The Franklin Square Public Library’s roof, last replaced in 2001, is deteriorating due to poor waterproofing, extensive ductwork, and years of leaks, prompting urgent efforts to secure funding for a full replacement.
Urgent roof repairs needed at Franklin Square Library
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Plans for a roof replacement at the Franklin Square Public Library are underway, according to Library Director Aviva Kane.
While still in the early stages of securing a grant to fund the project, Kane said the library is actively working on a solution to address ongoing issues caused by the roof’s deterioration.
The library roof was last replaced in 2001 by Frendolph Construction Group, making the roof over 20 years old—the general lifespan of a roof.
James Pagano, the assistant director
since 2023, said the library board at the time began reporting issues with the roof, which showed signs of failure soon after installation, to Frendolph when leaks began a year later.
Frendolph failed to install a necessary layer of waterproofing, Kane explained.
In 2010, solar panels were installed on the roof by a solar company, Sunstream USA, which exacerbated the ongoing leak issues.
Kane, who has served as director since April 2020, described the roof as a “maze” due to the extensive ductwork and HVAC units that cover its entire surface.
According to a May 2019 report by Lothrop Associates LLP Architects, a White ConTinued on Page 16
Elections results are in: All school budgets passed
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Elmont, Franklin Square and Sewanhaka school districts passed their 2025-26 budgets in Tuesday’s annual budget vote and school board election. All three budgets and board reorganizations will go into effect July 1.
The $115.2 million Elmont school district budget passed with 1,482 votes in favor and 684 against.
The Elmont budget will establish new probationary teaching positions to help retain staff that are currently part of instructional programs, and open a new district-wide administrative leadership position for the English Language Learners program.
New software will be implemented for districtwide employ-
ee evaluations, as well as to manage employee absences. Plans for a new science curriculum, a new theater program, telephone translation services, reading intervention resources, and GPS tracking software of the district’s bus fleet are included in the budget as well.
“We thank everyone in the Elmont community who participated in today’s budget vote,” said Marlon Small, superintendent of the Elmont school district. “Their support ensures we can move forward with critical initiatives that enhance learning opportunities and maintain safe, welcoming schools for all our Elmont scholars.”
Shirley Wheeler-Massey, Zahid Khan and Stephanie Douglas were elected to the
Courtesy Franklin Square Public Library
Voters approve 2025-26 school district budgets for franklin Square, elmont and Sewanhaka, paving the way for new programs, facility upgrades and staff expansions.
Elmont, Franklin Square, Sewanhaka budgets pass
ment classes.
Elmont Board of Education, receiving 1,275, 641 and 870 votes, respectively.
The $51.7 million Franklin Square school district budget passed with 596 votes in favor and 274 against.
The budget ensures that no programs will be cut, and that low class sizes will be maintained.
Proposition 3 passed with 604 votes in favor and 259 against, facilitating a $1.6 million reconstruction of the Washington Street School parking lot with funds from the capital reserve.
In addition, all pre-K programming will be centralized at Polk Street School after an expansion of the school building, with new classrooms to accommodate the additional students currently enrolled in the Our Precious Angels pre-K program, to be completed later this year.
“We are incredibly grateful to our community for their support in approving this year’s budget as well as our proposition to invest in our school facilities,” said Jared Bloom, superintendent of the Franklin Square school district. “This approval ensures we can continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities and critical resources for all our students and support our dedicated staff. We look forward to another successful year of providing our students a solid foundation for success.”
Stephen Toto and Maura LewingerTorres were re-elected to the Franklin Square Board of Education with 648 and 660 votes, respectively. Both candidates ran unopposed.
“To be able to continue with the five of us working cohesively will be wonderful,” Lewinger-Torres said. “We’re always this cohesive team that is looking at what we could do for the betterment of the children. I just love the direction that we’re bringing our students toward.”
The $264 million Sewanhaka School District budget passed with 3,028 votes in favor and 1,488 against.
Proposition 3, which establishes a capital reserve for the district, passed with 3,150 votes in favor and 1,315 against.
The budget will provide funding for new districtwide midterms and diagnostic exams, as well as new language, math, science, art and professional develop-
Two new Career and Technical Education programs, Medical Assistance and Cosmetology, will begin in the fall semester. A new district building is currently being constructed on the corner of Landau Avenue to house classrooms for the new programs.
“We are grateful to our community for supporting the 2025-26 school budget, as well as our capital reserve proposition,” said Regina Agrusa, superintendent of the Sewanhaka school district. These approvals allow us to continue providing high-quality educational programs and essential services that support student success across our district in a safe and secure environment.”
The $2.5 million Elmont library budget and the $2.9 million Franklin Square library budget both passed, with 1,483 and 547 votes, respectively.
“The Franklin Square Public Library extends its heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community for approving our budget,” wrote Aviva Kane, director of the Franklin Square Public Library, in an email. “This modest increase, kept within the NYS tax cap, directly invests in the future of our library. This vote of confidence reinforces our mission to serve as a vibrant hub where connections are made and knowledge is shared. Thank you for your unwavering support!”
Elizabeth Forbes was elected to the Elmont Library Board of Trustees with 885 votes, winning over incumbent Livingstone Young, who received 743 votes. Suzanne Schatz was re-elected to the library board with 1,371 votes. She ran unopposed.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with such a strong, organized, collaborative and committed board,” Schatz said. “Our goal is to continuously elevate the opportunities and quality of programs happening across the library.”
Lori Turczyn was elected to the Franklin Square Library Board of Trustees for a five-year term after running unopposed for Maxine Yarczower’s seat. Yarczower did not run for re-election.
Narcan training teaches how to save lives
With drug overdoses on the rise, a local EMT shows residents how to administer lifesaving care
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department hosted a Narcan training on May 14 to show community members how to save the lives of people suffering drug overdoses.
About 40 attendees of different ages and backgrounds gathered at the fire department to watch Emergency Medical Technician Edward Brennan, of Nassau University Medical Center, give a presentation on overdose statistics and symptoms, and demonstrate how to administer Narcan, a lifesaving medication used to reverse the effects of an overdose.
Town Councilman Thomas Muscarella, who co-sponsored the event, stressed the importance of saving lives and ending the opioid epidemic. “We have to stop it,” Muscarella said. “You should never have to die from your mistakes.”
At the end of the training, attendees were given a free Narcan kit containing two doses of the medication, medical gloves and information to remind them how to use the drug in the event of an overdose.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics from 1999 to 2016, drug overdose deaths increased from about six per 100,000 citizens to almost 20 per 100,000. The data includes 2016, three years after the start of the third wave of the opioid epidemic in 2013, marked by a significant rise in the prevalence of synthetic opioids.
In 1999, CDC statistics show there were 16,849 overdose deaths in the U.S. The most recent statistics, from 2023, show 107,543 overdose deaths.
Brennan, an EMT for 45 years, explained that anyone can be a victim of an overdose, not just young recreational drug users or addicts. Overdoses can even happen to the elderly, he said, who might accidentally take too much of a prescribed medication.
Prescription drugs, Brennan explained, are the third-most commonly abused category of drugs, and over half of all first-time drug abusers obtain them from a friend or family member for free.
Almost 18 out of 100 Americans have used illicit drugs or misused prescription drugs, according to the CDC.
“We’re talking about early recognition of the crisis,” Brennan told the attendees. Early intervention includes identifying the symptoms of an overdose, administering Narcan, calling 911, and referring the individual to addiction treatment.
For those concerned about the legal repercussions of drug use or possession during an overdose, Brennan emphasized the Good Samaritan Law, which protects anyone offering medical help for an overdose from legal consequences. It includes the overdose victim and the person who calls 911.
“The idea is that we want to save lives,” Brennan said. “We don’t want
people to back away from a potential lifesaving situation because they’re afraid of some kind of legal issue.”
For the training, Brennan demonstrated how to use Narcan on a dummy. He removed the dispenser from the packaging, placed two fingers on each side of the nose cone, inserted the nozzle into the dummy’s nostril, and firmly pressed the plunger to aerosolize the medication.
Even if the victim doesn’t immedi-
ately wake up, Brennan said, the goal is to help restore his or her breathing while emergency personnel are on their way. The goal of the entire process, he stressed, is to save a life, offer hope to the overdose victim and offer an opportunity for recovery.
Carole Brosnan said that she and her husband, James — who was FSMFD’s chief from 1984 to 1985 — attended the training, as they did last year, to refresh their knowledge of how to administer
Drug overdose quick facts
Opioid drugs that can be treated with Narcan:
Heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, Oxycodone, oxymorphone, Percocet, Vicodin, fentanyl, hydromorphone, meperidine and buprenorphine.
Signs of an opioid drug overdose
■ Shallow breathing
■ Heavy head nodding
■ Bluish lips and nailbeds
■ Lack of response to stimulation
■ Constricted pupils
Where to find drug addiction treatment programs
1. CDC.gov
2. DrugAbuse.gov
3. Health.NY.gov
4. SafeNeedleDisposal.org
5. DeaDiversion.USDOJ.gov
the drug in an emergency.
Narcan has an expiration date, Carole explained, so she wanted to pick up new doses in case the ones she received last year expire before she might need them.
James Brosnan recalled responding to several 911 calls in his time with the department when Narcan was needed. While most were for younger drug users, he said that some involved older people.
Carole said that many people have preconceived notions about who uses drugs — young people or those from disadvantaged backgrounds — but those assumptions aren’t always true.
“I think it could happen to anybody,” she said.
That’s why, she added, it’s important for her to be prepared in case she encounters someone having a drug overdose. She has two granddaughters in their early 20s, she said, and while she doesn’t know whether they or their friends use drugs, she wants to look out for their safety.
“The more you keep it in the back of your mind—God forbid you have an emergency situation,” Carole said, “maybe it’ll come to the forefront of your mind and you’ll know what to do.”
Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos
Emergency Medical Technician Edward Brennan demonstrated how to administer Narcan during a community training at the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department on May 14.
Participants received a free Narcan kit containing two doses, medical gloves and information on overdose response.
things to know Franklin square CiViC assoCiation
FSCA invites residents to shape the town’s future
By RENEE DeLORENZO
rdelorenzo@liherald.com
The Franklin Square Civic Association was founded in 2016 with a mission to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the Franklin Square community. From beautification projects and community events to problem-solving initiatives and issue-oriented discussions, the FSCA aims to serve as a channel for residents to actively participate in the community and be part of positive changes in town.
Frank Culmone, president of the civic association, and Katherine Tarascio, the treasurer, detailed some upcoming events and initiatives the association will lead in the coming year. For more information, residents can search for their Facebook page by name or visit FSQCivic.org. The next meeting will be held May 28 at the Franklin Square Public Library from 7 to 9 p.m.
Honoring and supporting veterans and hometown heroes
The FSCA will sponsor the Memorial Day Parade on May 26 at VFW Post 2718. Volunteers from the civic association will put up flags around the triangle, plant flowers in the planter box, and decorate along Naple Avenue and the gazebo near the Rath Park memorial with patriotic bunting. In addition, Culmone said the FSCA has officially unveiled this year’s Hometown Heroes banners, which are displayed on posts along the VFW building on Lincoln Avenue. The program began in 2019 and honors military veterans who are either from Franklin Square or nominated by a current resident. It also recognizes first responders, like firefighters, police officers, and healthcare workers.
Beautification efforts are currently underway with new tree program
Tarascio said the beautification committee has been working on an initiative to plant trees around Franklin Square, a program the FSCA officially launched this year. The association is currently partnering with Cornell Cooperative Extension, an organization of educators, researchers, specialists and volunteers dedicated to preserving the environment, to conduct the program. Tarascio said any Franklin Square resident interested in planting a tree on their property can email Trees@ FSQCivic.org. Culmone added that the civic association collaborates with the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, and Morton Civic Association to help fund plants and bunting.
Capital Gains Tax Tips
Your cost “basis” for calculating capital gains taxes is what you paid for the stock or the real estate. For real estate, the basis gets raised by the amount of any capital improvements you make to the property. When you sell your primary residence you may exclude the first $500,000 of gain if you’re a couple or $250,000 if you’re single. The $500,000 exclusion for a couple gets extended for a sale occurring up to two years after a spouse dies.
For gifts you receive of appreciated stock or real estate during the donor’s lifetime, no capital gains tax is payable. However, the donee receives the donor’s basis. It is generally considered better to wait, if possible, and pass the gift to the donee at death, due to the “stepped-up basis”. The basis of any inherited property is “steppedup” to date of death value. If the property is sold within six months of the date of death, then the sale price is deemed to be the date of death value.
If the property is going to be held for
some time it is helpful to get date of death values to establish the new basis. For real estate, this means getting an appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser (not a real estate broker!). For stocks, you simply ask the company holding the stocks to provide this information.
When a spouse dies with jointly held property, there is a half of a step-up — the deceased spouse’s half gets stepped-up to date of death value, while the surviving spouse has the original basis. However, for a primary residence the capital gains tax exclusions discussed above continue to apply. With combined Federal and New York capital gains taxes reaching about 30%, it is essential to look at holding onto appreciated property until death (especially if you have taken depreciation on the property which can lower your basis to zero). One should also look carefully at the estate plan to see if property should be transferred to a surviving spouse, or their trust if any, to get another step-up on the second death.
516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com
Two family events to add to your calendar later this year
Culmone said the FSCA will bring back its annual community yard sale on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rath Park pool parking lot. He said they plan to host more than 50 sellers, many of whom are returning from previous years. The event is a hit in the community, Culmone said, because it draws a crowd to one location where sellers can maintain privacy, rather than setting up individual garage sales at their homes. Sellers interested in participating can find the registration link—which opens in early August—on FSQCivic.org. This year’s Winter Festival, Culmone said, will take place Dec. 6 at the gazebo in Rath Park, with free hot chocolate and a visit by Santa.
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/franklinsquare or www.liherald.com/elmont
■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: fseditor@liherald.com
■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 282 E-mail: fseditor@liherald.com
■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942
■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460
■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643
■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
Skye Margies/Herald
The Franklin Square Civic Association plans for upcoming events, beautification projects,
community programs. Residents can learn more at FSQCivic.org.
HERALD SPORTS
Big inning propels Mepham over Carey
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Back-to-back two-run hits with twoouts by Mepham eighth-grader Laci Linekin and sophomore Katelyn Agulles in the bottom of the second inning broke open last Saturday’s Nassau Class AA softball playoff quarterfinal matchup with Carey and sent the host Pirates on the way to a 7-1 victory.
Third-seeded Mepham scored five runs in the second and sophomore Mia Troiano added a two-run homer over the fence in left in the third to provide more than enough support for pitchers Vanessa DeLutri and Kiera Ulmschneider. DeLutri, a freshman, worked four innings for the win and Ulmschneider, a sophomore, recorded the final nine outs for the save. Devon Barley had the lone RBI for the sixthseeded Seahawks, who took down Baldwin 14-6 in the first round May 15.
“I thought we played well and made the most of our opportunities,” Mepham coach Tom Simone said. “We got some big hits, Vanessa and Kiera pitched well and we played strong
defense behind them.”
The Pirates (8-9) advance to face No. 2 Glen Cove in a best-of-three semifinal series. Glen Cove won both regular-season meetings. Carey finished 10-9.
“Things kind of unraveled in the second inning and even though we battled, we weren’t able to come back,” Carey coach Anthony Turco said. “We had a fun season even though there were ups and downs. We won eight in a row and lost six straight.
“A few Saturdays ago at practice we decided to play some kick ball and I think that loosened everyone up and helped,” he added. “We responded to win three of our last four which was great.”
Each team had one hit in a scoreless first, but Mepham made Carey pitcher Andrea Arias, also one of the Seahawks’ top hitters this spring with a .500 average (catcher Sabrina Chapman batted .440), make 35 deliveries.
Then in the bottom of the second with two outs, Troiano and sophomore Lauren Leo singled and sophomore Emerson Urthell walked to load the
bases. Mepham leadoff hitter Avery Bentancourt then took an 0-2 pitch off her helmet and Troiano scored the game-opening run. On the next pitch, Linekin drilled a double in the leftcenter gap for a 3-0 lead. Agulles followed with a two-run single to cap the early rally.
“I never want to let a good pitch go by and fall behind in the count,” Linekin said. “So I was ready to swing at something in the zone.”
Troiano, filling in for senior Alyssa Cinquemani at shortstop, was in a zone all day. Troiano reached base in all three at-bats and touched them all in the third with a long homer over the fence in left, scoring senior Julia Corcoran in front of her.
“I waited on the pitch and took it yard,” Troiano said with a smile.
The Seahawks loaded the bases with none out in the fifth as Alessandra Varuzzi, Madison Bourne and Ava Dubin all singled, but Ulmschneider entered the game to put out the fire. Varuzzi and Dublin (3-for-3) also singled in the seventh, but the game ended on a comebacker to the circle.
Chapman enjoyed a strong season
behind and at the plate for the Seahawks, who split a pair of playoff games.
Sue Grieco/Herald Sabrina
both
Area H.S. seniors are sworn into military
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Thirty-five high school seniors from Nassau County showed their patriotism last week by pledging to serve in the United States military.
The enlistees, from high schools in Baldwin, Freeport, Valley Stream, Wantagh and beyond, are in the final steps of enlisting in the armed forces.
“Only about 23 percent of high school seniors could actually go into the military, and only 1 percent actually do — these kids are the top 1 percent,” said Andrea Nordquist, chair of Our Community Salutes of Nassau County. The organization held a celebration to support the military enlistees and their families at the Nassau County Training and Intelligence Center on May 13.
“They’re very under-recognized,” Nordquist said of high school students who commit to military service. “They don’t get the accolades that they should get, and so this ceremony helps to honor them, and we’re also the first ones to say ‘Thank you for your service.’”
Nordquist is also the president of Blue Star Mothers of America’s Nassau County chapter, a supportive network of families with members in the military. Her son, Gregory, is a senior master sergeant in the Air National Guard.
“I watched him grow up, I watched him mature,” she said. “For kids nowa-
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Thirty-five high school students from across Nassau County swore the oath of enlistment at the Nassau County Training and Intelligence Center on May 13.
days, not only does it help them mature, it gives them direction.
“It will give them G.I. bills — they can go to college for free,” Nordquist added. “It just opens up their whole world, and they can discover what they’re talented at, and get training.”
Edward Kenneweg, a U.S. Navy commander and executive officer, specializes in talent acquisition. During the cere-
mony, he called all Naval enlistees to receive their honors.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to really give appreciation and thanks to those high school seniors that made the big decision to raise their right hand and serve in the military,” he said. Kenneweg and other military personnel were on hand to express their gratitude to the new recruits.
“My job is to support the recruits and ensure they have the right tools and resources to be successful in their jobs, and overcome barriers and obstacles to reach their long- and short-term goals,” he said.
Nahmare Gilson, a student from Malvern High School, was one of the enlistees honored at the event. He chose to join the military as a career path.
“I realized that college might not have been a decision that I wanted to do,” he said. “My grandfather was in the Army, so I just wanted to join the military to see where that could take me.”
Gilson said he looked forward to “meeting new people in new places,” and challenging himself.
Greg Walpole, of Long Beach High School, enlisted to uphold a family tradition and to prepare for his long-term future. “I’m enlisting because of my family’s footsteps,” he said. “My uncle was in and my cousin’s in right now. I’m going in so it’ll pay for my college and all the benefits that it’s going to give to me.”
Walpole said he looked forward to “learning a new field, getting into school and working hard.”
All of the enlistees received a challenge coin, a copy of the Constitution, and took a ceremonial oath of enlistment after performances from the Coast Guard Band and the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band.
NYCLU challenges ICE pact in Nassau
By AVA DELA PENA
Special to the Herald
Third in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.
Susan Gottehrer first became interested in the New York Civil Liberties Union as a teenager. When she read about injustices in local newspapers, “It was like, ‘NYCLU to the rescue,’” recalled the now 61-year-old.
As director of the Hempstead-based Nassau County office of the NYCLU, Gottehrer said she finds it more pressing than ever to “come to the rescue,” especially when it comes to immigrant rights.
There’s
a fear right now, and nobody should ever have to live like that
SuSAN GoTTEhrEr Director, Nassau County office, NYCLU
“The lack of humanity in the way that we approach immigrant communities is disgusting,” she said. “I come from a family affected by the Holocaust. I understand the concept of ‘othering.’”
In March, County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that Nassau County police would partner with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, making it “the first county in America to have a fully comprehensive agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program.”
Blakeman has said that county detectives would only cooperate with ICE in arresting known criminal suspects, but Gottehrer sees the program as one that will not only negatively affect the immigrant community, but also deteriorate Long Islanders’ relationship with law enforcement.
“When the public cannot trust the police — meaning the immigrant communities — then that makes all of Nassau County less safe,” she noted.
Speaking about on the rising concern in Long Island’s immigrant community, particularly the undocumented community, Gottehrer said she has seen the worry that many feel heading to work, sending their children to school or just leaving their homes.
“There’s fear right now, and nobody should ever have to live like that,” she said.
She said she doubted that any immigrant living in such fear would seek the help of law enforcement. “You can bet (many) are not going be reporting crimes,” she said. “If they themselves need help from law enforcement, then they’re not going to trust it, and that creates a situation where no one is safe.
“The police can say all they want, ‘We’re not going to ask for your status,’” she added, “but when they make a 287(g) agreement, why would anyone trust
About the 287(g) program
The 287(g) program authorizes ICE to oversee and delegate state and local law enforcement to perform specific functions of immigration officers under three models:
■ The jail enforcement model, used to identify undocumented immigrants with criminal charges.
■ The task force model, which allows law enforcement to perform immigration duties.
■ The warrant service officer model, which permits law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on undocumented immigrants.
Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
this year the organization is trying harder than ever to convince elected leaders how “unsafe” 287(g) agreements are. On March 20, multiple activist groups, including the NYCLU, joined more than 50 demonstrators in Hauppauge to rally in support of the act.
In the meantime, the NYCLU is concerned with educating immigrants about their rights. The organization has held a number of “Know Your Rights” workshops to inform immigrants on how to tell the difference between administrative and judicial warrants and how to identify different law enforcement agencies.
“At Know Your Rights workshops, we teach immigrants what a judicial warrant looks like,” Gottehrer said. “An administrative warrant is really just a document that ICE has issued. It’s not backed by the constitutionality of due process or a judge.
“Immigrants have the right to say, ‘That is not a judicial warrant. Leave me alone.’”
them?”
To oppose Blakeman’s pledge to work with ICE, the NYCLU is advocating for the New York For All Act. According to the NYCLU, the legislation would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies “from colluding with ICE, disclosing sensitive information and diverting personnel or other resources to further federal immigration enforcement.”
According to State Senate Bill 2235, the legislation, if enacted, would:
■ Prohibit and regulate the discovery and disclosure of immigration status.
■ Prohibit police officers, peace officers, school resource officers, probation agencies, state entities, state employees and municipal corporations from questioning individuals about their citizenship or immigration status.
■ Regulate the disclosure of informa-
tion relating to immigration status.
The Assembly version of the measure is Bill A3506.
In January, the bill was referred to the Senate and Assembly Codes committees, where it has sat since. The measure must pass through committee before it can be brought to the full Legislature for debate and a potential vote. Finally, Gov. Kathy Hochul must sign it.
Regardless of whether New York for All were to pass, Gottehrer pointed out that immigration falls under civil, not criminal, law, and local police thus should not be involved in immigration enforcement. “ICE is going do its job. There’s nothing we can do about that,” she said. “But federal jurisdiction is over immigration. Local jurisdiction is over criminal law.”
Though the NYCLU has sought to pass the New York for All Act since 2018,
“If you’re new to the country or if there’s a language barrier, you may not know the different levels of government,” she said.
The NYCLU is also conducting trainings in immigrant communities to identify different law enforcement officers, not only so they can protect themselves, but also so they can alert the organization to any potential ICE activity in Nassau. According to Gottehrer, the NYCLU has been mapping reported activity across Long Island while working within a coalition of other activist organizations.
Ultimately, she said, she wants to ensure through her work with the NYCLU that no one lives in fear. “There’s a lot of misinformation and demonization going on,” she said. “It’s historically where our nation has gone to over and over again: to demonize people from ‘the outside.’”
Courtesy Susan Gottehrer
Susan Gottehrer directs the Hempstead-based Nassau County office of the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is working to support undocumented immigrants as they navigate the Trump administration’s deportation push.
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The faculty union at Nassau Community College announced on May 14 that it would take legal action against the college administration for refusing to submit faculty tenure and promotion recommendations to the board of trustees, a move the union claims violates the current collective bargaining agreement.
At a news conference in the County Legislature building in Mineola, Acting NCC Federation of Teachers President David Stern accused the college’s leadership of disregarding established rules and breaching contractual obligations.
“NCC thinks the rules no longer apply to them,” Stern said. “They think they can say one thing and do another. That ends now.”
More than 15 faculty members were recommended for tenure and promotion by committees composed of faculty and administrators in February and March. Stern said the union’s legal counsel had sent a letter to the college administration earlier that day, demanding that the college follow through on the recommendations made by those committees. He called the administration’s failure to advance the recommendations to the board “unprecedented.”
“The issue is simple,” Stern said. “A committee of faculty, including an administrator, recommended tenure and promotions to a number of hardworking, dedicated professors who have labored here for years. NCC not only violated the terms of our contract, it demonstrates an arrogance and disrespect that we have long endured.”
Stern singled out Chief Administrative Officer Maria Conzatti, accusing her of refusing to meet with union representatives or bring the recommendations to
the board of trustees.
“The arrogance begins with Maria Conzatti … who has refused to meet with us, let alone address the concerns in good faith,” Stern said. “She has refused to present these committee recommendations to the board of trustees.”
In response, Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC, defended the administration’s stance. He told the Herald in a previous interview that promotions, sabbaticals, and tenure decisions “don’t take effect until the fall of 2025 —
under the new contract,” adding that discussions about the next agreement must begin before such actions can move forward.
In an interview on Friday, Kornbluth reiterated those comments, explaining that Conzatti had presented recommendations for sabbaticals at a board of trustees meeting the previous day. He added that promotions and tenure recommendations would be addressed in June.
Kornbluth explained that the delay in promotions and tenure appointments is due to an ongoing investigation into “potential irregularities on the promotion process,” but he did not elaborate.
But Stern argued that the current contract remains in effect until Aug. 31, and that the administration is obligated to act on recommendations that have already been vetted through the formal committee process.
“That’s absolutely incorrect,” Kornbluth said of Stern’s argument. “This has nothing to do with the contract. This is all about trying to make Maria Conzatti and the administration look bad.”
Suzanne Kaebnick, an English professor and the union secretary, said the administration’s inaction directly affects students. “The cuts, and their refusal to forward the recommendations for tenure and promotion, hurt our students,” Kaebnick said. “In the nursing department, we have classes that have been unstaffed all semester.”
She added, “To not support our full-time faculty … is to say that we’re not invested in this college. That’s not fair to Nassau.”
“Faculty members are hired either temporary or probationary,” Kornbluth said. “They’re fully aware of it, and it’s part of the collective bargaining agreement. After Academic Affairs evaluates the courses and enrollment, there is a good possibility that someone who is terminated on this contract could be re-upped in the fall.”
Attend Hofstra’s Virtual
NCC faculty to sue over promotion delays GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, June 7, 2025 10 a.m.
At Hofstra University, graduate students grow the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.
For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
David Stern, acting president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, spoke at a news conference in Mineola on May 14, announcing legal action against the college.
Remembering Franklin Square school history
Memories and artifacts from the Franklin Square schools tell the history of education and growth
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Franklin Square’s school district started with a single wooden schoolhouse and quickly expanded with the community, eventually growing to include three elementary schools and its very own high school.
Through memories and milestones, residents and historians recount its journey from farmland to a thriving suburban school system.
The Franklin Square educational system began in 1812 with the creation of the Washington Square Common School District, which served a few hundred families in Franklin Square, West Hempstead and Lakeview.
The school district was established at Washington Square School—originally called Trimming Square School—at the corner of Nassau Boulevard and Dogwood Avenue around the early nineteenth century, although the exact date remains unknown.
At the beginning of each school day, a large bell rang atop the small wooden building, signaling to students that school was in session. The single schoolhouse taught basic subjects such as reading, writing, arithmetic, history, geography and religion.
Pat Galaskas, a volunteer and former president of the Franklin Square Historical Society, said the town was still a farming community at the time, so Washington Square was large enough to accommodate the small population.
According to Paul van Wie, the village historian, in his 2025 book—Franklin Square: The Rise of a Suburban Community—a school census at the time showed 229 students between the ages of 5 and 21 were enrolled in the district. On average, only 39 students attended the schoolhouse on a given day.
In 1912, however, the school was torn down. The population was beginning to grow, and more immigrants—most notably from Germany—needed to assimilate into American life.
“They needed a modern school,” van Wie said.
The Franklin Square School District, or District 17, officially began in 1912 with the opening of Monroe Street School, which served only Franklin Square and no longer included West Hempstead and Lakeview. A new bronze bell, three feet in diameter and weighing 400 pounds, was mounted in the school’s attic.
Van Wie said the school had an authoritarian atmosphere, and students were often subjected to corporal punishment, including strikes on the hands from strict teachers using rulers.
“You didn’t want to mess with them,” van Wie said of the Monroe Street teachers. “You didn’t express yourself. You followed directions. And you said ‘Yes, teacher.’ It was that old thing of children should be seen and not heard.”
Van Wie recounted a story about a young girl at Monroe Street who was about to be punished. When the teacher
ordered her to place her hands on the table and swung the ruler down, the girl quickly pulled her hands away—causing the teacher to strike her own fingers instead. The class burst into laughter.
“Well,” van Wie said, laughing, “that kid got it twice.”
In 1928, the school board approved the purchase of land on John Street—now Nassau Boulevard—to build a new school. Enrollment at Monroe Street had surpassed 700 students, and even after three expansions, it could no longer accommodate them.
The stock market crash of 1929 and the resulting Great Depression delayed the construction of John Street School, however. Plans were eventually modified to include 16 classrooms instead of 12, and the school opened in 1936.
During the Great Depression, Galaskas noted, the Works Progress Administration created jobs for struggling workers. One initiative involved commissioning artists to paint murals in the John Street School lobby.
“I remember vividly as a kid,” Galaskas said of the murals. However, she believes they were later painted over.
Even as John Street School was in development, the school board began planning for a third school in 1931, anticipating enrollment increases by 1941.
Polk Street School opened in 1943. Construction was challenging due to material shortages, as many supplies were reserved for the U.S. military during World War II, despite tax increases to fund the project.
As the population continued to grow, the board planned yet another school— Washington Street School—north of Hempstead Turnpike. It became the largest elementary school in the district when it opened in 1949.
Eventually, the community needed a high school. While the ambitious Sewanhaka High School opened in 1930 and
accommodated some Franklin Square students, other students either attended Hempstead High School—a 15-minute trolley ride away—or left school after eighth grade to work on family farms.
Van Wie said the creation and expansion of the district followed population growth, particularly the baby boom, which strained Sewanhaka and led to the opening of H. Frank Carey High School in 1956.
Galaskas recalled being in the first class to attend Carey. Only the North Wing was completed initially, so students in grades 7-9 attended classes there for the first half of the school year. When the South Wing opened in January 1957, sophomores and juniors transferred in to finish the year.
Many seniors chose to remain at Sewanhaka, however, not wanting to spend the second half of their last school year in a new, unfamiliar environment. That meant Galaskas’s freshman class was considered the upperclassmen. That left many major decisions at Carey to Galaskas and her classmates.
Galaskas, who graduated in 1960, said her class selected the school’s theme, team names, mascot and colors. They also ran the school newspaper, The Clipper.
“It was totally silly,” Galaskas said. “But it was great fun.”
Mike Priolo, a committeeman of Scouting America Troop 93, and his wife, Barbara Priolo, also remembered when the high school opened, although they did not attend until the 1960s. They even recited the school’s anthem with the same fervor they had as students.
The building was still incomplete when Mike began attending in 1963, he said, with rooms in the basement left with sand and dirt.
Mike, who graduated in 1969, also recalled a controversy over pep rallies between H. Frank Carey and Sewanhaka. On Thanksgiving, a football game alter-
nated between the schools, with a parade beginning at one and ending at the other, involving the entire student body.
However, the tradition ended as divisions developed between the two football teams—H. Frank Carey’s Seahawks and Sewanhaka’s Indians, now known as the Ravens.
“It became more of a competition,” Mike said. “That was the connection—a rivalry.”
In 1975, Monroe Street School closed due to declining birth rates after the baby boom, despite public protests. The building was demolished in 1980 after a failed attempt to turn it into a community center.
According to van Wie, former students still harbor resentment over the closure.
“They loved that school,” van Wie said. “They really, really did. But it just wasn’t needed anymore.”
Today, Washington Street, John Street and Polk Street schools remain in operation, serving more than 1,900 Franklin Square students.
Sewanhaka High School continues to offer specialized programs to prepare students for trade careers. Many of H. Frank Carey’s 1,600 students participate, and a new building with Medical Assistance and Cosmetology programs is set to open on the Sewanhaka campus on Landau Avenue this fall.
Many artifacts from the Franklin Square School District’s history are displayed at the Franklin Square Historical Museum on Naple Avenue. Whether residents experienced the town’s rich history firsthand or are interested in educating themselves on how the town became what it is today, the museum offers a blast from the past suitable for families and friends of all ages.
Van Wie said his book includes the full history of the school district and is available for purchase at the Franklin Square Public Library’s circulation desk.
Original student desks from Monroe Street School offer a glimpse into early 20th-century classroom life, complete with built-in inkwells and wooden seating.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The bronze bell from Monroe Street School, installed in 1912, weighs 400 pounds and once rang atop the school.
Experts: Trump cuts threaten drinking water
Loca leaders agree that federal delays of toxic chemical bans put Long Island communities at risk
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Nassau County’s water is under threat — and local leaders are sounding the alarm.
Last Friday, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joined County Legislators Olena Nicks and Scott Davis at the Hempstead Public Library, where they stood with environmental and health leaders to denounce recent environmental rollbacks by the Trump administration.
At the heart of the concern is trichloroethylene, or TCE, a toxic chemical once widely used as an industrial solvent. It is known to seep from factories and landfills into the groundwater — the very source of Long Island’s drinking supply. The state warns that TCE, despite its sweet, fruity odor, is a potent carcinogen.
“The decisions being made aren’t based on science — they’re made to protect special interests and polluters,” Solages said, referring to delays on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency in banning harmful chemicals, and her widely shared social media post on the deregulation of a group of chemicals known as PFAS.
The administration’s proposal would slash the EPA’s budget from $9.1 billion to $4.2 billion, a cut of more than 50 percent.
Solages, a lifelong Long Islander, pointed out the Island’s growing vul-
nerability to climate change: rising seas, saltwater intrusion and increasingly toxic groundwater. But she also warned of a different kind of crisis — one she called a “man-made disaster” brought on by federal inaction.
Joseph Stallone, campaign manager of the New York League of Conservation Voters, agreed. “The EPA used to be a bipartisan watchdog,” he said. “We need Congress to fully fund the EPA and reject these dangerous rollbacks.”
Jessica Varghese, a registered nurse with over 23 years of experience and an associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology, drove the message home. “Long Island has the most contaminated water in New York,” he said simply.
Hempstead wells have tested positive for one of the four dioxanes that are known to cause cancer, along with traces of “forever chemicals” — a term that applies in almost a literal sense, because they contain strong bonds that persist for decades. Varghese cited serious health risks including kidney damage, liver disease, cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
“Long Island deserves better,” she said. “The Trump administration’s sweeping regulatory rollbacks pose a serious threat to public health.”
Solages concluded with a warning: “This isn’t about America’s health,” she said. “It’s about profit. And we won’t be silent.”
Tim Baker/Herald
Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, far left, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Legislator Olena Nicks, Joseph Stallone and Jessica Varghese at Hempstead Public Library, where they spoke about environmental rollbacks.
News brief
A standing ovation followed the kindergarten class’s musical and sign language performances celebrating World Diversity Day during the Elmont Board of Education meeting at Clara H. Carlson School on May 13.
Elmont
students perform for diversity day
Student performances were featured at the Elmont Board of Education Meeting on May 13 in celebration of World Diversity Day, which was observed yesterday.
Student Council President Natalia Gutierrez introduced the kindergarten performers, a news release about the performance said, and spoke about the school community’s differences and how they contribute to its strength.
The kindergartners sang three songs—“I Can,” “So Many Colors, So Many Shapes” and “This Little Light of Mine”—and performed a sign language
steaks, extra-aged to perfection. The juiciest air-chilled chicken, tastiest pork, and so much more. Every bite is a 100% guaranteed gourmet experience you’ll crave.
rendition of “What a Wonderful World.”
Following the kindergarten performances, the news release said, Assistant Principal Melissa Polzella presented a pre-recorded spoken word poetry performance by students, highlighting aspects of their cultures and the school’s diverse community.
Audience members gave the kindergartners a standing ovation at the end of their performance, the news release concluded.
–Renee DeLorenzo
Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
STEPPING OUT
courtesy U.S.
Airmen and women execute daring maneuvers in a thrilling display of the might of the Air Force’s premier fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Gaze up at the sky
Photo courtesy Chris Thomas/Warbird Thunder
Warbird Thunder’s World War II-era planes blast overhead on the wings of history.
High-flying stunts always amaze at Jones Beach air show
By Karen Bloom
The unofficial start of summer is here — and it’s coming in with a roar. Memorial Day weekend has arrived, bringing with it all the familiar traditions we love: heartfelt ceremonies, parades, sizzling barbecues, and, of course, that muchanticipated pilgrimage to Jones Beach for the thrill of the FourLeaf Air Show. Set against the sparkling Atlantic, this high-flying spectacle returns Saturday and Sunday, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds once again leading the charge in a breathtaking display of speed, precision and patriotism. Showtime begins at 10 a.m. — don’t forget your sunscreen and camera.
The distinguished squadron, back for their 10th headlining appearance, is joined by other elite military pilots. This year’s spectacle includes the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, United States Navy F-35C Demo Team, United State Navy Rhino Demo Team, United States Navy EA-18G Growler Demo Team, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), 106th Rescue Wing NY Air National Guard, also the 105th Airlift Wing unit of the New York Air National Guard.
This show — with its new name as a result of the rebranding of sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union as FourLeaf — is an especially patriotic salute to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army (which got its start as the Continental Army), the Navy and Marines, along with the 110th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard. A tribute also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
“We are thrilled to welcome the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as this year’s headliners and look forward to an amazing show by all our performers,” says George Gorman, regional director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “Every year more and more people come to our show. It has become a great tradition for Long Island to honor our military and veterans and kick off the summer at Jones Beach.”
With the anticipated cooperation of the weather, the military and civilian pilots soar — and boom — overhead.
• May 24-25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $10 vehicle use fee
• Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
• For up-to-date information, visit fourleafairshow.com.
The boardwalk also gets in on the action as service branches are on hand to provide visitors with opportunities to interact, including virtual reality simulations and fitness challenges. Everyone will want to check out the booths lining the boardwalk as well, to pick up a souvenir or a snack.
The Thunderbirds, “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon — the Air Force’s multi-role fighter jet. The elite military pilots proudly showcase the capabilities of highly versatile, 19,700-pound aircraft, which can travel at speeds up to 1,500 mph. The supersonic aircraft is known for its agility, speed and ability to perform various roles, including air superiority, air-to-ground combat and intercepting enemy aircraft.
Grace meets power in this mix of six F-16 Falcons demonstrating formation flying and solo routines. Flying only a few feet apart from wingtip to wingtip, the crowd gets a glimpse of the superb skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess as they push the limits of their aircraft.
The civilian teams always elicite ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as well. Performers include the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Aarron Deliu, current reigning Air Masters Cup Series champion and current Sky Grand Prix Champion; Warbird Thunder, featuring the North American SNJ Texan, a former World War II Navy advanced training aircraft; also returning are the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams and Long Island’s own David Windmiller.
Warbird Thunder may be familiar to those who watched when the GEICO Skytypers used to grace the sky over Jones Beach. Warbird’s Lead Pilot Chris “CT” Thomas, with his partner, Wingman Mike “Buick” Eberhardt, was with the Skytypers team for many years before heading out on their own. Their meticulously restored World War II-era SNJ planes were used as an advanced trainer by the U.S. Navy and Marines to train “The Greatest Generation” during World War II and the Korean War.
“We’re flying a piece of history,” Thomas proudly explains.“They’ve got quite a military heritage.”
Warbird Thunder’s 12-minute performance is highlighted by what Thomas describes as “big smoke and big noise.” From as low as 100 feet near the surface to 2,000 feet in the air, his two-plane formation will be looping and rolling. You’ll watch formation loops, aileron rolls, barrel rolls, and Cuban Eights; the planes also separate bringing more excitement with opposing aerobatics before rejoining for the final maneuvers in their fast-paced segment.
“These are big planes with a big physical presence,” he says. “It’s always an exciting show.”
Be sure to listen for that signature “bark” — actually the tips of the propeller reaching the speed of sound.
Jon Lovitz
Comedy legend Jon Lovitz brings his signature wit and unforgettable characters to the stage for a night of nonstop laughs. Best known for his Emmy-nominated run on SNL and roles in hit films like “A League of Their Own” and “The Wedding Singer,” Lovitz has been a comedy staple for over 30 years. He got his start in high school productions. After pursuing acting studies, he decided to concentrate solely on comedy, taking classes then accepted into the famed improv group The Groundlings’s main company. In March 1985 The Groundlings appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” where Jon premiered his character “Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous.” SNL and numerous offers came along; Jon was on his way, working nonstop since. Along with his comedy, he’s well known for his distinctive voice that’s served him well in his varied TV and film career. Jon’s humor is unique, attributable to his quirky personality — and he always entertains.
Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Unlock the secrets of Westbury House
For years, visitors to Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House have wandered its elegant first floor, admiring the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Many have paused at a certain corridor door, wondering what lay beyond. Now, that mystery is unveiled. Join a 60-minute guided tour, “Secrets of the Service Wing,” and step into the hidden world that powered the Phipps family’s opulent lifestyle. This unique experience peels back the curtain on the tireless work and logistics that kept this grand home running smoothly. Explore the heart of domestic operations — from the orderly butler’s pantry and the silver cleaning room, down the 17 steps to the bustling kitchen, scullery and wine storage room. Space is limited; don’t miss your chance to step through the door and into history.
Sunday, May 25, 3-4 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. Tickets and information available at oldwestburygardens.org or (516) 333-0048.
Photo
Air Force
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY
On Exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.
•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
MAY
23
Pour Some ‘80s On Me
The “80s cover band returns to the Plattdeutsche Park Biergarten. $8 cover charge. Authentic German cuisine and beer on tap available for purchase.
•Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
•Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.
•Contact: parkrestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131
MAY
24
Maritime Mastermind
Long Island Children’s Museum celebrates National Maritime Day by inviting families to create their own floating boats. Put your boat to the test in the museum’s water tub to see if it sinks or floats! This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep. For ages 3 and up. Free with museum admission.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: noon-2 p.m.
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
MAY
25
Fleet Week
Stop by Eisenhower Park on Memorial Day Weekend for an epic time, featuring closeup encounters with military vehicles and a meet-andgreet with service members.
•Where: Eisenhower Park Field
2 and 5
•Time: 10-2 p.m., with a parade at 1:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 572-0201
JUNE
Asi Wind’s ‘More Than Magic’
After his sold-out run Off-Broadway, “Inner Circle,” and his London’s West End six-month long run, “Incredibly Human,” Asi Wind returns to the U.S. with a new show, featuring his greatest magic hits. Those familiar with Wind’s performances know to expect jaw-dropping feats of magic, inexplicable mind-reading and an utterly captivating night out. Wind was crowned the 2022 Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts, an award previously given to David Copperfield and Penn & Teller. Moreover, his appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us has become one of the most viral performances in the show’s history, with over 16 million views on YouTube. Wind’s recent Off-Broadway show, Inner Circle, was a critically acclaimed, sold-out success, described as “Gobsmacking. Mystifying. Spectacular.” (The Wall Street Journal). Asi now presents his favorite magic from his dazzling lifelong repertoire. His performances are not just mind-blowing; they inspire us to recognize the magic that lies within each of us. This visually stunning performance showcases Asi’s artistic talents while exploring the human spirit. Wind constantly blurs the line between what’s possible and impossible. It’s a theatrical experience that defies expectations and will leave you marveling at human creativity and connection. Wind believes that true magic can only happen if you bring people together and make them feel like they are a part of the show. Asi’s goal is not deceive people but to make them care and experience and magic. “More Than Magic” is a profound reminder that we all possess some magic within us. Tickets are $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50.
MAY
26
Franklin Square Memorial Day Parade
Observe the Franklin Square Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2718. It begins on Lincoln Road and ends for a ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial at Rath Park.
•Where: Franklin Square
•Time: Line up at 9:30 a.m., parade starts at 10 a.m.
•Contact: VFW Post 2718 at (516) 354-9393
MAY
27
Franklin Square Library Board of Trustees meet
The Board of Trustees invites all to their open meetings. Meetings are currently being held in person at the library. No registration is needed. The agenda for the meeting, and virtual link if necessary, is posted prior to the meeting on the library’s website.
•Where: 19 Lincoln Rd., Franklin Square
•Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
•Contact: franklinsquarepl.org or call (516) 488-3444
‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!’
The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: Also May 28-29, times vary
•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Sewanhaka Board of Education meets Attend the Sewanhaka Board of Education meeting, which is open to all residents in the school district.
•Where: Sewanhaka High School, 500 Tulip Ave., Franklin Square
•Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: Sewanhakaschools. org or call (516) 488-9800
train rides, bubbles, mini golf, food trucks and more!
•Where: 560 Nassau Blvd., Franklin Square
•Time: 2-6 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 505-6955
Gottscheer
Festival
Visit the Plattdeutsche for the annual Gottscheer Festival with live music, traditional food, beer and much more.
•Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
•Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
•Contact: ParkRestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131
Franklin Square Museum Open House
Franklin Square Historical Society hosts their monthly open house at the Franklin Square Museum. Bring the whole family to see the history of the town! Admission is free.
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
MAY 28
FS Civic Association meets
Attend the Franklin Square Civic Association general meeting, open to all Franklin Square residents.
•Where: John Street School, 560 Nassau Blvd., Franklin Square
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
•Contact: fsqcivic.org, or email secretary@fsqcivic.org
Relay for Life
•Where: Franklin Square Historical Museum, 861 Naple Ave., Franklin Square
•Time: 2-4 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 775-7260
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and listen Gabriel Alborozo’s modern tale ”Let’s Paint.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury.
•Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Gather to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those whose lives were lost to the disease. It’s free to register and free to attend.
•Where: H. Frank Carey High School, 230 Poppy Ave., Franklin Square
•Time: 5-11 p.m.
•Contact: Jennifer Denker, (212) 492-8431 or jennifer. denker@cancer.org MAY
John Street School Spring Carnival
John Street School hosts their Spring Carnival. Enjoy games, MAY
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
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.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, FLAGSTAR BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, vs. NICHOLAS YAWORSKI A/K/A NICHOLAS M. YAWORSKI, ET AL., Defendant (s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 11, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Courthouse, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 101 FRANKLIN STREET, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY 11010. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 33, Block: 422, Lot: 118. Approximate amount of judgment is $640,101.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 618231/2019. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
ELLEN DURST, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 153240
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT.
NASSAU COUNTY.
FNA DZ, LLC, Pltf. vs. HERNAN RAIGOZA, et al, Defts. Index #607595/2024.
Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 23, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 32, Block 330, Lot(s) 67, 68. Sold subject to terms and
conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” SCOTT H. SILLER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102289 153358
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, 999 HEMPSTEAD LENDER LLC, Plaintiff, vs. 999 HEMPSTEAD TURNPIKE LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 1, 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 June 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 993-1007 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010. 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 35, Block 4 and Lots 1-7 and 28-34. Approximate amount of judgment is $5,331,601.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600185/2023.
Peter H. Levy, Esq., Referee Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 153348
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2006-NC1 ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-NC1, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGIA SARANTIS, GERASSIMOS
ALEXATOS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 6, 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 June 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 140 Hunnewell Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, near Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35 Block 29 Lot 1067. Approximate amount of judgment $546,398 .58 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608283/2023.
Francesco P. Tini, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-004882 85444 153339
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LODGE SERIES III TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. FERLANDE FRANCOIS A/K/A FERLANDE MILFORD A/K/A FERLANDE MILORD, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 11, 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 June 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 190 East Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 83 and Lot 405. Approximate amount of judgment is $744,649.87 plus
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616755/2022. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 192215-8 153572
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff, AGAINST
UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA J. ARNOLD, if they be living and if they be dead, the respective heirs-at-law, next-of-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant(s) who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or inheritance, any right, title or interest in or to the real property described in the Complaint, MICHAEL J. ARNOLD A/K/A MICHAEL ARNOLD AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF BARBARA J. ARNOLD, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on January 3, 2025 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 94 Crown Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0032, Block 00305-00 and Lot 00102.
Approximate amount of judgment
$389,082.05 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #602903/2022.
Ronald J Ferraro, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 153503
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2021-2, Plaintiff against MILLER COMMERCIAL CONSULTANTS CORP., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 24, 2024, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 1717 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 453 Lot 9 and 10. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Elmont (not an incorporated Village), Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $795,715.93 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 609476/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed
Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee File # 23-001035-01 153505
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. JENNY A. EBERT, AS ADMINISTRATOR TO THE ESTATE OF RICHARD EBERT, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 24, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 23 Franklin Street, Elmont, NY 11003. 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 32, Block 474 and Lots 17 & 18. Approximate amount of judgment is $184,387.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613100/2021.
Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 191150-3 153499
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - SHIRLEY GARTNER, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 1, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 17th day of June, 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 Incorporated Village of Floral Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 100 Geranium Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001. (S/B/L#: 32./188/41 and 42)
Approximate amount of lien $782,990.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No.
000151/2018. Karen C. Grant, 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: March 20, 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. 153479
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2005-16, Plaintiff AGAINST Jules Fabien, Carine Fabien, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 26, 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 June 17, 2025 at 2:30
PM, premises known as 1692 Greenway Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37, Block: 655, Lot: 17. Approximate amount of judgment $881,221.94 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611126/2019. For sale information, plea se visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091013-F01 85596 153493
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email:
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. FNA DZ, LLC, Pltf. vs. DONNA MANGAL, et al, Defts. Index #607965/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 14, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 32, Block 449, Lot 121. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. The foreclosure sale will take place, “rain or shine.” MARIA SIDERIS, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021#102279 153497
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
Library’s aging roof needs to be replaced
Continued from page 1
Plains-based architecture firm that evaluated the roof’s condition, access to the roof’s membrane surface is obstructed by the ductwork. The report also cited excessive debris collection and poor drainage as concerns.
The duct penetrations were said to pose an “unusually high risk” of sealant failures and roof-to-duct curb termination issues, making the roof prone to premature deterioration.
The report also noted the absence of a parapet wall or guardrail to prevent falls, posing a hazard to anyone accessing the roof, such as maintenance staff. Access is further limited to a vertical ship ladder and a small hatch without a safety guardrail, making it difficult for service personnel to bring tools and equipment onto the roof.
Inside the library, the report noted that the tile ceilings are stained due to leaks from perforations in the roof.
“That was a real eye-opener for the board,” Kane said of the report.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NO. 21527
RESOLUTION NO. 420-2025
Adopted: May 13, 2025
Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE
CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 405-2025, adopted April 29, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 13th day of May 2025, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and
WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:
ELMONT
RAFF AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 110 feet south of the south curbline of Marshall Street, south for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-153/25)
OCEANSIDE
PINE STREET - north side, starting at a point 300 feet east of the east curbline of Long Beach Road, east for a distance of 16 feet.
(TH-151/25)
UNIONDALE
CLARENDON ROADeast side, starting at a point 93 feet south of the south curbline of
Webster Avenue, south for a distance of 19 feet.
(TH-148/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:
BALDWIN
HARVARD PLACE - east side, starting at a point 43 feet south of a point opposite the south curbline of Waverly Place, south for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-477/15 - 11/24/15)
(TH-146/25)
; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Ryder and adopted upon roll call as follows:
AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 153630
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 30-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held May 13, 2025 by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 30-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 30-2025, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: May 13, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 153627
Pagano said he has climbed onto the roof several times to remove debris around the 10 HVAC units, describing the experience as “unnerving.”
Because the roof was replaced following a 2001 library expansion, Pagano said there are many surface drops and steep inclines. Not only does he have to pull himself up through the hatch using his body weight, but the roof itself is also slippery.
Ultimately, Kane said, the library roof has outlived its lifespan.
After a project management company, Sandpebble, estimated the replacement cost at over $3 million after their own evaluation in 2023, Kane began seeking grant funding for the project about two years ago.
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito later approached Kane and offered to secure Community Project Funding— federal grant money—to cover the roof replacement.
Among the improvements Kane hoped to include under the grant were sinking the ductwork below the roof line, installing proper insulation to regulate temperature and humidity, and adding a parapet along the roof perimeter. She emphasized that these repairs cannot be done piecemeal and must be completed simultaneously to be effective.
“I want to take my time and make sure that we do it correctly,” Kane stressed.
However, following the passage of a federal funding bill in April that excluded $111 million requested by Long Island’s House members, Kane said the library lost the funding. She expressed disappointment and emphasized that she does not want to shift the $3 million cost of replacing the roof to taxpayers.
For that reason, she said she is working with Representative Laura Gillen to secure grant funding from
other sources.
Carl Gerrato, a Franklin Square Public Library board trustee and member of the building committee, said that since he joined the board six years ago, Kane and other members have made several efforts to mitigate the issues outlined in the Lothrop report while awaiting a grant.
In addition to removing the solar panels, a Lynbrook-based roofing company, Abraham Roofing, applied a silicon coating to the roof to prevent leaks. Maintenance staff also regularly visit the library to plug leaks as they occur.
However, Gerrato said this is not a long-term solution.
“It becomes a health and safety issue,” Gerrato said. “We can’t continue to put a band-aid on such a big problem.”
For example, he noted that the exposed HVAC units have to work harder to regulate the building’s temperature. This is not cost-effective, he explained, and places undue strain on the infrastructure.
While infrastructure projects are not readily visible to the general public, Gerrato said they are necessary to keep the building operational, safe, and costeffective. He added that the longer the library waits to begin the roof replacement, the more expensive it could become.
“We don’t know what the future holds,” Gerrato said. “We do know what today is. Today, it is a necessity. It’s an urgency. If we don’t do something about it now, cost effectiveness goes down and cost increases go up.”
Kane said she hopes to conduct focus groups with core community groups, such as parent-teacher associations and civic associations, to discuss community support and gather feedback.
“We don’t want to say to the community that we’re just going to do this and not involve them at all,” Kane said. “It’s to let them know the scope of the problem that has existed for such a long time.”
Kane plans to host a public hearing in July and will release more details once the date, time, and other information are finalized.
Pagano also noted that if the library were to formally pursue the roof project, it would be subject to competitive bidding law, a process that requires the government to award contracts to companies with the lowest responsible bid.
“We want what’s best for the community,” Pagano said, adding that he and Kane have additional ideas for future projects to improve patrons’ experience, including more space for programs, larger study areas, and an expansion of the children’s area.
“We can show the Franklin Square community,” Kane said, “which is such a solid, hardworking community, that we’re being incredibly responsible to them and desperately trying to find funding wherever we can.”
Courtesy Franklin Square Public Library
ductwork penetrates the library roof, leading to failures in duct termination and sealant at the roof interface.
CLASSIFIED
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$22 - $27/ Hour
Bell Auto School
516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com
Call 516-569-4000 X286
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.
Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
HomesHERALD
A painter says he can do more than paint
Luxury Coastal Living
Estate
BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
EAST ROCKAWAY: 2ND Floor Sunny Office. 700Sq.Ft. Includes Heat/ AC. Security 24/7. Two 11x12 Glass Offices. Flexible Lease. New Paint/ Carpeting. $1,800/ Month. Owner 516-637-2182
Q. We started doing work to our home and are just finishing, and the painter suggested that a wall could be taken down to open up the rooms. He says he can do this himself because it’s not a support wall. We’ve looked into it, thinking about an island in the kitchen and matching the floor or replacing it. The painter said we might need an architect, but since the work is interior, it won’t need a permit. We’re wondering what we should do, because we know you’ll say we need a permit, but the painter says we can get one after the work is done, and he can start right away so he can finish the work and avoid interruptions. Do you think this is a good idea?
A. The permit, as a piece of paper or a process of reviewing the work, isn’t the point. As you read this, hundreds of projects around you are underway with no permits. Most of them will either never be found out or are of such small consequence that when an issue comes up, it will be ignored.
Usually, I only learn about problems when either a buyer or a lending bank wants something put on record. I receive frantic calls asking if plans can be made quickly and a permit obtained before the closing in a week. Anyone who tells you the permit process is quick is trying to sell you something.
But remember, the permit document isn’t really the important thing. The permit is a symbol representing a more important issue — safety. Safety not only includes your well-being against doing something dangerous; it also means preventing health risks and the potential of losing a large sum of money if something goes wrong.
Removing a non-structural wall is a little misleading. The wall may not be supporting anything, but it has weight that you want to replace with another load. In general, people rarely look at any kind of building as a system of puzzle pieces, all fitting together in a specific way.
As an example of what can happen, I once got a call from someone who had that wall removed and added an island. The wall load was removed from the beams below, which was a good thing because those beams were now carrying less of a load. Then an island was installed, a four-foot-wide model with a beautiful quartz countertop, a sink and a sixburner stove. The homeowner also wanted an open display for restaurant-sized canned peeled tomatoes, ready for use with one of their famous recipes.
The island load was calculated after the finished flooring began to distort and come loose and sagged 4 inches, when I was called to figure out what was going wrong. The island weighed at least six times the load of the wall, and the beam below was buckling. The floor bounced and the wine glasses in a nearby cabinet clinked together every time someone walked by.
Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287
DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
Electricians
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
Home Improvement
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159
HErald Crossword Puzzle Stuff HERALD
Home Improvement
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
PAVERS- CONCRETE- BLACKTOP
Book Now & Save On All Masonry Work. Driveways- Patios- Stoops- SidewalksWalkways- Stonework- Pool SurroundsOutdoor Kitchens- Family Owned/ Operated For Over 40Yrs. FREE Estimates. Lic# H1741540000. DANSON CONSTRUCTION INC
516-409-4553; 516-798-4565 www.dansoninc.com
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
Tree Services
T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
Satellite/TV Equipment
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen
over time, I asked my campus communities to think about what it means to be an ethical person, and our roles and obligations as members of society. Could we remain silent when we knew of social and economic injustice? Could we be indifferent in the face of unethical behavior and discrimination in the public square?
Such thoughts were inspired again by news reports of bullying in politics, schoolyards, public hearings and international relations.
These are difficult times. Relations between groups are strained. I would hope that even in times like these, families, clergy, teachers and leaders would prepare children and inspire others with the basic values of civility, courtesy, sincerity and respect. Our sense of community needs it. Our national values — freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, democracy itself — will wither without it.
I think, as citizens, we must employ an “ethical eye” to observe and chal-
Lopinions A recipe for respect in society
lenge societal patterns that test our sense of what is fair and just. This takes courage as well as compassion. It is our obligation to address injustices wherever they occur in a consistent manner, not with one lens for a friend and another for a foe. We must believe in tolerance, accepting that another can be right without my being wrong.
CCompassion is a key component in how we relate to others. Many texts on leadership emphasize empathy, i.e., feeling the pain of others. This is better than simple sympathy, feeling sorry for others, but does not lead to necessary action. Compassion is an act of service, not just a feeling about others.
others. The most effective leaders know this. Saying “Thank you” or “You’re welcome” is not difficult. Being kind is even good for our health.
Respect is denied through acts of antisemitism, racism and other forms of prejudice. One result is fear. Therefore, it is understandable that those who have been subjected to bias personally or historically want respect and peaceful relations. Indeed, I assume that everyone wants respect as a simple fact of his or her being.
alls for greater ‘civility’ are really calls for compassion and respect.
We often hear calls for greater “civility.” These calls frequently are in response to acts of aggression and other forms of humiliating behavior. Cries for civility are really calls for compassion and respect, to stop using fear or denigrating language as weapons. Such tactics by corporate and political leaders are especially troubling for the messages they send and the models of behavior they represent.
What we want is for people to be considerate, friendly, and even generous to
We should teach in our schools and houses of worship, and especially in our homes, that others should be respected, even if they are different from us. But there is a difference between respect for humanity at large, respect for ethnic, national, religious, racial and other groups in general, and respect for any one person.
Respect should be offered freely. An individual’s actions should no more reflect poorly on an entire group than a group’s actions should reflect poorly on any individual.
However, individual respect, once lost, can be regained only through effort: by expressing remorse and trying to help others. Respect is lost when someone acts in a callous manner, by
disregarding others, by belittling the place and relevance of others. When someone “demands” respect and does so in a manner that itself is disrespectful, he or she not only misses the point but also demeans the issue.
A school or college is a precious place. It is where truth, in whatever form, may be pursued without hindrance. It is where freedom of speech must be protected to the utmost. It is a place where diversity — of background, ethnicity, nationality, religion, physical ability or gender — should be respected. It is also a place where civil discourse and respect for one another is essential if a full and honest exchange of views is to be assured.
Without common courtesy, ears are closed. When ears are closed, there can be no mutual respect. We must learn to listen and disagree without being disagreeable. Those who shout the loudest for respect often do the least to gain it.
No one should be the other if our education has succeeded. We are one species, with each member seeking to find a unity connecting head, heart and hands — i.e. compassion — which is an act of respect.
Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate” (Roman & Littlefield, 2024).
Skip the gamble, wear the sunscreen
ike everyone else, I’ve welcomed the shift to warmer weather this month. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and more people are spending time outdoors. I don’t have to tell you why — just look up. The sun is back, high in the sky, and with it comes a timely reminder: Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but also one of the most preventable. It affects people of all skin tones and the most likely cause is overexposure to ultraviolet light, or more simply put, the sun.
The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma, while less common, is the most aggressive, and often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its early metastatic spread. My dad has battled skin cancer multiple times. He’s vigilant about checking his skin for unusual moles, freckles and sunspots, and late last year he noticed a new growth on his shoulder blade. A dermatologist quickly took a biopsy, and the
results confirmed melanoma. Surgery was scheduled to promptly remove the mole and a wide margin of surrounding skin, leaving a six-inch, cross-sectional scar across his back. His medical team is confident that the cancer was caught in time and removed in totality.
Y
As we head outside and soak up the sun, I can’t think of a better time to share my dad’s story. With his naturally fair skin, he’s especially cautious. He wears baseball caps to shield his face, opts for long-sleeved sun shirts designed to block harmful UV rays, and rarely skips sunscreen on any exposed skin — especially in warmer weather. There’s growing misinformation about sunscreen, with one of the most persistent myths professing that the product — or more specifically, the chemicals in it — can cause cancer, too. This concern was amplified when certain sunscreens were recalled after they were found to contain benzene, a known carcinogen. While the contamination was a manufacturing issue and not an ingredient in sunscreen formulas, the damage was done. Despite repeated assurances from medical experts that sunscreen is overwhelmingly safe and effective, a
ou shouldn’t need persuading, but if you do, I’ll let you talk to my dad.
wave of online misinformation has fueled an “anti-sunscreen” movement — putting more people at risk just as we enter peak sun exposure season. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month — a time when national and local organizations step up their efforts to educate the public about prevention. One such group is the Long Island-based Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign, named in memory of Colette, who died from the disease. Each year, the campaign partners with Nassau County, gathering at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in early May to deliver a simple but vital message: The safest way to enjoy summer is to protect your skin.
Despite the critics, there is no medical evidence that suggests sunscreen causes cancer. Evidence overwhelmingly informs the public that sun, and artificial forms of UV light such as tanning beds, are the most common culprits. Many different types of sunblock are available — including chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin, and physical blocker sunscreens, or “mineral sunscreens,” which act as a barrier on the skin’s surface.
I think it’s important that people make medical decisions they feel are best for them, and use products that they feel safest using. But the truth is if people consistently skip sun protection, they are two to three times more likely to develop skin cancer over their lifetime, compared with those who use sunscreen regularly. Opting to avoid using sunblock out of fear of the chemicals it contains is not only ignorant, but also dangerous.
I’m not a medical professional, just someone who’s watched my dad undergo a number of procedures to remove cancer. If you’re hesitant about chemical sunscreens, I get it — there are plenty of “cleaner” options out there. I use one myself. What matters most is using something, because doing nothing is the real risk.
Women get mammograms to detect breast cancer. Adults over 45 get colonoscopies to catch colon cancer early. So why skip one of the simplest, most accessible tools we have to prevent skin cancer before it starts?
There’s no need to gamble with your health when we have everything we need to make conscious decisions, ones that are far more likely to help you — rather than hurt you — in the long run.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
RoBERT A. sCoTT
the When does so disrespectful, but precious whatever hinspeech is a background, physical respected. discourse essential views is are there can learn to disloudest gain it. our eduspefind a hands act of emeritus of of to be Little-
Established 1998
Incorporating the Franklin Square/Elmont Record
Renee DeLoRenzo
RhonDa
2
Fax: (516) 569-4942
Web: www.liherald.com
E-mail: fseditor@liherald.com
Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc.
HERALD
Memorial Day: so much more than a day of rest
as the last Monday in May approaches, many Americans look forward to Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer — a three-day weekend filled with barbecues, beach trips, travel and clearance sales.
But while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying time with loved ones, we must not allow convenience and celebration to overshadow the solemn significance of the holiday. Memorial Day isn’t just a day off. It is a day of remembrance — a national moment of pause to honor the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives in service to our country.
Established in the aftermath of the Civil War, Memorial Day — originally known as Decoration Day — was born of collective mourning. Families and communities across a fractured nation placed flowers on soldiers’ graves, uniting in grief and reverence. The federal holiday was established in 1971. Over time, the holiday expanded to commemorate all American military personnel who have died in service. It is not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors all who have served, living and deceased. Memorial Day is specifi-
cally for the fallen.
Yet in our modern era, its meaning often gets lost amid the grilling, the chilling and the discount ads. It’s easy to be swept up in the excitement of an extra day off or the first beach trip of the season. But convenience should not breed complacency. Memorial Day deserves more than a casual nod — it demands deliberate remembrance.
Why does that matter? Because freedom isn’t free, and it never has been. The rights we exercise daily — to speak, to vote, to gather, to live safely — were defended by those who never came home.
Behind every headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, and in others across the nation, lies a story of courage, sacrifice and love of country. Behind every folded flag handed to a grieving family is a reminder that someone paid the ultimate price.
To ignore that reality — to reduce Memorial Day to little more than a festive long weekend — is to forget a fundamental part of our national identity. In honoring the fallen, we not only show respect for their sacrifice, but we reinforce the values they died protecting: duty, service, unity, and democratic freedom.
So what can we do differently?
Start small. Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Monday, when Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute in silence. Visit a local veterans’ cemetery or memorial. Attend a parade or ceremony in your town. Talk to children and young people about why the day matters. Share a story of a fallen service member. Fly the American flag at half-staff.
Better yet, turn remembrance into action. Donate to an organization that supports Gold Star families or wounded veterans. Write to an elected official in support of improved services for military families. Volunteer for a group that helps transitioning service members reintegrate into civilian life. Service should not end at the battlefield, and gratitude should not last only one day.
On Memorial Day, we’re not asked to stop living or celebrating. We are asked to remember why we can. We are asked to be present — not just at the picnic table, but in thought and in spirit, connecting with the sacrifices that afforded us this life of liberty.
Let this Memorial Day be more than an extended weekend. Let it be a day of purpose. A day of honor. A day to remember. people are that they peoprotection, they to lifetime, sunscreen sunblock contains is dangerous. just undergo canchemical plenty of one is the detect colonosSo accescanyour we need that rather the Com-
Horse named Journalism showed what’s possible
He was five lengths back, bumped and bruised, as he fought through a crowded pack in the Preakness Stakes, one of horse racing’s biggest events. But Journalism didn’t fold, even when he looked to be down and out. He found daylight in the final turn, charged down the stretch, and stormed past the leaders to win in spectacular fashion.
It was gritty. It was powerful. And it was symbolic.
Because while Journalism the horse crossed the finish line in triumph, journalism the profession is reeling — and falling further behind every day.
In New York, dozens of local newspapers have shuttered over the past year, even in some of the wealthiest commu-
Peter King goes way too easy on Elon Musk
To the Editor:
Not once, but twice, in his column “We must restore Musk’s cuts of the 9/11 health
nities. Trusted reporters have vanished from towns and villages across the state. There’s no one left to sit through school board meetings, follow the money at town halls, or tell the human stories that hold communities together.
The decline isn’t distant. It’s here. It’s happening now. And yet there is still a clear lane for journalism organizations to triumph — if we fight for it.
Last year, New York passed a first-inthe-nation tax credit to support truly local journalism. That policy, now in effect, offers a lifeline to communitybased newspapers. It was made possible by the Empire State Local News Coalition, a nonpartisan alliance of more than 200 local newspapers in New York — including the Herald — that are com-
letters
fund” last week, Peter King made excuses for Elon Musk’s inexcusable, reckless and immoral cuts: 1) “. . . to undo the damage, intentional or not . . . by Elon Musk’s chainsaw cuts”; and 2) “. . . Elon Musk’s misplaced cuts . . . probably made unknowingly . . .”
A reality check, and some honesty, please, about the cruel and harmful effects of
mitted to keeping local reporting alive.
To turn that legislative victory into a lasting comeback, the Empire State Local News Coalition needs support — from readers, businesses, neighbors and anyone who cares about truth, transparency and community camaraderie.
Because while four legs carried Journalism to victory, it’s the Fourth Estate that carries our democracy — and right now, it’s running out of steam.
If you appreciate the work we do covering your schools, government, family, friends and more, then please donate to the Empire State Local News Coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com/support. With your help, journalism — the one that informs, uplifts and protects — can make a dramatic comeback, too.
DOGE’s very aware and deliberate actions negatively affecting the American people, totally backed up by this administration and Project 2025.
I will never understand why a spade can’t be called a spade when it comes to Donald Trump. As I recall from Mr. King’s columns, he was a good Catholic Brooklyn kid. Well, so
opinions
GOP cuts to Medicaid will impact all of Long Island
House republicans advanced their plan last week to cut $715 billion in Medicaid funding over the next decade. Medicaid provides essential medical services to millions of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans across our country, including 170,000 of my constituents in new york’s 4th Congressional District. These reductions will surely hurt recipients, but it is important to note that the impact of this budget cutback will stretch far beyond just these groups.
The warnings are already plentiful, and dire. These sweeping cuts have prompted alarm from health policy
experts, economists and medical groups, such as the american Hospital association, who all indicated that republicans’ proposed changes to Medicaid will touch all new yorkers, including those with private insurance. all americans can expect increased costs for private payers and reduced services at hospitals and other health care providers. It is critical that long Islanders understand the impact this legislation could have on all our families, friends and neighbors.
tDowling.
Mr. Dowling made clear that a sudden spike in uninsured patients resulting from Medicaid cuts is likely to force hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities to cut back services, reduce medical staff or even close their doors. When hospitals and other health providers cut back their services or close, it affects all of us, regardless of our health care coverage.
he sweeping cuts have prompted alarm from health policy experts and economists.
To ensure that constituents understand some of the impacts of the GoP budget being advanced in Congress, I hosted a budget briefing with my nassau County colleague, Congressman Tom suozzi. The briefing included factual testimony from nonpartisan presenters including northwell Health Ceo Michael
In fact, policy experts at the John Hopkins University of Public Health have forecast that premiums will rise for all americans as hospitals are forced to pass the cost of keeping their doors open to consumers. I have spoken with a number of other long Island health providers, including stony Brook Medicine and the Healthcare association of new york,
Letters
was I, and I am thankful every day that I never lost the strength to call out nonsense when needed, no matter who is involved.
JosIe MarIno Lynbrook
The government, as is, won’t restore Musk’s cuts
To the editor:
Peter King’s demand that “this insanity must end” is too narrow, and made of the wrong people. “We” cannot “restore” anything until the elections next year.
Those who can have bigger bills to fry. “We” empowered MaGa to cut undefined waste, fraud and abuse,
which is what they did, and put it all into their current budget. Mr. King’s complaint about the 9/11 fund’s being “seriously threatened” by “misplaced cuts” applies to all items in that bill, and the only way to restore anything begins with dismantling that ugly construction. Fortunately, as of today, that seems possible if 2026 restores sanity to our federal government.
BrIan Kelly Rockville Centre
Time to address decadesold immigration problem
To the editor: I take issue with Murad awahdeh
and Melanie Creps’s opinion piece in the May 8-14 issue, “Cooperating with ICe will not make us safer.” as a son of a legal immigrant, I counted at least 10 mentions of the word “immigrant,” but without the word “illegal” preceding it. Was this an attempt to slant the piece in one direction?
In all my years, I have never seen an outreach toward our own homeless, veterans, mentally ill and addicted like I saw toward people who were allowed to enter our country through the open borders of the previous administration.
I would like nothing more than to see Congress come up with a bipartisan package to make legal immigration more enticing and vetted. What we have now is not only a strain on local budgets, but also the exploitation of these
who also underscored how these cuts would raise health care costs for all patients in our region. not only will new yorkers’ health care costs balloon, but the proposed Medicaid cuts are also likely to increase our tax burden. a brief from the nonpartisan health policy organization KFF concluded that these cuts will cause massive state budget shortfalls, prompting tax increases while downsizing funding to education, infrastructure and other local priorities. long Islanders already pay some of the highest taxes in the country. We cannot afford another tax increase. as your congresswoman, I am committed to fighting against these dangerous attempts to attack long Islanders’ health care. We must work to protect and strengthen access to health care, not make it more expensive and less accessible.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
people working for substandard wages and the subsequent strain on social services. allowing self-deportation with the opportunity to come back legally would be the best approach for everybody. With all these companies willing to invest in plants to keep jobs here, and the present shortage of people in the trades, there will be more than enough jobs to be filled, with opportunities for american citizens first, and then legalized immigrants to follow. It would be a win-win for everybody, and also for the Trump administration, by finally addressing a decades-old problem that has never been dealt with properly.
Framework by Tim Baker
Long Island’s
Tony GIaMeTTa Oceanside
LaUra a. GiLLen
