


Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
The Baldwin Lions Club, in collaboration with St. Christopher’s Church, helped distribute items donated by the community from July 3 through Monday.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
The Baldwin Lions Club, in collaboration with St. Christopher’s Church, helped distribute items donated by the community from July 3 through Monday.
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Less than a week after a fire tore through a Baldwin apartment building on Merrick Road, displacing more than 200 residents, hundreds of community members gathered at St. Christopher’s Church on July 3 to collect and distribute donations to families who lost everything.
The grassroots relief effort — spearheaded by the Baldwin Lions Club in partnership with the church, and supported by local groups and volunteers — filled the lower church with thousands of donated items that included clothing, toiletries, toys and shoes.
“I’m really overjoyed by the outpouring of generosity from the community,” Lions President Naresh Singh said. “It’s amazing to see how quickly everyone came together for these families.”
The June 26 fire, which broke out just before 11:30 a.m. at a three-story apartment
building at 700 Merrick Road, near St. Christopher’s, gutted the upper floors and forced more than 140 people to evacuate. The building remains structurally unsafe, according to a sign that read ‘UNSAFE STRUCTURE DO NOT ENTER.” According to the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office, an electrical malfunction sparked the blaze.
More than 150 firefighters from Baldwin and surrounding departments battled the fire.
County Legislator Debra Mulé, who represents Baldwin in the Legislature and was on hand for the collection at St. Christopher’s, said the community’s response has been moving.
“I had a fire myself eight years ago, so this is personal to me,” Mulé said. “The community was incredibly generous to me, and I want to pay that forward. I’m so grateful to the Lions Club and St. Christopher’s for stepping up.”
Church officials said the scene last
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
When Sakiel Ruff moved from New Orleans to Baldwin in the seventh grade, he was a shy yet smart student adjusting to a new community.
That year, he landed in the honors English class of Christopher Soupios, who would go on to teach him throughout high school — and ultimately become the educator Ruff credited for shaping his academic path.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Soupios, who has taught in Baldwin for 20 years, said. “Teaching is a tough job, and you always wonder if you’re making a difference. To hear that someone you taught years ago still remembers the impact you had — that’s something special.”
He’s the teacher I think of the most.
Ruff, who’s now a graduating senior at Cornell University, was named a Merrill Presidential Scholar, one of the school’s highest honors. The award recognizes the top one percent of the senior class not only for academic achievement, but also for leadership and commitment to service.
Soupios recalled that, in the seventh grade honors English class, Ruff delivered a memorable performance of Atticus Finch’s courtroom speech from “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
SAkiEl RUff
Baldwin
As part of the program, Ruff was invited to select a teacher who had the most impact on his success — and he chose Soupios. The Baldwin High School English teacher was invited to participate in a special convocation honoring the scholars and their mentors at Cornell in May.
“That was a turning point,” Soupios said. “He was nervous, but he pushed himself and really started coming into his own.”
Later, with Soupios, Ruff took AP seminar, a course that emphasizes research, presentation and real-world problem solving.
“By then, he had grown out of his shell and was thriving,” Soupios said. “He had this deep intellectual curiosity and was always thinking about how to make the world a better place.”
“When I got the notification saying that I received the ConTinued on page 8
Leonardo Pochardo, a third grader at Steele Elementary School, was named one of two winners in his grade level in the “Be Kind to Animals” essay contest, a countywide competition that drew hundreds of entries from across Nassau County.
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The contest, held in April in recognition of Earth Day and Be Kind to Animals Month, was organized by the Humane Society of New York, North Shore Animal League, Nassau County SPCA, and the Office of the Nassau County Executive. Open to students in grades 3–5, the contest challenged children to write a 300-word essay imagining themselves as superheroes empowered to protect animals from abuse and neglect.
Two winners were chosen from each grade level and honored during a special ceremony at the county executive’s office.
“I am so proud of Leo for having his essay on kindness to animals selected—what an incredible honor!” Steele Elementary School Principal LaTrace Finney said. “His words reflect the heart of what we value most at Steele: teaching compassion, empathy, and respect for all living things.”
Leonardo received a citation from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman during the ceremony, along with two $25 gift cards. He also took home two stuffed animals and five books about animal safety, donated by the North Shore Animal League.
“Leo’s voice reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can inspire great change,” Finney added.
The essay contest aimed to foster creativity and empathy in young writers while raising awareness about the treatment and protection of animals.
— Hernesto Galdamez
Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé thanked Brian and Karen Yee Kee for their decades of service to the Baldwin community as they closed George’s Jamaican Bakery on Saturday, June 14.
The bakery, known for its hard dough bread, beef patties and Karen’s signature banana bread, had been a Baldwin staple since the Yee Kees relocated the business from Hempstead in the mid1990s. Brian Yee Kee’s parents originally opened George’s in 1989, and the couple took it over six years later.
“During the last three decades, George’s earned a sterling reputation throughout our region as a destination for authentic Jamaican food and warm hospitality,” said Mulé, the Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader. “I know that this family-owned Baldwin staple will be dearly missed by their many loyal customers — and I wish Brian and Karen all the best as they embark upon their next chapter.”
Thursday was a testament to the power of compassion and faith in action. “To us, these volunteers are witnesses of the love of God,” Maria Christ, a parish representative, said. “They’re showing up, giving their time and bringing whatever they can. This all came together in just a few days.”
Lions Club members and church staff planned to distribute donations through
Monday, as the Herald went to press. Another collection was scheduled by the Oceanside Community Warriors at the Oceanside VFW over the weekend.
Suzanne Piccolo, the Lions Club’s global membership chair and a past district governor, said that roughly 40 volunteers, including Lions Club members from neighboring communities, helped oversee the event throughout the day.
“What’s happening here is exactly what the Lions Club was founded for,” Piccolo said. “This is about community and service — and people rising to meet a moment of need.”
Singh said the club was also working to distribute gift cards and potentially set up a GoFundMe page to help families find temporary housing.
“This is what we’re here for,” he said. “To help one another get back on their feet.”
the items that were donated included clothing, toiletries, toys and shoes.
By KELSIE RADZISKI
kradziski@liherald.com
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, whose district includes Baldwin, introduced a bill establishing a confidential peer-to-peer mental health counseling program for law enforcement officers in New York. It has passed unanimously in both the State Assembly and Senate, and it now awaits the governor’s signature.
The legislation is designed to offer formal professional training to designated officers, who would then serve as peer counselors providing confidential mental health support to fellow law enforcement personnel.
“The goal of this legislation is to provide access to suitable mental health resources that will provide effective support for our law enforcement officers, so that they may better serve our citizens,” Griffin said in a news release. “By nature of their profession, the repetitive trauma experienced in the aftermath of imminent danger, violence, and loss of life associated with emergency response operations is well documented and can exact a toll, both personally and professionally.
“When these daunting experiences are not processed and addressed, they have the potential to exacerbate and disrupt all areas of life. When my bill becomes law, it will help ensure that any officer struggling with these issues will have a confidential and proximate resource for timely, direct assistance with a trained peer.”
The bill is named in honor of Joseph Banish, a New York State Trooper who died by suicide in 2008. His brother, Jim Banish, a retired officer and founder of the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program,
advocated for the measure.
“This single piece of legislation, once signed, will start saving lives immediately. Law Enforcement officers statewide will now be able to reach out for help confidentially without the fear of retribution or retaliation,” Banish said in a news release. “Joseph J. Ban-
ish would have benefited from this law, and I’m honored and proud to have worked with some amazing people to see it get passed. Thank you to all that played a part in seeing this through and helping to save lives and get officers back to work in a healthy frame of mind.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James applauded the measure’s passage, pointing to the mental health crisis among officers.
“Too many law enforcement officers struggle with PTSD, depression, and other mental issues that are hurting their families and putting them at a higher risk of suicide,” she said in a news release. “The Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act ensures that law enforcement officials throughout the state have the resources to get the help they desperately need.”
The bill’s confidentiality provisions mirror those in other professional mental health services and ensure that trained peer counselors meet those standards.
The legislation is modeled on the federal COPS Counseling Act, signed into law in 2021, and follows similar initiatives passed in several other states, including Oregon, Massachusetts, Nevada, Kentucky and Ohio.
Griffin said the bill’s unanimous support sends a powerful signal to law enforcement.
“The unanimous passage and bi-partisan support from virtually every region of our state is an encouraging message to every law enforcement officer, from local villages and towns to larger urban departments alike,” she said. “This is a message of hope, of compassion, and recognition of the unique struggles faced by the courageous men and women who protect us all.”
An unidentified person stole a green and white hosta plant from 832 School Dr. in Baldwin, according to Nassau County police on June 26.
Everyone knows physical pain is bad and tries to avoid it, says the Dalai Lama. Mental pain is also bad and the way to avoid it is through “mental immunity” – learning to avoid the destructive emotions and to develop the positive ones. Like physical immunity, mental immunity is a healthy disposition of mind that is less susceptible to negative thoughts and feelings.
If you have immunity, then viruses will not harm you, but if you don’t they can be devastating. Mentally, a small disturbance will not harm you if you have mental immunity –otherwise small disturbances can create great pain and suffering. We human beings have the ability to make a distinction between the rational and the emotional level. Rationally, we may have a serious problem to deal with, yet emotionally we can keep calm.
Dwi
Andre Ramsaroop, 29, of Brentwood, was arrested for driving while intoxicated between Grand Avenue South and Merrick Road, Nassau County police said.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.
Spectators filled Eisenhower Park on July 3 for Nassau County’s annual Independence Day fireworks celebration, marking the start of the holiday weekend with an evening of music, patriotism, and dazzling pyrotechnics. The event, presented by TD Bank and held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, has become a cherished summer tradition in the community.
It is very hard to be joyful with stress and anxiety – a continual feeling of being overwhelmed and not being able to handle our work and family commitments. Courage, said Nelson Mandela, is “not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” Archbishop Tutu says, similarly, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it.”
Happiness and joy are infectious. When you are happy, those around you become happy. Brother Steindl-Ross adds “when you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not out of a sense of scarcity, and you are willing to share… grateful people are joyful people.” When we recognize all that we have been given, it is our natural response to want to care for and give to others.
So much stress, anxiety and suffering arise from an attempt to control what cannot be controlled – wanting things to be different than they are. “All pain comes from resistance.” The mind decides what’s good or bad and reacts accordingly – whether the ride is bumpy or smooth depends on our perception.
Families and friends brought blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities, with many arriving early to secure a good viewing spot. County officials were on hand to greet attendees and take part in the celebration, which offered something for all ages to enjoy.
Musical entertainment energized the crowd throughout the evening, beginning with Long Island native Glenn Strange,
whose soulful voice and blend of rock and pop covers set the tone for the night. He was followed by Chicken Head Rocks, a high-energy band known for their powerful vocals and guitar-driven renditions of classic and modern rock hits. Closing out the performances was Face to Face, a well-known Elton John and Billy Joel tribute act, who wowed the audience with piano favorites from two of music’s most iconic legends. The crowd sang along to familiar classics, creating a festive and nostalgic atmosphere.
The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the summer sky in red, white, and blue, honoring America’s birthday and capping off a memorable night in Eisenhower Park.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Fresh off making three first-round selections in the NHL draft for only the second time in franchise history, including blue-chip defenseman Matthew Schaefer, taken No. 1 overall, the New York Islanders hosted their rookie development camp June 30-July 3 at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.
Highlighting the four-day camp was the return of the Blue & White Scrimmage, played for the first time since 2018 before a packed house July 2. Schaefer and fellow 2025 first-rounders winger Victor Eklund (16th) and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson (17th), secondround winger Daniil Prokhorov (42nd), as well as 2024 first-round pick winger Cole Eiserman (20th), second-round picks defenseman Jesse Pulkkinen (54th) and center Kamil Bednarik (61st), 2023 second-round pick center Danny Nelson (49th), and Colorado’s 2023 firstround pick center Calum Ritchie (27th) all had their talents on display and the fans buzzing.
“It’s been an unbelievable camp and the facilities here are incredible,” Aicheson said after the Blue & White Scrimmage. “I just wanted to come here and make an impression on the coaches and be a sponge. It’s been really cool to meet all the guys and see how much the fans support this team.”
The Islanders finished 35-35-12 last season and missed the playoffs. They
entered the NHL Draft Lottery May 5 with the 10th pick and a minuscule 3.5 percent chance of jumping to the top before they hit the jackpot.
Enter the 17-year-old Schaefer, widely regarded as the best player available with elite skating and playmaking skills. Ranked at the top on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s North American skaters list, he recorded 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) in 73 games across two seasons with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and on the international stage won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championships, recording five points in seven games. He becomes the Islanders’ fifth first-overall pick after center John Tavares (2009), goaltender Rick DiPietro (2000), defenseman Denis Potvin (1973) and winger Billy Harris (1972.)
“You dream of this your whole life and it’s a dream come true,” Schaefer said. “Now you’ve got to put your work boots on. Getting drafted is amazing and first overall is amazing and it’s an honor. But I’ve got to put my head down, have fun and work as hard as I can. I want to be on that opening-night roster.”
Hours before selecting Schaefer June 27, new General Manager Mathieu Darche traded a former first-round pick, Noah Dobson, after an impasse in contract negotiations with the restricted free agent defenseman to Montreal for the two additional first rounders used on Eklund and Aitcheson.
The only other year the Isles made at
least three first-round picks was in 1999 when they had four.
Eklund’s older brother, William, plays for San Jose. Victor, 18, recorded 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 42 games with Djurgårdens of HockeyAllsvenskan in Sweden last season and was ranked second on the Central Scouting Bureau’s International skaters list.
Aitcheson, 18, is a bruising defender with an impressive offensive skill set that led him to a 59-point regular season (26 goals, 33 assists) with the Barrie Colts of the OHL in 2024-25. He was Schaefer’s gold-medal winning teammate at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championships and played against him in the OHL.
“I’ve gotten to know Matthew pretty well and I’m excited to see what the future holds for him,” Aitcheson said.
It was also the first Islanders camp
for Eiserman, 18, who enjoyed a huge season at Boston University and led all NCAA freshmen in goals with 20 while helping lead the Terriers to the national title game.
“The fans are super passionate here and I’m excited to wear this logo,” Eiserman said. “It’s my first time on Long Island and I’m soaking it up and loving it. Obviously the organization does its homework on brining in not only talented players but guys with tremendous character.”
Preseason schedule released
The Islanders will play six preseason games, including three at UBS Arena: Sept. 21 versus Philadelphia, Sept. 26 against New Jersey and Sept. 29 against the Rangers. The NHL plans to announce the 2025-26 regular-season schedule July 16.
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By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The Baldwin Public Library is keeping the summer spirit alive this August with a full cal-
Summer Music Monday: Christine Sweeney
Monday, August 4, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Cap off a summer evening with a live performance by singer-songwriter Christine Sweeney, who will play a mix of covers and original music.
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Learn to Play the Harmonica
Tuesday, August 5, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Discover the basics of this pocketsized instrument. Attendees will learn simple songs, breathing techniques, and how to create classic bluesy sounds. Harmonicas will be
provided to participants.
endar of creative programs, family fun, and educational opportunities. From dinosaur shows to disaster prep, there’s something for every age and interest as the season winds down.
Wednesday, August 14, 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Here are five standout events happening next month:
3 Disaster Preparedness Workshop
Tuesday, August 12, 1:00–1:45 p.m.
Stay ready for emergencies presented by the Citizen Preparedness Corps of the New York National Guard as they cover how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Learn about making emergency plans, assembling supply kits, and staying informed before, during, and after a crisis.
4
Craftapalooza! Teen Craft Party (Grades 6–12)
Wrap up the “Color Our World” Summer Reading program with a handson craft celebration for teens. Make colorful art projects, try something new, and take home your creations.
5
Dinoman! End-of-Summer Reading Club Show (Grades K–6)
Monday, August 18, 7:00–8:00 p.m. End the Summer Reading Club with a roar! This fun, science-based show features giant inflatable dinosaurs, fossil demonstrations, and crowd participation as kids learn all about prehistoric life.
award, I was very happy and felt fulfilled,” Ruff said of being named a Merrill Presidential Scholar. “I remember seeing upperclassmen receive it and thinking how impressive they were — but I didn’t expect to be one of them. It showed me that I didn’t just get by at Cornell, I excelled.”
He said selecting Soupios as the teacher who had the greatest impact on him was an easy decision.
“He’s the teacher I think of the most,” Ruff said. “In seventh grade, I struggled and almost dropped out of honors. But he sat with me, explained I just needed time to adjust, and told me I could do it. That conversation made all the difference.”
Ruff, whose parents are both Cornell alumni, was active in student government, cofounded student organizations, and completed a thesis on the impact of adjunct faculty in higher education. He plans to attend law school and continue working in public service.
“Taking AP seminar taught me how to present confidently, even when I was nervous,” he said. “That experience became part of who I am. It helped me develop the skills I needed to succeed in college and beyond.”
For Soupios, attending the convocation at Cornell and being recognized alongside educators from across the world was a powerful experience.
“It’s like seeing your own kids succeed,” he said. “You can’t replace that feeling. Other jobs don’t give you that.”
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Baldwin High School celebrated 25 years of its districtwide mentoring program during its annual Mentoring Dinner prior to the school year ending, recognizing the growth and impact of student-mentor relationships across the district.
More than 150 students and faculty members currently participate in the program, which began at Baldwin High School and has since expanded to include Baldwin Middle School and a Peer2Peer mentoring program for underclassmen. The initiative is part of Baldwin’s broader School2Career efforts and is expected to grow further in the coming years.
“The mentor dinner was a heartfelt celebration of growth, connection, and the incredible journey of our students throughout the year,” Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs, who oversees the district’s mentoring programs said. “It was especially meaningful as we honored our seniors who, after four years in the program, have grown from eager mentees into inspiring young leaders.”
Faculty, staff, administrators, and coaches volunteer as mentors, undergoing training from MENTOR New York and committing to four years of service. The program also includes enrichment
activities, such as a holiday breakfast and community service through projects like Northwell’s “Pins with Positivity,” where students create handmade pins for hospital patients.
This year’s dinner featured music from the student orchestra under the direction of Stephanie Muir and a vocal performance of “Quiet Uptown.” Student volunteers also served dinner, creating a welcoming atmosphere for
guests.
The evening began with a speech by 10th grader Jonnae Greene, a representative of the Peer2Peer Mentoring Program, which now includes 45 students in ninth and tenth grades. Greene credited the program with helping her build confidence and feel supported during her transition to high school.
“It wasn’t just helpful, it was comforting,” Greene said. “It allowed me to
adjust to high school.”
Greene now plans to join the Youth Change Leader Collaborative as a videographer.
Ridgewood Savings Bank, a supporter of the School2Career initiatives, was represented by Selwana Hudson, who addressed the crowd.
The program also included testimonials from graduating mentees and their mentors. Seniors Jayla Rennocks and Jonathan Spooner spoke about their growth in the program and honored Franza for her encouragement and guidance.
“She saw all my little hidden talents and pushed them to the limits and helped broadcast them out,” Rennocks said of Franza.
“Mentoring has meant everything to me,” said senior MiKayla Rodriguez, who was mentored by teacher Kristine Costello for four years. Costello also mentored fellow graduate Cristiana McCoy.
Additional speakers included teacher-student pairs: Stephanie Riveira and Amani Reid; Natalie Piasecki and Samaya Lindo; Tim Ryley and Amy Vargas; Stephanie Muir and Lauren Ephraim and Gabriella Vargas; and longtime mentor Nia Thompson with her mentee Arsheq Naveed.
The evening concluded with desserts prepared by students Samantha Billig’s culinary classes.
Fire departments from across Long Island gathered at the Baldwin Firemen’s Field and Training Center on June 21 for the annual Hybrid Drill, a competitive event showcasing firefighting skill, speed and teamwork. The event brought together both ladder and hose teams — known as “truck” and “field” squads — to race through a series of timed challenges, including bucket brigades, ladder raises, and hose deployments. Known for its fast-paced action and precision, the Hybrid Drill draws departments from Nassau and Suffolk counties and serves as both a friendly rivalry and a training opportunity.
— Hernesto Galdamez
The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.
To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion
According to a Kaiser Permanente study conducted in 2023, hospital emergency department visits increase by 15 to 27 percent between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
To stay healthy and well this summer and avoid sunburn, dehydration, sickness from spoiled or improperly prepared food, orthopedic injuries, water and pool accidents, insect bites, and bee stings, here is summer safety advice from the team of board certified emergency medicine physicians at Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Fennessy Family Emergency Department:
Sunburn—Exposure to sunlight helps your skin synthesize vitamin D, which is vital to bone health, immune function, and improved cognition. When skin is repeatedly exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, the risk can far outweigh the reward. Follow these sun safety steps recommended by the American Academy of Dermatologists:
• Minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm.
• Apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, to all areas of the body exposed to the sun.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days.
• Wear clothing that covers the body and shades the face.
• Have an annual skin cancer screening.
Dehydration—Symptoms of dehydration may include some or all the following: lethargy; dizziness; deep, rapid breathing; muscle cramps; dry mouth and nose; and a drop in blood pressure. Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight cups of water per day. Avoid consumption of tea, coffee, soda, or alcohol on hot days or during recreational activities. Move to a cool, shaded area if symptoms occur.
Picnic Food Preparation and Storage—Food that is not prepared and stored properly can lead to food-
borne illness. Before packing for a picnic at the park or the beach:
• Wrap uncooked chicken and meats in separate, tightly sealed bags or containers and place them at the bottom of the cooler.
• Store foods with mayonnaise in the cooler or be sure to serve them on platters that are chilled by salad bowls filled with ice.
• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
• Freeze foods that have been prepared more than one day in advance of the picnic.
• Thoroughly cook meat and poultry to destroy bacteria.
• Discard all leftovers.
Orthopedic Injuries—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than half of all sports- and recreation-related injuries are preventable. To reduce the risk of injury: Follow a schedule that sticks to the “10 percent rule” of increasing the intensity and duration of workouts. Warm up first, followed by stretching before playing, practicing, or training. Diversify training by combining or alternating activities like walking, jogging, biking, or weightlifting.
If you feel pain, soreness, or tightness, stop. Early intervention is key to avoiding further injury.
Eat healthy: include fruits and vegetables and adequate portions of protein in your daily diet.
Water and Pool Safety—Whether your family is spending time in the pool, at the beach, or on a boat, be aware of the following safety precautions:
Never leave a child unsupervised near any body of water, including bathtubs, pools, and even buckets.
Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and fishing activities.
Keep a safe distance from boat propellers.
Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), especially if you and your family regularly participate in water activities.
While it is impossible to avoid mosquitoes, bees, and other insects, keep them away by applying insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET or picaridin. Studies show DEET is safe and effective at preventing insect-borne illness. Other steps to take include:
Avoid wearing scented products, as fragrances attract biting insects like mosquitoes and bees.
Be sure to empty out birdbaths, flowerpots, and kiddie pools of standing water.
Wear light-colored, long-sleeve shirts, and pants, especially during yard work or in wooded areas.
“And remember,” advises Jay Itzkowitz, MD, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau, “in an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 for help. By acting without delay, you may prevent a lifethreatening or serious medical emergency.”
The Fennessy Family Emergency Department and Mount Sinai South Nassau’s free-standing Long Beach Emergency Department serve the South Shore residents of Nassau County with patient-centered, expert emergency medical care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
By Karen Bloom
It’s that time again — the sweet smell of cotton candy, the sizzle of zeppole and the midway beckons. The fair is back in town, now lighting up the Nassau Coliseum grounds, through July 13.
This summertime staple brings together all the classic fun of a traditional fair, with modern-day excitement everyone will enjoy. From thrilling rides and circus performances to an old-school “oddity” sideshow and friendly farm animals, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a summer evening. It all combine for an extravaganza that entices all ages.
Keep your eyes on the Big Top: Circus Murcia carries forth with time-honored circus traditions refreshed for the 21st century. Featuring major thrill acts such as the High Wire and Globe of Death, along with assorted aerialists, jugglers and clowns and much more, fair-goers are sure to enjoy a new take on circus arts.
• Now through July 13
• Weekdays, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-11 p.m.
• $10 (free for kids under 36” tall).
• Unlimited ride wristbands (for riders 36” and taller) are $42 on-site
Fireworks spectacle
Still craving more fireworks?
Rockville Centre’s annual anniversary celebration is just the ticket! Head to Barasch Field for a festive evening of music and family fun — capped off by a dazzling fireworks show. The South Shore Symphony Orchestra sets the tone with a rousing outdoor concert. that always delights, now in their 32nd year participating in the longstanding summertime tradition that brings together neighbors from near and far. Artistic Director Adam Glaser passes the baton to guest conductor Eileen Murphy, who leads a crowd-pleasing program of patriotic anthems, Broadway hits and familiar favorites. Highlights include the 1812 Overture, selections from “Gypsy” and Videogames Live, plus classic Sousa marches. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and, of course, some picnic foods — and settle in! After dark, the fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m., choreographed to the orchestra’s performance, for a truly unforgettable finish. Admission is free and is open to everyone. Rain date is July 13.
Saturday, July 12, 7 p.m. Pette and Barasch Fields, 244 S. Park Ave, Rockville Centre. For more information, visit.rvcny.us.
— July 10, 2025
From the bizarre to high-tech, there’s something for everyone. Check out another “wonder” — the Big Bee transforming robot car.
“It’s built to be like a life-size Camaro, but inside, instead of having seats, it has a system of hydraulics and different motors that make it lift and open up,” says Alex Murcia, whose family enterprise came up with the concept.
“The car goes up and down and transforms from what looks like a regular Camaro to a giant robot.”
with attractions that all ages enjoy. The spacious gondola cars, each
• Visit empirestatefair.com for online savings on wristbands and tickets
• Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale
Also you won’t want to miss the World of Wonders sideshow, always a popular spot. Visit the colorful spot and be drawn into the scene involving 30 bizarre exhibits in the fascinating Museum of Marvels, under the watchful eye of Tommy Breen — aka The Great Gozleone. As a sword swallower extraordinaire, his antics are boundless, including fire-eating and stunts with a guillotine that are not for the feint of heart.
“When I was 14 I decided I wanted to run away with the sideshow,” Breen says. “I started teaching myself sword swallowing and some other stunts out of the back of a book I found. I didn’t think there still were sideshows around, I figured I could perform in bars with bands or something, but then when I graduated college I saw Ward Hall was hiring for his World of Wonders show. I was shocked it was still on the road and that I had the chance to work for the ‘King of the Sideshow,’ so I quit my job and got rid of my apartment and joined the carnival. It was what I had always daydreamed about, and once I got here I just never left.”
Breen proudly carries on the sideshow tradition, with his fellow sideshow folk.
A strongwoman astounds visitors with feats of strength, bending metal, ripping phone books, and breaking metal chains with her bare hands, along with other “talents” that never cease to amaze.
to be missed. Other favorites include Alien
rollercoaster, The those who never
And, of course, the rides are always a big draw. The midway features plenty, along with attractions that all ages enjoy. The Dream Wheel (one of the largest Ferris wheels on the fair circuit), commands attention, towering over the fairgrounds at 110-feet tall. With 24 spacious gondola cars, each with a six-person capacity to accommodate your entire group, it’s not to be missed. Other favorites include Alien Invasion, Super Cyclone rollercoaster, Wacky Worm family rollercoaster, The Zipper, Storybook Fun House, super slide, and bumper cars. And, yes, for those who never tire of the tea cups, you’ll find them here.
Whether you crave thrills or the funnel cake, this fair has it all.
Photos courtesy Empire State Fair
Spectacle and classic fun await at the Empire State Fair, where fireeaters, circus performers, rides, and exciting new attractions come together for summer fun.
The Gin Blossoms
through the band’s greatest hits, as
Take a trip down memory lane with The Gin Blossoms when their highly anticipated 2025 tour visits Long Island. With their timeless hits, infectious melodies and nostalgic vibes, this concert experience transports fans back to the heyday of ‘90s alternative rock. Gin Blossoms rose to fame in the ‘90s with hits like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Til I Hear It from You,” which still resonate today. Their jangly guitars, catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics captured the spirit of the decade and earned them a dedicated following that continues to grow. The tour is a nostalgic journey through the band’s greatest hits, as well as new songs that are sure to captivate. And, of course, one of the highlights of any Gin Blossoms concert is the connection they share with their fans. Through their heartfelt lyrics and engaging stage banter, the band creates a sense of camaraderie that makes every concert feel like a reunion with old friends.
Tuesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
On Exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Sidewalk Chalk Summer Series Families can stop by Baldwin Library’s patio and color with sidewalk chalk art.
•Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
• Time: Noon-1 p.m.
•Contact: baldwinpl.org
Twilight tunes on the terrace
Enjoy a summer evening at Old Westbury Gardens with some smooth jazz, swing rhythms and popular favorites performed by the Paul Effman Band in the open air. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery. Rain date is July 13. $25 $22.50, seniors (62+), members receive 20% off.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
‘One of these nights’ Eagles tribute band Desert Highway rocks Eisenhower Park as summer heats up. Their acclaimed performance is a nonstop journey through numerous radio hits, Top 10 singles and favorite solo works of The Eagles — from the countryinspired “Take It Easy” to the
Plants for Healthy Living Plant expert Paul Levine discusses the health benefits of house plants at Baldwin Public Library. Find out how to care for them, including the ideal lighting conditions and watering techniques to help them thrive.
•Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
•Time: 2-3 p.m.
•Contact: baldwinpl.org
24
Super Smash Bros
Compete to see who is the last one standing in Super Smash Bros.
•Where: 2385 Grand Ave
•Time: 2-3 p.m.
•Contact: baldwinpl.org
Darlene Graham’s ‘Singing at the Beach!’
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
Rock Hall of Fame inductee Daryl Hall brings his current tour to Long Island, featuring opening act Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze. Tilbrook has previously performed with Hall on his award-winning web series, Live from Daryl’s House. The concert is promises to reconnect fans with his celebrated musical legacy. This tour is of particular significance as it marks a reunion for Hall and Tilbrook, who have shared the stage in previous performances, most notably in Hall’s acclaimed web series “Live from Daryl’s House.” “I’ve toured with Glenn in the past, and I’m a fan of his songs, and it will be great to work with him again,” Daryl says, whose previous tours included acts Howard Jones, Elvis Costello and Todd Rundgren, all of whom also appeared on the acclaimed show. The format is the same, with Tilbrook performing a solo set to open, then joining Hall on stage to close the show. Beyond the music, the tour holds sentimental value, as it coincides with significant milestones in Hall’s career. In 2024, Hall celebrated the 10th anniversary of his venue, Daryl’s House, in Pawling, N.Y., where he offered a free concert to acknowledge the support of his fans. Past tours have seen Hall share the stage with icons such as Elvis Costello and Howard Jones, emphasizing his prowess in collaborating effectively and delighting audiences with diverse musical experiences. The upcoming tour, following his latest album, solidifies Hall’s commitment to keeping his music fresh and engaging for his loyal fanbase. $226.75, $186.75, $118.75 (GA), $108.75.
soaring guitar rock anthem “Hotel California”.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Music Monday
JULY 14
Baldwin Public Library welcomes the Chai Tones, who perform a varied musical canvas of songs celebrating the Great American Songbook.
•Where: 2385 Grand Ave.
•Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
•Contact: baldwinpl.org
16
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “The Wild Robot,” based on the best-selling children’s book. Stranded on an unfamiliar island, a helpful robot adapts to survive with the local animals and finds her purpose when she takes in a lonely baby goose. Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: Movie begins at dusk
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
17
Christopher Jubilee Feast
Enjoy festivities that celebrate 50 years of community at the St. Christopher Jubilee Feast.
•Where: 11 Gale Ave. Baldwin
•Time: Through July 20, times
TBD
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week learn about Henri Matisse. $4 with museum admission.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Summer tunes
Enjoy an evening of doo-wop at Eisenhower Park. Kid Kyle, The Capri, Vito Picone and the Elegants bring their vibe to the stage.
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Bubble Magic
Check out Long Island Children’s Museum’s Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun. Through playful, hands-on experiments explore what makes a bubble form, what makes them pop and discover new creative ways to make bubbles. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to participate.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JULY
19
In concert Eisenhower Park welcomes countrypop singer Russell Dickerson.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
The Town of Hempstead invites families to enjoy an interactive summertime show at Baldwin Park. Join beloved kids entertainer Darlene for a sing-along, including “Pool Time,” “Going to the Beach” and “Sunny Day.” Wear comfortable “dancing shoes” since this concert will keep everyone on their fee.
•Where: 3232 Grand Ave.
•Time: 10:30 a.m.
•Contact: darlenegrahammusic. com for more
Oceanside High School 50th Reunion
Catch up with classmates and friends at Oceanside High School’s Class of 1975 50th Reunion at Knights of Columbus Hall. Reserve your spot now! Cost is $70 per person.
•Where: Knights of Columbus Hall, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside
•Time: 6-11 p.m.
•Contact: Purchase tickets at oceanside-high-school-classof-1975-50th-reunion
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 HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Nassau Community College has secured reaffirmation of its accreditation for another eight years from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, following a multi-year effort to address concerns around leadership and campus climate.
The reaccreditation, announced jointly by the Commission and the college, comes despite a recent review that flagged the institution’s lack of a permanent president and issues related to the internal atmosphere on campus.
Still, college officials said the decision validates years of focused institutional work.
“We weren’t surprised by the outcome because we’ve been working really hard for the last three years,” Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC said. “We met all seven standards, and we were really happy with the outcome.”
Middle States accreditation affirms that an institution meets rigorous standards of academic quality, governance, assessment, and financial stewardship. Nassau Community College, part of the State University of New York system, has been accredited by Middle States since 1967.
“The faculty, administration and staff at NCC have worked very hard to have the institution’s accreditation reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as part of our ongoing efforts to provide students with a comprehensive education and outstanding supportive atmosphere,” Maria Conzatti, the college’s chief administrative officer stated in a news release. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence in higher education and transforming lives.”
Kornbluth pointed to several financial and institutional improvements made in recent years, including
eliminating a $14 million deficit, growing a fund balance, and increasing student enrollment by an average of 2.5 to 3 percent per semester.
He said the college has also prioritized capital upgrades on its decades-old campus, formerly part of the Mitchell Air Force Base.
“The reaffirmation moves us to the next level,” Kornbluth said. “It enables us to create more resources, and people will have more confidence in the college.”
However, the faculty union sees the outcome differently.
“Nassau Community College has retained its accreditation from Middle States, but only under serious conditions — a clear warning that the college remains in crisis,” David Stern, president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, wrote to the Herald. “The Commission found continued failures in ethics, governance, campus climate, and financial accountability, issues first raised nearly a decade ago and now cited in two consecutive reviews.
“By early 2026, NCC must demonstrate concrete reform — under close supervision by Middle States — or risk losing its accreditation entirely,” he added.
One of the Commission’s noted recommendations was that the college must appoint a permanent president. Conzatti has served as the college’s top leader since 2021, first as interim, then as acting president. In 2023, she was granted a five-year contract by the Board of Trustees with the title of “Chief Administrative Officer.”
Kornbluth said SUNY has not formally recognized her as permanent president, but that Conzatti is for all intents and purposes the college’s leader.
“She’s the first female president in the college’s history, a graduate of NCC, and has been here for over 30 years,” he said. “She’s the right person at the right time to lead the college.”
Looking ahead, Kornbluth said the college aims to expand vocational training in trades like HVAC, welding and electrical work to meet growing regional workforce demand.
“This was a team effort between faculty, staff, trustees, and administration,” he said. “We’re proud of where we are, and we’re moving the college forward.”
July 10, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -againstWANDA CRAFT. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 13, 2018, wherein OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and WANDA CRAFT is the Defendant. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 21, 2025 at 2:30PM, the premises known as 38 ALLERS BOULEVARD, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575 and the following tax map identification 55-330-237 & 238.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 001898/2013. Jaime Ezratty, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 154134
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank Trust
National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Collateral Trust Trustee of FirstKey Master Funding 2021-A Collateral Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST
Maryanne Pinderrobinson a/k/a
Maryanne Pinder a/k/a
Maryanne PinderRobinson; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 24, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 770 Dean Drive, North 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, State of New York, Section 36 Block 511 Lot 10. Approximate amount of judgment $251,859.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 603930/2023.
Howard Eric Colton, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: May 27, 2025 154132
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF GCAT 2019-RPL1 TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. THOMAS T. REILEY, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 29, 2024, 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 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 3374 Colony Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of
New York, Section 54, Block 345 and Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment is $839,978.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607302/2022. Cash will not be accepted. Cary D. Kessler, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154130 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank Trust
National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner Trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST
Paul Meato a/k/a Paul Mateo, as CoAdministrator of the Estate of Carlos Almondovar, Jr; et al.,
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 18, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 30, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 1900 Carleton Place, Baldwin, NY 11510-2231. All that certain lot and part of lot, with the buildings thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 36 Block 419 Lot 0283. Approximate amount of judgment $526,498.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 014315/2013. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”
Karl Seman, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: June 10, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 154256
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CARRINGTON D. BROCK A/K/A CARRINGTON BROCK, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 28, 2024, 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 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1109 Cramer Court, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 523 and Lot 70. Approximate amount of judgment is $400,642.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600506/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Lisa S. Poczik, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154246
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BOARD OF MANAGERS OF HELENA GARDENS CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff against RAYMOND T. BAZILIO, et al. DefendantsPursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 29, 2025, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York on August 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1690 Grand
Avenue, Apt. A4, Baldwin, NY. All that certain plot, piece, tract or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0036, Block 00395-00 and Lot 00525, Unit 00103. Approximate amount of the lien $4,928.17 plus interest and costs and accrued monthly assessments and special assessments owed to Plaintiff from May 6, 2024 through the date of auction. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #23-610763. Peter H. Levy, Esq., Referee. Taylor, Eldridge & Endres, P.C., (Attorneys for Plaintiff) 811 West Jericho Turnpike, Suite 101W, Smithtown, New York 11787 (631) 265-5550, Fax (631) 265-5590
Dated: 06/24/25 154328
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSEPH A. ORTIZ AKA JOSEPH A ORTIZ, MARCUS G. MEIGHAN AKA MARCUS G MEIGHAN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 5, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 1111 Cornwell 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54 Block 372 Lot 267 formerly known as part of Lot 16 and Lot 233. Approximate amount of judgment $387,669.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #618334/2022. Tara Mayerhofer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-004088 86286 154318
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 Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 07/16/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 1313/25. BALDWINSt. Christopher’s R. C. Church, Amusement Rides (Special Event) duration July 17, 2025July 20, 2025., N/W cor. Gale Ave. & Merrick Rd., a/k/a Church Parking Lot 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. 154468
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
ELECTRICAL SERVICE
UPGRADE AT BROOKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED #
28-02-10-03-0-001-025
PLAZA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SED #
28-02-10-03-0-007-029
STEELE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED #
28-02-10-03-0-011-032
LENOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED #
28-02-10-03-0-005-026 MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SED#
28-02-10-03-0-013-029 CONTRACT E1ELECTRICAL WORKBROOKSIDE CONTRACT E2 - ELECTRICAL WORK - PLAZA CONTRACT E3 - ELECTRICAL WORKSTEELE CONTRACT E4ELECTRICAL WORKLENOX CONTRACT E5ELECTRICAL WORKMEADOW
Will be received until 11:00AM prevailing time on July 31, 2025, at the Business Office of the Baldwin Union Free School District, located at 960 Hastings Street, Baldwin, NY 11510, at which time and place where all bids received will be publicly opened and read and where the identity of all offerers will be publicly disclosed, except as permitted by General Municipal Law § 103(11).
Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings, and specifications, may be obtained online beginning July 10, 2025 as a download at the following website: melville.h2mplanroom. com. The Owner has decided to solicit bids from one contractor in accordance with General Municipal Law § 101, the Bidder shall submit with its bid a separate sealed list that names each subcontractor that the bidder will use to perform work in the contract, and the agreed-upon amount to be paid to each, for: (A) Plumbing and gas fitting, (B) steam heating, hot water heating, ventilating and air conditioning apparatus and (C) electric wiring and standard illuminating fixtures. After the low bid is announced, the sealed list of subcontractors submitted with such low bid shall be opened and the names of such subcontractors shall be announced, and thereafter any change of subcontractor or agreed-upon amount to be paid to each shall
require the approval of the public owner, upon a showing presented to the public owner of legitimate construction need shall include, but not be limited to, a change to subcontractor status as determined pursuant to paragraph (e) of subdivision two of section two hundred twenty-two of the labor law or the subcontractor has become otherwise unwilling, unable or unavailable to perform the subcontract. The sealed lists of subcontractors submitted by all other bidders shall be returned to them after the contract award. Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990 Tel: 1-845-651-3845, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Baldwin Union Free School District. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Please note REVplans (melville.h2mplanroom. com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued.
All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at melville.h2mplanroom. com Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard
copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to:
BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Electrical Service Upgrade at Brookside Elementary School, Lenox Elementary School, Plaza Elementary School, Steele Elementary School, and Meadow Elementary SchoolContracts E1-E5
The School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if contract name and bidder’s name do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. No phone, fax, or email bids will be accepted. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract.
Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening. Pre-bid conferences and walk throughs are scheduled for the following project sites: Brookside Elementary School - July 17, 2025 at 9:00AM Lenox Elementary School - July 17, 2025 at 10:00AM Plaza Elementary School - July 17, 2025 at 11:00AM
Steele Elementary School - July 18, 2025 at 9:00AM Meadow Elementary School - July 18, 2025 at 10:00AM
Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance to the school, at which time they shall be escorted to the area of work. These meetings are not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend. It is the Board’s intention, and it reserves its right to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, providing the required security who, to the Board’s satisfaction, meets the experience, technical, budget and all specification requirements and has references and responses from references that are deemed acceptable by the Board. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives, to waive any informality and to accept such bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives which, in the opinion of the Board, are in the best interests of the School District.
Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District 960 Hastings Street Baldwin, New York 11510 154544
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 13th day of August, 2025 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: June 16, 2025
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. 154430
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 27, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and ANDREA RICHARDS
JEAN, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on August 13, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 2984 VERITY LANE, BALDWIN, NY 11510, tax map identification 54-542-15, and description: 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 will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612807/2022; Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq., as Referee; Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 154551
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND
SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, -againstANDREA RICHARDS
JEAN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE
The Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School’s newly constructed building at 111 Pleasant Avenue has earned high praise, receiving two awards at the 2025 Real Estate, Architecture & Design Awards.
The ceremony was held Saturday, June 21, at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
Architectural contracting firms VRD Contracting Inc. and Mark Design Studios Architecture together were the team behind the design and construction of the school’s new facility. They were recognized as 2025 Honorees in the “Top Education Projects” category and the “Top Architecture firm” category respectively.
Members of the school’s board and leadership team, including the chief operations officer and chief financial officer, attended the event as invited guests.
Reverend Reginald Tuggle, board chair of Roosevelt Children’s Academy, said the recognition underscores the power of thoughtful school design to shape positive outcomes for students and educators alike.
“Well-designed and visually appealing school buildings foster learning environments that benefit student behavior and attitudes,” Tuggle said. “These spaces
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JESSICA RIOS AKA
JESSICA KING, NOEL RIOS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of
support not only academic success but also staff well-being and community pride.”
He noted that strong school infrastructure can improve student attendance and performance while also strengthening neighborhood ties and even boosting local property values.
Founded in 2000, Roosevelt Children’s Academy serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade, with a focus on providing safe, structured settings that promote academic excellence and lifelong learning.
— Mohammad Rafiq
Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 21, 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 August 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 2684 Park 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, in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, Section 54 Block 482 Lot 34, 35, & 213. Approximate amount of judgment $563,301.50 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #620501/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-004065 86135 154444
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-1, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Bernadette Jackson a/k/a Bernadette D. Jackson; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 3, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 12, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 3420 Bertha Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 0054 Block 0051-00 Lot 00059. Approximate
amount of judgment
$548,043.85 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 616278/2018. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Raymond Nardo, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: June 27, 2025
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 154532
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF IGLOO SERIES V TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. DHARMANAND LATCHMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee
Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 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 August 5, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 712 Brook Court, 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 32 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment is $432,130.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605715/2023.
Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 192580-5 154342
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Q. We have been looking for real wood kitchen cabinets, and they really run the whole spectrum, from semi-reasonable to very expensive. A salesman told us that well-made cabinets and doors cost more because they’re made better, with more pieces fit together instead of from single panels. He told us that we’ll regret picking the cheaper doors, saying they won’t last. I know that over the years, our closet doors bind up from the changes in humidity, but is it really a significant cause to have to buy more expensive cabinets?
A. Yes. The most important factor when selecting materials for any type of construction, whether it’s a building or a cabinet, is to keep in mind that everything has movement, both internal and external. As I have written many times, wood was once the center of a tree, never intended in nature to be cut up and exposed. Once the wood is taken from the heart of a tree, it begins to change shape based on temperature and moisture content.
Wood that is intended for structural use, like a common 2 x 4 wall stud, is typically dried to about 19 percent moisture content. This is done by laying the lumber outdoors in a covered area. Indoor lumber products are kiln dried to around 8 percent to balance out with indoor humidity, but the wood will not just stay at that moisture level. As the seasons change, wood products continue to adjust to the humidity they are subjected to.
It used to be that craftsmen let the finish trim moldings remain stored indoors, on site, to adjust to their final indoor installation. Unfortunately, most people are in a hurry to get the job done, and move on so the wood doesn’t get the chance to acclimate. Every so often I am asked to explain why there is cracking in sheetrock at corners or around doors. Most of the time, people suspect that it’s a structural problem, when it actually is the twisting and expansion or contraction of lumber that still has a different moisture level than the building. The dynamic movement can split the lumber and crack the walls easily.
The same kind of movement can occur in cabinet doors, so to adjust for this internal movement, doors are often configured with what is referred to as “rails and styles” surrounding the center panel. A well-crafted cabinet door will have movement if you place your hand on the center panel and move it up or down or side to side. The movement allows the door panel to expand or contract without binding, twisting or warping. Many doors imitate the look of multi-part doors, but are routed panels made from a single board. This kind of door can warp from typical moisture changes in a kitchen, from boiling water on a stove, a cross breeze on a summer day or when the heat comes on and the house gets dry. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged
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on June 29, millions of LGBTQ people and their allies took to the streets of Manhattan to celebrate Pride and commemorate the 56th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall uprising, a turning point in the battle for civil rights in America and the world.
This milestone comes at a pivotal time — one in which President Trump is weaponizing the federal bureaucracy to wage unprecedented attacks on LGBTQ Americans on every conceivable front. From removing the name of the heroic Woodmere native Harvey Milk from a U.S. Navy ship — during Pride Month — to eliminating LGBTQ-specific services from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to making concerted efforts to legislate transgender Americans out of existence, Trump’s campaign is regimented and deliberately cruel — and these are but a few examples.
What we are witnessing leads me to think back to my senior year at Uniondale High School in 1979-80, and the
struggles of a dear friend as he sought to live his truth. During math class, one of my best friends, Christian Cooper, began passing me notes, each containing a clue to something about himself that he wanted to tell me. This persisted for about six months, and at the end, he came out to me as gay.
TThis was more than 45 years ago, at a time when LGBTQ visibility was minimal in popular culture and, in the immediate aftermath of Anita Bryant’s scorched-earth campaign against gay equality, public acceptance was shaky, at best. It took tremendous courage for Cooper to come out — as it does for anybody, at any time, who is revealing him or herself to the world. My Catholic faith, which has helped me navigate my life, teaches me a simple message: God is love, and God created us all in His vision.
ic risks the LGBTQ community experiences. These hazards will only be exacerbated by the Trump administration’s rush to enact a budget that shreds America’s social safety net programs in order to give billionaires and multimillionaires tax cuts.
rump is trying to legislate transgender Americans out of existence.
If He made someone to be LGBTQ, that clearly shows me that that is how God wants that person to love and live their life. With the focus Jesus placed on those perceived as the outcasts of society throughout the Scriptures, I believe we have a calling to extend our hand in love, especially when you consider the tremendously heightened socioeconom-
There has, however, been noticeable progress that we can all draw strength from. Over the past five years, we have seen a tremendous increase in the number and size of Pride celebrations in communities across Nassau County. That includes my hometown of Freeport, where the third annual Pride on the Mile grew to include its first ever Pride Parade.
In Mineola — and thousands of communities in the 50 states — “No Kings” rallies, protesting the Trump administration’s reckless, cruel policies and tax giveaways to the wealthy, drew millions, showing that resistance is alive and well and people are poised to fight for the future of the nation.
As for Cooper? After Uniondale High, I’ve been overjoyed to watch him excel and thrive in his career, as he pursues his passions and fights for equality for every American. In doing so, he earned a Daytime Emmy in 2024 for his Nation-
al Geographic show “Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper.” Without a doubt, members of the LGBTQ community, and the people who love and support them, are experiencing tremendous adversity at the hands of those who seek to create hysteria and exploit the ensuing outcry for self-serving means. Without our collective voices, there is the very real threat of rights being pushed back even further than they already have been — and the resulting harm to everyday Nassau County residents and people across America would be incalculable and unconscionable.
Resistance does not always have to be grand; it can be as simple as offering a kind, supportive ear to someone facing hard times and connecting them to resources. While the federal government no longer works with the Trevor Project on the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, this extraordinary organization is still hard at work across America, serving LGBTQ people, with a focus on aiding at-risk youth.
If you or a loved one are in need, reach them 24/7 by calling (866) 488-7386, texting START to 678-678, or visiting thetrevorproject.org.
Debra Mulé, of Freeport, represents Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader.
iam so grateful to the State Legislature — particularly Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie — for green-lighting medical aid in dying in New York. I have been an advocate for many years of giving dying New Yorkers this compassionate end-of-life option.
Now it’s up to Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law.
Very simply, medical aid in dying allows adults, who are capable of making their own health care decisions, with confirmed prognoses of six months or less to live with an incurable and irreversible disease or illness, to request a prescription that they can take themselves — if they choose — to end their pain and suffering and die peacefully.
Those who know me, or the work I’ve
done for decades, know that I am committed to helping people do everything they can to stay alive. But through that work, I’ve also learned that there comes a point when death is inevitable, and imminent.
I’m sure there are many readers who, like me, have watched someone suffer as they are dying. Anyone who has experienced it will agree that it is traumatic. I’ve had that unfortunate experience with both my son and my mother. I tried to do everything in my power to provide love and comfort to ease their pain and suffering.
ilittle we could do to help him avoid suffering.
While my son was dying, my mother was dealing with her own terminal breast cancer. She prayed to die so that her pain would stop, but there was nothing anyone could do. It is still difficult for me to talk about that dark time, when I traveled between bedsides and faced the unimaginable.
’ve learned that there comes a point when death is inevitable, and imminent.
Let me be very clear. Medical aid in dying is not giving up on life. This option simply gives those who are dying — with no chance of surviving a terminal illness — the ability to make their own decisions about the end of their lives.
The pain of sitting with a loved one as he or she waits to die in agony never goes away. To this day, I can still hear my son gasping for breath. In the end, there was no hope for survival, and very
After losing the two people who were closest to me, and my own diagnosis of breast cancer, I have dedicated my life to eradicating cancer and helping cancer patients on Long Island. We’ve seen so many advances in cancer-fighting treatments and therapies, and I know we will continue to see further advances, providing more and more opportunities for people with cancer to live long, productive, enjoyable lives.
I am a founding member of 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition, and the founder of Hewlett House, a community resource center providing services to Long Island and
New York City for all cancer concerns. This safe haven for cancer patients, now in its 30th year, has been witness to a lot of joy, and a lot of pain.
I am a five-time cancer survivor myself, and I continue to fight every day against this disease. But I know there will be a day — hopefully a long time away — when my time will come and I cannot fight anymore. I want the option of medical aid in dying. While I may not decide to take the medication to end my life, I want that option. I’ve earned that option. We’ve all earned that option — whether or not we choose to take it.
The Legislature has finally done its job. It took 10 long years and many New Yorkers dying while suffering. But the Medical Aid in Dying Act has now passed both houses, and has the overwhelming support of New Yorkers in poll after poll.
Governor Hochul, I implore you to sign the act into law and show dying New Yorkers some love as they face their final days.
Geri Barish, of Baldwin, is executive director of Hewlett House and a pioneer of the breast cancer activism community on Long Island.
Though it could be weeks and months before there can be an accurate determination of the full extent of the impact of the United States’ bombing attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, I strongly support President Trump’s decision to order those attacks.
While I certainly understand and appreciate that good Americans have honest differences with the president’s decision, I have no patience with the almost instantaneous knee-jerk opposition to the attacks from Democrats and many in the media, followed by the attempts to diminish the impact of the strikes based on preliminary findings of a leaked government report that had a low level of confidence. It was almost as if these political and media elements were rooting against the United States in our struggle against Iranian state terrorism.
There has to be a return to more bipartisan support for foreign policy that would at least give the commander in chief an early benefit of the doubt when decisions are made. I say this as an American rather than as a Republican.
During the years I was in Congress, I saw both major political parties rush to partisan judgments against presidential foreign policy actions. In the early 1990s, for instance, war raged in the Balkans following the dismemberment of Yugoslavia resulting from the collapse of the Iron Curtain, with Serbia being the aggressor in Bosnia and also against neighboring Kosovo.
While this had no direct impact on the United States, it was the first war in Europe since the end of World War II, and it threatened to spread, and unravel the fragile stability of other former Soviet bloc nations. I remember, as a member of the International Relations Committee, hearing one European diplomat after another tell us that military action against Serbia would only lead to a massive land war that could last for years.
repeated itself in Kosovo less than four years later, when American air power defeated Serb aggression in less than a month and secured a still-lasting independence for Kosovo, despite strong Republican opposition.
These victories over aggression brought stability not only to the lives of people in Bosnia and Kosovo, but also to the continent of Europe in the post-Soviet world. This has become particularly important in the face of resurgent Russian aggression and expansion.
i have no patience with the almost instantaneous knee-jerk opposition.
Finally, President Bill Clinton decided he’d had enough, and ordered air strikes against the Serbian forces. Republicans in Congress railed against him. I was one of only a handful of Republicans who stood with the president. The war that was supposed to last for years ended in just over a week, leading to an agreement that has lasted all these years since. This scenario
Congressional Democrats demonstrated their own stubborn partisanship and hypocrisy when President Barack Obama ordered air strikes against Libya and its leader, Muammar el-Qaddafi, which led to regime change, and then authorized deadly drone missile attacks in Yemen that killed many al Qaeda terrorists, including American citizen Anwar alAwlaki. Democrats now railing against Trump for allegedly violating the Constitution and not seeking prior congressional approval were uniformly silent in the face of these similar actions by Obama, which I supported.
My main point is not that all presidential foreign policy decisions are correct, but that they shouldn’t be met with blind partisanship. Today’s world
new York City has been the site of countless events that have shaken its residents, now numbering 8 million. It endured the Mad Bomber of the 1940s and ’50s, the Son of Sam murders in the ’70s, the tragedy of Sept. 11, the coronavirus health scare, and as many other happenings as you can think of.
On Primary Day, June 24, a majority of voters chose Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, as their potential mayor, and once again the city has been shaken to its roots.
Never in my lifetime have I been asked so many questions about a political result, because this one has created a stir of a magnitude that I’ve never experienced. How could voters elect a Muslim socialist to the highest office in the Big Apple? Many said they didn’t understand the ranked-choice voting process, which
they thought was crazy. Whether you agree or not with the process and/or the result, come November, the likely result will be that a political novice will be put in charge of running one of the most important cities in the world.
iThe head-splitting ranked-choice voting system came into being in New York City in 2019, when a proposition was placed on the ballot. In 2021, the system was officially in effect, and it helped Mayor Eric Adams get elected to his first term. It allows voters to choose multiple candidates and to pair them with other candidates. This year, there is no doubt that Mamdani was the beneficiary of this confusing system. With Adams having declared that he would run as an independent and therefore would not take part in the primary, the contest was wide open.
’ve never been asked so many questions about the results of an election.
you can imagine. Cuomo ran a so-called “Rose Garden” campaign, resting on his laurels as a former governor with universal name recognition. Mamdani, in contrast, ran a picture-perfect populist campaign, with thousands of volunteers ringing doorbells across the city and sophisticated phone banks making calls night after night. Cuomo was overwhelmed.
often requires quick decisions to forestall terrorist attacks or, in the case of Iran, not give the mullahs the advance notice of our intention to attack, which would necessarily result from a public debate. Even behind-the-scenes consultation with Democrats could well have led to damaging leaks and disclosure. Iran is the world’s leading supporter of state terrorism, and was within reach of creating nuclear weapons. While there could be debate as to how close that date was, it was reasonable for Trump to resolve the doubts in favor of potentially striking too soon rather than too late. Whether or not the attacks resulted in the destruction of all of Iran’s nuclear facilities, there can be no doubt that its nuclear program has been at least significantly delayed and weakened.
This strong action was good for the region and the world. It also sent a strong message of deterrence to China against attacking Taiwan, and undid much of the damage caused by our disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
These are dangerous times that call for intelligent thought and debate, not partisan buzzwords more suited to campaign fundraising. Let that debate begin.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
As we approached the primary, it appeared that only two candidates, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani, had any momentum. Cuomo and Mamdani are complete opposites in any way
The results spoke for themselves, with Mamdani declared the winner by a wide margin. At this point, Adams is still in the race, and there are rumors that he is also trying to secure the Republican nomination if he can persuade Curtis Sliwa to drop out. Cuomo may or may not run on his own independent line. And there is no doubt that the voters who couldn’t vote in the primary are itching to go to the polls in November to stop Mamdani from becoming the next mayor.
The political dilemma that voters face all goes back to the city’s opting for to the ranked-choice system. It is used in elections in such diverse places as Min-
nesota and Alaska, and efforts are being made by so-called “good government groups” to get other cities and states to embrace the concept. There is no doubt that the ranked-choice process gave Mamdani the advantage in the primary.
Assuming he wins in November, the big question is whether he can govern a city that has such burdensome issues. He has served in the State Assembly for four years, but he has no other governmental experience. He is very articulate, but you can’t run the biggest city in the country with well-chosen words alone. If I were one of his advisers, I’d suggest he buy a ticket to London and meet the Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan. Mamdani might get some good advice.
For anyone who is contemplating running for public office, the city primary results offer lots of clues about how to win — and lose — an election. And the best advice I can give is don’t run in an election that uses the ranked-choice voting system.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
looking for a way to have fun and go easy on the wallet? You don’t have to get on a plane or even leave Long Island, because the Island is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse parks in New York state, several of them right in Herald readers’ backyard.
Whether you prefer soaking up the sun on a sandy shoreline, hiking scenic trails or simply enjoying the quiet majesty of nature, Long Island’s state parks offer something for everyone. And with gas prices fluctuating and many vacation budgets tighter than ever, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of these low-cost, high-reward outdoor escapes.
One of the Island’s crown jewels is Jones Beach State Park. Renowned for its miles of beaches, it’s a summer favorite for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball and concerts. Its iconic boardwalk, historic bathhouses and new adventure course offer fun for visitors of all ages. And if you’re a cyclist or runner, the paved paths stretching from Wantagh to Captree State Park are a beautiful setting for a workout.
Just to the east is Robert Moses State Park, a more laid-back but equally scenic destination. With smaller crowds and a calmer vibe, it’s a go-to for families, surfers and birdwatchers. Take a stroll to the Fire Island Lighthouse or
visit Field 5 for easy access to Fire Island’s quaint communities and preserved shorelines.
Closer to Nassau County’s South Shore communities are Hempstead Lake State Park, in West Hempstead, and Valley Stream State Park. Hempstead Lake features an observation deck overlooking the lake, 18 tennis courts, six pickleball courts, basketball courts, a softball field, biking and hiking trails, a children’s playground and a shaded picnic area.
Valley Stream’s picnic groves and wooded trails offer a slice of wilderness along with children’s play areas; horseshoe, volleyball and basketball courts; ball fields and nature trails. Kids can explore a variety of habitats on the Squirrel Nut and Hickory Nut trails.
And don’t overlook Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, in Lloyd Harbor on the North Shore. This former estate now has miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, cycling and nature study, all set against a backdrop of rolling meadows and Long Island Sound bluffs. It’s a quiet, reflective place, ideal for slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
Not far over the Suffolk County line, Belmont Lake State Park, in North Babylon, offers boat rentals, fishing spots, shaded picnic areas and wide-open spaces. It’s ideal for a day trip with the kids or a peaceful walk with the dog. Fitness enthusiasts can run or bike around the
This summer’s already a scorcher — prepare for more extreme heat
To the Editor:
As we welcome summer, we also prepare for the challenges that come with it — especially the extreme heat expected in the weeks ahead. Temperatures have already soared beyond 90 degrees, and some areas have seen temperatures over 100.
PSEG Long Island is ready. We work all year round, upgrading infrastructure and preparing our teams to deliver reliable, safe electric service throughout the hottest months. While we plan in advance to have the electrical capacity to meet peak demand on the hottest days, we want to make sure you know what to do, too. When temperatures climb, it’s important to take steps to stay cool and avoid heat-related illnesses. Make use of air-conditioned spaces when needed, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and wear light-colored clothing. Check in on the most vulnerable people in your community, such as elderly relatives, friends, neighbors. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
For more tips on safety during extreme weather, including information about local heating and cooling centers, go to psegliny.com/SafetyAndReliability/ stormsafety/ExtremeWeather.
lake’s perimeter, while others can simply enjoy the serenity of the water.
Another hidden gem is Heckscher State Park, in East Islip, which boasts fields, trails and a bayfront perfect for kayaking or boardsailing. Known for its deer population and lush woodlands, Heckscher feels a world away — though it, too, is just a short drive.
Sunken Meadow State Park, in Kings Park, offers inspiring views of the Long Island Sound and a broad boardwalk with fitness stations along the way. Its trail network weaves through wooded hills and salt marshes, and it features a popular golf course as well. It’s a rare spot where land and water adventures blend seamlessly.
Day passes to most state parks are just $8 to $10 per vehicle, and the Empire Pass offers unlimited entry to all state parks for just $80 a year. It’s a small price for such a big return of memorable experiences.
So instead of scrolling through vacation deals or lamenting how expensive everything seems this summer, grab your sunscreen, sneakers or camera and explore the natural wonders that Long Island has to offer. Adventure doesn’t have to mean something far from home. Let’s revel in the beauty around us, so much of which is just a few exits away.
For more about the parks, go to Parks. ny.gov.
High demand during heat waves can occasionally result in scattered outages. We encourage customers to download the PSEG Long Island mobile app, follow our social media pages and bookmark psegliny.com. You can report outages through all of those channels. Outages can also be reported by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or
calling (800) 490-0075.
Extreme heat can also mean higher electricity usage. Smart energy practices can make a real difference. Set your thermostat higher when away, use programmable or smart thermostats to optimize cooling during peak hours, and run major appliances early in the day or late at night. Replace dirty air
Let’s face it, the cost of living isn’t cheap. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying rent or juggling child care, it can feel like your paycheck is stretched to the limit every week. But Gov. Kathy Hochul is committed to improving the quality of life for the more than 20 million residents of New York state. She fought for and delivered a state budget that puts you first and makes New York a more affordable and livable state.
We call it the Affordability Agenda, and here’s what it means for you — more money in your pocket, less stress on your wallet and real investments in your future. We know that too many families across the state are struggling to make ends meet. As the federal government continues to play with reckless and unauthorized tariffs that have burdened businesses with skyrocketing costs that have been passed along to consumers, the governor’s Affordability Agenda is centered on making life easier for New Yorkers. As secretary of state, I travel all over New York. I talk to local leaders and residents from the North Country to Long
Island, from Syracuse to Buffalo, from Mid-Hudson to New York City and many communities in between, and they all tell me the same thing: “We need help.”
Prices are up, inflation continues, and Washington’s economic policies are making things worse. But we’re not waiting around. We’re taking action. That’s our job.
The Affordability Agenda, recently passed through the state budget, delivers victories on issues that working families care about most. Hochul fought for real relief, especially for middle- and lowincome New Yorkers who try every day to make ends meet for their families.
But what does all this mean for you?
H■ Safer and more affordable child care through big investments that help both parents and providers.
■ High-speed internet access for lowincome households for $15 per month, helping close the digital divide.
■ STAR rebates totaling $2.5 billion, to provide relief to homeowners.
ere are some details of the governor’s Affordability Agenda.
Here’s just some of the relief coming your way:
■ Inflation refund checks of up to $400, putting money in the pockets of over 8 million New York households.
■ Lower middle-class taxes, with $1 billion annually in tax relief for 8.3 million families.
■ An expanded child tax credit that provides up to $1,000 per child to 1.6 million families, which since 2023 has included children under 4.
■ Free school meals for more than 2.7 million students.
filters regularly, seal leaks around doors and windows, and consider switching to Energy Star appliances when upgrading.
Simple actions — like using ceiling fans, drawing window shades during the day, or charging electric vehicles overnight — can reduce strain on the grid and help you save money.
Thank you for being part of our community. We’re here for you every day, and especially when it matters most.
LARRY ToRRES
Senior director of emergency preparedness, PSEG Long Island
To the Editor:
June kept our successful meeting streak intact. Long Island Advancement of Small Business’s three speakers — Joseph Horowitz, David Faverio and Robert Tockarshewsky — filled attendees in on cybersecurity and safety in your IT operations. We continue to hold successful meetings with good attendance, at which members and non-members are developing relationships.
The education provided is useful the minute you return to your office. To our members and
■ The most consequential statewide housing plan in decades, so families have access to affordable housing. It protects homeowners and renters throughout our state.
■ Added jobs, and tuition assistance, education funding and public transit investments boosted to the highest levels in history so families have the best opportunities for success.
And we’re not stopping there, because New York needs to be the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation.
The governor’s economic development and workforce plans include new access to low-interest capital for small businesses, free community college for adults pursuing degrees in highdemand fields, enhancement of the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit with a new tier for semiconductor supply chain companies, and pro-
other attendees, I would recommend that you continue to attend for more valuable information, and if you haven’t attended, come check us out.
on Wednesday, we were scheduled to discuss automating your business. After taking August off, we will continue our breakfast meetings on Sept. 10, focusing on the “Big Beautiful Bill” and sales tax tips for small businesses. The speakers have not yet been confirmed.
Unlike other business groups, we offer more than shaking hands and exchanging business cards. We teach you how to do better business, in a very profitable and sustaining way. So far we have covered legal issues, financing, AI, personal development and cybersecurity. Learn while making lasting relationships with our board, members and attendees.
If you’re asking, “Am I a small business?” the answer is most likely yes. We don’t define your business by statistics or numbers; it’s merely your impression of your business. Join us and learn more about running and protecting it.
We are also looking for sponsors and speakers for our organization, for breakfasts and special events. Please check out the opportunities available on our website, liasb.com. I hope to see you on Sept. 10.
MARC P. PALKER President,
Long Island Advancement of Small Business
tecting workers from wage theft.
Right now there are over 400,000 jobs available in the state. At the same time, over 4 million adults ages 25 to 55 don’t have a college degree or credential, which is often the key to finding betterpaying jobs.
So here’s what we’re going to do. The state is going to pay for community college for those ages 25 to 55 who are studying in-demand fields like health care, education and technology. Because we know the cost is often the barrier. If you’re working for minimum wage, trying to pay for child care and cover the cost of community college to lift yourself up, it doesn’t add up. With this plan, you won’t have to choose.
And we’re investing big in our small businesses and downtowns. The Affordability Agenda works hand in hand with the successful economic development programs we already have in New York, like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the NY Forward program, to boost local businesses, improve housing and create places where people want to live, work and play.
We are rewriting the New York story so working families don’t just survive, they thrive. We are fighting for the working people and families in our state, and to make life more affordable for everyone.
Walter T. Mosley is New York’s secretary of state.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
5:00-9:00PM
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale
SPECIAL AWARDS
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
SUNNY KANG
Co-Founder and COO Earth Therapeutics
RISING STAR
ADRIANA LANE
Miss Long Island Teen 2025
KRISTEN ROSARIO
Miss Long Island 2025
HONOREES
ACHIEVER
ATUL BHATARA
Founder & CEO
Atul Skincare
GEORGIA & THOMAS AMIGDALOS
Registered Nurse & President PureCare Pharmacy and Wellness
AESTHETIC EXCELLENCE
ALI ARTZ
Salon and Spa Owner/ Beauty Entrepreneur
Ambiance Salon and Spa
BATOOL F. RIZVI, DDS
Practice Owner Holistic Dental Wellness Group
DR. HOWARD GOODMAN, DC Best Weight Loss Doctor Long Island Weight Loss Doctor
MICHAEL ABRAMS, DDS
Owner
Manhasset Dental Arts
NIKKI CESTARO
Author of “SuperHairo”, Hairstylist/Owner Karma Beauty Studio Inc.
RACHEL LOZINA
Founder Blue Water Spa
BEAUTY INFLUENCER
JO MARIE
Master Hairstylist & Beauty Expert
Jo Marie Hair & Beauty
EMCEE
KRISTA BENNETT DEMAIO
KRISTA BENNETT DEMAIO
Founder Pretty Local
BEAUTY & BALANCE
ANGELA CUI
Owner
Tranquility 3 Spa & Salt Cave
BEAUTY & WELLNESS ENTREPRENEUR
LINDA MASHKABOVA, FNP
Owner
The Beauty Cellar NYC
BODY CONTOURING
SAMI STANTON
Body Sculpting Expert Sculpted by Sami
GAME CHANGER
MAE CAIME
CEO & Transformational Architect aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond
SHARON GRASSO, LME, CLT
DANA PERSICO
INGRID DODD
Rebranding Menopause Podcast HEALTH & WELLNESS
LUIS FANDOS, MD, FAAAM, FABAPM
Founder and CEO
Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center
SARAH K. GIRARDI, MD FACS
Associate Professor of Urology
Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics
NEETA MITCHELL, RN & MATTHEW RUTMAN, MD
Founders
Balanced Health & Wellness
HOLISTIC INTEGRATIVE HEALTH
CONSTANCE KOROL
CEO
Meta 180
IMPACT
ALEXANDRA DAVILA
Educator / Makeup Artist
Make Me Over NYC
KARLA WALDRON Executive Director Mondays Cancer Care
ALYSSA GREINER Assistant Executive Director Mondays Cancer Care
SUZANNE CHIMERA Co-Founder Hair We Share
HELEN HSIEH, MD CACOG Founder, Medical Director Vibrance 360
LETICIA HUTSON Entrepreneur & Beauty Industry Leader HER Spa Room, Benefit Cosmetics/ LVMH
MARISA RUSSELL Founder & Chief Alchemist Meadow & Bark
LEADERSHIP IN BEAUTY
LARISSA JENSEN Senior Vice President, Global Beauty Industry Advisor Circana
LEGACY
JOAN CALIENDO Miss New York Senior America
MEDICAL AESTHETICS & MEDSPA
ALICE KHALKAD, LME Skin Specialist House Of Skin
PRECISION & PURPOSE
DR. MEREDITH VANDEGRIFT Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Vandegrift Plastic Surgery
Founder Pretty Local
EMCEE
MAE CAIME
CEO & Transformational Architect
aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond
RESILIENCE
JIM WANG Owner Spa 505
SCIENCE & SKIN
ANGELICA SOLOMON Founder Best Skin & Body Aesthetics Spa
LINDA HARKAVY, MD
President/Medical Director Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness
SKINCARE BRAND VISIONARY
DONNA ARIGO
Account Executive New York ISDIN USA
COSMETIC SURGICAL INNOVATOR
STEPHEN T. GREENBERG, MD, FACS Founder and Plastic Surgeon Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery
TRAILBLAZER
DANA PERSICO
CEO & Executive Director Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute
ALICIA GATTI, NP
Nurse Practitioner, CEO Modern Dose
SHARON GRASSO, LEM, CLT Founder Permanent Touch Cosmetics
WELLNESS & LONGEVITY
CATHERINE CANADEO CEO & Founder Health and Wellness Corp
SAMARA S. CHURGIN, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Plastic, Reconstructive, and General Surgeon Churgin Plastic Surgery TO PURCHASE TICKETS SCAN HERE!
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