Don’t Miss Your HERALD — it’s insiDe!
SQUARE/ELMONT
celebration are, from left, Ugobueze Emilian
Chiadinaizu Stella Nkoli Uwechia and Ugodibeze Angela Iwobi.
A Nigerian cultural honor celebrates community leader Scouts build skills and friendships
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Emilian Emeagwali, a community leader based in Elmont, was recently celebrated by the Quad State Onitsha Association — a socio-cultural and welfare organization representing people from Onitsha, Nigeria — for her tireless efforts on behalf of Nigerian natives.
The celebration, hosted by Chiadinaizu Stella Nkoli Uwechia and her husband, Nnabuenyi Chuma Uwaechia, at their Suffolk County home on May 30, recognized Emeagwali’s decades of philanthropy and
community service in both the United States and Nigeria.
The association serves Nigerians living throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
“Just very, very deserving,” Uwechia said of Emeagwali’s award.
Emeagwali, who has her own physical therapy practice in Valley Stream, State of the Art-Pt Ot, is additionally the founder of Giving Back to the Community Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering undeserved communities by providing resources such as food and toys to children. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The 44th annual Valley Stream Camporee brought together about 300 Scouts and leaders from Franklin Square and Valley Stream for a weekend of camping, activities and fellowship.
IThe Scouting America gathering was held June 5-7 on the Village Green and included participants ranging from Cub Scouts to Scouting Troops. Organized around a “Galactic Outpost” theme, the annual event featured camping, games, educational demonstrations, competitions and opportunities for Scouts from multiple units to spend the weekend together.
ment designed to instill in young people values and leadership skills and to help them become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Six units participated in this year’s event. The weekend began on the evening of June 5 with campsite setup and a themed movie for families.
t’s a lot of work, and if they’re smiling, if they’re having fun, we’ve succeeded.
LAURIE SCHOUR Co-Chair, Camporee
“Regardless of what number you wear on your sleeve, you are all a part of Scouting America,” Camporee Co-Chair Patrick Burke, who has served on the Camporee Committee since 2010 and is involved with Cub Pack 367, Troops 116 and 99, said. “You all have a common goal. You’re all part of a move-
Opening ceremonies were held the following morning and included remarks from Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, Nassau County Legislator Cynthia Nuñez, Valley Stream Village Justice Melanie Jenkins and former Village Justice Robert Bogle.
“These are memories, these are friendships, and these are bonds that will last with you forever,” Nuñez said. “Take a minute, enjoy the time, say thank you to your leaders. Enjoy each other’s company.” Troop 109 was also recognized during the weekend as it marked its 100th and final year of Scouting. Throughout June 6, Scouts CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Courtesy Emilian Emeagwali
Attending Emilian Emeagwali’s
Emeagwali,
stAY ConneCteD suBsCriBe toDAY
Franklin Avenue comes alive for street fair
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Families, shoppers and locals filled Franklin Avenue as the Franklin Square Kiwanis Club hosted its annual Street Fair, bringing dozens of vendors, food trucks and community organizations together for a day of shopping, entertainment and neighborhood connection.
The annual fair took place along Franklin Avenue between Hempstead Turnpike and Fenworth Boulevard last Saturday, featuring more than 50 vendors offering everything from handmade clothing and jewelry to specialty foods and crafts.
Jenny Amarain, president of the Franklin Square Kiwanis Club, said planning for the event begins months in advance.
“We do one in the spring and one in the fall, and a lot goes into preparing for it,” Amarain said. “We do have someone who organizes and gets all the vendors for us.”
The club works with Nassau County Fairs to coordinate vendors and secure permits, while also working with local police, fire officials and other agencies to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“We pretty much have to get all the paperwork done, the permits, and have the streets close, have the traffic derailed to a different route,” Amarain said. “We get everybody involved and let
everybody know what’s going on.”
Amarain said one of her favorite parts of the fair is seeing the community come together.
“There are so many different vendors,” she said. “It is a long day for us, but it is a nice day.
According to Amarain, the fair typically attracts about 50 to 55 vendors and roughly 10 food trucks, creating a diverse marketplace that draws visitors throughout the day.
Among this year’s vendors was Dazzling Duds, a clothing business owned
by Merylann Weinstein. Based in the Rockaways, Weinstein travels throughout Long Island and the East Coast selling Italian-made clothing featuring handcrafted details.
Many of the garments feature handmade lace, hand-applied rhinestones and intricate embellishments. Weinstein said she started the business in 1970 while working her way through college and has continued ever since.
What began as a side hustle eventually became her full-time career.
“We do shows all over the East
Coast,” Weinstein said of how much her business expands beyond the Long Island area.
Weinstein said events such as the Franklin Square Street Fair help small businesses reach new customers and introduce shoppers to products they may not find in traditional retail stores.
“The street fair brings noticeable things to the neighborhood,” Weinstein said.
Another vendor, Gaby Mordoch, owner of The Fast Turtle, showcased jewelry and accessories inspired by cultures from around the world. A photographer by trade, Mordoch said he entered the business after helping a friend and discovering a passion for the work.
“It’s by mistake,” Mordoch said. “My friend had the business, and he asked me to help him out.”
Today, Mordoch designs some of his own pieces and sources products from countries including Italy, Nepal, Thailand, Israel and Mexico.
He also designs unique wraparound pants that can be styled five different ways, as well as wrap skirts available in various designs and colors.
For the Franklin Square Kiwanis Club, the street fair remains one of its signature events, bringing together local businesses, vendors and residents while raising visibility for the organization’s service efforts.
Hailey Fulmer/Herald
Families flocked to the annual Franklin Square Street Fair, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, to shop local vendors and enjoy a variety of food offerings.
The Belmont Parade pays tribute to officer
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Residents, community groups, veterans organizations and local officials lined Hempstead Turnpike last month for the 18th annual Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade, a longtime tradition that celebrates community pride and honors the legacy of Paul Sapienza, the late former president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce and one of Elmont’s most respected civic leaders.
The parade,which took place on May 30, is held each year in conjunction with Belmont Stakes festivities, and additionally recognizes the community with pride and to celebrate the area’s horse racing history.
This year’s parade carried special significance as Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa was honored posthumously as grand marshal. Espinosa, a member of the Fifth Precinct, died earlier this year after she was struck by an alleged drunk driver.
The procession stepped off at 10 a.m. with Espinosa’s police vehicle leading the route. According to Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, the turnout was phenomenal, “schools, American Legion, the VFW, they all came,” he said.
Esposito said that they placed a grand marshal sign across the windshield of her vehicle as a tribute.
Holden Leeds/Herald
The Elmont American Legion Post marched in the parade to help keep tradition alive.
Espinosa’s family joined the procession, along with many of her fellow officers. Esposito said members of the Fifth Precinct turned out in large numbers to honor their colleague’s memory.
Esposito said that Espinosa’s family were really impressed in response to the parade.
The annual parade drew more than 1,000 spectators and participants, according to Esposito, demonstrating
the community’s continued support for the event nearly two decades after it began.
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the parade remains one of Elmont’s most cherished traditions.
“The Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade is one of the best traditions our community continues to offer, and that is evident in the number of residents who show up year after year, regardless
of where the Belmont Stakes are being held,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. She said this year’s tribute to Espinosa and her family added an emotional element to the celebration.
“This year’s parade felt especially meaningful with the honoring of Patricia Espinosa and her family as Grand Marshal,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “Walking down Hempstead Turnpike alongside her family and fellow officers, and hearing the countless stories of how she impacted this community, was deeply emotional, and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Officer Espinosa and her family.”
Sapienza, for whom the parade is named, was widely known for his commitment to Elmont and its business community. During his tenure as president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, he helped foster economic growth and strengthen relationships among residents, businesses and civic organizations.
Eighteen years after the parade was established in his memory, the event continues to unite the community while recognizing individuals whose service and dedication have left a lasting mark on Elmont.
For many in attendance, this year’s parade served as both a celebration of local pride and a heartfelt tribute to an officer whose legacy will continue to inspire the community she served.
Residents discuss zoning and water issues
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Residents from Franklin Square and members of the Community League of Garden City South attended a civic meeting this month to discuss residential building changes, zoning enforcement and environmental concerns related to groundwater and the local aquifer system.
The discussion focused on residential redevelopment, including concerns about home conversions and alterations to single-family homes. Residents questioned how certain properties are being modified and whether those changes comply with town zoning and building regulations.
Town of Hempstead officials from the Town of Hempstead Building Department, including Jon Lipinski, assistant supervisor of inspection services, and Code Enforcement Officer Joe Corio, joined the conversation to answer questions from residents.
They explained that enforcement actions rely on verified inspections and documented evidence. They noted that complaints must be confirmed through onsite observation before violations can be issued and encouraged residents to submit detailed reports directly to the Town of Hempstead Building Department.
Marge Kelly, president of the Community League of Garden City South, emphasized that the community needs to stand together and say something if they see something, “we got to stand strong to keep our community the quality of life the way we want, the taxes that we pay. We deserve it.”
Officials also referenced enforcement procedures tied to building compliance, including cases involving
Hailey Fulmer/Herald
During this month’s Community League of Garden City South meeting, Jon Lipinski, assistant supervisor of inspection services, addressed questions regarding zoning ordinances and properties.
illegal basement apartments or basement bedrooms. “I have to see it myself,” Corio said. He explained that he cannot rely solely on reports or secondhand claims and must verify conditions in person before issuing
citations.
Residents additionally addressed water concerns, particularly the role of groundwater recharge and stormwater absorption in maintaining Long Island’s aquifer system. They discussed how natural soil conditions allow rainfall to filter into underground water supplies, while increasing use of concrete and other impermeable surfaces may reduce that process.
Kelly noted that they will be working with the Morton Civic Association to address concerns regarding concreting in front lawns. “It is great in one sense that it’s bringing up the street, but on another sense, we’re losing our aesthetic in Franklin Square.”
Anna McCombs, a Franklin Square resident, said a tree near her house was recently cut down, resulting in a loss of greenery and tree cover.
Community member Kathy Bruchhauser said she believes the increasing amount of cement in neighbors’ yards will worsen conditions. “Cementing on Long Island is a big issue because it relates to our drinking water,” she said.
Residents also raised broader concerns about how ongoing redevelopment could continue to reshape the character of long-standing residential neighborhoods if not carefully managed through zoning enforcement and community input.
Town of Hempstead officials reiterated that residents play a key role in reporting potential violations and supporting enforcement efforts, particularly in cases where property use may change without proper permits or approvals. They encouraged continued communication with the Town of Hempstead Building Department to help prioritize inspections and address concerns in a timely manner.
left, honors Gabriella Scheer for her lifesaving actions at work in 2025.
Scheer receives a Liberty Medal for heroic actions
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick welcomed Gabriella Scheer to Albany to recognize her heroic, life-saving actions during a medical emergency at work.
In April 2025, Scheer discovered her boss unconscious after he suffered a heart attack. Faced with a critical situation, she immediately called 911 and began performing CPR until members of the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department arrived. Because of her quick thinking and composure, a pulse was restored before her boss reached the hospital.
her actions. The Liberty Medal is the highest honor a state senator can bestow and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage, service or sacrifice.
Scheer’s actions also reflect her family’s legacy of public service. She is one of two daughters of George and Fara Scheer. Her father, George, served 15 years with the FDNY at Engine 249 and nearly three decades with the Malverne Fire Department.
ELMONT FUNERAL HOME INC.
“Gabriella Scheer showed extraordinary courage in a moment that truly mattered. When faced with an emergency, she stayed calm, took action, and helped save a life,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “Her quick thinking and willingness to step forward are an example to all of us, and I was proud to welcome her to Albany and recognize her in the Senate Chamber.”
Earlier this year, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick awarded Scheer the New York State Senate Liberty Medal in recognition of
“Gabriella’s actions reflect the very best of our community,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “She helped save a life, set a powerful example, and showed the kind of courage and character that deserve to be recognized. I am also grateful to the members of the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department for their swift response and life-saving work.”
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick welcomed Scheer and her family to the Senate Chamber in Albany to recognize the courage she demonstrated during the emergency and the life she helped save.
–Hailey Fulmer
NEWS BRIEF
Bicyclist critically injured in Elmont crash
The NCPD reports the details of a serious vehicular accident involving a bicyclist that occurred Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 9:55 p.m. in Elmont today.
According to detectives, a 53-year-old male bicyclist was traveling near the intersection of Plainfield Avenue and Elmont Road when he was struck by a 2006 Honda Civic operated by a 30-year-
old male traveling southbound on Plainfield Avenue.
The bicyclist was transported to an area hospital where he is listed in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene at this time. The investigation is ongoing, said the NCPD.
–Hailey Fulmer
rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext.
Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick,
Courtesy Office of Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
Elmont resident honored for giving back
Before the celebratory dinner was held, Uwechia described the moments leading up to it. “All of the women sat together to honor her with gifts and prayers for her, that she continues to do well, that she doesn’t get weary or tired of her community service,” she said.
During the ceremony, Emeagwali was ushered in as a member of the Otu Odo, an elite, prestigious sociocultural society for respected and accomplished women in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Otu Odo has existed for centuries, is passed down from generation to generation, and, according to Emeagwali, the title symbolizes prestige, purity and accomplishment.
“The membership is exclusive,” Emeagwali told the Herald back in January. “Women are chosen for their integrity, character, leadership and services to family and communities.”
Receiving the honor requires a lengthy application and vetting process. Candidates are evaluated on their contributions to society, family life, reputation and financial standing. Emeagwali said she had considered pursuing the title for years but waited until all five of her children completed their education and established their careers.
“It was something I always wanted to do, but I wanted to make sure my children were settled first,” she said.
The women selected for the title are expected to serve as role models and ambassadors within their communities.
“The society is exclusively reserved for affluent, accomplished and morally upright women,” said Ezennia I.K. Iwenofu, president general of the Onitsha Improvement Union, who traveled from Nigeria to attend the Long Island celebration. “We are celebrat-
ing them for their integrity and contributions to the community.”
Iwenofu explained that Otu Odo titleholders are expected to continue serving others through leadership, philanthropy and mentorship.
“Once you are initiated, you begin to act as a community leader,” he said. “People will come to you for advice, support and guidance. You are expected to be upright and to lead by example.”
The traditional induction ceremony in Nigeria spans several days and includes elaborate cultural rites, prayers and celebrations. Women wear elegant white attire adorned with symbolic ivory-inspired ornaments on their wrists and ankles, representing purity, honor, wealth and social standing.
“The elephant tusk is the ultimate form of wealth,” Iwenofu said. “The white attire symbolizes purity.”
While the official induction could only take place in Onitsha, which occurred back in December while Emeagwali was on her trip with her nonprofit, last month’s gathering in Suffolk County allowed members of the Onitsha community living throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania to celebrate her achievement. The event featured prayers, presentations, gifts and a communal meal.
“What we did here was appreciation,” Iwenofu said. “We thanked God that she was able to accomplish this and celebrated her success.”
For Emeagwali, the honor reflects decades of service through charitable initiatives that support families, students and underserved residents in both the United States and Nigeria.
“It was a very memorable moment, and I wouldn’t take it away for anything,” her son, Chuka Emeagwali, said in an interview back in January of the Onitsha ceremony.
As an Otu Odu titleholder, she now joins a distinguished group of women entrusted with preserving cultural traditions while serving as examples for future generations.
Courtesy Emilian Emeagwali
Emilian Emeagwali, a physical therapist and founder of Giving Back to the Community Corporation, gathers with the Quad State Onitsha Association in Suffolk to celebrate her prestigious Nigerian honor.
5 FRANKLIN SQUARE/ELMONT
World Cup fervor spreads to Long Island
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Kids ran around as only children can — free and without care — as adults milled around the artificial-turf field and the seats of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the Stony Brook University campus.
I really love the USA, and I really want to support the team
This was the first of a few World Cup watch parties staged by Empire State Development, which promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity across New York. Several thousand people came for the soccer last Friday. The first game shown on the stadium screens was Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, being played in Toronto, as the event began at 3 p.m. Guests had a choice of watching the first game, the second game or both.
At 7 p.m., after those teams played to a 1-1 draw, the second session got underway, and many had come to root for the Unites States Men’s National Team, playing their first game of the quadrennial global tournament, which this year is being hosting across North America, with many of the games in the U.S.
Joe Nola, a Holbrook resident, brought his son Everett, 9, a soccer fan who started playing a few years ago and took to the sport.
“[I’m here] basically for him,” Nola said of his son. “He started getting into soccer and the World Cup, and I started following it a lot more the last couple of years. He’s really excited and so am I, so we’ve been waiting to check out more soccer, and saw this and thought it would be a full opportunity to watch the USA game.”
A travel soccer team player, Everett was a bit shy, but his father said he has an affinity for the “beautiful game.”
“As a family, we’re trying to watch more and learn more about it, so this is, like, a really cool experience,” Nola said, adding of Everett. “He plays goalie. He loves the pressure, for some reason. He drives his mother crazy with the stress. He’s a big fan of [Matt] Freese [the American goalie] and a lot of the goalies that we see internationally.”
Antonella Cortez, 11, from Setauket, who also plays on a travel team, was there to cheer on Team USA.
“I’m here to watch the game,” she said matter-of-factly, adding that playing soccer is fun. Her favorite position? “Anything besides middle and goalie,” she said.
Before the featured match of Paraguay vs. USA, in Los Angeles, the band Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set in a driving rainstorm that seemed to end just after they struck
Terryville, Liam Sobritch, of East Northport, and Connor Klinger, from Selden, all wearing USA jerseys, roleplayed interviewer and interviewee, so of course the natural thing was to interview them.
“I really love the USA,” Hernandez said, “and I really want to support the team. I hope they win the World Cup.” His analysis of the first half? “They played great. We need to space out a little more, but we could have this win.
“It was good,” Sobritch said. “We scored three, so maybe [we] space out a little more.”
“We need more spacing,” Klinger agreed, “but [we’re] amazing on the attacking.”
From an own goal by Paraguay in the opening minutes to a score by Gio Reyna in the match’s waning seconds, the U.S. team dominated in a 4-1 win. The next game for the Americans is Friday versus Australia.
Organizing events such as a World Cup Watch Party is not an easy feat.
“This is almost two years in the making,” Dan Gross, Empire State Development’s executive director for New York Special Events, said. “I drew up a plan. It really started with the governor. FIFA controls the tickets,” he added, referring to the World Cup’s governing body. “They control the ticket pricing. The need to make sure people have access.”
Gross and colleagues drew up the plan to hold watch parties across the state. They developed a grant program so that all 10 state regions across New York could have watch parties as well.
“I am very proud to say we are the only state in the nation, from a states perspective, that is truly bringing the World Cup experience to all four corners of the state,” Gross said.
For information on future news related to the World Cup Watch Experience, go to ILOVENY.com/fifa-world-cup/ community-viewing-events.
their final chords.
At halftime, the kids resumed their playful running around, and adults
made their way back and forth to the LaValle Stadium concession stands. Young teens Logan Hernandez, from
Rock group Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set before the U.S.-Paraguay game in Los Angeles.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
As the U.S. team scored three first-half goals against Paragua, fans got to cheer often at the Stony Brook World Cup Watch Party.
Elmont resident Al Amin was a particularly colorful supporter of the U.S. team.
Scouts participate in annual Camporee
participated in activities tied to the Galactic Outpost theme, including games and competitions. Community organizations also visited the event, sharing information and demonstrations. Ambulances, fire trucks and other community partners were among those participating.
“We’re doing it all for the kids,” Camporee Co-Chair Laurie Schour of Cub Pack 372 said. “It’s a lot of work, and if they’re smiling, if they’re having fun, we’ve succeeded.”
Younger Scouts had opportunities to interact with older Scouts, who often serve as role models by demonstrating camping, leadership and teamwork skills. Older youth members also helped support activities and assist younger participants.
In addition to recreational activities, Scouts practiced skills central to the Scouting program, including camping, cooking, teamwork and problem-solving. A cooking competition challenged participants to prepare meals using the same ingredient, emphasizing safe food handling, cooperation and outdoor cooking techniques.
June 6 evening included Scouts’ Own, a traditional reflection program centered on reverence and service, followed by a campfire gathering and skits prepared by each participating unit. Campfire skits have long been a Camporee
tradition and remain one of the most anticipated activities for younger participants.
“The skits never are funny, never ever, but the kids who participate think it’s the funniest thing in the world, so their laughter makes it so funny,”
Participants had gathered for the campfire program when conditions deteriorated rapidly, forcing an evacuation of the Village Green.
Organizers reported no major injuries. While many participants were shaken by the sudden storm, Scouts and leaders safely left the grounds as weather conditions worsened.
The following morning, units returned to the site beginning around 6 a.m. to clean up. Every pack and troop sustained some equipment damage requiring replacement.
Even with the disruption, Camporee leaders proceeded with closing ceremonies June 7.
Cub Pack 327 won the Cub Scout-level cooking competition, while Scout Troop 109 captured the troop-level cooking title. The Spirit Stick, awarded annually to the unit demonstrating the strongest enthusiasm and Scout spirit throughout the weekend, was presented to Cub Pack 372.
Schour said. “They like really cheesy jokes, and sometimes the kids can’t even get to the punchline because they’re giggling so much.”
However, the weekend took an unexpected turn on the night of June 6 when severe weather moved into the area.
Now in its 44th year, the Camporee remains a longstanding local tradition. Although this year’s gathering ended under challenging circumstances, the resilience shown by Scouts and volunteers reflected the values the program seeks to teach.
Participants left with stories of an unforgettable weekend and renewed appreciation for the community that supports Scouting in Franklin Square and Valley Stream.
Angelina Zingariello/Herald
Six scouting units from Franklin Square and Valley Stream participated in the scouting event.
Driscoll seeks Gillen’s congressional seat
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Jeanine C. Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, says her experience managing one of Nassau County’s most visible local offices has prepared her for a run for Congress, and she is seeking the Republican nomination in New York’s 4th District.
Driscoll, 59, a Republican and a longtime resident of Bellerose, will face Marvin Williams in next Tuesday’s primary. The winner will take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen in November.
Driscoll said she decided to enter the race after former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito lost to Gillen in 2024.
“I was called and I found out that they were interviewing candidates,” Driscoll said. “I’ve been in office for seven years. I’ve lived in Nassau County for about 25 years. I’ve been a volunteer, I was a village judge, and I’m a lawyer. I have the life experience to do this.”
She said the timing also aligned with her family life, noting that she and her husband are now at a stage where their youngest child is heading off to college.
A central focus of Driscoll’s campaign is tax policy, an issue she said has defined her public-service career. “I have always been focused on trying to alleviate the burden of taxpayers,” she said. “That’s been my number one priority since I’ve been in office.”
As receiver of taxes, Driscoll said, she has worked to expand access to property tax exemptions and educate homeowners about available relief programs. Her office has also implemented services such as drivethrough payment windows, satellite offices, online payment options and email reminder systems.
She said she also regularly hosts seminars on tax grievances and exemptions. “I don’t leave until every question is answered,” she said. “I’ve been in libraries
at 10 o’clock at night helping people understand their taxes.”
Driscoll said that direct contact with residents has shaped her understanding of public service more than any other experience. “No one deals with constituents
every day like I do,” she said of area tax officials. “People are in my office every single day, and I hear firsthand what they’re going through.”
In Congress, she added, lawmakers often lack dayto-day exposure to constituent concerns.
Driscoll also noted her background as an attorney for more than three decades and her prior service as an associate village justice. She has also been active in community organizations, including the Floral Park Memorial PTSA and the Junior Women’s Club of Bellerose.
Her policy priorities, she said, would center on reducing costs for families through tax relief measures, changes to federal deductions and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Rising insurance costs, housing prices and taxes are all contributing to what Driscoll described as an affordability crisis on Long Island.
“You have people who grew up here, raised their families here and now they can’t afford to stay,” she said. “She supports efforts to increase take-home pay by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding the deduction for state and local taxes.
Asked why voters should choose her over Williams in the primary, Driscoll said that experience and familiarity with local taxpayers set her apart. “I know the residents, I know the taxpayers and I know how Nassau County works,” she said. “I’ve worked directly with people who are struggling, and I understand what they need.” She also emphasized her endorsement by the Nassau County Republican Committee.
As for what differentiates her from Gillen, Driscoll said the contrast comes down to tax policy and fiscal priorities, and that she looked forward to making her case directly to 4th District voters. “I’m all in,” she said. “I want to win this seat, and I believe I can.”
Williams is campaigning for GOP primary
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams will face off against Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine C. Driscoll in the Republican primary in the 4th Congressional District next Tuesday. The winner will challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Laura Gillen in the November general election. Williams, 64, is a lifelong New Yorker and current Garden City resident who has spent 30 years in public service as an active-duty Air Force chaplain, senior pastor and senior executive at the federal level. He is focusing his campaign to represent Nassau County’s South Shore communities on lowering costs for Long Island families, restoring public safety, securing the country’s southern border, creating congressional term limits, supporting veterans and, he said, bringing accountability to Washington D.C.
“The core lesson is exactly the same in ministry as it is in the federal government: When a mission is failing, you do not keep sending the same people back with the same plan,” Williams said. “That is not just political partisanship — that is the voters of Long Island loudly telling Washington that they have not been heard.”
Williams said that hearing those loud cries, and his love for country and community, motivated him to run for the congressional seat and create “lasting change” for Long Islanders in the 4th District, economically and socially.
“I am not running because I need a new career,” he told the Herald. “I am running because I have the time, the executive experience and the absolute political
“In
independence to do this job for the right reasons.”
Williams listed affordability, public safety and immigration, honoring veterans, and term limits as
his “four critical priorities.” Additionally, he wants to reduce energy and transportation costs, especially for Long Island.
Despite having less political experience than Driscoll and Gillen, Williams maintains that experience is far from the most important quality of a political leader.
“In this race, political tenure is not the most important asset,” he said. “Proof of capability is. Traditional political experience simply means time spent occupying a seat in a government building. Proof means tangible, measurable results you can put a clear dollar amount on – and I have those numbers.”
Williams also points out that he already has experience serving at the federal level, leading the charge for Air Force Inspection System reform and spearheading operational adjustments that, he said, saved $30 million in overseas operations at the Naval Supply Systems Command.
He believes that his military experience also makes him a more qualified candidate for Congress. He credits the lessons he has learned about service and the time spent as a senior federal executive as more than adequate background to know how to represent Long Island residents.
“Long Islanders are carrying an immense amount of economic and social worry right now,” Williams said. “They need a representative who genuinely hears them, not a career politician who reads about them in a polling memo. … My service makes me uniquely qualified, because three decades of mission-driven, results-accountable executive work is the precise preparation required for a job that demands those qualities today.”
Courtesy Driscoll for Congress
Jeanine Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, is the Republican and Conservative choice for Congress in the 4th District.
Courtesy Marvin Williams for Congress
this race, political tenure is not the most important issue,” Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams said of the Republicans’ effort to unseat Gillen.
ERASE Racism hosts forum on inequality
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
The Long Island-based advocacy group ERASE Racism held its 25th Anniversary Benefit event earlier this month, giving out awards for anti-racism and anti-discrimination work and awarding scholarships to students who embody the organization’s values.
Hundreds of guests crowded the Garden City Hotel on June 3 for a cocktail hour and to take part in ERASE Racism’s silent auction, where items ranging from artwork to lottery tickets were bid on for up to thousands of dollars. The funds will go to ERASE Racism advocacy initiatives for public education and housing equality.
Students Ria Bhatia, of Jericho High School; Edwin Montes Dubon, of Uniondale High; Zamari Paul, of Malverne High; and Janeiry Savinon, of New Hyde Park High, were each awarded $500 scholarships for winning a student essay contest. Malverne High student Matthew DaCosta was awarded the $1,500 John Wenzel Scholarship for his work with ERASE Racism.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and activist Monique Fitzgerald were honored with special awards for their advocacy against structural racism. HannahJones’s work on the 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine and audio series
examining the beginnings of American slavery and its generational effects, was highlighted during the program.
Hannah-Jones and Elaine Gross, ERASE Racism’s founding president, had a “fireside chat,” discussing how racism continues to impact life for minorities, particularly Black communities, on Long Island and across the country.
“This is a hard time for civil rights organizations, because there is a very organized and powerful effort from the highest reaches of the government that basically is saying there is nothing
called structural racism,” Gross told the Herald before the event.
She identified an April settlement between the U.S. Justice Department and the Town of Oyster Bay over alleged housing discrimination as an example of structural racism on Long Island. In the case, which was settled in U.S. District Court, the town was found liable for “intentionally discriminating against Black individuals” by giving the children of current residents priority in purchasing housing units under its Next Generation housing program. This allegedly hindered the ability of Blacks and
other racial minorities to buy homes in predominantly white Oyster Bay.
Hannah-Jones pointed out that racism on Long Island often is not a conscious effort by residents, but rather the result of the region’s historically discriminatory structure.
“You as an individual white person don’t have to be racist at all to have your housing choices and the benefits of your housing choices shaped by a structure that you have nothing to do with creating,” she said.
Talking more about the 1619 Project and contemporary racism, Hannah-Jones contended that the sanitized way in which many schools and institutions deal with America’s racist history is counterproductive to the goal of erasing racism.
“The truth about America is deeply heartbreaking,” she said, “but I find the truth to be a liberating thing, because one can confront the truth that everything that is within the law is constructed. If you know that it’s constructed, then you know it can be deconstructed.”
Hannah-Jones acknowledged that she was not very optimistic about race relations and how discrimination is handled in the U.S., citing the current administration as a reason for such pessimism. But, she and Gross said they believe that as today’s young people advocate for social justice, they have the potential to unlock a better future for Long Island and beyond.
Courtesy ERASE Racism
Elaine Gross, founding president of ERASE Racism, left, hosted a “fireside chat” with Nikole Hannah-Jones on the continuing impact of racism on Long Island.
Board honors student success, staff dedication
The Elmont community gathered at the Dutch Broadway School for a Board of Education meeting celebrating student achievement, staff service and community contributions as the school year comes to a close.
Superintendent Marlon C. Small recognized students, retirees and tenure recipients for their impact on the district on June 9.
Students were honored for accomplishments in science research, the arts, writing and community service. Several science research teams earned recognition at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair, including Stewart Manor School students Tristan Canedo, Abdul Moeez and Kimberly Matthews, and Dutch Broadway students Anne Bernardin and Sydney Campbell, whose project was invited to a national competition.
The board also recognized Alden Terrace’s fourth-grade dance team for earning a gold medal at ArtBeat LI and honored winners of the Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade Youth Art Contest. Additional recognitions included PTA Reflections Arts Program participants and winners of the Humane Society of New York Essay Contest.
The district highlighted its charitable efforts, noting that students and staff raised $8,505 for the American Cancer Society, $5,750 for the American Heart Association and $14,226 for Building Homes for Heroes.
The meeting also honored eight retirees who collectively contributed 233 years of service to the district and celebrated 23 teachers who received tenure in recognition of their dedication and commitment to Elmont students and families.
–Hailey Fulmer
Photos courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Alden Terrace School’s dance team is pictured with Board trustee Dr. Stephanie Douglas and Vice President Dwayne L. Palmer at the board meeting on June 9.
Humane Society of New York Essay Contest winners
Isabella Briant and Grayson Cheng pictured with Board trustee Angel L. Ramos and Shirley Wheeler-Massey.
Dutch Broadway School science research students Anne Bernardin and Sydney Campbell are pictured with Board trustee Dr. Stephanie Douglas and Vice President Dwayne L. Palmer at the board meeting.
PTSA Reflections winners Chimela Crick-Iwu and Abby Duplan are pictured with Board trustee Angel L. Ramos and Shirley Wheeler-Massey at the board meeting on June 9.
Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade Youth Art Contest winners Olivia Roem, Jaime Carranza Campos and Matthew Preis with Board trustee Angel L. Ramos and Shirley Wheeler-Massey.
HERALD SCHOOLS
Covert Avenue Elementary marks 100 Years
In honor of its 100th anniversary, Covert Avenue Elementary School hosted a celebratory ceremony. The school officially opened its doors to students in 1925, marking a century of serving students in the Elmont community.
Principal Alison Gunn welcomed guests to the May 19 celebration. “We are so excited to gather everyone together today to celebrate 100 incredible years of history, memories, tradition and community here at Covert Avenue,” she said.
Assistant Principal Valerie Donoghue introduced several special guests, including retirees who served the school throughout the years. Among those recognized were former principal Dr. Margaret Pleta and former teacher and Gotham Avenue School principal Marshall Zucker.
“We honor the past, celebrate the present and look forward with excitement to the future,” Ms. Gunn said. “Thank you all for being here today to celebrate this remarkable milestone. Whether you walked through these halls decades ago or are creating memories here today, you are an important part of the Covert Avenue story.”
Following the opening remarks, fifth
and sixth grade students performed a special 100-year celebration song set to the tune of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” under the direction of music teachers Mrs. Turk and Mrs. Turi.
Mrs. Donohue then shared remarks on behalf of former principal Mary Natoli, who was unable to attend the ceremony. Former principal Dr. Pleta also addressed the audience, reflecting on the honor of serving as Covert Avenue School’s principal for more than 23 years.
Mr. Zucker, who taught at Covert Avenue from 1979-1986, also shared reflections and spoke about the Elmont district’s rich history.
The celebration continued with a performance by the kindergarten classes, who sang “We Love Covert Avenue.”
The ceremony concluded with a “Covert Avenue Through the Years” slideshow featuring photographs from the 1920s through the present day. Festivities continued throughout the school day, as each grade level celebrated a different decade spanning the school’s 100-year history.
–Hailey Fulmer
Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Covert Avenue School hosted a 100th anniversary celebration on May 19.
things to know CULtURAL nights
A world of culture comes to Eisenhower Park this summer
By JORDAN VALLONE
jvallone@liherald.com
A Passport not required. This summer, Eisenhower Park’s Lakeside Theatre will once again become a gateway to cultures from across the globe. Live performances, traditional cuisine and family-friendly activities will come to Eisenhower Park. Organized by the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, the annual series highlights the traditions and contributions of Long Island’s diverse communities. The first three events — Ukrainian American Night, Indian American Night and Israeli American Night — each offer a unique opportunity for residents to experience music, dance, food and cultural pride under the stars.
Ukrainian American Night kicks off the series June 6
The 2026 International Nights schedule opens with Ukrainian American Night on Saturday, June 6, at 6 p.m. at Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park. The event is expected to showcase the rich traditions of Ukrainian culture. Visitors can learn about centuries-old customs while enjoying entertainment that reflects Ukraine’s history and artistic heritage. Organizers typically incorporate community groups, performers and vendors who help create an immersive cultural experience. The evening also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Ukrainian Americans on Long Island, where many families maintain strong ties to their heritage through cultural organizations, churches and community events. Admission is free.
Indian American Night celebrates culture, music and dance June 13
Indian American Night returns to Lakeside Theatre on Saturday, June 13, beginning at 6 p.m. The event will spotlight the traditions of one of the world’s most diverse cultures through music, dance, food and artistic performances. Attendees can expect colorful presentations inspired by the many regions of India, potentially including classical and contemporary dance styles, traditional attire and cultural exhibitions. The celebration offers an opportunity for residents to learn more about Indian customs. Long Island is home to an Indian American population that has played an important role in the region’s business, educational and cultural landscape. The evening aims to promote cultural understanding while celebrating community pride.
Israeli American Night brings music and heritage on June 14
Israeli American Night will take place Sunday, June 14, at 5 p.m., continuing the weekend of cultural celebrations at Eisenhower Park. The event is expected to feature music, dance and traditions reflecting the diverse backgrounds that make up Israeli society. Visitors may experience performances inspired by Jewish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and modern Israeli influences while learning about the country’s cultural heritage. Community organizations often use the event as an opportunity to highlight educational initiatives, cultural programs and traditions that connect generations. Food vendors and informational displays may also be part of the evening’s offerings. Organizers say the event provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents of all backgrounds.
STEPPING OUT
‘Celebrity Autobiography’ is back in the spotlight
By Iris Wiener
For more than three decades, Angelo Fraboni has built a career that spans Broadway stages, national tours, arts administration, and theatrical producing. Today, while serving as Artistic Director of the Madison Theatre, on the Molloy University campus, Fraboni continues to leave his mark on the professional theater world as a producer of Broadway’s “Celebrity Autobiography,” the comedic sensation currently delighting audiences once again after its original Drama Deskwinning run in 2008.
The show, created by Eugene Pack, takes passages from celebrity memoirs and transforms them into a live comedy event performed by well-known actors. For Fraboni, the appeal of the production has remained remarkably consistent since he first became involved. “Laughter,” he says when asked why the show continues to resonate.
“Everyone needs something to laugh at and just enjoy where you don’t have to think very hard. It’s easy laughter. We’re not making fun of people; we’re just reading this banal dialogue that people write in their autobiographies.”
That spirit of spontaneity has helped make “Celebrity Autobiography” a unique theatrical experience. Unlike most productions, the cast has little rehearsal time together before stepping onstage.
“The actors are cracking each other up as much as they’re cracking up the audience,” Fraboni says. “The greatest thing about the show is the rawness of it and these celebrities being human on stage with each other. It’s glorious.”
Fraboni has been involved with the production since its early years, serving as both producer and general manager before focusing exclusively on producing. He has helped bring the show to audiences across the United States and around the world, while continuing to oversee one of its most challenging components: casting. While the rotating cast has already featured the likes of Katie Couric, Rita Wilson, Keenan Thompson, and Tony Shalhoub, it also has an especially strong Long Island connection, featuring local entertainment icons such as Alan Zweibel, Susan Lucci, Ralph Macchio, and Ray Romano. Pack and co-producer
Douglas Denoff are also from the area.
While Fraboni’s current work places him at the center of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, his path to producing began far from New York. Raised in a mining town in northern Minnesota, he started ballet lessons at age six alongside his twin brother.
“I was really into sports,” he recalls. “My mom and dad said, ‘Why don’t you take ballet? It will help with your athleticism.’”
What began as an extracurricular activity soon became a career. After high school, Fraboni joined a ballet company and performed professionally for five years. A chance audition for “West Side Story” during an off-season changed everything. The opportunity introduced him to acclaimed choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell, who cast Fraboni in six of his first seven productions. The experience ultimately led to his Broadway debut in “Cats” and opened doors throughout the industry.
As a performer, Fraboni developed a habit that would later serve him well as a producer and artistic leader.
“I would listen and watch,” he says. “I wanted to hear what the directors and choreographers were saying. I was very tuned in to what was going on.”
Eventually, curiosity about the creative process led him offstage and into producing. The transition revealed a side of theater audiences rarely see.
“As a performer, you show up to the theater do your job, and get your paycheck,” he says. “As a producer, you’re working constantly for months and months, sometimes years. Your job is never done.”
That commitment to building opportunities for others became the foundation of his work at Molloy University. Fraboni’s connection to the institution dates back more than two decades, when he helped bring Broadway legend Carol Channing to campus for a gala performance. There, he met then-president Drew Bogner, who shared plans to build a theater. One decade later, Fraboni received a call encouraging him to apply for the artistic director position at the newly constructed Madison Theatre.
“It was still a shell,” he remembers. “I was instrumental in how they built the infrastructure.”
Over the next 15 years, Fraboni transformed the Rockville Centre venue into a regional performing arts center featuring Broadway-caliber productions, symphony performances, international artists, jazz concerts, and educational opportunities. He also played a key role in bringing the renowned CAP21 musical theater program to Molloy, creating new pathways for aspiring performers.
“The idea was to make it an arts center with a variety of art,” he says. “I wanted it to be a regional theatre and performing arts center, but also give the students the opportunity to grow and perform with professionals.”
Despite balancing productions at Molloy with responsibilities on “Celebrity Autobiography,” Fraboni says the rewards make the long hours worthwhile.
“The joys are the audiences laughing and enjoying what we do,” he says. “We create what we think will be the best thing possible for our audiences to see, and the payoff is when they enjoy it.”
Whether producing a Broadway comedy, mentoring students at Molloy, or developing new artistic opportunities on Long Island, Fraboni remains committed to the idea that theater is ultimately about people coming together.
“There’s nothing like going to the theater, laughing with people, and experiencing a journey,” he says. “Everybody is emotionally affected differently by a show. That’s inspiring to me.”
Visit celebrityautobiography.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
A familiar favorite returns to a legendary stage as Dion takes the spotlight for a concert honoring Westbury Music Fair’s 70th anniversary. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, whose history with the iconic venue spans decades, is returning to live performance after stepping back from regular touring in recent years. While he has been largely absent from the concert circuit, Dion has remained remarkably productive, releasing new music and books while continuing to earn acclaim for his blues recordings. In the past two years alone, he released The Rock and Roll Philosopher along with a companion book, further showcasing the creativity that has defined a career spanning more than six decades. His recent blues albums have topped the Billboard Blues chart, introducing his work to new audiences while reaffirming his place among America’s enduring musical voices. Best known for classic hits such as “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer,” and “Ruby Baby,” Dion continues to evolve as an artist well into his 80s.
Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.
Daniel Tosh
Get ready for an evening of sharp observations and quick-fire punchlines that are Daniel Tosh’s signature irreverent style when he brings My First Farewell Tour to he Paramount stage. Acclaimed for his quick wit and deadpan delivery, he’s built a devoted following through both stand-up and television. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in marketing, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy full-time. His career gained national attention following a standout appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2001, leading to appearances Comedy Central Presents, Premium Blend and The Tonight Show. Tosh became a household name as the creator and host of Tosh.0, the longrunning Comedy Central hit that paired viral internet videos with his trademark commentary and satirical take on pop culture.
Tuesday, June 23, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Courtesy Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade Scott Adsit and Rita Wilson are among the show’s rotating cast.
Courtesy Michaelah Reynolds
Angelo Fraboni is all smiles on opening night with his wife, Michelle Fraboni and his Molloy students Grace McNally, left, and Skylar Faith Ludwig.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
Jun
18
Juneteenth Celebration
Eisenhower Summer Concert Series continues with an Earth Wind & Fire Tribute by D’votion, a Gospel Choir and DRIFT featuring members of TAUK and MJT.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Jun 19
International Soccer Watch Party: Brazil v. Haiti
Watch an exciting international soccer matchup on the UBS Arena video board as Brazil takes on Haiti as part of a World Cup 2026 watch party experience. Fans can enjoy a stadium-style atmosphere with music, energy, and community viewing inside one of the region’s premier venues.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 8:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or (516) 460-8950
Jun
21
Tunes with Cold Spring Harbor Band
Plattduetsche Park
welcomes a Father’s Day celebration in the Biergarten featuring live music by Pat Farrell and the Cold Spring Harbor Band performing the music of Billy Joel, including hits like “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind,” and “Just the Way You Are.” Celebrate Father’s Day with an afternoon of music, food, and community. $8 cover.
• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
• Time: 1-5 p.m.
• Contact: parkrestaurant.com or (516) 354-3131
Jun 22
Tunes with The Chiclettes
Eisenhower Summer Concert Series welcomes The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno. Celebrate the remarkable women who reigned supreme on the charts! Gracie, Mikayla, and Jennie deliver an exceptional blend of female vocal groups and artists, spanning from the early rock ‘n roll and Motown eras to disco, R&B, ‘80s/90s pop and more. The Chiclettes are set to energize you as they celebrate the female artists who have graced
Stavros Halkias
Stavros Halkias’s The Dreamboat Tour hits the Paramount stage. He delivers the sharp observations, self-deprecating humor and quick wit that have made him one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Originally from Baltimore and now based in New York City, Halkias recently wrote, produced and starred in the independent comedy Let’s Start a Cult. His latest standup special, Fat Rascal, is streaming on Netflix, following the success of his debut special, Live at the Lodge Room, which attracted millions of viewers online. Beyond the stage, Halkias hosts the hit podcast Stavvy’s World, which quickly climbed the comedy charts and built a devoted following. He also stars in the Netflix comedy series Tires and is set to appear in A24’s Tony, inspired by the life of Anthony Bourdain. Known for his candid storytelling and relatable humor, Halkias has built a loyal fan base through stand-up, podcasting and acting. He has also been featured in Steven Soderbergh’s sci-fi series Command Z. Outside of comedy, he made his runway debut at KidSuper’s Paris Fashion Week show in 2023, earning Vogue’s nod as “the plus-est of plus-size models.” His ultimate dream? Get just famous enough to buy his mother a nice home — then retire from show business to open a surf-and-turf restaurant in East Baltimore.
the music scene from past to present.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Jun
24
Summer Reading Kickoff/Ice Cream
Social
Franklin Square Public Library officially opens its summer reading program with registration tables, reading challenge sign-ups, and themed book displays for children, teens and adults. Families can participate in interactive storytelling sessions and librarian-led reading games, followed by an ice cream social.
• Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square
• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Contact: fslibrary.org or (516) 488-3444
Community legal help
Need assistance with a legal issue? Meet with lawyers for free legal information and referrals at Franklin Square Public Library. Issues regarding custody, domestic violence, landlord-tenant disputes,
elder law, bankruptcy, foreclosure, immigration, disability and more are all covered. Services are provided by Nassau Suffolk Law Services, Volunteer Attorneys and the Nassau County Bar Association. Appointments are required.
• Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square
• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Contact: fslibrary.org or (516) 292-8100 ext. 3116
Throwback
Jun
25
Thursday
Enjoy a night of classic hits, Italian food and community fun during Throwback Thursday at the Franklin Square Giglio Feast. With entertainment, rides, games and traditional feast favorites as part of the annual San Paolino celebration. It takes place across Holzheimer Street.
• Where: 990 Holzheimer St., Franklin Square
• Time: 6-11 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 775-200
Jun
26
Rockin’ with the Almost Brothers Band Rock on during the Eisenhower Summer Concert Series. Enjoy
and beverages on site from Café in the Woods. $25 general admission, $12 children 7-17
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Gates open at 6 p.m., also June 27-28
• Contact: oldwestbury gardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
Jun
27
Elmont Youth Basketball Summer Clinic
This structured youth clinic offers hands-on basketball training led by local coaches and former players, focusing on fundamentals such as dribbling control, defensive positioning, shooting mechanics, and team communication. Participants are grouped by age to ensure skill-appropriate instruction, and each session includes drills followed by scrimmage play to reinforce learning. The goal is to prepare students for summer league participation and skill development.
• Where: 555 Ridge Road, Elmont
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
an Allman Brothers tribute with ABB and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute with Sons of Skynyrd.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Open Skate Night
UBS Arena transforms its rink into a public skating experience featuring discounted admission, beginner-friendly instruction zones, and rental skates available on-site. Music curated for families and younger skaters plays throughout the venue, creating a fun and accessible atmosphere for all skill levels. Staff and volunteers are available to assist first-time skaters and ensure a safe, welcoming environment.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 460-8950
Midsummer Nights
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes all to picnic, stroll and relax on the longest nights of the year. The Gardens will be illuminated with lanterns and decorated with wreaths and floral arrangements. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 326-5500
JuL
18
Argo Civic Association Fair
The Argo Civic Association Vendor Fair returns to Elmont with local vendors, community businesses, and shopping opportunities. Vendor spaces are available for a $40 fee for a 10x10 spot, with applications due by June 27. Argo Civic Association members receive a discounted $35 rate.
• Where: St. Boniface Church Parking Lot, 631 Elmont Road
• Time: Noon-6 p.m.
• Contact: (917) 783-6047 or argocivicelmont@gmail.com
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
JuL
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NATIONSTAR
MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. DIAN M. MARTINEZ AS EXECUTOR TO THE ESTATE OF OLIVE
JOSEPHS A/K/A OLIVE
WISHART A/K/A OLIVE
WRIGHT-JOSEPHS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 26, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 29, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 654 Dorothea Lane, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 708 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $432,960.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612666/2024.
Tara Mayerhofer, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 255446-2 160427
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND
SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES
ACQUISITION TRUST
2018-HB1, -againstVADELL WALKER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF TONI WILLIAMS, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 16, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT
INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST
2018-HB1 is the Plaintiff and VADELL WALKER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF TONI WILLIAMS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 29, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 34 LOUIS AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-363-74, 75, 76 & 77.
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
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610675/2021.
Christine M. Grillo, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 160425
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
ELM CAPITAL LLC v. SECURE YOUR HOME INC, et al (Index No. 608491/2025)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 4, 2026., 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, NY 11501 on the 2nd day of July, 2026 at 2:30
PM (“Rain or Shine”):
All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York as Section 32, Block 492, Lot 9 (Group Lot 9-10). Said premises are known as 333 BENSON AVE., Elmont, NY, NY 11003. The approximate amount of the lien is $6,457.96 plus interest and costs. ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO MERIK R. AARON, ESQ., AS REFEREE. THE REFEREE WILL NOT ACCEPT THIRD PARTY CHECKS OR CASH. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Merik R. Aaron, Esq., Referee Joseph Ehrenreich, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff; Tel. 833-993-0100. 160481
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST JACQUELINE SALMON, BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARRIAGE TOWNHOUSE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1601 Johnson Avenue 13, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Hamlet of Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 32 Block 470 Lot 27. Approximate amount of judgment $717,212.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011587/2008. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or
call (800) 280-2832. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-120754 90241 160625
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 07/01/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 351/26. - 353/26. NR FLORAL PARK - Henry Micyk, Variance, lot area occupied, construct addition & 2nd story addition, both attached to dwelling; Variance, lot area occupied, maintain deck attached to dwelling; Special exception to maintain accessory structure (shed) higher than permitted, exceeding horizontal maximum with less than required side and rear yard setbacks and with lot area occupied variance., W/s Colonial Rd., 31.30’, S/o Ontario Rd., a/k/a 74 Colonial Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Floral Park within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the
call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
160787
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 53-2026
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 on the 9th day of June 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 53-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 53-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: June 9, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160792
adopted May 27, 2026, a public hearing was duly held on the 9th day of June 2026, 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
B STREET - north side, starting at a point 176 feet east of the east curbline of Meacham Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-162/26)
legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527 RESOLUTION NO. 567-2026
Adopted: June 9, 2026
Councilmember Muscarella 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. 560-2026,
Parkside Drive, east for a distance of 56 feet.
(TH-180/26)
ROOSEVELT
ST. FRANCIS STREETeast side, starting at a point 63 feet south the south curbline of Underhill Avenue, south for a distance 20 feet.
(TH-170/26)
WEST HEMPSTEAD
BERRY HILL COURTsouth side, starting at a point 254 feet east of east curbline of Mayfair Avenue, east for a distance of 22 feet.
(TH-166/26)
; 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 Miller and adopted upon roll call as follows: AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 160796
SWEETMAN AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 78 feet east of the east curbline of Travis Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-163/26)
238th STREET - west side, starting at a point 24 feet north opposite the northeast curbline of 116th Road, north for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-179/26)
INWOOD WALCOTT AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 39 feet south opposite the southwest curbline of Merril Place, south for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-172/26)
POINT LOOKOUT
OCEAN BOULEVARDsouth side, starting at a point 929 feet east of the east curbline of
LEGAL NOTICE Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 603489/2026 ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC Plaintiff, vs GARFIELD BUCHANAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF HOPE BUCHANAN AKA HOPE BANTON, SHARI JAMES AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF HOPE BUCHANAN AKA HOPE BANTON, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF HOPE BUCHANAN AKA HOPE BANTON IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS
BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS, NASSAU COUNTY CLERK, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHASE HOME FINANCE FKA CHASE MANHATTAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, HOME123 CORPORATION JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). MORTGAGED PREMISES: 1442 Woolworth Street Elmont, NY 11003 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental
Public Notices
Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Hope Buchanan AKA Hope Banton Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON.
Jeffrey A. Goodstein of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twenty-Ninth day of May, 2026 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Hope Buchanan AKA Hope Banton (who died on August 9, 2023, a resident of the county of Nassau, State of New York) dated the November 27, 2020, to secure the sum of $300,950.00 and recorded at Book M45179, Page 824 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on March 24, 2021. The mortgage was subsequently modified by a Deferral Agreement on February 1, 2025. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed November 12, 2025 and recorded on November 17, 2025, in the Office of the
Nassau County Clerk at Book M48215, Page 903. The property in question is described as follows: 1442 Woolworth Street, Elmont, NY 11003
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
DATED: June 3, 2026
Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221
The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 90455 160757
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH HUDSON CITY
SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST ADENIKE ADEMUWAGUN; ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 6, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 55 Lucille Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section: 35 Block: 37 Lot: 121. Approximate amount of judgment $997,861.11 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607965/2023. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 CHNY1598 90207 160755
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon, f/k/a The Bank of New York as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Trustee for Asset Backed Funding Corporation, AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2005-HE1, Plaintiff AGAINST
Enide St. Louis and Jacqueline St. Preux a/k/a Jacqueline St. Preux; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 21, 2022, amended February 7, 2024, May 21, 2025, and April 13, 2026 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 8, 2026, at 2:30PM, premises known as 44 Village Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. 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, State of New York, Section 32 Block 666 Lot 19. Approximate amount of judgment $626,505.65 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003482/2011. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine” Eugene Gamache, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: May 5, 2026 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 160552
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
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
READ THEM
Gov. Kathy Hochul has appointed Richard Kessel as chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which oversees Nassau University Medical Center.
Richard Kessel appointed as new chair of NHCC
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, has been tapped by Gov. Kathy Hochul to be the next chairman of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, the public benefit corporation that oversees Nassau University Medical Center, in East Meadow, and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, in Uniondale.
A regional leader for decades, Kessel, of Merrick, is known for his expertise on energy and consumer issues and has an extensive background in public service. He previously served as chairman of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency and as chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority. Kessel, 76, has a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s from Columbia University.
“Richard Kessel brings decades of leadership experience in government, public policy and complex organizations,” Hochul said of Monday’s appointment in a statement emailed to the Herald. “His proven record of public service, commitment to Long Island and ability to navigate challenging issues make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the board as NHCC continues its mission of providing high-quality care to the communities we serve.”
Kessel’s appointment to the NHCC board means he will step down from NIFA. His position there will be filled by Moshin Meghji, a current NIFA board member.
The finance authority, another public benefit corporation, monitors and oversees Nassau County’s finances. It assumed direct financial oversight of
Leadership change at NHCC
New chairman: Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, to lead the Nassau Health Care Corporation.
Leadership change: Kessel succeeds Stuart Rabinowitz, who stepped down in March after leading NHCC since June 2025.
NUMC in 2020, a move that was met with heavy opposition from previous hospital leadership. As part of the state’s takeover last year, it mandated that NHCC conduct a comprehensive study outlining the long-term viability of NUMC. The study is to be submitted to NIFA by Dec. 1.
The NHCC chair’s position has been vacant since March, when former Chairman Stuart Rabinowitz stepped down. Rabinowitz had served in the role since June 2025, after being appointed by Hochul when state officials assumed leadership of the public hospital and its governing body.
Rabinowitz’s departure came during a turbulent period for NUMC. Following a public battle between the hospital’s former leadership and the state, New York assumed oversight of the hospital under provisions included in the 2025-26 state budget. The board was restructured to include 11 members, most of whom were appointed by Hochul. When Rabinowitz stepped down, Hochul thanked him for his service, saying he “stepped up when Nassau University Medical Center desperately needed steady, serious leadership.” She added that “his focus on accountability and fiscal management has helped put this critical safety-net hospital on the road to recovery.”
RICHARD KESSEL
Herald file photo
Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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 $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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 $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com Social & Community Service Manager, Hempstead, NY. Master Deg.+ 6ms. of exp. req. Salary $89,544yr. Email res. to: eromosele@iyaho.org Iyaho Social Services
Eldercare Offered HOUSEKEEPING/ SENIOR CAREGIVER Available Private/ Professional. CNA* HHA* CCA Certified. Experienced/ Excellent References. Emma 516-519-0456
HomesHERALD
Beautiful Cape
elcome to this beautifully maintained expanded Cape in the Salisbury section of Westbury in the East Meadow school district. Offering 4-5 bedrooms and a versatile floor plan, this home is perfectly suited for today's lifestyle. The updated kitchen flows seamlessly into the comfortable living spaces, including a spacious living room and formal dining room. A striking double-sided wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and character, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the main living areas. The first floor offers exceptional flexibility, featuring a bedroom, a den that can easily serve as a fifth bedroom,
A new pool, and the fence around it
Q. I’m putting in a pool, and have to raise the property on the side closest to my property line by about 18 inches. I see that my permit shows I can’t go over 6 feet for the fence. What I want to do is build a wall along the property line using the concrete interlocking blocks that are made for this, and I remember from a previous column you wrote that the wall also needs a permit. Am I going to have problems getting the fence and wall approved, because the company that makes the blocks shows that they go right onto compacted gravel and not the concrete foundation you wrote about? Also, the fence will be 6 feet tall on my side, but at least 7 feet 6 inches on my neighbor’s side. Is that going to be a problem? I want to do this right away, so I can enjoy the pool this summer. Should I just do it and see what an inspector says, if anything?
A. You have given this a lot of thought. I will answer each question as well as possible. The reason for my doubt is that communities have differing opinions, and even inspectors have differing views. The real problem is that until, and sometimes even after, you get a final sign-off, anything that wasn’t documented on the plans is fair game for nullifying the approval, requiring refiling for a new permit.
The block wall can only go on a compacted gravel bed if the ground is stable — not in a flood plain or previously reclaimed land, such as in a neighborhood that was once marshland — and if the gravel bed reaches a 90 percent compaction level, according to manufacturers. This compaction is achieved only by using heavy equipment and extreme force, so if you plan to shovel it in and tamp it down, think twice. Fortunately, the wall movement will be hardly noticeable unless sections sag from the weight of the block and the horizontal shifting of the earth, which mainly occur with the help of water buildup and extremes like the weeks of below-freezing weather a few months ago that most people have already forgotten.
The fence height is another mixed bag of opinions. I’ve had to appear for clients at zoning hearings because of just such circumstances, where there was a problem achieving the 6-foot height and the uneven land dilemma. In other, similar circumstances, another inspector in the same jurisdiction said not to bother and passed the approval without the need to go through the hearing process. I believe that good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost wrote. The height issue should only come into play when a neighbor is harmed or potentially harmed by the height, such as if the fence blocks sunlight.
I can never recommend building something without approvals, as a licensed professional, but I am seeing more often that people hate the word “permit.” Good luck!
with “Herald question” in the
OPINIONS
So we set off to meet the new Notre Dame coach . . .
I’ve told this story before, but friends say it always bears retelling. Four years ago this month, a group of us experienced in just a few hours some truly high moments followed by some comedic screwups that still make us shake our heads.
Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo, my law school roommate Tom Curtin and I are Notre Dame graduates, and fanatical followers of Fighting Irish football. When we heard that then new football coach Marcus Freeman would be speaking at a Notre Dame event at the Union League Club in Manhattan, we decided to attend and then go to dinner afterward.
Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau County Police Department detective who was on my security detail when I was in Congress and was still doing security work for me, coordinated the logistics for the evening. We took my car, picked up Cairo at his North Valley Stream home and made it to the city in
plenty of time. Zimmerman parked the car in a garage a few blocks from the Union League, and once there we met up with Curtin, who, as usual, knew someone who knew someone and got us into a pre-event gathering with just a small group of alumni and Freeman, who was friendly and generous with his time. Couldn’t have been a better moment for Notre Dame guys.
AFollowing the larger reception downstairs, we went to Sam’s Place, a terrific Italian restaurant on East 39th Street, where we were joined by my son, Sean, another Notre Dame graduate. The conversation was filled with reminiscing, and expressions of hope that Freeman would restore Notre Dame football’s golden luster.
Despite a sign that said it would be open for a few more hours, the garage were locked tight. We rang the bell. No answer. It started raining harder. We were the only people on the street.
nd what followed forced us to find our way home in the rain in a very sketchy Uber.
The always prepared Curtin produced an umbrella and decided to walk to the NYAC. Zimmerman, seeing her brilliant planning coming undone, was on her phone trying to find an Uber to drive us to North Valley Stream. Minutes went by; no taxicab, no Uber. Cairo, one of the nation’s most powerful political leaders, was standing in the rain, looking down 39th Street.
windshield. Eventually we made it to Cairo’s home, where he obligingly paid the driver and, adding insult to injury, at Zimmerman’s suggestion, gave the man a generous tip. He shook his head as he got out.
Afterward, as we were outside on the street posing for a group photo, Zimmerman couldn’t help congratulating herself on her logistical success. Sean said he would walk to his nearby apartment and said good night. There was a drizzle of rain, but the garage was a block away; nothing to worry about. Curtin, who lives in Jersey, was staying at the New York Athletic Club, so we offered to drop him off.
TAfter several long minutes, a broken-down, filthy-looking, barely operable car pulled up. The driver held a cardboard sign with “Uber” scrawled in magic marker. Speaking with a thick foreign accent, he asked where we were going. North Valley Stream, Zimmerman told him.
“No problem,” he said. We warily got in the car — Zimmerman, the seasoned detective, in the front, and Cairo and I in the back. The driver seemed to have a hard time finding his way out of Manhattan as Zimmerman tried to guide him, and rain splashed against the
Next, Zimmerman tracked down a friend to drive us to my home in Seaford, and then, because her car keys were in my car in the Manhattan parking garage, to drive her to her Bellmore home. Because my wife, Rosemary, knew I’d be coming home late, she had decided to sleep in the back bedroom. When she got up in the morning and didn’t saw my car, she didn’t know whether to call the cops or the emergency room. Moments later, as I recounted the events of the previous evening, she shook her head with the look of a woman thinking, why did I ever marry this guy? Good question.
Later that morning, Zimmerman took an LIRR train to Manhattan to retrieve my car and her keys and complain to the parking garage manager about his misleading closing-time sign. The saga of the Notre Dame football coach and the locked garage was over, but none of us has ever forgotten it.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
A crisis at a journalistic institution
here are a number of ways to frighten a politician. I could recite a few, but there’s nothing more frightening then telling an elected official that “‘60 Minutes’ wants to talk to you.” For almost 60 years, the show has been more than a television program. It is one of the few that has held powerful corporations, governments and individuals to account for their conduct. Like it or not, “60 Minutes” has been the conscience of the nation.
During its time on our television screens, the show has exposed the tobacco industry’s lies, the failures of the Veterans Administration and the abuses of Wall Street, to name just a few of its in-depth investigations. It has done so week after week, in prime time, watched by millions of Americans who might never have read an investigative newspaper series but would sit down on a Sunday night and absorb a piece of journalism that changed what they knew, and sometimes what the country knew.
That institution, in any meaningful sense, is now gone. What has taken place over the past year is a cautionary tale about what happens when corporate fear meets political intimidation and what is lost when the two converge.
The chain of events that got us here started in April 2025, when Bill Owens resigned at executive producer of “60 Minutes.” He was only the third person to hold that job in 57 years. That was followed by the resignation of CBS President Wendy McMahon.
W hy all the drama at ‘60 Minutes’ matters beyond the television industry.
The reason for both departures was that Paramount, the parent company of CBS, was seeking federal approval for its merger with Skydance Media. The Trump administration had leverage over the deal, and it was clear that it was prepared to use it. Then CBS settled a lawsuit with the president with a payment of $16 million. The optics should have been a tipoff of what was yet to come.
What happened next confirmed everyone’s worst fears. Bari Weiss became editor in chief of CBS News, installed by the new owners. While Weiss is a competent writer, she knew nothing about television news. Last
month she fired veteran “60 Minutes” correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, the first Latina correspondent in the show’s history. That was followed by numerous other layoffs of longtime staffers. It’s worth noting that, months earlier, Weiss pulled a segment off the air that dealt with Trump administration deportees held in a Salvadoran prison. It eventually ran, but that sent another signal.
The final touch in the dismantling of a journalistic institution was the firing of Scott Pelley, who helped make “60 Minutes” what it was. Pelly is the modern-day version of what Walter Cronkite was in his time, and the loss of his voice is a loss for all of us who believe in investigative journalism.
So why does this matter beyond the television industry? Investigative journalism is a mechanism by which citizens of a democracy learn what their government and their corporations are actually doing, as opposed to what they are told they’re doing.
What do weekly newspapers have to do with this type of reporting? Willamette Week, the Village Voice and the Riverdale Press are just a few of the
weeklies that have won Pulitzer Prizes. Consider what happens when a weekly newspaper is sold. If a new owner has different priorities, different allegiances or a fear of generating controversy, it’s the beginning of the end of fair coverage for their readership. When a new owner takes over, the staff remains for a time. The nameplate stays the same, but the readers may sense the change before they can articulate it.
Identity and credibility aren’t assets that appear on a balance sheet, but they are one of the most fragile assets a paper possesses. You might have noticed that the Herald has both Republican Peter King and Democrat Jerry Kremer as columnists. That’s because the owner values all opinions.
The dismantling of “60 Minutes” because of political pressure and corporate self-interest is a message to newsrooms all over America. It is a reminder that the public can’t afford to ignore what takes place before their eyes. We need good and honest journalism, and should be supportive of those who practice it.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
square/elmont
Established
rHonda
Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web:
HERALD
EStart exercising your electoral muscles
very election cycle brings a familiar refrain: “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” The phrase is often overused, but the underlying message remains true. Democracy only works when citizens participate, and that participation begins long before Election Day in November.
For New Yorkers, that opportunity starts with next Tuesday’s primary election, which determines which candidates represent each political party on the ballot in November’s general election.
Too often, primary elections are overlooked. Turnout is routinely far lower than in general elections, even though primaries frequently determine who will ultimately hold office.
In many districts, particularly those dominated by one political party, the primary is effectively the most competitive election voters will see. Yet thousands of eligible voters stay home, leaving crucial decisions in the hands of a small fraction of the electorate.
Voting is more than a civic duty; it is one of the few opportunities citizens have to directly influence the direction of their communities, states and nation. The issues debated during campaigns — taxes, public safety, education, transportation, housing affordability, health care, environmental policy and economic development — impact residents every day. Whether voters are satisfied with current leadership or eager for change, the ballot box remains the most powerful tool available to make their voices heard.
The 2026 election cycle will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, institutions that shape federal policy on everything from spending and taxation to national security and judicial appointments. Midterm elections have historically served as a
LETTERS
How to register to vote and find your polling place
Nassau County: Go to the Nassau County Board of Elections website: nassaucountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.
Suffolk County: Go to the Suffolk County Board of Elections website: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.
referendum on the direction of the country, and they often produce significant shifts in political power.
Yet those outcomes are frequently decided by a relatively small number of voters. Nationally, turnout in midterm elections, like 2026, is typically lower than during presidential years. That means individual votes carry even greater weight.
New York voters face an unusual circumstance. Due to a court ruling involving the state’s congressional district maps, several elected officials who only recently won office must once again make their cases to voters. As a result, some communities will see campaigns and races return to the ballot much sooner than expected.
Rather than viewing this as election fatigue, we hope that voters see it as an opportunity. Democracy is strengthened when elected officials remain accountable to the people they represent. Frequent elections require candidates to engage with constituents, explain their records and articulate their plans for the future. Those elections also give voters a chance to evaluate whether promises made during previous campaigns have
Ben Franklin’s wise words? If only.
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column, “Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored,” in the June 4-10 issue: To use Franklin to compare the personal qualities of top officials then and now is very appropriate, for it points a way forward.
When Franklin connected the maintenance of the republic to the character of its members, he knew whereof he spoke. He was well studied in history, the qualities of his compatriots were well known to him, and he was fully experienced in the effort that went into the maintenance of “virtue.” His statements that “only a virtuous people are capable of freedom” and about the tendency of corruption to bring on “masters” were deadly serious advice about the kind of citizens necessary to “keep” the republic.
been fulfilled.
Congressional races often receive the most attention, but local and state elections — for Assembly members, village mayors, town council members, and more — can have an equally profound impact on daily life. Decisions made by state lawmakers influence school funding, transportation projects, environmental protections, public health initiatives and countless other issues that directly affect neighborhoods. The officials chosen this year will help shape policies and budgets that residents will live with for years to come.
Unfortunately, many Americans have become increasingly cynical about politics. Some believe their vote doesn’t matter. Others feel frustrated by partisan divisions or disappointed by the pace of change. Those feelings are understandable, but disengagement isn’t the answer. History repeatedly demonstrates that elections can be decided by razor-thin margins. A handful of votes can determine a local race. Every voter who participates increases the legitimacy of the democratic process and helps ensure that election results reflect the will of the broader community.
Next week’s primary should therefore be viewed as more than a procedural step on the path to November. It is the opening chapter of an election season that will help determine who represents us and what priorities those leaders pursue.
Voters should take the time now to learn about the candidates, understand the issues and confirm their registration status. They should familiarize themselves with polling locations, early voting opportunities and absentee ballot options if needed.
The road to November begins next Tuesday. The most important thing voters can do is show up and vote.
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OPINIONS
Surviving the end-of-year overwhelm as an L.I. parent
Sometime around May, something shifts for Long Island parents. One morning you glance at your phone and realize that between now and the last day of school, you’re expected to attend a spring fling, coordinate field day gear, buy a prom corsage, RSVP to three birthday parties, survive finals week alongside a teenager who sleeps until 2 p.m. — or a toddler who wakes up at 2 a.m. — label 14 pairs of camp socks with permanent marker, and, somewhere in there, actually exhale. As a mom of two and as someone who works alongside Long Island families every day, I want to say plainly: This is a lot. Joy stacked on top of more joy, on top of logistics, on top of a full-time job and dinner and everything else — that’s not a celebration. That’s a stress response in a party hat.
Parental stress doesn’t stay tucked inside. It moves through families. The short-tempered answer at dinner, the
LETTERS
Franklin made for himself a chart of seven columns, one for each day of the week, and 13 rows listing the 13 virtues he considered important enough to track. He focused on one per week, and marked his shortfalls. “Tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of attaining,” he wrote, “but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.”
Most citizens — and very few politicians — would be hard-pressed to even name 13 virtues, confused today with ideology. We know that George Washington had his own written self-guide, and self-improvement was a popular theme at the time, in line with efforts at improving society by improving the people. Citizens today should make their own list of virtues, make an honest attempt to abide by them, and insist on representatives who share the effort. Franklin’s words should be remembered, as should his efforts to attain virtue and thus be a good citizen of our republic.
BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre
Comments about our stories?
Send a letter to the editor to execeditor@liherald.com.
argument over a permission slip, the exhaustion that makes it hard to be present for the moments you’ve been looking forward to — these are the quiet consequences of end-ofyear overwhelm. And yet we’ve normalized it to the point where parents feel guilty for being overwhelmed.
Parental stress doesn’t stay tucked inside. It moves through families.
That’s why the EAC Network’s Long Island Parenting Institute exists. LIPI has been offering free and low-cost workshops and classes to parents across Nassau and Suffolk counties for years — practical, judgment-free spaces to build skills, find community, and be reminded that the village is still out there. You just sometimes need an invitation. Last year, LIPI served nearly 750 parents across the region.
Its programming director, Kathryn Cannino, helps oversee programs on positive parenting, child development and strengthening family relationships. Asked about parents feeling stress this time of year, Cannino’s response was, “End-of-year stress is real, but parents don’t have to push through it alone, or perfectly. The families we work with often find that turning point is treating
FRAMEWORK
themselves with the same compassion they offer their loved ones — recognizing burnout is a signal to slow down and ask for support. Reaching out for support is a strength, and it also helps build the kind of connected village and supportive community that so many parents are longing for.”
So if you’re not the one managing the balancing act right now, look around. Someone near you probably is. Here are three simple ways to support parents in your community this season.
1. Be specific when you offer to help. “Let me know if you need anything” is easy to say, and almost impossible to act on. Instead, try, “I’m picking up dinner Friday — I’ll grab extra for you,” or “I can take the kids to Field Day.” Specific offers get accepted. Vague ones get politely declined by people who are too tired to ask.
2. Check in on the parent who seems like they’ve got it together. They don’t. At least not entirely. The parent who shows up at every event with snacks and a smile is often running on fumes by 9 p.m. Texting, “How are you actual-
ly doing?” can mean more than you know.
3. Say the quiet part out loud. We love our kids, and will do anything for them — but that doesn’t mean we have to do everything all the time, or that we have to do it silently and alone. When one parent names the overwhelm, others feel less alone in it. You don’t need to fix anything. Just being willing to say, “This time of year is genuinely hard” is a gift.
The LIPI team and community may be one of the best-kept secrets on Long Island, but the programs they offer are open to all. If you’re looking for your village, consider joining us for the sixweek Common Sense Parenting workshop series in July. Learn more and register at eac-network.org/li-parentinginstitute.
The end of the school year is supposed to feel celebratory — and it can, once we stop pretending the sprint to get there is effortless. So hang in there. Check on your people. Go to the concert. Cry a little at graduation. And when you’re ready to come up for air, we’ll be here.
Neela Mukherjee Lockel is president and chief executive officer of EAC Network and a Long Island mother of two.
by Tim Baker
Diana Frohman with one of her dancing golden retrievers, 5-year-old George — Oceanside
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