Issuu

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HERALD VOL. 26 NO. 41

Taking steps to end Alzheimer’s

Events ahead for book lovers

Page 3

Page 12

OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026

$1.00

Sewing club now at library Monthly gathering at library helps members fix a hem, build friendships Sundri said she was inspired, in part, by seeing how many people wanted to learn For some residents, the new basic sewing skills. One particisewing club at the East Mead- pant arrived with a brand-new ow Public Library is an oppor- sewing machine but did not tunity to learn how to thread a know how to thread it. “It was like, wow, there was machine or finally finish a proja need there,” Sundri said. ect. But for others, the monthly The club is designed for anyget-together is an opportunity to sit around a table, share a one with an interest in sewing. Members can bring hobby and make their own sewing new friends in their machines and projown community. ects to work on, Led by Nanda while Sundri and Sundri, a longtime other members East Meadow resio f f e r g u i d a n c e. dent and retired Projects can range East Meadow from hemming School District scipants and altering ence teacher, the clothing to learning free club held its how to sew a zipper. first meeting on LINDA ROmANO Sundri said Sept. 10. East Meadow some members are The group meets resident, hesitant to make from 6 to 8 p.m. on club attendee changes to their the second Thursprojects because day of each month, they are afraid of making a with the next meeting schedmistake. uled for Oct. 8. “They just need a little bit of Sundri, who has been sewa boost and some guidance,” ing since around age 12, first she said. brought the idea of a sewing But as members have discovclass to the library in the spring. What was intended to ered, the club offers more than be a one-time program quickly sewing instruction. For Linda Romano, an East turned into something more. “People in the class said, Meadow resident who heard ‘When are you coming back?’” about the club through the library bulletin, one of her first Sundri said. After seeing the interest, impressions was the friendliSundri proposed creating a reg- ness of the group. “The people are very willing ular sewing club where resito help one another share dents could work on projects, ideas,” Romano said. exchange ideas and learn from

By JULIA GILLEGO

jgillego@liherald.com

Holden Leeds/Herald

The Council of East Meadow Community Organization executive board was joined by Town Supervisor John Ferretti at La Novella to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary at La Novella on Sept. 27.

CEMCO celebrates 50 years Milestone anniversary celebrated at La Novella By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Council of East Meadow Community Organizations marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration at La Novella Ristorante in East Meadow, bringing attention to five decades of civic work in East Meadow and Salisbury. Founded Sept. 28, 1976, CEMCO was created to give the two unincorporated communities a shared identity and a unified voice. “The idea was to create an identity for East Meadow, boundaries being the East Meadow School District, to create unity — an organization that would bring everyone together,” Joe Parisi, CEMCO’s current president, said in an interview ahead of the Sept. 27 celebration. Norma Gonsalves, an educator who later

became a Nassau County legislator, founded the organization. Gonsalves, who died last year at age 90, helped establish committees focused on crime prevention, the Nassau County Jail and Nassau University Medical Center. CEMCO continues serving residents within the East Meadow School District’s boundaries. It holds meetings related to local issues, advocates for beautification and supports programs intended to bring neighbors together. Parisi became involved with CEMCO in the late 1980s and took the lead on its Beautification Committee in 1992. The committee plants a tree annually during Community Day at Speno Park, maintains a small plot of land at Bellmore Avenue and North Jerusalem Road, and has helped care for the East CONTiNuEd ON pagE 10

eople are very willing to help one another, share ideas.

one another.

CONTiNuEd ON pagE 5

JOB FAIR TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026

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Registrants will receive an invite via email to attend a pre-event online workshop to prepare for the Job Fair.

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REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, please visit:

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Council Members Dorothy L. Goosby • Dennis Dunne, Sr. • Thomas E. Muscarella Melissa Miller • Laura A. Ryder • Christopher R. Schneider

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October 08, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Kate Murray Town Clerk

Jeanine C. Driscoll Receiver of Taxes

EAST MEADOW HERALD — October 08, 2026 Stu Goldman/Herald

1,200 walkers passed through the entrance of the Nassau Walk to End Alzheimer’s tunnel in Eisenhower Park on Oct. 4.

Nassau residents take steps for a future without Alzheimer’s By JULIA GILLEGO jgillego@liherald.com

Families, caregivers and advocates gathered at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Oct. 4 for the Nassau Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising awareness and funds for research, care and sup‑ port programs. 1,200 people participated in this year’s walk, and over $396,000 was raised to support care and programs for the Alzheimer’s Association. “The funds raised will help fuel dis‑ ease research while also providing crit‑ ical care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” Tinamarie Hard‑ ekopf, the senior director of develop‑ ment for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter said. Organized by the Alzheimer’s Asso‑ ciation Long Island Chapter, the annu‑ al event brought together people with different connections to the disease. More than 426,000 New Yorkers are liv‑ ing with Alzheimer’s, including an estimated 61,800 Long Island residents age 65 and older, according to the asso‑ ciation. “This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” Hardekopf told the Herald before the walk. “With new treatments and proven lifestyle habits that support brain health, there is real hope. Together, we can build a brain‑healthy future and help end this disease.” For Armando D’Accordo, an associ‑ ation board member and executive event co‑chair, the walk honors his late mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “For me, the walk to End Alzheim‑ er’s is a group hug that represents love, remembrance, and hope for a cure,” D’Accordo said. “I walk for the people

Families held up flowers, representing their connection to Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases.

Team NYU Langone Health Geriatrics’ walkers Jessica Mangiardo, Ida Gofberg and Jennifer Brown.

Members of Molloy University’s softball team participated in this year’s walk. who have been affected and for the families who stand beside them. I walk for those that deserved to be remem‑ bered for who they were, not how they were affected.” During the walk’s Promise Garden ceremony, participants held flowers whose colors represented their connec‑ tions to Alzheimer’s, including living with the disease, caring for someone, remembering a loved one or support‑

ing the cause. “When you’re at the event and everyone kind of holds up their flower one by one, then you can see how everyone is affected by this in some way or another,” Alyssa Ramirez, the walk’s executive event vice chair, said. Ramirez walks for her grandmother who is living with dementia. “Walk to End Alzheimer’s gives me the opportunity to honor my grand‑

mother, while supporting my family, raising awareness and helping create a future where no family has to experi‑ ence the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s,” she said. “I walk for her and for every‑ one whose lives have been touched by this disease.” For D’Accordo, the gathering repre‑ sented one thing: hope. “Hope for a future without Alzheim‑ er’s,” he said. Donations are accepted through Dec. 31. To donate, visit Act.ALZ.org/ Nassau. Additional reporting by Jordan Vallone

elevate the conversation

We want our deck back

Q. We have a large deck that finally needs to be repaired, and some parts replaced. It is wood with some steel beams, and we wanted to do the boards that look like wood but are made from plastics and supposedly last longer. We looked at several brands and aren’t sure what is best, but it probably doesn’t matter now. The prices came in very high for the work, and each contractor we have spoken to said we were only going to save money if we use all wood, including the beams. The beams are steel, as we understand, since they extend farther without as many columns. The funny thing is that we were replacing the wood because it started rotting and twisting after 15 years, bad enough that we don’t feel comfortable using the deck — it’s on our second floor, which is why we want onte eeper fewer columns, so we can continue to use the ground level as an outdoor dining space. What can you recommend that we do? The cost makes it impossible to move forward, and we really want our deck back. Ask The Architect

A. I like to quote the oil filter commercial we used to hear all the time: “You can pay me now or

pay me later.” In this case, you can spend the money on the less-costly wood, and then spend more money on re-treating the wood and repairs. As for the steel beams being replaced, it should be understood that steel is more compact for its strength, and the equivalent ability to span longer distances with wood requires much more wood, and it will more than likely be taller, meaning the beams will extend lower. The synthetic decking materials are a much better choice, and the ones that are recycled resin-based, without the wood component parts in their composition, are at the top of the list of low maintenance, deterioration and replacement that you have with wood mixtures and wood deck materials. I have seen the difference many times over the years, including the landing deck in my own yard. I originally built it out of cedar, which was supposed to be resistant to insects and, if stained properly, would last a long time, or so I thought. After just four years, the wood posts and the properly stained decking had become distorted with warping, twisting and some end rotting. I replaced the materials with synthetic decking and rails, and after 26 years, it’s still in great condition. This problem of not factoring in the cost of maintenance, accessibility and the increase in material costs over time has often led to much greater expense in the life of buildings. You have to question yourself as to which is more affordable, the continued maintenance or initial cost. Remember that the people you are speaking to will do either system, wood or synthetic, because for them it’s a current job that they will leave behind and that you have to live with. Good luck! © 2026 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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The write stuff

There’s a lot being written about writing now due to the universal use of artificial intelligence to encourage, embellish, support and complete our writing pieces. But the process, the sheer journey of putting one’s ideas to gether to communicate thought, needs to be learned before it’s condensed by a machine. That’s why academics want to encourage writing skills while business wants the speed and efficiency of adapting to AI. Yet without basic proficiency in any process there is no way we can turn out worthy employees to do an adequate job. To encourage building the “writing muscle”, I recently introduced my class to the “Writing and Speaking Studio” on campus.

Unlike what they are used to, students in class are encouraged to write “with their own voice”. The objective for me is to hear diverse perspectives as assignments are not formal research papers. You would think this invites less pressure, but the demand to be authentic can be daunting.

Gust Columnist

Lauren LeV

For some, writing is a ch o re. Fo r m e i t i s a release of the words I hear in my head (as I type or formerly when I wrote on paper), editing as I go. I have always enjoyed it, from the time I won an honorable mention in a writing contest in elementary school, to the humbling honor of writing here each week. Yet writing must start somewhere, one thought at a time.

Here, a re presentative explained, was where one could come to discuss the be ginning, middle or end of a writing project with a peer counselor to strengthen communications.

I t i m p rove s wh e n i t d o e s n’ t scrape the most basic information on the inter net but originates in our own hearts and minds. It isn’t easy, but rather messy and tough. Anything worth building usually is.

It was not just a place for papers, but for writing anything: resumes, cover letters, scholarship and graduate school applications, even online profiles, direct or text messages. In short, if the goal is to i m p rove w r i t t e n l a n g u a g e yo u need an opportunity to write. And rewrite.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technolog y and SUNY Old Westbury.

Better Sleep for Seniors

While sleep is essential for mental and physical health, aging presents some sleep challenges. About half of all seniors report a sleep problem such as taking longer to fall asleep, shorter sleep, waking up often and napping more and longer. As we age, our body clock deteriorates and melatonin (a sleep inducing chemical) levels decline. To increase the amount and quality of sleep, the three main factors are (1) routine, (2) sleeping environment, and (3) diet and exercise. Routine: A consistent evening routine works best for sleeping. Going to bed at the same time and “winding down” makes a considerable difference. Avoid uses of electronic devices such as smartphones and television as they emit “blue light” which inhibits melatonin production and can upset body rhythms. Blue light blocking lenses may avoid this problem. Sleeping Environment: Cooling down the bedroom can lead to better sleep. If the thermostat is out of your control, a fan will help. Light should be just enough to allow you not to trip and fall should you need to get out of bed.

Darkness options are blackout blinds or curtains and covering any electronics that emit light. An eye mask can work wonders too. Outside noises or partners who snore can disturb sleep. Consider “white noise” machines or spa-like recordings to help you sleep. Like the eye mask for light, consider ear plugs for noise. While a firm, comfortable mattress and quality pillows with breathable fabrics are essential, there are other high-tech options that may assist, such as mattress and pillows that adjust their temperature as yours changes. Many people report a weighted blanket works wonders. Diet and Exercise: Caffeine and sugar are stimulants that prevent sleep. While alcohol can help you fall asleep, the sleep quality suffers. Eating earlier and drinking less will both help your body get to sleep and stay asleep. Moving around more, either by doing chores, taking a few trips up and down the stairs or simply sitting down and getting up avoids the sedentary lifestyle that causes insomnia. Few things promote sleep better than a walk outside in the fresh air. To learn more visit purple

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New friendships and projects at sewing club

EAST MEADOW HERALD — October 08, 2026

CoNtINuEd fRoM PaGE 1

Courtesy Nanda Sundri

Gathering for a meeting of the new sewing club at the East Meadow Public Library are, from left, Rhonda Matalevich, Linda Romano, Nellie Campos and Luz Intinoli. ects, offer advice and talk about their experiences, creating connections that extend beyond the sewing machines in front of them. For Matalevich, the club provides a chance to spend an evening doing something she loves with people who hold the same passion. “It’s just nice chatting about some-

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Sundri said she hopes the library will eventually be able to accommodate more participants as interest grows. For more information or to register, visit EastMeadow.info.

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thing that you enjoy with other people that do it,” she said. Sundri said she hopes that spirit of collaboration continues as the club grows. While she may lead the group, she sees it as a place where everyone can contribute something. “I mean, we all learn,” Sundri said. “We all learn from each other.”

Courtesy Sapna Sundri

Nanda Sundri, who leads the new sewing club at the East Meadow Public Library, helps a member learn how to thread a sewing machine.

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Romano said she is still working to improve her sewing skills and appreciates having others nearby to help her get started. She expressed hope that the club continues and becomes a regular fixture at the library. “I’m hoping that it’s a permanent club,” Romano said. “It’s the ideas and it’s the friendships, the friendships that you build later in life.” For Romano, the invitation to newcomers is simple. “Don’t hesitate,” she said. “People are willing to help, and it’s a fun night.” Rhonda Matalevich also joined the club after seeing it listed in the library’s adult programming. After retiring in June, she wanted an activity that would give her a reason to get out of the house while allowing her to meet people in her community. Matalevich, who has been sewing since she was 16, said she also does machine embroidery. While she has turned to YouTube to learn new techniques, she said there is something different about learning alongside other people. “You don’t meet people,” Matalevich said of learning solely through YouTube. “I love the interaction.” That interaction has become a major part of the club. Members share proj-

October 08, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

BRiNgiNg local spoRts home eVeRY weeK

spotlight athlete

HERALD SPORTS

East Meadow gaining experience By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

dylAN PARChMeNT HEWLETT Senior FOOTBALL IT WAS A RECORD-SETTING performance for Parchment Sept. 28 as the Bulldogs rolled to a 40-13 victory over Carle Place in a Nassau Conference III?IV crossover matchup. He set a program single-game record with five touchdowns, finishing with 252 yards on only 12 carries. His scoring runs covered 63, 29, 45, 65 and 6 yards as Hewlett upped its record to 2-1. In the opener, he scored four touchdowns on the ground in a 29-22 win over Division.

games to watch Friday, Oct. 9 Football: Carey at Calhoun........................................ 3 p.m. Football: Baldwin at Jericho ...................................... 6 p.m. Field Hockey: Sewanhaka at Baldwin ....................... 5 p.m. Girls Soccer: Wantagh at North Shore....................... 5 p.m. Girls Soccer: Oceanside at MacArthur ...................... 5 p.m. Girls Soccer: Kennedy at East Meadow .................... 5 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Malverne at West Hemp.................... 5 p.m. Boys Soccer: North Shore at Seaford ....................... 5 p.m. Football: Malverne at Island Trees ............................. 6 p.m. Football: Sewanhaka at Hewlett................................ 6 p.m. Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook ............................... 6 p.m. Football: Elmont at Plainedge ..............................6:30 p.m. Football: Freeport at Farmingdale ........................6:30 p.m. Football: North Shore at ERock/WHemp ..............6:30 p.m Girls Spccer: Plainedge at Lynbrook ....................7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10 Girls Soccer: Elmont at Uniondale ..........................10 a.m. Girls Soccer: South Side at Carey ...........................10 a.m. Field Hockey: Garden City at Clarke ........................10 a.m. Football: Garden City at Mepham ........................1:30 p.m. Football: Kennedy at V.S. Central..........................1:30 p.m. Football: Long Beach at New Hyde Park ..............1:30 p.m. Football: Lawrence at V.S. South ..........................1:30 p.m. Football: Oceanside at Massapequa ........................ 2 p.m.

East Meadow girls volleyball has spent the last month on peaks and valleys, winning its first three matches before dropping four straight against strong competition. The key all along has been gaining experience and growing sharper in Nassau Class AAA, focuses coach Devon Hagerstrom has maintained through the good and bad. “I hope we can see a little bit better when we play them again, the second round through,” Hagerstrom said. “I hope to see us maybe take a set or a game from one of these higher-level teams.” As easily as East Meadow’s first three victories came against Port Washington, Far mingdale, and Uniondale, matches with Massapequa, Freeport, Plainedge, and Oceanside all proved more difficult. The Jets are were 3-4 through seven matches. East Meadow is mostly comprised of juniors, leaving senior middle hitter Maya Cieloszczyk in an all-important position. Not only does she provide a massive presence at the net for the Jets, racking up blocks and kills, but she also leads her younger teammates by example. “She’s been super strong for us in the middle and has gotten seven kills every game so far,” Hagerstrom said. “She’s been really wonderful for us. She’s been running a really fast offense with our setters, and she’s come out this year a lot stronger than last year.” Cieloszczyk is joined by the likes of seniors Emily Cabrejo, Tiffany Acosta and Adrianna Martone, all of whom have stepped into leadership roles for their younger teammates. Hagerstrom said sophomore libero/ defensive specialist Cassie Snow has quickly become a focal point in her defensive-minded program, distributing well and often leading East Meadow in digs. “Cassie and Maya have been outstanding for us and they’re really the core of our team, just with their leadership qualities and their attitude,” Hag-

Tony Bellissimo/Herald

Emily Cabreo, left, Maya Cieloszczyk, center, and Cassie Snow are leading the way for the Jets. erstrom said. “They go into every single game giving 100 percent. You can really feel the heart and the want from them. It’s hard at this age.” Snow’s defense often kickstarts scoring opportunities for the likes of junior middle hitter Skye Wallace and sophomore outside hitter Courtney Holinski. In a 3-0 victory over Uniondale on Sept. 15, Holinski led East Meadow with seven kills and 17 aces in a commanding individual effort. Hagerstrom praised the Jets’ only setters, juniors Annika York and Ava Chavez, for holding their own with high assist totals. In their 3-1 defeat against Freeport on Sept. 18, York had 20 assists, contributing directly to Cieloszczyk’s 13-kill performance. Maria Campagnuolo and Isabella

Garone, listed as hitters, have instead slotted in at multiple positions as needed, ear ning key experience as East Meadow’s lone freshman. “They’re getting thrown in whenever we need them, and we’ve had them on right side, the outside, back row,” Hagerstrom said. “They’ve shown up and they’ve given 100 percent.” East Meadow is still cutting its teeth in a highly competitive conference, and while some of its opponents might have loftier goals, stealing the occasional set off league-leading rivals would mean a great deal to the Jets. Hagerstrom aims to create a program in which talent is always being nurtured by those who came before, and her current roster has the enthusiasm and momentum to continue moving forward.

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Colleen Connaughton seeks seat in 19th A.D. By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Colleen Connaughton, of Garden City, a former journalist, is Assemblyman Ed Ra’s Democratic challenger in the 19th Assembly District. Her campaign is focused on health care, education, affordability, infrastructure and reducing political polarization. Connaughton, 61, was born and raised in Queens in a working-class union family. She earned an undergraduate degree at Long Island University, and studied political science and international public affairs as a graduate student at Columbia. She spent nearly two decades as a journalist for Reuters, working primarily in television. Her work took her to Europe, Asia and Africa, where she covered wars, politics and social issues and interviewing international leaders. “I think my experience in other countries gives me a very unique position to go into somewhere like Albany and call them out a little bit on what they’re doing there,” Connaughton said. Education is one of her priorities. Technology, she said, should support education rather than replace traditional learning, particularly for younger students. Connaughton supports a greater emphasis on handwriting, recess, mental health and reading books, and believes schools should reconsider how extensively they use artificial intelligence and other technology in classrooms. “They only have a very short period to build their brains and to build the neural pathways they need as the foundation for the rest of their long lives,” she said of students. Health care is another focus. Connaughton said her experience living abroad influenced her views of the American health care system. She supports reducing costs and expanding access, including exploring

19 th ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Colleen Connaughton, of Garden City, a former journalist, is the Democratic candidate in the 19th Assembly District. broader government-supported health care. She also expressed concerns about the influence of the health care and pharmaceutical industries on public policy. “I think we need grown-up politicians who are not beholden to special interests,” she said. Affordability and housing are issues Connaughton has also focused on, and, she said, residents have raised concerns about both during her campaign. Younger people are struggling to afford homes on Long

Island, she said, and residents want to preserve the suburban character and safety of their communities. Connaughton identified infrastructure and energy as two more major priorities. She supports modernizing electrical infrastructure, expanding renewable energy and improving transportation systems. Her exposure to infrastructure and technology in other countries, she said, has provided examples that could spur ideas for New York. Throughout her campaign, she has attended civic meetings, street fairs and community events across the district. Residents have raised concerns, she said, about housing, traffic, overcrowding, public safety and the future of Long Island. Connaughton describes herself as a supporter of law enforcement, and said that public safety remains an important concern for families across Long Island. She also describes herself as “purple,” saying she is willing to consider and address concerns raised by both political parties. Connaughton said her campaign is motivated by concerns about future generations and a desire to bring her experience in journalism, international affairs and community life into public service. “I really care about the future of our country, our children and what we’re passing on to the next generation,” she said.

Ra campaigns for re-election to the Assembly By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

State Assemblyman Ed Ra is seeking re-election in the 19th Assembly District, emphasizing education, infrastructure, affordability and community issues in his campaign for another term in Albany. Ra, 44, a Republican who was first elected in 2010, became leader of the Assembly’s minority conference in February. His role, he said, involves working with organizations and residents to address their concerns through legislation and other work in Albany. “The Assembly is really a great intersection of public service, which I love, and public policy,” Ra said. He added that he regularly works with civic associations, school districts, libraries and fire departments. He also helps organizations pursue grants, equipment and other resources. Among his priorities is the state’s energy policy. New York, Ra said, needs a broader mix of energy sources and additional supply to address costs. He also wants to continue focusing on education, especially special education and career and technical education. He highlighted the Henry Viscardi School, which serves students with disabilities, as an institution he has helped fund. He also pointed to an increase in the BOCES salary cap as an effort that could help school districts send students to career and technical programs. When it comes to special education, however, Ra said, the state’s school aid formula does not adequately account for the range of needs among students in those programs, and he believes changes are needed.

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Assemblyman Ed Ra is seeking re-election in the 19th Assembly District, focusing his campaign on education, infrastructure, affordability and community issues. Infrastructure remains a priority as well, particularly the replacement of lead service lines. More residents, he said, are learning they may be responsible for replacing portions of lead service lines between

their curbs and their homes, which can be costly. While campaigning, Ra said that residents have raised concerns about taxes, the cost of living and public safety. His office also helps them navigate local issues like traffic by connecting them with the appropriate officials. Affordability remains crucial, especially for seniors and first-time homebuyers, Ra said. He pointed to previous work increasing the income threshold for the senior property-tax exemption, as well as a proposal for an exemption for first-time homebuyers. Ra has also prioritized veterans’ mental health and homelessness, particularly among younger veterans. Veterans’ organizations, he said, need help with capital improvements such as roofs and parking lots. “All those organizations are going to be gone if they don’t find a way to get the young veterans engaged with them,” he said. Although Ra serves in the Assembly minority, he said his relationships with colleagues across party lines have given him a chance to work on issues including child care, education and senior tax policy. “I reject the premise that, ‘Oh, you’re a Republican, you can’t get anything done,’” he said. “I have the relationships and respect of my colleagues who work on issues and get things done despite being in the minority party.” His experience and relationships in Albany, Ra said, are part of what he brings to the campaign. “I feel like I’m very well respected on the Democratic side of the aisle,” he said. “It’s about getting the thing done and working with colleagues on the other side of the aisle.”

Shop for local produce at Hempstead’s free farmers market

EAST MEADOW HERALD — October 08, 2026

The Town of Hempstead, in partnership with Long Island Cares and PSEG Long Island, will host a Farmers Market for seniors on Oct. 9 at the Sands at Lido Beach. Hempstead’s Town Council said the market will provide senior citizens, ages 55 and older, with free, locally grown fresh produce. “Long Island Cares and the Harry Chapin Food Bank have been a leader in tackling food insecurity, addressing the root causes of hunger and feeding people in need for over 45 years,” Town Supervisor John Ferretti said. “We’re proud to partner with them on a program that will connect our town’s seniors with farm-fresh produce.” “Long Island Cares is proud to join the Town of Hempstead and PSEG Long Island to serve Hempstead seniors,” Robert LaBarbera, Long Island Cares’ vice president for procurement & supply chain oversight said. “We all have had a long-time commitment to serving seniors and Long Island Cares is always ready to provide them with the most nutritious foods available.” The Free Farmers Market for Seniors will be held outdoors, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Supporting our senior residents and helping them thrive is a key part of PSEG Long Island’s effort to improve the communities where we live and work,” said Michael Presti, PSEG Long Island’s director of Customer Experience and Marketing. “We are proud to

Courtesy Metro

Seniors in the Town of Hempstead can shop for free produce at an upcoming market on Oct. 9 at the Sands at Lido Beach. partner with Long Island Cares and the Town of Hempstead to provide Hempstead seniors with healthy, fresh produce at this brand-new event.” The Sands at Lido Beach is at 710 Lido Boulevard, Lido Beach. For more information, residents can call Long Island Cares at (631) 582-3663 or email outreachCCE@licares.org.

“Through the Department of Senior Enrichment, the Town of Hempstead has provided our Town’s senior citizens with a plethora of activities, transportation to our senior centers and programs, as well as outreach services throughout the year,” Ferretti said. “Whether it is the senior flu vaccine program, a special birthday celebration at a local

senior center or the popular senior summer beach program at Lido Beach, we are here to help residents live their golden age years to their fullest. I thank Long Island Cares and PSEG Long Island for collaborating to bring this free farmers market to the Town of Hempstead.”

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October 08, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Holden Leeds/Herald

Boy Scout Troop No. 362 presented the colors at CEMCO’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Board, community leaders reflect on 50 years CONTiNuED FROM PAgE 1

Meadow Bird Sanctuary behind the park. “Year after year, we’ve been doing these cleanups, and now here we are in 2026,” Parisi said. “A lot of the vegetation came back. A lot of trees grew back. It became a very beautiful space, just by leaving it alone.” CEMCO also provides a forum for residents to hear about proposed developments and other matters affecting the community. Recent meetings have addressed the Regency Development on Hempstead Tur npike and a school district bond proposal approved by voters in March. “I think the founding principles of CEMCO are just as important today as they were 50 years ago,” Parisi said. “It is an organization that tries to promote unity within our community. In this social media age, there is so much misinformation going out there. I know it’s kind of old-fashioned, but I think when we have a meeting, we try to bring together people who can bring the facts to the table.” The organization also funds scholarships for high school students, provides a wreath for the community’s Memorial Day observance and sponsors other local activities. Its anniversary gathering included a cocktail hour, buffet dinner and dessert, with ticket proceeds supporting CEMCO’s work. “We are a quiet organization, but we do our work,” said Dolores Rome, CEMCO’s third vice president. “We care about our community. We care about what people think, and that’s why we have meetings.” As CEMCO enters its next half-century, Parisi said its broad civic role remains its strength. “CEMCO is that civic presence,” he said. “We cover the gamut for the community. We are wearing many hats that are all important to the community, and I don’t think there’s any other organization in East Meadow that does what CEMCO does.” Town Councilman Dennis Dunne, a frequent face at CEMCO meetings, said it was a great evening celebrating a cornerstone of the East Meadow community. “CEMCO has been doing the kind of work that keeps a community strong for five decades,” he said. “Bringing people organizations together, recognizing good people, and making sure people who give their time and energy to East Meadow are never forgotten.”

A large crowd packed into La Novella to mark CEMCO’s milestone.

President Joe Parisi with Deacon Dennis Schlosser of St. Raphael’s Roman Catholic Church, who is a past president of the organization.

First Vice President Richard Bivone shared remarks during the dinner.

Town unveils tax-freeze spending proposal jgillego@liherald.com

Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti unveiled a proposed $591.7 million budget for 2027 that he said would freeze town taxes while maintaining municipal services, funding infrastructure improvements and preserving a $5 million tax cut enacted earlier this year. The proposal follows a 2026 budget that reduced general fund taxes by 18 percent. Ferretti noted that the proposed tax-freeze budget comes as Hempstead faces rising costs, including the overall 3.4 percent increase in the consumer price index over the past year. Other increases have also impacted the town, such as a 23 percent increase in utility costs and pension costs rising 10 percent over the past two years. “It is on us as elected leaders to demand accountability, boost efficiency, and ensure smart budgeting within governmental operations,” Ferretti said on Sept. 30. “Families should not be left to shoulder burdens that should be addressed through responsible governance.” The proposed budget aims to maintain all town services and programs while addressing rising operating costs, public safety needs and infrastructure improvements. Ferretti said that it prioritizes affordability for residents amid rising living expenses across New York.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, center, unveiled a nearly $592 million budget for 2027, noting that it maintains all of the town’s programs and services. Brian Devine, the town’s communications director, said the tentative budget projects the use of $30 million in reserves. Devine emphasized that the figure is only a projection, and that the final amount would not be known until the town closes its books for 2027. “It is entirely possible that the town will use no reserves at all in our 2027 budget due to strong fiscally conservative management,” he said. Devine pointed to the town’s most recent audited financial statements for

the 2025 budget as an example. That spending plan projected $22.9 million in reserve use, but the town ended the year with a $20 million surplus. Joseph Scianablo, the Democratic candidate challenging Ferretti for supervisor, released an analysis of the proposed budget, identifying what he described as concerns with projected revenue, fund transfers and reserve use. Scianablo said he identified $26.75 million in miscellaneous revenue, an increase of $24.25 million from 2026, a

$17 million part-town transfer to the Highway Department and proposed use of fund balances that need further explanation. “Without reliable, recurring revenue, today’s tax freeze can become tomorrow’s tax hike,” he said, adding that if elected, he would require documented revenue sources, realistic cost estimates and a multiyear financial plan. Scianablo also said he would protect essential services while reviewing contracts and spending for savings, pursuing outside funding through a proposed Grant Capture Unit and prioritizing preventive maintenance. He called for greater transparency through quarterly budget updates and clearer explanations of revenue and fund-balance use. While Scianablo outlined his plans to preserve essential services, the town currently provides a wide range of services to residents, including sanitation, water, highway maintenance, parks and senior enrichment programs. Town spending accounts for about four cents of every property tax dollar. For residents living in incorporated villages, the town’s share is even lower, less than one cent per dollar. The proposed spending plan would also maintain a municipal workforce at its lowest level in more than a decade. “The 2027 tax-freeze budget keeps more of your money where it belongs,” Ferretti said.

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — October 08, 2026

By JULIA GILLEGO

Events celebrate authors, novels and new releases By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

For East Meadow readers, fall brings more than changing leaves — it brings new stories to discover, authors to meet and fresh reasons to talk about books. The East Meadow Public Library has two book-centered events planned for the season, including a festival celebrating Long Island authors and a discussion of a bestselling mystery narrated in part by a remarkably perceptive octopus. Readers can also use the library’s website to preview anticipated titles and reserve them before they reach the shelves. Here are three things book lovers should know this fall.

n Long Island authors take the spotlight

n Meet literature’s most observant octopus

n Get a head start on upcoming releases

The East Meadow Public Library will celebrate the region’s literary talent during its Long Island Author Festival on Nov. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. The festival will give readers an opportunity to meet local authors, discover their books and hear them discuss their work or read selections from it. Attendees will also be able to purchase books and have them signed following the presentations. The event is intended to help connect writers with readers in an industry in which authors often face challenges promoting their work and finding an audience. The afternoon will bring authors and book lovers together for stories, conversation and a celebration of Long Island’s writing community. Long Island authors interested in participating in the festival can email readerservices@eastmeadow.info for more information.

The Evening Book Discussion will turn its attention to Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. The novel follows Tova Sullivan, a widow who works the night shift cleaning the fictional Sowell Bay Aquarium. More than 30 years after her 18-year-old son, Erik, disappeared during a boat trip in Puget Sound, Tova continues to cope with the loss by keeping herself busy. At the aquarium, she develops an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, an intelligent and curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus knows more about Erik’s disappearance than anyone realizes and sets out to uncover the truth before his time runs out. Van Pelt’s debut novel blends mystery, grief, friendship and hope, with portions of the story told from Marcellus’ perspective. Registration opeened Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Readers who do not want to miss the next highly anticipated release can visit the library’s “Coming Soon to Our Library” webpage. The regularly updated feature spotlights forthcoming books expected to join the library’s collection, with titles organized by release month. Readers can click on individual book covers to view reviews and learn more about each selection. Many of the titles can be reserved before physical copies arrive, allowing patrons to join the waitlist early for books likely to be in high demand. The page currently includes releases expected in September, October and beyond, making it a helpful tool for planning a fall reading list — and ensuring another book is ready when it is time to turn the final page.

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October 08, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

STEPPING OUT A blast from the ‘80s

Courtesy Gabriella Spiegel

Courtesy Austin Colbert

Suburban kid, theatrical force: Joe Iconis thrives in the spotlight.

Two worlds, one voice Joe Iconis reconncts with his roots in an intimate showcase of his music and singular stage presence

By Iris Wiener

oe Iconis returns to Long Island for a dynamic homecoming. The Tony-nominated writer, performer and Garden City native is set to perform his solo concert, “Joe Iconis: Live on Long Island,” on Oct. 16-17. He’ll bring the songs, stories and theatrical sensibility that have defined his career to East Rockaway’s Strongbox Theater. For the writer behind Broadway’s “Be More Chill,” the occasion is both a long-overdue local debut and an opportunity to reconnect with the place that helped shape the songwriter and performer he would become. “I can’t believe it has taken me this long,” Iconis says of bringing an entire concert of his own material back here. Although he has made occasional appearances in the area, including debuting a new musical in Babylon, he had never performed a proper solo concert on his home turf. The opportunity came together almost spontaneously after he became aware of the new Strongbox Theater and he knew it would be a good fit. The significance of performing on Long Island goes beyond geography. “Long Island is just kind of baked into who I am as a person,” Iconis says. Growing up in Garden City, which he calls “the ultimate suburban area,” he was surrounded by a large Italian family and the particular social dynamics of suburban life. Those experiences, he says, helped shape both his worldview and the people who populate his writing in musicals such as “The Black Suits” and “Love in Hate Nation.” “I write a lot about suburban characters and suburban ennui, as well as people who feel just outside of something,” Iconis relates. For him, that feeling is particularly connected to “being just outside of the city, so close that you can touch it, but not quite there.” The proximity to Manhattan was another formative part of his childhood. Iconis was able

to see theater frequently and became fascinated by the city and its creative energy. At the same time, he came to recognize that Long Island could feel like its own universe. That tension between the familiar world of the suburbs and Courtesy Stephanie Wessels the seemingly limitless possibilities of New York became part of Iconis’ artistic DNA. Yet the younger Iconis might never have imagined that he would one day be performing his own songs in front of an audience. “He would blush!” Iconis says when asked what his aspiring songwriter self from Garden City would think of his current career. “I was never someone who identified as a performer.” As a child, he participated in theater because it was a way to be a part of the environment he loved, but remembers being terrified onstage.Eventually his songwriting pushed him toward performing. “I became a performer out of necessity when I got to grad school. “It was like, ‘I’m writing these songs, I have to be able to perform the songs, so I should try to get better at doing that.’” Developing his craft as a writer also helped him find greater confidence as a performer, which is regularly exhibited at popular concerts at 54 Below and around the U.S. “Finding my voice allowed me to start feeling comfortable in my own body and I started getting comfortable on stage,” he says. The Strongbox concert will offer audiences a glimpse at what is next for Iconis. He is currently writing an original musical inspired by Robert Altman, set in one weekend in the New York theater world in 1982. Other projects include “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical,” which has already been presented in several locations and is now moving toward New York. The exchange of energy between himself and his live audiences has also given Iconis the unusual experience of learning that his work has affected people he has never met. “It’s so strange to me to think that there are people whom I don’t know, who listen to my stuff and it does something for them,” he says. Iconis wants his concerts to appeal not only to theater devotees, but to people who may not consider themselves musical-theater fans. “I hope that the evening opens people up to different ideas to what musical theater can be and what it is,” he says. The thought of returning home carries a certain vulnerability for an artist who has spent so much of his career writing about outsiders and people searching for where they belong. “My artistic home feels like it’s New York City,” he says. “I can’t escape it.” But Long Island remains an essential part of that story. “[Both places] are different parts of me.” Now those two worlds will meet on a Long Island stage. And perhaps, for two nights, the distance between Long Island and the city that inspired so much of his work will disappear entirely. Visit strongboxtheater.com to purchase tickets for Joe Iconis: Live on Long Island.

Tease that hair, dig out the neon and get ready to party like it’s 1985. Jessie’s Girl is back with their wildly entertaining “Back to the Eighties” concert experience — a high-energy blast of pop, rock and pure ‘80s nostalgia. The New York City-based band features top rock and pop musicians and four powerhouse vocalists who transform into the era’s biggest icons, complete with signature looks, choreography and plenty of attitude. Expect hits from the decade’s biggest stars, delivered with the kind of over-the-top production that makes Jessie’s Girl a concert — and a party — rolled into one. Add audience participation, colorful costumes, props, bubbles and a blizzard of confetti, and you’ve got an all-out throwback celebration that keeps the crowd singing, dancing and reaching for those neon leg warmers.

Friday, Oct 9, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Melissa Errico The Broadway star and acclaimed jazz vocalist Melissa Errico brings her celebrated album “I Can Dream, Can’t I?” to the stage with longtime collaborator pianist Tedd Firth, bassist David Finck and drummer Eric Halvorson. “I thought I was making an album of old songs,” she says.”Then the songs began telling me what they were really about: all the ingenious ways we reach for someone we love. I’ve spent my life finding stories inside music. This evening brings together Cole Porter’s wit, Duke Ellington’s tenderness and Joni Mitchell’s wondering heart, with laughter, longing and a beautiful illusions along the way.”

Friday, Oct 9, 8 p.m. $86, $79, $67. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.

OCT

‘When It Happens to You’

Adelphi University Performing Arts Center welcomes acclaimed English actresses Amanda Abbington (Sherlock) and Rosie Day (Outlander) in a staging of Tawni O’Dell’s play based on her memoir. It captures the unquantifiable damage her daughter suffered following a brutal sexual assault. Blending humor with unflinching honesty, the play explores the question: “How does a normal, happy family recover from a trauma of this size and scale?” The production has received rave reviews offBroadway and in London. This is a very special production that is not to be missed. Proceeds from this show benefit a charitable organization supporting survivors of sexual assault and violence • Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000

EMFD Open House Stop by East Meadow Fire Department’s open house.

• Where: 197 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow • Time: 6-9 p.m. • Contact: Visit EastMeadowFD.com

OCT

Taylor Swift Tribute Concert

Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Let Sing Taylor, a Taylor Swift tribute. The band brings the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far. So, let the games begin! Get ready to sport your Taylor- inspired attire and sing your hearts out. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 6 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

OCT

CCE Farmers Market

CCE Nassau welcomes all to shop its farmers market in Eisenhower Park, Field 8.

• Where: Eisenhower Park • Time: 9 a.m. • Contact: CCENassau.org

Art Reception

Award-winning artist Theodora Zavala opens his art show. • Where: 1886 Front St., East. Meadow • Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m. • Contact: EastMeadow.info

CALENDAR OCT

Boating certification course

The Jones Beach Power Squadron offers a free New York Statecertified America’s Boating Course (ABC) at Wantagh Park. Open to boaters and anyone interested in learning more about safe and responsible boating. • Where: 1 King Road, Wantagh • Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m., also Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov.10 • Contact: P/C Ed Figueroa, AP-ACN, at (516) 816-4919 or capted36@gmail.com for registration and more

OCT

th NOV 27 Annual Long Island Jolson Festival

Daughtry 20 Years Unplugged

Experience Daughtry’s catalogue in a stripped-back acoustic setting, reframing the songs that have soundtracked arenas, rock radio milestones, and some of the most defining moments of the band’s career. The band’s music takes on a different meaning in more raw and immediate space, where the weight of a lyric, the scrape of a guitar string, and the quiet before a chorus can hit as hard as the full-band impact. Their lastest tour follows the release of “Shock To The System,” the complete edition of Daughtry’s two-part project via Big Machine Rock. The collection brings together “Shock To The System” (Part One) “Shock To The System” (Part Two) along with additional live recordings that capture the force and connection of the band’s latest era. Across tracks including “Artificial,” “Pieces,” “The Bottom,” and “Antidote,” Daughtry continue to channel grief, change, confrontation, and selfreclamation into some of their heaviest and most emotionally direct work to date. For an artist whose songs have always lived at the intersection of power and vulnerability, 20 Years Unplugged sees Daughtry • Where: The Paramount, 370 strip down some of their biggest and most meaningful tracks, distilling them to their New York Ave., Huntington purest form and bringing fans closer to the songs, the stories, and the unmistakable • Time: 8 p.m. voice that have carried the band from one of the biggest rock debuts of the century • Contact: ticketmaster.com through two decades of connection, evolution, and success. or paramountny.com

Double, Double Toil and Trouble Long Island Children’s Museum is ready for spooky season. Families can get in the spirit by brewing up a magical potion bottle to take home at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

American Chamber Ensemble in concert

The acclaimed American Chamber Ensemble, celebrating its 61st Anniversary, returns to Hofstra University. The program includes music for various combinations of piano, clarinet and strings, with performances by ACE core members, faculty members, former students and current ACE student winner Roberto Oquendo. They’ll present works by Bernstein, contemporary composer Paul Basler, Amy Beach, Florence Price, Stephen Foster and others. Special guests are soprano Tammy Hensrud, the Sayville Chorale, Karen DiMartino conducting, cellist Deborah Sepe and Roberto Oquendo, French horn. Free; donations are gratefully received. • Where: Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center, California Ave., Hempstead

• Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: l(631) 242-5684 or (516) 586-3433

OCT

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to learn about the Indigenous of Long Island and the craft of making a Mishoon, a dug out canoe created by slowly burning and carving a tree trunk. • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: 11 a.m. and noon • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

OCT

Market at East Meadow Farm Stop by the East Meadow farm on Wednesdays for fresh produce.

• Where: 832 Merrick Ave., East Meadow • Time: 11 a.m. • Contact: CCENassau.org for more information

Networking Meeting

The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce hosts a Networking Meeting.

• Where: Whiskey Reds, 2552 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow • Contact: EastMeadowChamber. com

OCT

‘The Song of the Cello’

Visit Old Westbury Gardens for an evening of chamber music. Ensemble-in-residence Poetica Musica Quartet welcomes all to enjoy the rich, expressive tones of the cello. Renowned cellist Eugene Moye joins pianist Yasmin Alami for an evening of masterful performances featuring works by Brahms, Casals, Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, and others.The program includes Johannes Brahms’ Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38, Pablo Casals’ “The Song of the Birds,” Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise,” and additional selections celebrating the depth, warmth, and versatility of this beloved instrument. A pre-concert talk proceeds the concert at 7:30 p.m.; a Meet-the-Artists reception with light refreshments follows the concert in the West Porch. $30; $25 seniors and members. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 8-9:30 p.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call 516) 333-0048

Society President Jan Hernstat invites all to participate in the annual tribute to Al Jolson, rescheduled. With Ed Greenbaum’s unique outtakes from “The Jolson Story, Noah Diamond as Grouch Marx, comedian Jeff Greenberg, with Tony Babino’s “The Heart of Al Jolson, and more. Tickets are $54.95. • Where: Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park • Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Contact: Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524

NOV Long Island Author Festival

Spend an afternoon celebrating talented local artists at East Meadow Library.

DEC

Salisbury Tree Lighting

• Where: 1886 Front St., East Meadow • Time: 1-4 p.m. • Contact: EastMeadow.info

Join the Salisbury community for a festive holiday celebration.

• Where: Intersection of Carman Avenue and Lake Lane (near Carvel) • Time: TBD • Contact: Visit EastMeadowChamber.com

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.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — October 08, 2026

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East Meadow student gains career experience through UB sophomore externship program East Meadow resident Leya Skaria recently completed the University at Buffalo’s Western New York Sophom o re E x t e r n s h i p E x p e r i e n c e at Trusted Talent. T he pro g ram connects colle g e sophomores with paid exter nship opportunities at leading companies and organizations across Wester n New York. It is intended to help students explore potential careers and prepare for the workforce earlier in their college education. The externship program is administered by the university’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory, known as CoLab. It was funded by the Bryant Foundation in 2025 and the Prentice Family Foundation in 2024. Par ticipating students ear ned $4,000, received course credit and gained firsthand experience exploring career paths and professional opportunities throughout the region. “In its third year, the nationally recognized Western New York Sophomore Exter nship Experience has continued to provide students with meaningful experiences throughout our vibrant community while enhancing our regional workforce,” UB Provost A. Scott Weber said. “UB is proud to host this program and grateful to the Prentice Family Foundation and Bryant Foundation for their continued support of the pro-

gram and their investment in WNY students and economic develop ment.” A total of 84 students were selected to work with 41 host organizations. In addition to University at Buffalo students, the cohort included sophomores attending other Western New York colleges and universities. College sophomores studying outside the region were also eligible if they graduated from a Western New York high school. “The impact of the University at Buffalo is felt well beyond the boundaries of our campus,” Brian Hamluk, the university’s vice president for student life, said. “We take g reat pride, and feel significant responsibility, in helping to advance our communities around us: through workforce development, service and partnerships. The Sophomore Externship Experience is a great example of the leadership role UB plays in the community, and by partnering with philanthropic organizations, community businesses, and organizations, we are building a stronger Wester n New York.” The University at Buffalo is New York’s flagship public university and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. More than 30,000 students attend

Courtesy Metro

Leya Skaria of East Meadow completed the University at Buffalo’s Western New York Sophomore Externship Experience. The program connects college sophomores with paid externship. the university and pursue their academic interests through over 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the university is a member of

the Association of American Universities, an organization comprising 71 leading research universities across the country. —Jordan Vallone

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Courtesy Scott Brinton

Yianni Hatzikontos, who suffered a traumatic brain injury a decade ago in a car crash and had to relearn use of his legs, was able to walk the length of a parking lot at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Saturday. Ramirez, a family friend and Achilles International’s outer boroughs manager, served as his spotter.

Crash survivor honored at brain injury walk in Eisenhower Park By SCOTT BRINTON Special to the Herald

On July 16, 2016, Yianni Hatzikontos was a passenger in a car traveling on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from Astoria, Queens, to Brooklyn. He did not know the driver was under the influence, according to his brother, Dimitri. The car crashed en route. Yianni suffered a traumatic brain injury and could no longer speak, walk or swallow. The then 21-year-old was placed on life support, his survival hanging in the balance. A little over a decade later, on Oct. 3, 2026, Hatzikontos walked the length of a parking lot at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow with a spotter and was recognized as the Brain Injury Association of New York State’s Long Island Honoree for his courage during his long and painful recovery. “Look at me now,” Hatzikontos told the audience of roughly 200 gathered under a stand of shade trees near the park’s Field One, a smile etched across his face. “We are truly blessed.” “We would take two steps forward and sometimes life would bring us back,” said his mother, Maria Karvelas, who teaches algebra and geometry at Lawrence Middle School in the Lawrence School District. “Keep fighting. We keep fighting, and we keep going. Four years of rehab — and now we are traveling the world.” She was referring to trips to the Dominican Republic and the family’s homeland of Greece, where Yianni enjoys looking out on the sea from the beach. Hatzikontos can walk, but in brief bursts. He still needs a wheelchair. He spoke to the crowd on Saturday, but in short sentences. He spent four years in inpatient rehabilitation at the 200-bed Park Terrace Care Center in Rego Park, Queens, where slowly he relearned and regained the life skills that were abruptly taken away from him. At 32, he now lives at home in Astoria with his mom and receives outpatient rehabilitation. “His mother is a powerhouse,” said Tina Getsios, regional rehabilitation director at Park Terrace, who oversaw Hatzikontos’s long-term care. “She’s the miracle behind

this process. If not for her, I don’t know [if] he’d be here.” It was a sentiment echoed by Hatzikontos’s sister, Cindy, 35. “My mom worked really hard to get him home,” she said. “I appreciate her and my family so much. We’ve accomplished so many of our goals because of her.” To see Yianni honored before his family, friends and supporters — including a sizable contingent of Lawrence Middle School teachers — was a “milestone” for the Hatzikontos family, 26-year-old Dimitri said. “It’s a blessing to see a huge community” supporting Yianni, he said. “All three of us as siblings have gone through our own trials and triumphs but watching Yianni grow has been inspirational.” Since leaving Park Terrace, Yianni has become an athlete. He’s now a member of Achilles International’s Queens chapter, which offers walking, running and cycling programs for athletes with disabilities. Achilles Inter national has chapters throughout the five boroughs. A number of Team Achilles members were on hand to celebrate Hatzikontos on Saturday. One of them was Cynthia Freeman, 47, a Queens chapter board member and athlete herself. Team Achilles participants go “at their own pace,” she said. Some may walk a short distance. Others take part in triathlons. Some compete using handcycles or racing wheelchairs. “He’s got such a sense of humor, so I love our conversations,” she said. “I love standing there, sitting close and having a laugh with him.” The Brain Injury Association of New York State advocates for brain-injury patients, acting as a liaison between them and their caregivers, said Christina LeBeau, the organization’s director of advocacy and engagement. The organization helps families of patients who have sustained brain injuries before age 22 navigate the complexities of the medical system. The Eisenhower Park event was one part of BIANYS’s March On for Brain Injury 2026 campaign. Its fundraising goal is $120,000, and BIANYS is “very close” to meeting it, LeBeau said. For more or to donate, go to BIANYS.org.

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of Flatline Sports, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on August 27th, 2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 600 Rudwick Pl, East Meadow, NY 11554. Purpose: any lawful act. 162098 LEGAL NOTICE 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 RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CARLOS DERAS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 10, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 682 Lowell Street, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 10, Block 37 and Lot 9. Approximate amount of judgment is $641,333.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612141/2024. Cash will not be accepted. Jjais A. Forde, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York

Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 162572 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Lehman XS Trust Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-GP2, Plaintiff AGAINST Roberto Monsalve; John Monsalve a/k/a John Eric Monsalve; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 24, 2026, 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 October 29, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 259 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50 Block: 462 Lot: 8. Approximate amount of judgment $595,241.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 606768/2023. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Lawrence Schaffer, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: September 16, 2026 162574 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL LLC, Plaintiff, vs. RODERICK J. GEOGHEGAN JR., AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE

HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JANE ANN GEOGHEGAN, AND AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF NICHOLAS TUMMINELLO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 23, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 22, 2026 at 3:30 p.m., premises known as 912 Winthrop Drive, East Meadow, NY 11554. 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 50, Block 454 and Lot 21. Approximate amount of judgment is $564,714.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600501/2022. Paul Meli, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 162336 LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1, -againstVLADIMIR C. PUNTO A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 28, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1 is the Plaintiff and VLADIMIR C. PUNTO A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). 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 November 9, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 839 WINTHROP DRIVE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554; and the following tax map identification: 50-437-24. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT EAST MEADOW, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611656/2021. Leslie Feifer, Esq. Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of

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PART TIME & Full Time. The awardwinning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County’s North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

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ecently I had the chance to attend a tribute to Howie Rose at CitiField, honoring his almost four decades as the iconic voice of the Mets. Rosemary and I have enjoyed a friendship with Rose and his wife, Barbara, over the years, and Howie invited us to the ceremony. Being a loving grandmother, Rosemary deferred to our grandson Jack, who’s a dedicated Mets — and Howie Rose — fan. Rose is a great guy who represents the very best of what New York baseball should be all about. Baseball games have always been a great outlet for me, a place to relax and enjoy rooting for my favorite team, in good years and bad. When I was a kid growing up in Queens, that team was the Brooklyn Dodgers, and those seasons were all good, until they weren’t. When team owner Walter O’Malley hijacked the Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1957, it left a

glaring void among many New York neighborhood-type fans who could never identify with the pinstriped Yankees. That void was filled beyond expectations when the Mets came into being in 1962, and quickly developed a devoted fan base. I attended countless games at Shea Stadium, and Rose personified that new breed of fan, who lived and died with the Mets. His dream was to be an announcer for the Mets. When he achieved that goal, first as a pregame broadcaster and then as a knowledgeable, highly skilled play-by-play announcer, he was still very much the neighborhood guy, the enthusiastic fan from the upper deck. He truly was the voice of the Mets. Rose’s declaration “Put it in the books!” after every Mets win has become part of New York baseball lore. He was also a longtime announcer for the NHL’s Rangers and Islanders. His cry “Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!” after Stephane Matteau’s double-overtime, sudden-death goal against the Philadel-

phia Flyers won the Eastern Conference Championship for the Rangers in 1994, is also part of New York sports history. After all his years behind the microphone and his successful recovery from major cancer surgery, Rose announced that he would retire at the end of this season. To pay tribute to him, the Mets designated Sept. 20 Howie Rose Day at CitiField, and planned to honor him in a pregame ceremony on the field. It turned out to be the Mets’ last home game, and the final Mets game Rose would announce. Unfortunately, the day was dark and rainy, which forced the cancellation of the pregame festivities. The Mets decided to reschedule the ceremony on next season’s Opening Day weekend, but went ahead with an indoor celebration for Rose and his invited guests in the owner’s suite on the 20th. That was a win-win for Howie, Barbara and their two very accomplished daughters, Alyssa and Chelsea, because so many friends and notable people attended to show their strong friendship for him. Among the many in attendance were

he voice of the Mets, still the neighborhood guy, has put ’em in the books.

Art Shamsky and Cleon Jones, from the 1969 World Series champion Miracle Mets; Ron Darling, Lee Mazzilli and Howard Johnson, from the 1986 championship team; John Franco, from the 2000 National League champion squad; Terry Collins, from the 2015 National League champs; former New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, now the Mets’ senior vice president for security; and Mets owner Steve Cohen. It was baseball and New York at its best. No one spoke about themselves. It was all about Rose, his love of baseball and the fans and how he is such a lasting part of baseball, and New York. It was an honor to be there. What has always impressed me the most about Rose is his genuineness. Whenever Rosemary and I went to dinner with Howie and Barbara, we had no advance thought of what we would discuss that evening, but we would end up talking into the night, being among the last to leave wherever we were. Thank you, Howie and Barbara. You’re great friends. Put it in the books! Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

The Republicans keep dropping easy passes

s we approach the November elections, a lot of words have popped into my mind. One of them is foolish, and another is stupid. I can easily apply those words to what has happened in politics that has made so many people angry. The gripes come from both sides of the aisle. But there’s a sports term that best describes what the Trump administration has been doing. Those words are unforced error. In football, if a receiver simply drops a pass, that’s an unforced error. In politics, it means a selfinflicted wound that could easily have been avoided. Come Nov. 3, I think those words will best define what will happen and why it will happen. While it’s true that the party in power tends to lose off-year elections, there have been too many unforced errors that will hurt the Republican Party. In 1992, James Carville, then a strategist in Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign, came up with the now famous

catch phrase “It’s the economy, stupid,” which cost President George H.W. Bush his job. Decades later, it did the same to President Joe Biden, who told America that things were just fine and the country was in good shape. And now President Trump calls affordability a “hoax,” which everyone, including his most loyal supporters, knows isn’t true. The war against Iran was supposed to last a few days, and is now in its seventh month. I think if I had been a fly on the wall when the decision was made to start bombing Iran, I might have heard the generals warn Trump that doing so would have more downsides than upsides. I love America, but the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan didn’t go well, and a fight with a crazy enemy like Iran was a big gamble. The proof of how badly it’s gone is the sky-high price of gasoline and, especially, diesel fuel. The blockage of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has created a worldwide fuel shortage that has been costly for American consumers and damaged our credibility. It is noble to go after any enemy that

sponsors terrorism, but this “little excursion,” as Trump once described our latest war, has badly damaged the party in power. The next unforced error is the tariff war. I know the president loves tariffs, but using them to pick on our friends and help our enemies is bad politics. Why fight with Canada when you could end the war in Ukraine with high tariffs on Russia? The president can deny it all he wants, but consumers are paying for tariffs on almost every item on store shelves, and the price increases are hurting people big time. Every president has the right to pick whomever he wants to be in his cabinet. Trump has made quite a few controversial appointments, but none have been more costly to him than Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and “War Department” Secretary Pete Hegseth. Kennedy has caused the administration a great deal of grief with his anti-vaccine policies. As of last week, there had been 3,659 confirmed measles cases in the United States this year. That marks the highest annual case count in the U.S. since mea-

’s been one unforced error for another for the party, with big losses looming Nov. 3.

sles was declared eliminated in 2000. Kennedy has denied all of the press claims about a measles epidemic, and chooses advisers based on their antimeasles policies. Hegseth has made many enemies for the administration with his firing of a number of career military officials. In many of those cases, the ousted officials were women or Black. His handling of the issues aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has alienated countless members of the military. There have been reports of at least eight suicide attempts by members of the ship’s crew because it was deployed far longer than normal. Sadly, for those elected officials who have performed well in office, one unforced error after another will make it more difficult to get voter support. There’s no doubt, however, that the state of the economy is the biggest of all of the administration’s errors, and it’s highly likely that, once again, James Carville will be proven right on Nov. 3. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — October 08, 2026

Joining the crowd that honored the Mets’ Howie Rose

Herald editorial

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October 08, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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Storm warning: Long Island should take stock

wo weeks ago, a storm with no name sat off our coast for three days and reminded us how little it takes. It was a September nor’easter, the kind of system older Long Islanders might once have shrugged off as just a wet, windy weekend. This one sent wind gusts past 80 miles per hour in Montauk and pushed as much as two feet of water into coastal streets with a near-fullmoon tide. Freeport residents raced to move their vehicles before high tide, and some Long Islanders paddled kayaks down roads they normally drive to work. The Long Beach Branch of the LIRR went dark. Nearly 112,000 residents lost power at some point. And we got off easy. The storm stayed offshore. If it had tracked a few dozen miles closer, we would be writing a very different editorial. Some things went right, and they deserve recognition. Anyone who lived through Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020 remembers hundreds of thousands of households in the dark and an outagereporting system that collapsed when people needed it most. This time, PSEG had more than 850 workers in the field, plus nearly 300 brought in from off the island. Most customers had power restored in short order. Village crews, volunteer firefighters and highway departments worked

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through the night clearing roads and pumping streets. Those men and women earned our thanks. A fall storm that never made landfall is yet another wakeup call to the South Shore’s vulnerabilities that we have known about since Hurricane Sandy: low-lying roads that flood with every strong tide, storm drains that back up instead of draining, aging bulkheads, and a single rail branch that cuts off a barrier-island city whenever Reynolds Channel rises. Which brings us to our elected officials. In the days after a storm, Long Island’s politicians are everywhere: touring flooded streets, standing beside downed trees, promising action. Their concern is real. But the photo opportunity is the easy part. The money that would have kept those streets dry is won or lost months earlier, in budget negotiations in Albany, in committee rooms in Washington, and in the unglamorous back-and-forth with federal agencies over which projects get funded first. That’s where our representatives need to be fighting, all year long. Resilience funding doesn’t go to the region that suffered most. It goes to the region whose delegation shows up, makes the case relentlessly and doesn’t let the issue drop when the skies clear. Long Island’s members of Congress, state legislators and county officials should treat flood mitigation, drainage,

bulkhead replacement and grid hardening as a standing priority, not a talking point that surfaces every time the water rises and fades once it recedes. Voters can hold them to it. With Election Day weeks away, candidates for Congress, the State Legislature and local office will be knocking on doors and filling mailboxes. Ask them, specifically, what they plan to do about flooding and the power grid. Which projects will they fight for? How will they get them funded? What have they already delivered? A candidate who can answer in detail has been doing the work. One who can only talk about the last storm probably hasn’t. Long Islanders would like to see results on the ground: raised roadways and upgraded drainage in the neighborhoods that flood first, bulkheads that are replaced before they fail, and hardened transit infrastructure that doesn’t shut down every time the tide runs high. Local governments have homework, too. Residents shouldn’t learn that their street floods by finding their car underwater. The next storm may have a name. It may track closer to shore, or arrive when the moon and tides line up worse. The nor’easter gave us a warning at a relatively low price. Our leaders’ job is to make sure we heeded that warning, and that work starts now, in the quiet months, long before anyone needs a kayak.

opinions

here’s something remarkable happening in New York and across the American economy: Entrepreneurship is booming, and artificial intelligence is driving it. A recent Gusto survey found that 60 percent of founders used A.I. to start their businesses last year, and 50 percent said it made the process significantly faster or cheaper. That’s monumental for New York’s Black community, where new technology is helping clear economic hurdles that have held back Black entrepreneurship. Our community has long struggled against barriers to the capital, resources, technology and opportunity needed to grow. A.I. is changing that equation, paving the way to economic independence and wealth creation for historically underrepresented Black entrepreneurs. New York should embrace that opportunity wholeheartedly. Starting a business once required major upfront investment: a location, staff, a website and cash on hand to fund it. Today an entrepreneur can use A.I. to help develop a website, market a product and handle logistics, all while work-

ing from home. Despite claims that A.I. will hollow out New York’s workplaces, it is instead making it possible for more people to become entrepreneurs, and helping small businesses accomplish more with fewer resources. As Entrepreneur recently reported, applications from one-person firms increased by more than 20 percent between early 2025 and mid-2026, as A.I.-powered tools increasingly allow individuals to accomplish work that once required entire teams. The priority shouldn’t be undoing that progress. It should be making sure underserved and minority communities have the opportunity to share in it. These benefits aren’t limited to startups; A.I. is a genuinely powerful tool for our neighborhood businesses, too. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a contractor, a retailer or the head of a community nonprofit, the technology can help manage customers, analyze budgets and streamline operations. A.I. helps level the playing field, making capabilities once reserved for giant corporations available to the smallest storefronts and startups. Small businesses are already putting these tools to good use. A recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey found

that A.I. adoption among small and medium-sized businesses has more than doubled since 2023. The tech is helping people become more efficient and develop new capabilities — and the more widely available innovative A.I. tools become, the better off small businesses, operating on tight margins or with limited access to capital, will be. Black entrepreneurs are already recognizing that potential. Recent research from the Urban Institute found that Black-owned businesses are more likely to use or test A.I., and more likely to view the technology as “highly important” to their companies. Researchers also noted that A.I. adoption could “increase the productivity of small businesses and significantly cut costs, improving competitiveness and reducing barriers to entry.” Nonetheless, we should not assume that these benefits will reach every neighborhood equally. If access to A.I. tools, training and capital becomes uneven, our communities could miss one of the greatest economic opportunities of this generation. We can’t let that happen. New York must embrace A.I. innovation and ensure that no one misses out on the unique advantages the technology provides. New Yorkers need practical opportunities to build A.I. skills, while

he Urban Institute has found that they’re using it and benefiting from it.

Framework by Tim Baker

A last warm-weather spray-down at the Color Run-A-Thon at Floyd B. Watson Elementary School – Rockville Centre

neighborhood businesses need access to the investment, infrastructure and expertise required to put those tools to work. Our leaders should recognize that widening access to innovation is an economic opportunity, not a threat. The stakes extend beyond our own communities. Countries like China are rapidly closing the gap with the United States on A.I. If we make it harder for American innovators to develop and adopt these tools here at home, competitors like China will be more than happy to fill the void. That’s why city and state officials should focus on making A.I. adoption easier, fostering collaboration and education and removing unnecessary barriers. The more hurdles are erected against A.I. innovation, the fewer opportunities minority-owned businesses will have to get ahead. If, instead, we equip businesses with the A.I. tools they need to grow, local mom-and-pop shops will reap the benefits, and our neighborhoods will thrive. A.I. is already expanding opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and business owners. New York must ensure that every community can participate, compete and flourish in our modern A.I. economy. Phil Andrews is president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and founding president of the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — October 08, 2026

A.I. is opening new doors for Black entrepreneurs

October 08, 2026 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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