and educational opportunities. He also played a key role in bringing the renowned CAP21 musical theater program to Molloy, creating new pathways for aspiring performers.
“The idea was to make it an arts center with a variety of art,” he says. “I wanted it to be a regional theatre and performing arts center, but also give the students the opportunity to grow and perform with professionals.”
Despite balancing productions at Molloy with responsibilities on “Celebrity Autobiography,” Fraboni says the rewards make the long hours worthwhile.
“The joys are the audiences laughing and enjoying what we do,” he says. “We create what we think will be the best thing possible for our audiences to see, and the payoff is when they enjoy it.”
Whether producing a Broadway comedy, mentoring students at Molloy, or developing new artistic opportunities on Long Island, Fraboni remains committed to the idea that theater is ultimately about people coming together.
“There’s nothing like going to the theater, laughing with people, and experiencing a journey,” he says. “Everybody is emotionally affected differently by a show. That’s inspiring to me.”
Visit celebrityautobiography.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
A familiar favorite returns to a legendary stage as Dion takes the spotlight for a concert honoring Westbury Music Fair’s 70th anniversary. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, whose history with the iconic venue spans decades, is returning to live performance after stepping back from regular touring in recent years. While he has been largely absent from the concert circuit, Dion has remained remarkably productive, releasing new music and books while continuing to earn acclaim for his blues recordings. In the past two years alone, he released The Rock and Roll Philosopher along with a companion book, further showcasing the creativity that has defined a career spanning more than six decades. His recent blues albums have topped the Billboard Blues chart, introducing his work to new audiences while reaffirming his place among America’s enduring musical voices. Best known for classic hits such as “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer,” and “Ruby Baby,” Dion continues to evolve as an artist well into his 80s.
Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.
Tosh
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 he 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 Comedy Central Presents, Premium Blend and The Tonight Show. Tosh became a household name as the creator and host of Tosh.0, the longrunning Comedy Central hit that paired viral internet videos with his trademark commentary and satirical take on pop culture.
Tuesday, June 23, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
BALDWIN
Daniel
Courtesy Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade Scott Adsit and Rita Wilson are among the show’s rotating cast.
Courtesy Michaelah Reynolds
Angelo Fraboni is all smiles on opening night with his wife, Michelle Fraboni and his Molloy students Grace McNally, left, and Skylar Faith Ludwig.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
Jun 19
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: BCAJuneteenth Celebration@gmail.com
FIFA World Cup Watch
Party Soccer fans are invited to Eisenhower Park for Soccer In The Park, a free public watch party for the FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Australia. The viewing will feature a live match broadcast, giveaways, family-friendly activities, concessions and more. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor viewing. Free parking is available, with Lots 6 and 6A closest to the venue. Free parking is available.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200 TheIslandFC.com
Westbury House Tour
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “Secrets of the Service Wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m., also, June 21-22, June 24-25
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Jun 20
Pride Day for teens Tweens/teens in grades 6-12 are invited to celebrate Pride Month by reading and discussing their current book
Stavros Halkias
Stavros Halkias’s The Dreamboat Tour hits the Paramount stage. He delivers the sharp observations, self-deprecating humor and quick wit that have made him one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Originally from Baltimore and now based in New York City, Halkias recently wrote, produced and starred in the independent comedy Let’s Start a Cult. His latest standup special, Fat Rascal, is streaming on Netflix, following the success of his debut special, Live at the Lodge Room, which attracted millions of viewers online. Beyond the stage, Halkias hosts the hit podcast Stavvy’s World, which quickly climbed the comedy charts and built a devoted following. He also stars in the Netflix comedy series Tires and is set to appear in A24’s Tony, inspired by the life of Anthony Bourdain. Known for his candid storytelling and relatable humor, Halkias has built a loyal fan base through stand-up, podcasting and acting. He has also been featured in Steven Soderbergh’s sci-fi series Command Z. Outside of comedy, he made his runway debut at KidSuper’s Paris Fashion Week show in 2023, earning Vogue’s nod as “the plus-est of plus-size models.” His ultimate dream? Get just famous enough to buy his mother a nice home — then retire from show business to open a surf-and-turf restaurant in East Baltimore.
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”
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
Tunes with The Chiclettes Eisenhower Summer Concert Series welcomes The Chiclettes and Jun 22
Vinnie Medugno. Celebrate the remarkable women who reigned supreme on the charts! Gracie, Mikayla, and Jennie deliver an exceptional blend of female vocal groups and artists, spanning from the early rock ‘n roll and Motown eras to disco, R&B, ‘80s/90s pop and more. The Chiclettes are set to energize you as they celebrate the female artists who have graced the music scene from past to present.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Walking Club
Jun
23
Baldwin Public Library’s Walking Club continues at Baldwin Park. Participants walk for about 30-45 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 30
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Harmonize with Long Island Harmonizers Love to sing? So do the Long
through some of the featured exhibit Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects made with LEGO bricks. After the tour, head to the Barn at Orchard Hill to build a LEGO kit to take home For ages 5+. $24 per child (includes admission, guided tour, and LEGO kit). $22 per adult (includes admission and guided tour), with member discount. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Jun 26
Rockin’ with The Almost Brothers Band Rock on during the Eisenhower Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an Allman Brothers tribute with ABB and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute with Sons of Skynyrd.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Afternoon movie
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like — join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
Jun 25
Brick Builders: Build
Something Wild
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Brick Builders invites children and their grownups to enjoy building a LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Tropical Toucan. The program begins at the beech tree and includes a guided walk
Baldwin Public Library screens “Hamilton” (2020), the filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed Broadway musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton. The PG-13 historical drama-musical runs 160 minutes and stars Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Daveed Diggs and Jasmine Cephas Jones. No registration is required.
• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: 12:30-4 p.m.
• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
By ROKSANA AMID
Things To know abouT pT sd
Understanding PTSD
ramid@liherald.com
June is PTSD Awareness Month, and New York State’s Trauma-Informed Network & Resource Center urges communities to broaden their understanding: PTSD can result from many events beyond combat—car crashes, medical trauma, abuse, or repeated stress—and affects people of any age, background, or profession, underscoring need for trauma-informed support and care.
n Broad causes and common misconceptions
PTSD is often linked in popular imagination to military combat, but it arises from many kinds of traumatic experiences. Car accidents, medical emergencies, domestic abuse, betrayals, and witnessing violence can all precipitate symptoms. Furthermore, PTSD may have delayed onset: months or even years can pass before signs appear, complicating diagnosis. Recognizing diverse causes helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help. Mental health providers and communities that adopt trauma-informed approaches are better positioned to identify hidden or late-emerging PTSD, offer appropriate interventions, and support healing across different populations and life stories. Early education and outreach save lives and resources.
n Signs, brain changes, and child presentations
PTSD manifests beyond cinematic flashbacks: emotional numbness, detachment, dissociation, hypervigilance, insomnia, nightmares, and physical symptoms like chronic pain or digestive problems are common. Brain imaging shows biological correlates—overactive amygdala, reduced hippocampus volume, and decreased prefrontal cortex activity—reflecting altered fear response and memory processing. Children often present differently, reenacting trauma through play, regressing developmentally, or becoming clingy or withdrawn rather than describing events. Awareness of varied symptoms across ages is essential for accurate screening and for tailoring trauma-informed therapies that address both psychological and physiological dimensions of post-traumatic stress to improve recovery outcomes. Collaboration with families supports lasting healing and resilience.
n At-risk workers, health risks, and help
First responders, journalists, therapists, and others repeatedly exposed to traumatic material face secondary or vicarious trauma and remain at risk for PTSD. Long-term post-traumatic stress elevates risk for autoimmune disorders, heart disease, chronic pain syndromes, and gastrointestinal illnesses, linking mental and physical health. Complex PTSD, arising from prolonged or repeated harm, adds persistent shame, emotional dysregulation, and identity disturbances. Trauma-informed workplaces, accessible treatment, and community resources reduce harm and promote recovery. New York State’s Trauma-Informed Network & Resource Center offers tools for individuals and organizations to identify trauma, connect to care, implement supports, and foster hope and healing.
15 BALDWIN HERALD — June 18, 2026
Public Notices
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 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
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).
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:234179-1 160680
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 07/01/2026 at 9:30
A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
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.
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
346/26. BALDWINCVS Albany LLC, Renewal of grant to maintain one doublefaced, illuminated, detached ground sign with non-permitted reader board attached thereto; overall height 20’; overall size 154 sq. ft. (77 sq. ft. per face); setback 5’ from front & side property lines., E/s Grand Ave., 1164.22’ S/o Stanton Ave., a/k/a 1829 Grand Ave. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.
365/26. - 367/26. BALDWIN - 1025 West Merrick Road, LLC, Variances, front yard setback on Merrick Rd., rear yard, maintain addition to existing building, special exception to park in the front yard setbacks on Old Mill Rd. & Milburn Ave., variance in offstreet parking (existing auto body repair & 2 apts. above); Special exception for accessory use (storage shed) with
less than required front yard setback on Milburn Ave. in conjunction with auto body repair shop; Maintain 7’ high masonry wall & 8” high chain link fence with slats on Milburn Ave. & Old Mill Rd. & a portion of which is within the clear sight triangle., N/W cor. Merrick Rd. & Milburn Ave., running thru Old Mill Rd., a/k/a 1025 Merrick Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Baldwin within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 160783
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking On Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York,
on the 23rd day of June 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:
BALDWIN
PARSONAGE STREETnorth side, starting at a point 62 feet west of the west curbline of Grand Avenue, for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-202/26) WEST HEMPSTEAD
COLONY STREET - east side, starting at a point 223 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 17 feet.
(TH-617/25)
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid. Dated: June 9, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160800
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR TERWIN MORTGAGE TRUST 2005-8HE, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-8HE, Plaintiff - againstMARIE Y. ST. HUBERT, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 13, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court
Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 22nd day of July, 2026 at 2:30 PM. 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.
Premises known as 2685 Milburn Avenue, Baldwin, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11510. (SBL#: 54-522-50) Approximate amount of lien $792,713.51 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 614500/2019. Tiffany D. Frigenti, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: May 28, 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. 160743
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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A new pool, and the fence around it
elcome to this beautifully maintained expanded Cape in the Salisbury section of Westbury in the East Meadow school district. Offering 4-5 bedrooms and a versatile floor plan, this home is perfectly suited for today's lifestyle. The updated kitchen flows seamlessly into the comfortable living spaces, including a spacious living room and formal dining room. A striking double-sided wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and character, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the main living areas. The first floor offers exceptional flexibility, featuring a bedroom,
Q. I’m putting in a pool, and have to raise the property on the side closest to my property line by about 18 inches. I see that my permit shows I can’t go over 6 feet for the fence. What I want to do is build a wall along the property line using the concrete interlocking blocks that are made for this, and I remember from a previous column you wrote that the wall also needs a permit. Am I going to have problems getting the fence and wall approved, because the company that makes the blocks shows that they go right onto compacted gravel and not the concrete foundation you wrote about? Also, the fence will be 6 feet tall on my side, but at least 7 feet 6 inches on my neighbor’s side. Is that going to be a problem? I want to do this right away, so I can enjoy the pool this summer. Should I just do it and see what an inspector says, if anything?
A. You have given this a lot of thought. I will answer each question as well as possible. The reason for my doubt is that communities have differing opinions, and even inspectors have differing views. The real problem is that until, and sometimes even after, you get a final sign-off, anything that wasn’t documented on the plans is fair game for nullifying the approval, requiring refiling for a new permit.
The block wall can only go on a compacted gravel bed if the ground is stable — not in a flood plain or previously reclaimed land, such as in a neighborhood that was once marshland — and if the gravel bed reaches a 90 percent compaction level, according to manufacturers. This compaction is achieved only by using heavy equipment and extreme force, so if you plan to shovel it in and tamp it down, think twice. Fortunately, the wall movement will be hardly noticeable unless sections sag from the weight of the block and the horizontal shifting of the earth, which mainly occur with the help of water buildup and extremes like the weeks of below-freezing weather a few months ago that most people have already forgotten.
The fence height is another mixed bag of opinions. I’ve had to appear for clients at zoning hearings because of just such circumstances, where there was a problem achieving the 6-foot height and the uneven land dilemma. In other, similar circumstances, another inspector in the same jurisdiction said not to bother and passed the approval without the need to go through the hearing process. I believe that good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost wrote. The height issue should only come into play when a neighbor is harmed or potentially harmed by the height, such as if the fence blocks sunlight.
I can never recommend building something without approvals, as a licensed professional, but I am seeing more often that people hate the word “permit.” Good luck!
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the
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TERRORISM IN NONPROFIT facilities
oPinionS
Nassau must stop nickel-and-diming small businesses
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Nassau County. They are the dry-cleaner that remembers your name, the locksmith who answers when a family is locked out, the dog groomer trusted with a beloved pet, the fitness studio where neighbors become friends, and the home-service providers who keep our communities running.
So why is the county treating them like a revenue stream to be squeezed?
For too many entrepreneurs, opening or operating a small business here means dealing with local licensing fees that are far higher than what similar businesses pay in nearby counties. A legislative investigation revealed that Nassau County small businesses pay three to five times more for an annual license than comparable businesses in neighboring jurisdictions.
That’s not pro-business, or progrowth. It is a competitive disadvantage built into county law.
That’s why Democrats have introduced legislation to slash annual licens-
ing fees for many categories of small businesses. Those fees currently reach as high as $1,300 per business. That can mean the difference between buying new equipment, hiring another employee, paying a utility bill and simply making it through another month.
The goal of this proposal is simple: to bring Nassau County’s fees more in line with nearby counties and stop punishing local entrepreneurs for choosing to operate here.
TThe proposal comes at a time when Nassau’s small businesses need help the most. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nassau is home to more than 200,000 small businesses. They make up more than 99 percent of all businesses in the county, and employ the majority of Nassau’s workforce.
card fees, utility bills, supply costs, labor challenges, and the everyday uncertainty that comes with trying to keep a storefront open. Every dollar matters. Every fee matters. Every avoidable cost matters.
hese businesses need relief from the county’s sky-high licensing fees.
In other words, this isn’t a side issue. This is Nassau County’s economy. When small businesses are healthy, our downtowns are stronger. More residents are employed. More families are supported. More dollars stay local. But when government keeps piling costs on already strained businesses, it weakens the very foundation of our communities.
Small businesses already face rising rents, higher insurance costs, credit
Cutting these fees wouldn’t solve every challenge facing small businesses, but it would provide meaningful relief. It would send a message that Nassau County wants to be a partner, not an obstacle. It would tell entrepreneurs: We want you here, we value you, and we aren’t going to punish you for investing in our communities.
This is especially important for firsttime business owners, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses and familyrun startups.
When the New York Post asked about the bill last year, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he would be “happy to cut the fees.” If that was true then, it should be even more true now, after another year of inflation due in large part to President Trump’s crippling tariffs and his war in Iran, which are leading directly to rising costs that have made it harder for small businesses to survive.
Small businesses should not have to wait another year while a good proposal collects dust. They should not be used as bargaining chips in a political back-andforth. And they should not be told that relief is welcome in theory while nothing is actually done to deliver it.
If the county executive supports cutting these fees, he should support allowing the legislation to come to a vote. If his administration has concerns about the budget impact, let us have that discussion in public, with real numbers, real alternatives and real accountability.
But doing nothing is not leadership. Silence is not a small-business policy. Support can’t just be something we say at ribbon cuttings. It has to show up in the laws we pass, the fees we charge and the choices we make when nobody is holding oversized scissors for a photo op.
Small-business owners don’t need more slogans. They need relief. Nassau should be competing to attract entrepreneurs, not pricing them out. We should be making it easier to launch a dream here, not harder.
The legislation is there. The need is clear. Even the county executive has said he likes the idea. Now it’s time to stop talking, stop stalling and bring this bill to a vote. Small businesses have waited long enough.
Surviving the end-of-year overwhelm as an L.I. parent
Sometime around May, something shifts for Long Island parents. One morning you glance at your phone and realize that between now and the last day of school, you’re expected to attend a spring fling, coordinate field day gear, buy a prom corsage, RSVP to three birthday parties, survive finals week alongside a teenager who sleeps until 2 p.m. — or a toddler who wakes up at 2 a.m. — label 14 pairs of camp socks with permanent marker, and, somewhere in there, actually exhale. As a mom of two and as someone who works alongside Long Island families every day, I want to say plainly: This is a lot. Joy stacked on top of more joy, on top of logistics, on top of a full-time job and dinner and everything else — that’s not a celebration. That’s a stress response in a party hat.
Parental stress doesn’t stay tucked inside. It moves through families. The short-tempered answer at dinner, the
argument over a permission slip, the exhaustion that makes it hard to be present for the moments you’ve been looking forward to — these are the quiet consequences of end-ofyear overwhelm. And yet we’ve normalized it to the point where parents feel guilty for being overwhelmed.
PThat’s why the EAC Network’s Long Island Parenting Institute exists. LIPI has been offering free and low-cost workshops and classes to parents across Nassau and Suffolk counties for years — practical, judgment-free spaces to build skills, find community, and be reminded that the village is still out there. You just sometimes need an invitation. Last year, LIPI served nearly 750 parents across the region.
arental stress doesn’t stay tucked
themselves with the same compassion they offer their loved ones — recognizing burnout is a signal to slow down and ask for support. Reaching out for support is a strength, and it also helps build the kind of connected village and supportive community that so many parents are longing for.”
inside.
It moves through families.
Its programming director, Kathryn Cannino, helps oversee programs on positive parenting, child development and strengthening family relationships. Asked about parents feeling stress this time of year, Cannino’s response was, “End-of-year stress is real, but parents don’t have to push through it alone, or perfectly. The families we work with often find that turning point is treating
So if you’re not the one managing the balancing act right now, look around. Someone near you probably is. Here are three simple ways to support parents in your community this season.
1. Be specific when you offer to help. “Let me know if you need anything” is easy to say, and almost impossible to act on. Instead, try, “I’m picking up dinner Friday — I’ll grab extra for you,” or “I can take the kids to Field Day.” Specific offers get accepted. Vague ones get politely declined by people who are too tired to ask.
2. Check in on the parent who seems like they’ve got it together. They don’t. At least not entirely. The parent who shows up at every event with snacks and a smile is often running on fumes by 9 p.m. Texting, “How are you actually doing?” can mean more than you know.
3. Say the quiet part out loud. We love our kids, and will do anything for them — but that doesn’t mean we have to do everything all the time, or that we have to do it silently and alone. When one parent names the overwhelm, others feel less alone in it. You don’t need to fix anything. Just being willing to say, “This time of year is genuinely hard” is a gift.
The LIPI team and community may be one of the best-kept secrets on Long Island, but the programs they offer are open to all. If you’re looking for your village, consider joining us for the sixweek Common Sense Parenting workshop series in July. Learn more and register at eac-network.org/li-parentinginstitute.
The end of the school year is supposed to feel celebratory — and it can, once we stop pretending the sprint to get there is effortless. So hang in there. Check on your people. Go to the concert. Cry a little at graduation. And when you’re ready to come up for air, we’ll be here.
Neela Mukherjee Lockel is president and chief executive officer of EAC Network and a Long Island mother of two.
Baldwin Citizen in 2013
Allyson FerrAri
rHondA GlickmAn
Vice President - Sales oFFice
2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516) 569-4942
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eHerald editorial
Start exercising your electoral muscles
very election cycle brings a familiar refrain: “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” The phrase is often overused, but the underlying message remains true. Democracy only works when citizens participate, and that participation begins long before Election Day in November.
For New Yorkers, that opportunity starts with next Tuesday’s primary election, which determines which candidates represent each political party on the ballot in November’s general election.
Too often, primary elections are overlooked. Turnout is routinely far lower than in general elections, even though primaries frequently determine who will ultimately hold office.
In many districts, particularly those dominated by one political party, the primary is effectively the most competitive election voters will see. Yet thousands of eligible voters stay home, leaving crucial decisions in the hands of a small fraction of the electorate.
Voting is more than a civic duty; it is one of the few opportunities citizens have to directly influence the direction of their communities, states and nation. The issues debated during campaigns — taxes, public safety, education, transportation, housing affordability, health care, environmental policy and economic development — impact residents every day. Whether voters are satisfied with current leadership or eager for change, the ballot box remains the most powerful tool available to make their voices heard.
The 2026 election cycle will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, institutions that shape federal policy on everything from spending and taxation to national security and judicial appointments. Midterm elections have historically served as a
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How to register to vote and find your polling place
Nassau County: Go to the Nassau County Board of Elections website: nassaucountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.
Suffolk County: Go to the Suffolk County Board of Elections website: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.
referendum on the direction of the country, and they often produce significant shifts in political power.
Yet those outcomes are frequently decided by a relatively small number of voters. Nationally, turnout in midterm elections, like 2026, is typically lower than during presidential years. That means individual votes carry even greater weight.
New York voters face an unusual circumstance. Due to a court ruling involving the state’s congressional district maps, several elected officials who only recently won office must once again make their cases to voters. As a result, some communities will see campaigns and races return to the ballot much sooner than expected.
Rather than viewing this as election fatigue, we hope that voters see it as an opportunity. Democracy is strengthened when elected officials remain accountable to the people they represent. Frequent elections require candidates to engage with constituents, explain their records and articulate their plans for the future. Those elections also give voters a chance to evaluate whether promises made during previous campaigns have
Ben Franklin’s wise words? If only.
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column, “Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored,” in the June 4-10 issue: To use Franklin to compare the personal qualities of top officials then and now is very appropriate, for it points a way forward.
When Franklin connected the maintenance of the republic to the character of its members, he knew whereof he spoke. He was well studied in history, the qualities of his compatriots were well known to him, and he was fully experienced in the effort that went into the maintenance of “virtue.” His statements that “only a virtuous people are capable of freedom” and about the tendency of corruption to bring on “masters” were deadly serious advice about the kind of citizens necessary to “keep” the republic.
been fulfilled.
Congressional races often receive the most attention, but local and state elections — for Assembly members, village mayors, town council members, and more — can have an equally profound impact on daily life. Decisions made by state lawmakers influence school funding, transportation projects, environmental protections, public health initiatives and countless other issues that directly affect neighborhoods. The officials chosen this year will help shape policies and budgets that residents will live with for years to come.
Unfortunately, many Americans have become increasingly cynical about politics. Some believe their vote doesn’t matter. Others feel frustrated by partisan divisions or disappointed by the pace of change. Those feelings are understandable, but disengagement isn’t the answer. History repeatedly demonstrates that elections can be decided by razor-thin margins. A handful of votes can determine a local race. Every voter who participates increases the legitimacy of the democratic process and helps ensure that election results reflect the will of the broader community.
Next week’s primary should therefore be viewed as more than a procedural step on the path to November. It is the opening chapter of an election season that will help determine who represents us and what priorities those leaders pursue.
Voters should take the time now to learn about the candidates, understand the issues and confirm their registration status. They should familiarize themselves with polling locations, early voting opportunities and absentee ballot options if needed.
The road to November begins next Tuesday. The most important thing voters can do is show up and vote.
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opinions
So we set off to meet the new Notre Dame coach . . .
i’ve told this story before, but friends say it always bears retelling. Four years ago this month, a group of us experienced in just a few hours some truly high moments followed by some comedic screwups that still make us shake our heads.
nassau County republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo, my law school roommate Tom Curtin and I are notre Dame graduates, and fanatical followers of Fighting Irish football. When we heard that then new football coach Marcus Freeman would be speaking at a notre Dame event at the Union league Club in Manhattan, we decided to attend and then go to dinner afterward.
Melissa Zimmerman, a retired nassau County Police Department detective who was on my security detail when I was in Congress and was still doing security work for me, coordinated the logistics for the evening. We took my car, picked up Cairo at his north Valley Stream home and made it to the city in
Letters
Franklin made for himself a chart of seven columns, one for each day of the week, and 13 rows listing the 13 virtues he considered important enough to track. He focused on one per week, and marked his shortfalls. “Tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of attaining,” he wrote, “but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.”
Most citizens — and very few politicians — would be hard-pressed to even name 13 virtues, confused today with ideology. We know that George Washington had his own written self-guide, and self-improvement was a popular theme at the time, in line with efforts at improving society by improving the people. Citizens today should make their own list of virtues, make an honest attempt to abide by them, and insist on representatives who share the effort. Franklin’s words should be remembered, as should his efforts to attain virtue and thus be a good citizen of our republic.
BrIan Kelly Rockville Centre
plenty of time. Zimmerman parked the car in a garage a few blocks from the Union league, and once there we met up with Curtin, who, as usual, knew someone who knew someone and got us into a pre-event gathering with just a small group of alumni and Freeman, who was friendly and generous with his time. Couldn’t have been a better moment for notre Dame guys.
a
Following the larger reception downstairs, we went to Sam’s Place, a terrific Italian restaurant on east 39th Street, where we were joined by my son, Sean, another notre Dame graduate. The conversation was filled with reminiscing, and expressions of hope that Freeman would restore notre Dame football’s golden luster. afterward, as we were outside on the street posing for a group photo, Zimmerman couldn’t help congratulating herself on her logistical success. Sean said he would walk to his nearby apartment and said good night. There was a drizzle of rain, but the garage was a block away; nothing to worry about. Curtin, who lives in Jersey, was staying at the new york athletic Club, so we offered to drop him off.
nd what followed forced us to find our way home in the rain in a very sketchy Uber.
Despite a sign that said it would be open for a few more hours, the garage were locked tight. We rang the bell. no answer. It started raining harder. We were the only people on the street. The always prepared Curtin produced an umbrella and decided to walk to the nyaC. Zimmerman, seeing her brilliant planning coming undone, was on her phone trying to find an Uber to drive us to north Valley Stream. Minutes went by; no taxicab, no Uber. Cairo, one of the nation’s most powerful political leaders, was standing in the rain, looking down 39th Street. after several long minutes, a broken-down, filthy-looking, barely operable car pulled up. The driver held a cardboard sign with “Uber” scrawled in magic marker. Speaking with a thick foreign accent, he asked where we were going. north Valley Stream, Zimmerman told him.
“no problem,” he said. We warily got in the car — Zimmerman, the seasoned detective, in the front, and Cairo and I in the back. The driver seemed to have a hard time finding his way out of Manhattan as Zimmerman tried to guide him, and rain splashed against the
Framework by Tim Baker
windshield. eventually we made it to Cairo’s home, where he obligingly paid the driver and, adding insult to injury, at Zimmerman’s suggestion, gave the man a generous tip. He shook his head as he got out.
next, Zimmerman tracked down a friend to drive us to my home in Seaford, and then, because her car keys were in my car in the Manhattan parking garage, to drive her to her Bellmore home. Because my wife, rosemary, knew I’d be coming home late, she had decided to sleep in the back bedroom. When she got up in the morning and didn’t saw my car, she didn’t know whether to call the cops or the emergency room. Moments later, as I recounted the events of the previous evening, she shook her head with the look of a woman thinking, why did I ever marry this guy? Good question.
later that morning, Zimmerman took an lIrr train to Manhattan to retrieve my car and her keys and complain to the parking garage manager about his misleading closing-time sign. The saga of the notre Dame football coach and the locked garage was over, but none of us has ever forgotten it.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Diana Frohman with one of her dancing golden retrievers, 5-year-old George — Oceanside
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