Explore the pages filled with signatures from across our community. Pages 16 and 17
Courtesy Franklin Square School District
Washington Street School’s jazz band celebrates with director Jason O’Connor after earning a Superior rating at the Long Island Music Festival, marking the school’s first appearance at the event.
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
The jazz band at Washington Street School in Franklin Square made school history this spring, earning the highest possible rating in its first-ever appearance at the Long Island Music Festival.
The 57-member ensemble, led by band director Jason O’Connor, performed at Suffolk County Community College on May 28, representing Franklin Square alongside student ensembles from elementary, middle and high schools across Long Island.
The annual festival sees students perform in front of professional adjudicators, who then evaluate the musical performance and artistry while offering feedback. In its first appearance at the festival, the jazz band received a Superior rating, the highest possible ranking.
After months of preparation, the students performed two selections — Charlie Parker’s “Now’s the Time” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” — earning ratings of 94
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By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Lawmakers representing Elmont, home to a large Haitian American population, are condemning a U.S. Supreme Court decision on June 25 allowing the Trump administration to move forward with terminating Temporary Protected Status for Haitian recipients.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages her brother, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, who are of Haitian heritage, said the ruling threatens families who have built lives in the United States and could have significant humanitarian and
economic consequences for Long Island.
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen weighed in as well, saying the decision “puts our friends’ and neighbors’ lives at risk,” and argued that it could force Haitian TPS holders to return to a country still facing severe violence and instability.
She also described Haitian TPS recipients as “a fundamental part of our vibrant identity on Long Island,” and warned that removing them would have both humanitarian and economic consequences.
Michaelle Solages strongly condemned the ruling, calling it “a devastating betrayal of America’s values.” She said that TPS exists to protect people fleeing crises, and pointed to conditions in Haiti, including “unprecedented levels of gang violence, political turmoil, economic collapse and insecurity,” arguing that
Gillen said she had “stood shoulder to shoulder” with the Haitian community on Long Island throughout efforts to oppose the termination of TPS, and has continued to advocate for protections at the federal level. She said she has “fought this termination in the courts,” and pledged continued action in Congress to extend legal safeguards.
returning people under those circumstances would be dangerous and irresponsible. Solages added that Haitian families are deeply embedded in communities across New York, and that they work as nurses, educators, small-business owners and essential workers and have built longterm lives in the United States.
The Supreme Court decision, she said, sends what she called a “chilling message” by prioritizing politics over people and undermining the humanitarian intent of TPS. Solages called on Congress to act quickly to provide permanent protections for TPS holders.
Carrié Solages said the rul-
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By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
The Franklin Square Public Library kicked off its annual summer reading program with an interactive, family-focused celebration featuring crafts, games, performances and activities across multiple floors of the building.
The event drew children, teens and adults who participated in a range of activities designed to promote reading engagement and community involvement throughout the summer months. Organizers said the goal is to make reading fun and accessible for all ages while encouraging continued learning outside the classroom.
“This is our third year doing it, and I try to make it a little bit better every year with the activities we have,” said Assistant Director James Pagano, who was appointed assistant director in 2023.
At the kickoff event, Pagano said the library aimed to keep it engaging for the community as it featured carnival games and miniature golf, with ice cream offered in the craft room for those who signed up for the summer reading program.
High school students performed music in the meeting room, featuring Lily Maglio, a rising junior at H. Frank Carey High School, who played various selections on her clarinet. One of the songs she played was “Merry-GoRound of Life” from the film “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
One of the library staff members, Carina Wankmiller, helped out at one of the tables set
up for button making, where children were able to create Summer Reading Kickoff buttons with a real button machine. Children and their families were welcome throughout the afternoon to create their own.
“It is a beautiful, busy room,” Wankmiller said as families flocked in and out of the library throughout the afternoon.
The Friends of the Library helped support the event, contributing funding for programming and materials, including refreshments and activities. Jason Alvino, president of the Friends of the Franklin Square Library, said the Friends helped fund items such as the ice cream.
The summer reading program also includes weekly incentives for children who complete reading goals, with participants earning recognition and rewards as they progress. Library staff said the initiative is designed to keep students engaged during the summer months and help prevent learning loss.
“We want summer to be fun, and we want it to still include reading,” said Laurie Harrison, one of the children’s librarians. “It’s about keeping kids excited about books in a way that doesn’t feel like school.”
Programming this summer will continue with themed events for children, teens and adults. Upcoming activities include story times, scavenger hunts, craft programs and educational events. This year’s theme for the children’s Summer Reading Club is centered on dinosaurs, “Unearth a Story,” while the teen and adult programs focus more on America’s 250th celebrations.
Howie’s Heart’s second annual Pride celebration last month, known as Slice of Pride, returned to the Franklin Square Public Library, with support from Tori T’s Pizzeria in Malverne. Owner Victoria Tiso said she was proud to partner with the organization for a second consecutive year.
“They had great success last year. They had a phenomenal event this year,” Tiso said. “I was happy that we were able to do it again.”
Tiso said the celebration reflects values that are important to both her business and the community.
“I think the whole point of pride events is obviously to create commu-
nity and awareness,” she said. “It’s supposed to bring people together.”
She added that supporting events that make people feel seen and welcomed is an important part of being a local business owner.
“As a business owner, it’s just about raising awareness, standing in solidarity, not only with our customers, but knowing that they’re not alone,” Tiso said.
Howie’s Heart has supported the community through inclusive events year-round, including its annual Pride event, to foster community and acceptance for all.
–Hailey Fulmer
H. Frank Carey High School announced that four Science Research students advanced to the New York State Science Congress, held June 7 at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
The event brought together approximately 150 students from across New York, all of whom earned top honors at their regional science fairs.
In the senior division, Christopher Sebber presented his project, “Optimizing Kynurenine Pathway Targeting to Mitigate Emotional Dysregulation in
Youth with ASD.” In the junior division, Alyssa Bermudez, Elisha Hai and Mehraal Zeeshan presented “Comparing Biodegradable Plant Pot Materials for Starter Pot Effectiveness.”
While neither project received awards at the state level, both research teams earned a Distinguished Category Award and a New York State Science Congress Nominee Award. Both groups also received Highest Honors Awards at the Long Island Science Congress.
–Hailey Fulmer
Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick presented the Educators Inspiring a Generation Award to Shawnee Warfield, principal of Alden Terrace School in the Elmont Union Free School District, recognizing her decades of service to students.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick met with Warfield to present the award and congratulate her on the recognition.
“Administrators play the vital role of creating an environment where students can spend their days, be nurtured, flourish, and grow to become the next great leaders of our communities,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “Principal Warfield has done an excellent job of fostering such an environment for her students at the Alden Terrace School. She continues to help build a strong foundation for the students within her building. Congratulations to Principal Warfield on this welldeserved accomplishment.”
“Being recognized by the New York State Senate for my commitment to student success, innovative practices, and leadership in education is an absolute
honor,” Warfield said. “Being nominated by teachers at my school and then being selected by Sen. Patricia M. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick for this award has really touched my heart. I love children and I love supporting their success in engaging and meaningful ways. I am so grateful to be acknowledged for making a difference in the lives of students, teachers, the community, and education. Thank you to the New York State Senate and much appreciation to Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick for selecting me for this prestigious award.”
The New York State Senate Educators Inspiring a Generation Award recognizes school professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success, innovative instructional practices and leadership within their school communities.
Warfield has worked in education for 26 years, including the past 10 years as principal, where she has focused on creating a supportive environment for students and staff.
–Hailey Fulmer
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
For more than 50 years, the Franklin Square Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge has invested in the next generation, awarding scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and community involvement.
That tradition continued this year as the lodge recognized scholarship recipients Alessandra Pinto and Joseph D’Amico during its annual awards presentation on June 17.
According to lodge President Joe Armocida, the scholarship program has been a cornerstone of the organization since its founding in 1971.
The scholarships are open to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of lodge members who reside in New York state. Applicants are evaluated based on grades, essays and teacher recommendations.
To ensure fairness, Armocida said applications are reviewed through an impartial process.
“We have a scholarship committee, and they collect all the paperwork, and they make sure it’s complete,” he said. “Then they have a group of teachers that are not lodge members, and they handle the applications, and that group, which has no affiliation to the lodge, does the evaluation process of the applications, so it’s fully impartial.”
Armocida said one of the most impressive aspects of the scholarship program has been the caliber of students who apply.
“What’s truly amazing is the talent that these kids have, the amount of activities that they do, in addition to schoolwork,” he said.
Pinto, who graduated from Garden City High School and will attend Syracuse University in the fall,
plans to major in broadcast journalism.
Both of Pinto’s grandparents immigrated from Italy and have been members of the lodge for more than 30 years.
“My dad’s parents are the ones who live in Franklin Square,” Pinto said. “They played a big role raising
me, especially because my parents worked.”
In her scholarship essay, Pinto reflected on her family’s immigrant experience and the importance of education.
“I talked about my grandparents, and how they didn’t get to finish high school, like, they never went to college,” she said. “Having the opportunity to have college opportunities be more accessible to me, we really value that.”
Pinto encouraged younger students to become involved in activities that interest them.
“I think it’s important to just kind of get involved in as many kinds of activities, so that you know what you like,” she said.
D’Amico, the recipient of the Luigi Pinto Memorial Scholarship, will attend St. Joseph’s University, Long Island, where he plans to study health science while continuing his soccer career.
The grandson of lodge member Lino Fratarcangeli, D’Amico said receiving the scholarship carries special meaning because of his family’s Italian heritage.
“For me, the scholarship is really important,” D’Amico said. “Obviously, it helps pay for college, easier on my parents for college, and just to be accepted for this scholarship from Sons of Italy means a lot, because my family’s big Italian heritage.”
He advised future applicants to pursue scholarship opportunities whenever possible.
“Just apply,” D’Amico said. “Even if you think you’re not good enough to get one, or you don’t really have an interesting essay, just apply for a scholarship.”
Armocida said the lodge raises money for its scholarship fund through fundraising initiatives and by dedicating a portion of proceeds from lodge events to future awards, helping ensure the program continues for generations to come.
As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s independence, we are reminded that strength is found in our communities
For years, our home has been right here on Long Island. We are proud to stand alongside the local organizations, neighbors, and companies that keep our region thriving today.
we are building the next chapter of our story.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
It was a banner season for not only the New York Knicks but also for many high school athletic teams in the Herald’s coverage area. Listed are the top team accomplishments, in chronological order.
1. Seaford girls soccer
It was a full-circle moment for Kaylie Conklin and 11 other Seaford seniors. Conklin scored off a rebound in the 11th minute of the Nassau Class A girls’ soccer championship game Nov. 1 and that’s all the offense the Vikings needed to capture their second county title in four years, 1-0 over Plaindege. The lone goal originated from a corner kick off the foot of Meghan Stovall, and Grace Cullingford was credited with the assist. Goalkeeper Caden Calderaro had the shutout.
2. Oceanside girls soccer
Fresh off its first county title in 45 years, Oceanside’s girls soccer engineered another historic victory Nov. 2, fending off surging Syosset, 2-0, to repeat as Nassau Class AAA champions. The Sailors won it behind a lights-out performance from goalkeeper Ella Murray and goals from Ava Bowers and Gianna Visone. Bowers scored unassisted in the 9th minute and assisted on Visone’s insurance goal in the 51st minute. Oceanside also took its first Long Island title, defeating Northport 1-0 on Cathryn Evans’ overtime goal Nov. 8.
3. South Side girls soccer
South Side had to work overtime and beyond to capture its third county title in the past five seasons. For a second straight game, the Cyclones needed some penalty kick magic to emerge as Nassau Class AA girls’ soccer champions. After battling top-seeded Garden City to a 1-1 draw through 80 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime in the final, they outscored the Trojans 4-3 in PKs Nov. 2. Molly Barry, South Side’s sixth shooter, delivered the golden PK goal and immediately jumped into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Abby Gruner, who not only made two dynamic PK saves but also scored.
4.
South Side’s 32-year wait ended. The Cyclones won the New York State Class A girls’ volleyball championship Nov. 22, outlasting Williamsville South 25-22, 18-25, 25-18, 18-25, 15-12 in Glens Falls. It was their second state title in program history and first since 1993, when the program captured the Class B crown. The decisive fifth set embodied everything about the Cyclones’ resilience.
They fell behind 5-1 before storming back with a 7-2 run sparked by two kills and a serving ace from Keira Mullaney. They led 8-7 at the side switch, and after Williamsville tied it at 11, the Cyclones seized control by scoring four of the final five points to claim the title.
5. Seaford football
To win a county championship, the Seaford football team needed to exorcise some demons. On Halloween, the Vikings suffered their lone loss of the season to a scary good Plainedge team at their intimidating home stadium. In a true team effort, Seaford put the memories of that defeat to bed by defeating the Red Devils, 21-7, to capture the Nassau Conference IV title Nov. 22. Seaford’s opening statement was a 12-play, 65-yard drive in which quarterback Michael Spinella (165 yards, two touchdowns) went 7-of-8, connecting with Mark Villeck and Peter Barone as well as Brian Falk, who capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Vikings in front.
6. Wantagh football
Down 14 points to Bethpage early in the second quarter of the Nassau Conference III football championship game
Nov. 22, Wantagh didn’t flinch. The fourth-seeded Warriors cut the margin to one by halftime and eventually built a 14-point lead of their own before holding on for a 28-21 victory over the Golden Eagles. Luke Martini had three offensive touchdowns and an interception on defense. It marked the first time in program history Wantagh has captured back-to-back county titles. It lost 19 players from last year’s Nassau Conference IV and Long Island Class IV championship team.
7. Massapequa football
Massapequa’s football team made history Nov. 28, defeating Ward Melville, 14-12, to win the Long Island Class I title. The Chiefs joined William Floyd as the only teams in the Long Island Championship’s 33-year history to win three consecutive Class I crowns. The Colonials did so from 2005-07. And Massapequa, which topped Oceanside for the Nassau Conference I crown, did it by going undefeated for the ninth time in program history and the second time in the last three years.
8. Plainedge girls basketball
The No. 4 seed in the Nassau Class A girls’ basketball playoffs left no doubt
who’s No. 1. Junior-led Plainedge capped a sensational county tournament run March 6 with a resounding 48-28 victory over Floral Park in the championship game. “It’s really amazing and unbelievable,” said Allison Younghans, who led all scorers with 17 points. It’s the second county title in five seasons and third all-time for the Red Devils, who beat Shoreham-Wading River for the L.I. title. Maddie Belz scored 10 points off the bench, and Peyton Wise and Michela Netto added 9 and 7 points, respectively.
9. South Side boys basketball
In a packed Farmingdale State College gymnasium March 7, South Side gave Roslyn a taste of its own medicine, dropping a season-high 82 points in capturing the Nassau Class AA boys basketball championship game by a 15-point margin. Roslyn averaged 75 points but was held to 20 in the opening half and 67 on the night as the Cyclones captured their second county title in four years. South Side went on a 22-2 run from the last bucket of the first quarter to the end of the opening half, to take a 32-20 halftime lead. Trevor Walsh recorded eight of his career-high 23 points during the surge, while Ryan Schmitt, John Pericolosi, Connor Erickson and Kieran Vetter combined for the other 14 points.
10. Baldwin boys basketball
It was a freak accident at a practice in early January when Rian Gittens heard the pop in his knee and immediately thought the worst. “I thought my season was over,” the senior forward said. It was another example of adversity in a season full of it for the Baldwin boys basketball team. So when the Bruins were slow coming out of the gate and trailed by 13 in the second quarter of the Nassau Class AAA championship game March 7, it was just the latest obstacle for Baldwin to hurdle. Enter Gittens, who in his first game back from a torn MCL provided the needed offensive spark to help top-seeded Baldwin defeat Port Washington, 47-40, to win a sixth consecutive county title.
11. Baldwin girls basketball
In a Baldwin’s once-comfortable 19-point lead over Walt Whitman in the Long Island Class AAA girls’ basketball title game whittled down to five with less than three minutes remaining when its lone returning starter from last season’s state championship team made sure it wouldn’t be her high school finale. Senior guard Alyssa Polonia’s long trey from the top of the key with 2:46 to go provided the dagger in Baldwin’s 54-46 victory March 11. Her four free throws in the final minute sealed the program’s
eighth L.I. crown in head coach Tom Catapano’s 17 seasons at the helm. Polonia had a team-high 17 points, Malia Robinson added 11 and Ajeya Nicholas chipped in 8.
12. MacArthur flag football
Alexa Coppola caught a pass through the heavy rainfall from junior quarterback Gina Iannuzzi and toe-tapped in the back of the end zone to secure MacArthur’s first flag football county title May 23 at LIU Post over Plainedge, 13-9, in the Class B championship game. On fourth and goal from the 9-yard line, Iannuzzi rolled right and found a leaping Coppola, who got one foot down with just a few turf pellets between her toe and the white out-of-bounds line. The Generals went on to capture the L.I. Class B crown.
13. Massapequa girls lacrosse
Massapequa girls lacrosse ran away with the Nassau Class A championship May 27, defeating Syosset 13-5 to take the county title in convincing fashion. Savanna Appleton led the way with four goals and four assists. In a three-game playoff stretch that also included victories over East Meadow and Port Washington, Massapequa outscored opponents 43-10, a commanding run as the top seed. The Chiefs have won nine county championships in the last 11 years, including six straight since 2021.
14. South Side girls lacrosse
Tara Cody was unfazed when South Side’s girls lacrosse season hung in the balance in the final minute of the Nassau Class C final against Wantagh May 28. The senior goalie squared up for her
second free position shot in a matter of minutes in a tie game, but unlike the first attempt Cody made a crucial low stick save. Cody’s clutch stop, one of her eight on the day, set the stage for more heroics at the other end of the field when freshman Juliet Diorio scored with just 2.3 seconds left to propel South Side to an 8-7 victory and a repeat county title.
15. Massapequa softball
Dropping three straight games to Oceanside didn’t faze defending Nassau and Long Island Class AAA softball champ Massapequa. The Chiefs, who fell twice to the Sailors during the regular season and dropped the best-of-three county finals series opener, stayed alive with a wild come-from-behind victory in Game 2 and kept the momentum going in the third and deciding game for a repeat. Samantha Dolan went 3-for-4 with five RBIs, Sienna Erker scored three runs and pitcher Alexa O’Mallon scattered five hits as Massapequa squeaked past Oceanside, 7-6, May 29 for its fifth county title in six years.
16. Wantagh boys lacrosse
Wantagh captured its third straight Nassau Class C boys lacrosse championship June 1, rolling to a 15-7 victory over South Side. Warriors goalie Gianni Passaro came up huge, making 15 saves. Martini, Matt Giacobello and Sean Stachlik each had three goals and one assist, Joe Nicholson and Carter Loughman had two goals and two assists apiece, and Devin Paccione had two goals to lead Wantagh’s high-octane offense. The Warriors advanced to beat Sayville, 12-11, for their second straight Long Island title.
17. Wantagh softball
It was fitting the Long Island Class A softball championship game ended with a strikeout from Wantagh’s Lucy Olore. The junior pitcher fanned 12 and provided all the offensive support she’d need with a two-run single in the top of the first inning of the Warriors’ 3-0 victory over two-time defending champion Miller Place June 6. It was Wantagh’s third L.I. title and first since 1990 — also won on the same date that year.
18. Calhoun softball
Five days after capturing their first Nassau County title, the Colts added another chapter to the history books. Calhoun had never played for a Long Island softball title before June 6, but the Colts proved more than worthy of sharing the same stage with defending Class AA champion East Islip. Featuring a wicked curveball, sophomore pitcher Sophia Nicastro was dialed in. She struck out 14 and allowed only six baserunners in a dominant performance to lead a 7-1 victory.
19. Kennedy baseball
It was a dream season for Bellmore JFK baseball. After dramatically winning their first county championship, the Cougars claimed their first Long Island crown, defeating Hauppauge, 9-3, to win the Class AA title June 6. Ryan Yormack set the tone with a leadoff double in the first inning and scored on an error. A sacrifice fly by Matt Toliplano gave the Cougars a 2-0 lead. Dylan Babek got the win on the mound and Derek Yormack retired all six batters he faced for the save.
20. Plainedge baseball
With Plainedge’s Taylor Nitsch and Kings Park’s Everett Zarzicki on the mound, it wasn’t going to take many runs to come away with the Long Island Class A baseball championship June 6. And it was the bat of an unlikely source, Dylan Loccisano, who provided all the offense the Red Devils needed to capture their first L.I. title since 2012. The backup catcher’s two-run, basesloaded single to right with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning was all Plainedge needed to secure a 2-0 victory.
21. Massapequa baseball
Massapequa ace Jack Scannapieco was back and made sure the Chiefs were back on top of the mountain, defeating Liverpool, 7-1, to capture the New York State Class AAA baseball championship at Binghamton University June 13. Scannapieco earned the win, allowing one earned run on five hits, while striking out five with one walk in five innings. Joe Genova went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored for Massapequa, which defeated Port Washington for the Nassau County title and Connetquot for the Long Island crown.
The freight train known as Massapequa’s boys lacrosse team made one final stop in Geneva. The Chiefs’ offense hummed like a locomotive once again, producing at least four goals in every quarter of their 19-9 victory over West Genessee in the New York State Class A championship game June 14. Rocco Spallina had four goals and Nolan Wieczorek and Jake Byrnes added hat tricks.
and 97 out of 100, the festival’s highest distinction.
“So, we got the superior rating with both two judges, which is very high and was very good for our band’s reputation,” band member Sienna Sparacio said. “We worked very hard to achieve this.”
Students said they spent about five months preparing through regular rehearsals and additional Friday morning practices.
“We like did a bunch of Friday rehearsals, and Mr. O’Connor helped us a lot,” another band member, Anna Masa said.
For many students, the recognition reflected months of hard work.
“It was a really big accomplishment,” band member Lucy Sorr said. “We’ve been working really, really hard every Friday morning at 8:15, and it’s just like really big.”
She added that being part of the first Washington Street School band to attend the festival made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
“I’m really proud of everyone in my band, he’s helped us so much,” Lucy said of the band and their director Mr. O’Connor.
Grace Abruzzino, who has played the clarinet for three years, said the achievement was something the entire band could celebrate.
“I think it’s like a really big accomplishment, and we should all be like proud of ourselves,” she said.
Another member of the band, Charlotte Turbeur, said the band’s success could inspire future students.
“I think it’s a big accomplishment for us,” Charlotte said. “We are the first, like, grade — this is the first time our school has ever done this, and I think it will be a huge thing if the school continues to do this for years to come.”
Following the awards ceremony, the students celebrated their accomplishment with a trip to Adventureland in Farmingdale.
O’Connor said the festival was the first adjudicated competition he has entered as a band director and the first time Washington Street School participated in the event.
He has led the program since 2021, rebuilding it after Covid-19 disruptions that limited instrumental instruction and left many students performing below expected grade level. Since then, he has expanded the ensemble and introduced a more challenging and contemporary repertoire.
“They’re not playing elementary school music,” O’Connor said. “They’re playing probably close to the middle school level.”
The program has grown significantly during his tenure, increasing from about 37 student performers to 84 students across the fifth and sixth grade performing ensembles. O’Connor said the program now emphasizes modern, student-engaging music while continuing
to build technical skills.
The band’s performance of “Enter Sandman” has also drawn widespread attention online. A video of the performance has generated more than 1.1 million views and roughly 90,000 likes on Instagram, introducing the students’ talent to audiences far beyond the school community.
Reflecting on the value of music education, O’Connor said music allows students to express creativity while building discipline and collaboration skills.
“I don’t think of it just like as my band,” he said. “I say, ‘You know, this is our band.’”
He said the students’ commitment throughout the year made the historic achievement possible.
“If it’s going to be our band, we have to make sure that we put this effort to, you know, bring it to this top tier type of playing, which takes a lot of work and a lot of rehearsals,” he said.
ing has a direct impact on his community and constituents, many of whom have lived in the United States for years, worked legally, paid taxes and built stable lives while contributing to Long Island’s workforce in health care, hospitality and other essential sectors.
TPS holders, he said, have followed legal requirements, paid taxes and become essential workers in industries such as health care, hospitality and other service sectors.
“These individuals followed the rules,” he said. “They relied on a promise under the law that, ‘Hey, if you come here, we’ll take care of you after the earthquake.’
Tsion would have ripple effects across Long Island, and that it could destabilize the local economy and create fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities.
hey relied upon promises under the law — that’s a contract. They pay taxes, they worked, they stayed at it, and now they will be forced to leave in mass, breaking up families.
“They relied upon promises under the law — that’s a contract. They pay taxes, they worked, they stayed at it, and now they will be forced to leave in mass, breaking up families.”
CARRIE SOLAGES Nassau County Legislator
Carrié Solages warned that the deci-
He also emphasized that his office strongly encourages anyone seeking immigration guidance to use trusted resources rather than navigating the system alone. He urged residents to contact the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Immigration Legal Support Hotline at (800) 354-0365, or call 311 and say, “Immigration legal.”
The hotline operates Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and the last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The service connects eligible New York City residents with trusted immigration legal help in the five boroughs, but it does not provide legal services directly or guarantee representation because of high demand.
discussion
and advocates gathered to discuss legislation extending
Solages also pointed residents to the Haitian Response Initiative and other Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs partner organizations, which offeer Haitian Creole-speaking staff and additional immigration resources, including legal screenings, know-your-rights
materials and guidance for families facing separation or deportation risk. Solages urged families to seek help early, stressing that trusted legal guidance is critical as immigration policies continue to shift and uncertainty grows.
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
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All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
By Maureen Fitzgerald
Presented once again by PSEG Long Island, the fifth annual Herald Long Island Choice Awards Gala has quickly become one of the region’s signature contests and business recognition events. The program brings together hundreds of businesses and organizations across categories spanning dining, healthcare, home services, wellness, professional services, retail, entertainment and more.
Hosted by RichnerLIVE on May 19 at the Crest Hollow Country Club, the evening featured a cocktail reception, networking, dinner and the highly anticipated live winner reveal — with honorees learning their placements in real time throughout the evening. From the moment guests stepped into cocktail hour, the atmosphere carried an unmistakable buzz as finalists mingled and snapped photos in front of the glowing LI Choice Awards LED sign.
The applause erupted repeatedly as winners crossed the stage to accept their awards, with cheers echoing throughout the packed ballroom.
For many attendees, the evening represented more than just an awards gala; it was a celebration of resilience, growth and community recognition after years spent building businesses across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“This evening is about celebrating the people and businesses that make our communities special,” said Stuart Richner, publisher of the Herald and CEO of Richner Communications, during opening remarks. “It is the people in this room that are the economic engines of our communities.”
This year’s continued partnership with PSEG Long Island also reinforced the utility’s longstanding focus on supporting the region’s small business community through its Business First advocate programs, which provide guidance, energy efficiency resources and rebate opportunities to help local businesses grow and operate more sustainably. The utility company — ranked No. 1 by J. D. Power in business customer satisfaction — has granted over $3.5 million to help businesses lower operating costs, improve sustainability, and create jobs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Veronica Isaac, Senior Manager Customer and Community Partnerships, during the evening’s program. “Without your hard work, we would not have so many thriving downtown districts and beyond here on Long Island. Investing in and promoting small businesses will power the future of Long Island.”
The event also underscored how the LI Choice Awards has evolved beyond recognition. Drawing hundreds of thousands of votes across the region during the months-long public voting campaign, the program has become a platform that strengthens visibility for local businesses while fostering new partnerships and meaningful connections across industries. For many of
A beautiful poolside setting provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of networking and
the evening’s winners, the recognition has translated into tangible business growth, customer trust and lasting community credibility.
“Winning the Long Island Choice Award five years in a row for Best Auto Repair Shop, has been incredibly rewarding for our business. Because the award is voted on by the public, it means a great deal to know our customers continue to support and believe in us,” shared Kevin Killelea,
owner of Rockville Centre Auto Repair.
“The recognition has helped our business grow and flourish, while reinforcing the trust and reputation we’ve worked hard to build within the community.”
Sharing the same five-year milestone win, the Theralympic Speech Therapy team celebrated by extending “A huge thank you to our wonderful clients for believing in us, and to our
dedicated team for the care, passion, and heart you bring every single day. We couldn’t do this without you!!”
“Winning the past few years is especially meaningful because it reflects the trust our patients place in us every day,” said Dr. Howard Goodman, Long Island Weight Loss Doctor.
This year’s winners and finalists can be found in the LI Herald 2026 LI Choice Winners Guide and online at LIChoiceawards.com.
Celebrate America’s 250th at the Cradle of Aviation Museum!
Summer 2026 Starts Here.
2026 Summer Bucket List
See a real Lunar Module
Watch a Giant-Screen Movie
Walk the Air & Space Trail
Discover Aviation History ❑ Sit in an Airplane Cockpit ❑ Eat Astronaut Ice Cream
This year, skip the airport lines, expensive hotels, and rising travel costs. America’s 250th anniversary is happening right here in your own backyard.
Join us for a summer-long celebration of aviation, innovation, exploration, and discover with special exhibits, family events, and full-dome films on Long Island’s largest screen!
From early air fields to the Moon, Long Island helped shape America’s story. Come celebrate where history took flight.
Scan the QR code or visit www.cradleofaviation.org/celebrate250 for a complete list of ongoing celebrations and special events.
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
During the 250 years of its existence, the United States has experienced many domestic and global triumphs in large part due to the sacrifices and contributions of the millions of individuals who served in the military in various capacities.
In recognition of the ongoing service active-duty military members and veterans have offered this nation, several Long Island veterans shared their reflections on their service and what the celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary signifies to them.
Bill Morris, North Bellmore
Morris served in U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965, and was stationed in Arlington, Virginia, as a part of the Old Guard that watches over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The memorial serves as a symbolic resting place for the many soldiers who died and whose remains were unidentifiable due to the state of the body, poor record keeping or technological limitations of the time.
He expressed that it was an honor to be a part of the Old Guard and serving the country in a unique way.
Despite all of our differences, the country goes on — and we celebrate our heritage and our victories.
— BILL MORRIS
In addition to guarding the tomb, he was a part of different ceremonies at the White House and parades at the Washington Monument. Morris also was a part of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963 when JFK was assassinated in Dallas. When asked about what America 250 signifies to him, he reflected on how much history he had been a part of.
“It signifies that I’m getting old, because I remember the 200th anniversary,” he joked. “(The 250th) anniversary just shows that the country, despite all of our differences, goes on and we celebrate our heritage and we celebrate our victories.”
Photos courtesy Bill Morris
Bill Morris said he’s been “honored” to have participated in several emotional ceremonies, including the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.
Bill Morris has received several recognitions and awards for his service in the Old Guard.
Morris added that he hopes to see the U.S. government provide additional support for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and encourages the country to care more for veterans.
“There’s way too many veterans on the street,” he said. “Too many on drugs. They need more care, they need more mental health (resources), they need more benefits. And I know the Veterans Affairs are trying to do that.”
Lomonaco Angelo, Lynbrook Angelo, a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1951 to 1955, also worked as a New York City police
before serving as an American Legion chaplain.
Deliah Roberts/Herald
Herald reporter Andrew Francis with U.S. veteran Marie Carmel Houanche at the 2026 Freeport Memorial Day Ceremony at Freeport High School.
officer for 20 years. He said that the nation’s 250th birthday is “meaningful” and he also hopes to see the legacy of veterans honored better.
“People, don’t forget the veterans,” he asks, mentioning “the different eras to World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, until the present.”
Angelo does his part to try to honor fellow veterans by volunteering at the New York State Veterans Home in St. Albans.
Marie Carmel Houanche, Freeport
Houanche was a nurse in the U.S. Army for 20 years being sta-
tioned in Houston, Texas and other areas of the country. Despite retiring from the military in 2011, she has remained tied to it by serving as chaplain at the American Legion’s William Clinton Story Post No. 342 in Freeport.
Despite having not been a typical soldier, Houanche said that her experiences were transformative since she was required to still meet the same physical fitness requirements that regular soldiers met. She also learned how to speak French, Korean, French, Creole, Spanish, English and a bit of Russian throughout her life of service.
Houanche said that America’s 250th anniversary is both a celebration of progress and independence.
There’s way too many veterans on the street. They need more care, more mental health resources and more benefits.
— BILL MORRIS
“The reason that we celebrate the 250th anniversary is because we have our freedom and independence, and if it wasn’t for the military, all the different branches working together, we wouldn’t be free today.”
Stephen Nicolino, Freeport
Nicolino, who recently celebrated his 94th birthday, was a U.S. Air Force traffic controller from 1952 to 1956. After graduating from high school, the same day as the Korean War started, he reported to basic training at the now closed Sampson Air Force Base in Seneca Lake, New York, and went on to be stationed at bases in Massachusetts and England. Following his service, he went on to graduate from Hofstra University with a degree in business administration. When asked about America 250, he said that he and his family have loved the U.S. for over a century.
“My parents came from Italy in 1921 and never looked back,” Nicolino said. “He became a citizen within five years of being here in the United States.”
Nicolino’s family ties to service and patriotism extends to his brother Benedetto Nicolino, who was a Suffolk County police officer in the 1950s and 1960s who would become the first Long Island police officer with a K-9 dog.
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By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Joe Gaeta remembers spotting mines off Normandy
When Joe Gaeta looks at the American flag today, the feeling is simple.
“I’m proud of myself,” he said.
The Wantagh resident turned 99 on March 9, making him one of the last surviving members of the generation that fought and served during World War II. More than eight decades after helping support the Allied invasion of Normandy, Gaeta still carries memories of the war — and of the unlikely journey that took him there.
Gaeta grew up in the Ravenswood section of Long Island City during the Great Depression. Life was difficult. His family of five lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and there was no refrigerator, only an icebox, filled with blocks of ice delivered to the neighborhood.
“We didn’t have heat,” he recalled. “We had kerosene, and all our clothes stunk of kerosene.”
His parents worked at a local cigar company, as did many of their neighbors. Gaeta attended P.S. 83 but never went to high school. Instead, he entered the workforce and later became a laborer in construction.
At 17, with many of his older friends already serving, Gaeta decided he wanted to enlist.
“All my friends were gone,” he said. “I told my father I wanted to go.”
His parents were not thrilled by the decision, but they signed the paperwork, allowing him to join the U.S. Navy.
TGaeta served aboard a ship that transported troops to Normandy during the D-Day campaign. While thousands of soldiers stormed the beaches, he spent much of his time below deck in the engine room, making sure gauges and equipment were functioning properly.
“I didn’t see nothing,” he said with a laugh. “I was in the engine room.”
But he certainly heard the battle. During breaks, the sounds of gunfire and explosions echoed around the ship. After the invasion, his vessel helped recover American soldiers from the water.
“We picked up a lot of dead bodies,” he recalled quietly. “I was 17-years-old.” Gaeta was among the youngest men aboard his ship. While many of the sailors around him worried about wives and children back home, the teenager’s concerns were much different.
“A lot of guys had families,” he recalled. “Me, I’m 17-years-old. I’m talking about the Yankees and the Giants.”
Decades later, he still remembers viewing the war through the eyes of a teenager.
“To me, it was a great adventure,” he said. “It really didn’t dawn on me until I was about 21 what I did.”
o me, it was a great adventure. It really didn’t dawn on me until I was about 21 what I did.
— JOE GAETA
One of Gaeta’s most important contributions came because of his exceptional eyesight. Navy officials recognized his ability to see long distances and frequently assigned him to the crow’s nest whenever the ship entered dangerous waters.
Twice, he spotted enemy mines.
The discoveries allowed naval crews to destroy the mines and alter the routes of ships following behind, helping protect countless service members.
“They made all the ships behind us take a different route,” Gaeta said proudly.
For his efforts, he received a reward that still makes him smile more than 80 years later: a day off and a steak dinner with the ship’s chef.
“They made a big deal out of me,” he said.
After the war, Gaeta returned home to a difficult job market as thousands of veterans searched for work. He found a path into the bricklayer’s union and built a career in the trades.
Today, he remains active with veter-
an’s organizations, including AMVETS and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During local parades, he often rides at the front.
“I’m the only World War II veteran,” he said. “When I walk in there, they make a big deal out of me.”
For Gaeta, service was never about recognition. But he hopes younger generations appreciate the sacrifices made by those who wore the uniform.
“You’re giving your life for your country,” he said. “It’s not something everybody does.”
Seaford Legion leader on service, sacrifice after 9/11 return to duty
For David VanderWerf, military service wasn’t a single chapter in his life — it was something he returned to when the country called again.
VanderWerf, adjutant of Edwin Welsh Jr. American Legion Post 1132 in Seaford and first division commander in the Nassau County American Legion, first enlisted at 17 in the National Guard and Reserve. But after the Sept. 11 attacks, he found himself drawn back to active duty.
“The impetus behind joining the regular Army was 9/11,” he said.
Raised in Glen Rock, N.J., VanderWerf said his interest in the military began early through a love of history and military simulation games with his father. Family members also served, including an uncle who flew bombing missions in World War II and another who spent decades in the Army Reserve.
After reentering service in 2003, VanderWerf deployed to South Korea,
where he spent nearly three years stationed near the Demilitarized Zone. There, he worked in combat arms on M1 Abrams tanks, serving as a driver, loader, gunner and briefly a tank commander.
A typical day, he said, began with physical training before long hours maintaining and repairing tanks in the motor pool. But the job also came with moments of high tension. He recalled monthly alerts simulating a potential North Korean attack, including one during the period when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test.
“We didn’t know why we were on alert at the time,” he said. “We were just ready.”
He also remembers the heavy responsibility of training soldiers who were later deployed to Iraq, some of whom were injured or killed in combat.
Despite those experiences, VanderWerf said morale among troops remained strong, grounded in camaraderie and shared purpose.
Today, VanderWerf has continued that sense of service through the American Legion, where he helps veterans navigate benefits, assists with community programs and participates in military funeral honors.
“Veterans and their families sacrificed a lot,” he said. “Freedom’s not free.”
For VanderWerf, the transition back to civilian life led him into leadership roles in restaurants and, later, continued community service on Long Island. But he said the core lesson of his military experience remains the same: service does not end when the uniform comes off.
As Wantagh residents gathered to honor veterans this Memorial Day, one of the community’s earliest patriots was remembered once again: Thomas Jackson, a Revolutionary War soldier whose roots run deep in the history of the hamlet.
Born on Dec. 24, 1754, in a house that once stood near present-day Jones Avenue, Jackson became an active supporter of the American cause during the fight for independence. Historical records show that he signed Queens County’s “Petition of Association” on Jan. 19, 1776 — a local declaration of support for the colonies’ break from British rule.
Jackson served as a private in the 4th Regiment of New York troops and helped defend local interests during the Revolutionary War. On Aug. 13, 1776, he received bounty funds for men assigned to protect livestock in Queens County before the Battle of Long Island, preventing supplies from falling into Brit-
ish hands. He also participated in the capture of Fort St. George in 1780.
Following the war, Jackson remained a prominent local resident. In 1803, he built a large home in what is now Wantagh.
Jackson died on Nov. 29, 1842, and is buried in the Jackson Cemetery on Wantagh Avenue. More than 180 years later, his grave continues to serve as a reminder of Wantagh’s connection to the nation’s founding and the sacrifices made by its earliest patriots.
Reflecting on service during ‘forgotten war’
For Anthony Heckl, memories of military service stretch back more than seven decades, but some moments remain as clear as ever.
Heckl, a longtime Seaford resident and member of the Edwin Welsh Jr. American Legion Post 1132, served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. Though he was only 19 when he enlisted, the experience left a lasting impression.
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Laura Smith and Stacey Rose, whose ancestors have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War, were named the co-grand marshals of the Village of Freeport’s Memorial Day Parade. Despite the parade being cancelled due to rain, the pair were honored during an indoor ceremony.
I’m just proud to know that I’m part of these courageous people’s bloodline, and it informs me.
STACEY ROSE
Co-grand marshal, Freeport Memorial Day Parade
Smith is an attorney who lives in Seaford and has many ties to Freeport, including owning a home in the village. She is a descendant of Revolutionary era figures Adam Smith and Benjamin Raynor, the latter the namesake of Raynortown, which eventually became Freeport.
Adam Smith joined patriotic brigades along the Long Island’s North Shore at 44 years-old, while Raynor was only 20 when he joined the fight for American independence.
Laura Smith said that she was tremendously honored by the invitation to be one of the grand marshals, and hoped that the values her family, and so many others, have fought for are maintained today.
“These guys kind of bucked a trend, since it was very loyalist around here on the South Shore,” she said, referring to
“I was 19 when I went in and 22 when I came out,” Heckl said.
A native of Manhattan, Heckl said his path into military service began almost by accident. During a New Year’s Eve gathering in 1950, a friend in the National Guard challenged him to enlist. Two days later, Heckl and another friend signed up.
His service took him from California to Korea and later Japan. Assigned to a construction engineer unit, he worked in supply, helping ensure soldiers had the equipment and clothing they needed.
The memory that stayed with him most was not the military work itself, but the devastation he witnessed in Korea.
“When I got there, it was the poverty and the devastation,” Heckl recalled. “It made me wonder what it’s all about. Why war?”
Korea’s harsh winters presented another challenge. Heckl remembered shortages of winter clothing and boots, making it difficult to keep troops supplied during the bitter cold.
One of his proudest accomplishments was helping make sure soldiers in his company had the gear they needed.
“We were trying to keep the troops in clothing,” he said.
Not every memory was difficult. Heckl fondly recalled helping build a 250-bed hospital in the city of Taegu. When the project was completed, he and his fellow soldiers were thanked by the nurses.
“At the end of it, all the nurses kissed us,” he said with a laugh.
Returning home after the war was not always easy. Unlike veterans of other conflicts, many Korean War veterans felt their service received little public recognition.
“At least the Vietnam veterans got cursed at,” Heckl joked. “They didn’t even know I was gone.”
Today, after more than 60 years on Long Island, Heckl remains active with the Seaford American Legion, where he continues to honor the friendships, service and sacrifices that defined his generation.
Smith and Raynor. “It was kind of a dangerous thing to do, and certainly unpopular that they did go against the tide.”
Smith also added that the legacies of
her ancestors inspire her to want to see the values of independence and fair representation upheld in today’s America.
“The government should be behold-
en to the people and should adhere to what it is that the people want, and not to forget that it’s for the people of the country,” she said. “Some people, they seem to be forgetting that.”
Rose, who has lived in Freeport for 40 years, is a substitute teacher at John W. Dodd Middle School, also in the village. She is a descendant of Benjamin Lattimore Sr., an enslaved Black man who was freed and later served in continental armies in New York during the Revolutionary War.
Lattimore’s descendants leading up to Rose have been very involved military service, abolitionist movements and civil rights. She speaks highly of the inspiration that her relatives provide and boldly works with her family to honor their legacy through publicly discussing the harsh treatments that Black U.S. service members and citizens often faced during the past 250 years.
“There’s a lot of Black American’s who have served in various capacities,” Rose said. “(President George) Washington didn’t want us in the military, but we were losing.”
Despite the wounds of persistent racism, Rose added she is honored to “give voice to my ancestors and give voice to everyone who served and continues to serve.”
“I’m just proud to know that I’m part of these courageous people’s bloodline, and it informs me,” Rose said during the Freeport ceremony. “It informs me the work is not over. Democracy is always a work in progress, a fragile idea. Today’s patriots are those who give military service for our country. … Our 250th anniversary is a time to reflect and think about the sacrifice of those who are no longer with us.”
By Abbey Salvemini
Excitement is building as we head into Fourth of July weekend. All ages can find meaning and inspiration in this milestone 250th anniversary: even play takes on a patriotic twist. Long Island Children’s Museum provides young visitors a hands-on way to connect with America’s story as only kids can — by building and imagining. Through creativity and play, children can explore the country’s landscapes, wildlife and enduring symbols that are found in the museum’s “Red, White & Blue Blocks” exhibition.
At its core, the exhibit, which runs through Sept. 6, is built around a concept children readily understand. For Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president of program and visitor experience, the best way to introduce young visitors to the 250th anniversary was to frame it as a birthday celebration — one on a truly grand scale.
“Birthdays are such a big part of what kids love,” Terzulli says. “We wanted to recognize and really lean into the celebration.”
The exhibit features large blue foam building blocks paired with red, white and blue accessories that encourage open-ended creativity. Inspired by the stars and stripes of the American flag, block building lets kids imagine what futures they will build together.
Throughout the first floor gallery space, prompts invite families to build birthday cakes, create monuments and design perches for bald eagles, our national bird.
The museum also incorporated an environmental and geographic component by highlighting animals native to the United States.
Large murals showcase species including buffalo, elk, mountain goats, beavers and alligators, while children can use animal puppets and blocks to create habitats inspired by each creature’s natural environment.
“This country is just so beautiful,” Terzulli says. “There are so many environmental aesthetics and animals that are indigenous just to America.” Everyone is encouraged to study the murals for inspiration and think critically about the environments different animals call home. Some may build rugged mountain landscapes for goats, while others design swampy habitats for alligators complete with rivers
and marshes. What begins as a building exercise often opens the door to deeper discussions about ecosystems and the natural world.
“It’s really beautiful to see families looking at the murals and saying, ‘I don’t know if I’ve spent enough time traveling America’” Terzulli continues. “Our landscape is so unique.”
The exhibit’s open-ended design encourages children to chart their own creative paths. While some build patriotic displays or towering birthday cakes, others tackle ambitious engineering projects, from roller coasters to replicas of famous landmarks. No two building sessions look quite the same.
Terzulli recalls one child attempting to recreate Mount Rushmore with the oversized foam blocks. Other visitors have become fascinated with beavers, constructing dams after discovering the important role the animals play in shaping ecosystems.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• View the events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
“The beautiful thing is they’re organic, and they allow the learning to spring up for whatever the family’s interest is,” she adds.
One particularly popular challenge involves designing perches for bald eagles.
“I’m loving seeing these perches for the eagle, because they get really competitive,” Terzulli says.
A cozy reading area stocked with books on geography, wildlife and state symbols extends the learning beyond the block-building space. The educational approach, according to Terzulli, reflects the museum’s broader vision for its America 250 programming — one that emphasizes exploration and celebration rather than history lessons. Her team intentionally took a different approach from many America 250 initiatives, focusing less on historical interpretation and more on helping children celebrate and connect with the country in age-appropriate ways.
“We’re not really doing the historical element,” she explains. “We felt like we’d leave that to historical homes and foundations. Ours is more about our country’s birthday.”
Beyond play, the exhibit and its companion programs are intended to foster shared family memories that can last a lifetime. Terzulli vividly remembers celebrating America’s Bicentennial in 1976 as a child and relates that today’s young visitors may someday reflect on the nation’s 250th birthday with similar fondness.
“I remember wearing a little bonnet and making a poster that said 1776 and marching with my siblings and cousins in [this] parade,” she recalls. “I want kids to remember where they were; so that when they’re my age, they’ll have a reflective moment.”
At its heart the exhibit is designed to foster the kinds of shared experiences that families carry with them long after the blocks have been put away. Amid the excitement surrounding America’s 250th, Terzulli sees the celebration as an opportunity to pause, connect and find joy together.
As Terzulli puts it: “Coming together and celebrating what makes life full of joy is important.”
Jones Beach is ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a spectacular three-day holiday weekend extravaganza. This year’s edition of the FourLeaf Air Show combines beachfront fireworks spectacle with one of the nation’s premier air shows, always an anticipated summer tradition. Festivities begin Saturday fireworks. The 25-minute display, presented by Garden State Fireworks, starts at 9:30 p.m. and will be synchronized to patriotic music. Sunday and Monday bring more excitement with the FourLeaf Air Show, headlined by the returning U.S. Navy Blue Angels. In a historic international tribute, the lineup also features the Royal Air Force Red Arrows making their first New York appearance, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds returning to Long Island for the first time since 2018, and the British Army Parachute Display Team Red Devils, among the exciting lineup. Together this is surely a signature semiquincentennial celebration that brings everyone together for a weekend honoring the nation’s history military service for a once-in-a-generation celebration.
Saturday through Monday, July 4-6. Jones Beach, Wantagh. More details available at fourleafairshow.com.
Fourth of July is so much more than pyrotechnics. Step back in time into the 1800s at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for a more laid back type of holiday. The historic village transforms into a fully immersive living-history experience. Events include a patriotic parade through the village streets, military drills, and historical reenactments that bring the era to life. Guests can watch craft demonstrations showcasing traditional trades, enjoy storytelling sessions, and take in performances by a brass band echoing the music of the period. A reading of the Declaration of Independence offers a powerful reminder of the holiday’s origins, while old-time baseball — played by vintage rules — adds a spirited, hands-on touch of recreation. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and settle in with family and friends.
Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org or call (516) 572-8409 for more.
JUL
Tunes with Stifler’s Mom
Stifler’s Mom brings their highenergy concert to Plattduetsche Park. Known for their dynamic stage presence and crowd-favorite setlists, the band delivers a lively show featuring rock, pop, and mashups that keep the energy going all night. Food and drinks available for purchase during the event.
• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: parkrestaurant.com or (516) 354-3131
Celebrate America
Eisenhower Park welcomes all to the county’s annual July 4th celebration. Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock perform, followed by drone show and fireworks.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
Bubble Magic
3
Long Island
Children’s Museum welcomes families to the Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun! Through playful, handson experiments explore what makes a bubble form, what makes them pop, and discover new creative ways to make bubbles at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Lance the Eagle welcomes families to “A Semi-QuincentenEAGLE Birthday” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. In this original production, families are invited to celebrate his birthday. His message: As the national bird, this party will be happening throughout the whole month of July. Come to think of it, I did hear something about a birthday for the United States of America as well.
Hmm...must be a coincidence!
I’ll be throwing a parade through LICM’s galleries and a celebratory spectacle in the Theater. Come ready to party!” Keep an eye out 30 minutes before each show for a special interactive pre-show! For ages 3+. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.
The Bronx Wanderers visit the Paramount stage for a night of classic pop, rock, oldies and their signature brand of comedy. What do you get when a father, his two sons, and two high school classmates come together to create a show? A wildly entertaining mix of hilarious personal stories, a powerhouse playlist spanning every genre and decade, and one unforgettable family’s journey through life and music. Meet The Bronx Wanderers — a high-energy musical experience that’s been bringing audiences to their feet for over 20 years. With a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, modern hits, and dynamic storytelling, this band has mastered the art of connecting with fans of all ages in one sweeping, musical tour de force. The Bronx Wanderers have spent seven years as a Top 5 show in Las Vegas out of 223 productions. They’ve earned 12 “Best of Las Vegas” awards, were named Best Tribute Show by Las Vegas Weekly in 2022, hold a prestigious residency at the South Point Hotel and Casino, and were inducted into the East Coast Music Hall of Fame. Their on-stage chemistry and infectious energy they bring night after night prove they’re still having the time of their lives — and by the end of the show, you will be too.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 8
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
6
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
2nd Annual New York Craft Brewers Festival
Check out New York State breweries at Belmont Park Racetrack for a day of craft beer sampling and live horse racing. Meet brewers and brewery representatives while enjoying unlimited beer samples and access to the track throughout the event. VIP admission includes early entry, a commemorative tasting glass, access to a private VIP area and exclusive beer selections not available to general admission ticket holders.
• Where: Belmont Park Racetrack, 2150 Hempstead Tpke.
• Time: VIP access 1:30-6 p.m.; general admission 2:30-6 p.m.
Celebrate German culture and tradition at Volksfest 2026 at Plattduetsche Park, part of the annual festival lineup. With authentic German cuisine, beverages, live music, dancing, vendors, games, raffles, and more, offering authentic German cuisine and beverages throughout the day. Admission and additional details vary by event schedule.
• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
• Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Contact: newyorkcraftbeer.com Elmont American Legion Membership Meeting
Veterans are invited to attend the monthly meeting of Elmont American Legion Post 1033. Held on the first Monday of each month, the gathering offers veterans an opportunity to connect with fellow service members, share experiences, learn about resources and support fellow veterans in the community.
• Where: 60 Hill Ave., Elmont
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 354- 9884
representing countries including Spain, Hong Kong, Ghana, Wales, Singapore, Gibraltar and Nigeria, along with productions from across the United States and a strong showcase of Long Island filmmakers. The festival opens with student film blocks at 6 and 9 p.m., including “Money Game,” winner of the 2026 Locust Valley Student Film Festival, directed by Justin Kwok. The diverse lineup includes documentaries, feature films, shorts, horror films, music videos and late-night screenings for mature audiences, along with workshops and more. Notable selections include “The Random Guest,” the final film featuring actor Peter Greene.
• Where: Bellmore Movies & Showplace, 222 PettitAve.,Bellmore
• Time: Varied, through July 16
• Contact: For a complete schedule and tickets, visit LIIFE2026.eventive.org
Oldies concert
9
TEisenhower Park goes all out for an Oldies show. E’Stefano diSanto, Johnny Farina, Bobby Wilson, Vito Picone & The Elegants and The Brookly Bridge perform.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
“Weird Al” Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour
Legendary parody artist “Weird Al” Yankovic brings his Bigger & Weirder Tour to Long Island for an evening combining comedy, music, costume changes, and fan-favorite parodies that have defined his decades-long career. Known for transforming pop culture hits into humorous classics, Yankovic’s performances blend live musicianship with theatrical production and visual effects. Fans can expect a mix of classic songs and newer material in a concert designed to feel as much like a comedy show as a music event. Tickets are available through the UBS Arena event schedule.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke. Elmont
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com
• Contact: parkrestaurant.com or (516) 354-3131
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
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
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 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
LEGAL NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Fire Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, July 20, 2026, at 7:00 pm at Fire District Headquarters, 833 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY for a 2027 Budget Preparation Workshop.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS FRANKLIN SQUARE & MUNSON FIRE DISTRICT
Attest: Kerry Santina Fire District Secretary June 23, 2026 160988
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners, Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York at a regularly scheduled meeting thereof held on June 23, 2026, subject to Permissive Referendum as provided by Town Law. An abstract of the resolution is as follows: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, shall expend additional monies for the purchase of one new 100 ft. Aerial Ascendant Tower Ladder and related accessories in an amount not to exceed, seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000.00). Said funds to be expended from Equipment Reserve as authorized by Section 6-g of the General Municipal Law. This resolution shall take effect 30 days from the date hereof, unless within 30 days a valid petition, as provided for in the Town Law is filed with the Fire District Secretary requesting a Permissive Referendum.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS FRANKLIN SQUARE &
MUNSON FIRE DISTRICT
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
Attest: Kerry Santina District Secretary June 23, 2026 160989
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York:
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that a resolution was adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners, Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York at a regularly scheduled meeting thereof held on June 23, 206, subject to Permissive Referendum as provided by Town Law. An abstract of the resolution is as follows: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, shall expend monies for the rehabilitation and restoration of the roof at Fire District Headquarters in an amount not to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00).
Said funds to be expended from Capital Reserve for Buildings and Grounds as authorized by Section 6-g of the General Municipal Law. This resolution shall take effect 30 days from the date hereof, unless within 30 days a valid petition, as provided for in the Town Law is filed with the Fire District Secretary requesting a Permissive Referendum.
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS FRANKLIN SQUARE & MUNSON FIRE DISTRICT
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
Attest: Kerry Santina District Secretary June 23, 2026 160990
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead
Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 7th day of July, 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following location(s):
BALDWIN GRAND AVENUE (TH 233/26) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 185 feet north of the north curbline of Brooklyn Avenue, north for a distance of 58 feet.
BELLMORE CAMP AVENUE (TH 177/26) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 38 feet west of the west curbline of Stewart Avenue, west for a distance of 796 feet.
CAMP AVENUE (TH 177/26) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 834 feet west of the west curbline of Stewart Avenue, west then north to the west curbline of Roberta Lane.
ELMONT LEHRER AVENUE (TH 55(B)/26) West SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 135 feet north of the north curbline of Sweetman Avenue, north for a distance of 35 feet.
LEIGHTON ROAD (TH 254/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Conway Road, east for a distance of 45 feet.
LEIGHTON ROAD (TH 254/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Conway Road, west for a distance of 45 feet.
CONWAY ROAD (TH 254/26) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Leighton Road, north for a distance of 35 feet.
FRANKLIN SQUARE LANGDON STREET (TH 211/26) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 97 feet west of the west curbline of Franklin
Avenue, west to the east curbline of Scherer Boulevard.
PLAIN COURT (TH 241/26) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 265 feet north of the north curbline of Court House Road, north for a distance of 110 feet.
(NR) ISLAND PARK AUSTIN BOULEVARD (TH 228/26) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting from the north curbline of Jamaica Avenue, north for a distance of 208 feet.
LEVITTOWN BALSAM LANE (TH 210/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Ranch Lane, east for a distance of 35 feet.
MERRICK HARBOR ROAD (TH 238/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Lindenmere Drive, north for a distance of 48 feet.
WANTAGH BELLPORT AVENUE (TH 212/26) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 355 feet west of the west curbline of Riverside Drive, west for a distance 85 feet.
BELLPORT AVENUE (TH 212/26) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 240 feet east of the east curbline of Beverly Road, east for a distance 151 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD BROADWAY (TH 239/26) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from south curbline of Lexington Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet.
WOODMERE BRANCH BOULEVARD (TH 234/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Peninsula Boulevard, north for a distance of 70 feet.
BRANCH BOULEVARD (TH 234/26) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 70 feet north of the north curbline of Peninsula Boulevard, north for a distance of 170 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR
STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s):
BALDWIN GRAND AVENUE (TH
568(B)/25) West SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 73 feet north of the north curbline of Brooklyn Avenue, north for a distance of 75 feet.
(Adopted 2/24/26)
GRAND AVENUE (TH 97/78) West SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 199 feet north of the north curbline of Brooklyn Avenue, north for a distance of 26 feet.
(Adopted 7/11/78)
BELLMORE
CAMP AVENUE (TH 665/05) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 38 feet west of the west curbline of Stewart Avenue, west for a distance of 435 feet.
(Adopted 2/7/06)
FRANKLIN SQUARE
LANGDON STREET (TH 279/63) North SideNO PARKING - starting at a the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west to Scherer Boulevard. (Adopted 8/13/63)
PLAIN COURT (TH 777/66) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 184 feet northwest of the west curbline of Court House Road, north to the Garden City Village Line.
(Adopted 5/9/67)
(NR) ISLAND PARK
JAMAICA AVENUE (TH 332/77) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at the west curbline of Nevada Avenue, west for a distance of 62 feet.
(Adopted 6/27/78)
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: June 23, 2026
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160977
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking On Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 7th day of July 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:
ELMONT RANDALL AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 129 feet south of the south curbline of Sweetman Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-213/26)
WEST HEMPSTEAD GREENWAY SOUTHeast side, starting at a point 140 feet south of the south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-226/26) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:
BELLMORE HILLSIDE AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 95 feet north of the north curbline of Wilson Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-69/22 - 4/25/2022) (TH-229/26)
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: June 23, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160985
LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR FEDERAL CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS The Franklin Square
Union Free School District, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010, invites sealed bids for providing the services to operate the Lunch Child Nutrition Programs for the Franklin Square Union Free School District.
Bids will be received at the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Management, Franklin Square Union Free School District, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010, until 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at which time all bids will be opened and read aloud. Specifications may be obtained at the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Management, located at the abovementioned address. The Franklin Square Union Free School District Board of Education reserves the right to reject all bids and the right to waive any informality in bids.
It is strongly suggested that all prospective bidders attend a prebid conference and site visitations to be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the District Business Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010. Please contact hmbigley@hmbconsultants.com to arrange for your attendance.
By: Charles Carollo Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Management
Dated: June 26, 2026 160987
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF POPULAR ABS, INC. MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-4, Pltf. vs. THEYCESLYN FREEMAN, et al, Defts. Index #610776/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on
July 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 32 Cerenzia Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003 a/k/a Section 32, Block 672, Lot 00001. Said property known as and by Lot No. 1 in Block 645 on a certain map entitled, “Amended Map of Argo Village, N.Y., owned by Argo Homes Inc., 481 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, New York, surveyed by Howard J. Teas, Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Homeland Building, Malverne, N.Y., June 23, 1947 under file Number 4421. Approximate amount of judgment is $520,118.02 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. JOHN BOKLAK, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 260 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940, New York, NY 10016. File No. 20292-1223 - #103048 160995
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MILL CITY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2016-1, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. JORGE A. LAMPREA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 19, 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 August 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1142 Ferngate Drive, Franklin Square, NY 11010. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 173 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $400,575.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
Ex officio student board members pose with district administrators and Board President William Leder during the Sewanhaka
Education meeting on June 23.
It was an evening of celebration and reflection as the Sewanhaka Central High School District hosted its final Board of Education meeting of the 202526 school year on June 23.
The meeting began with ex officio student board member Christopher Sebber, a junior at H. Frank Carey High School, presenting the monthly student update. He highlighted several end-ofyear events, including eighth-grade moving-up ceremonies, proms, awards ceremonies and the final Superintendent’s Student Advisory meeting.
To showcase memorable moments from the school year, the district presented a “Year in Review” video celebrating student achievements and activities across its schools.
The district also recognized its 202526 ex officio student board members for their service. The five students gained civic engagement experience while providing a voice for student perspectives. The student representatives are Evangeline Moonsammy of Elmont Memorial High School, Jasmine Chen of Floral Park Memorial High School, Christopher Sebber of H. Frank Carey High School, Adam Abdullah of New Hyde Park Memorial High School and Kyara Ozil of Sewanhaka High School.
Student recognitions continued with athletics as Sewanhaka High School senior Zoe Amadike was honored for winning the New York state championship in the triple jump. The Elmont Memorial High School boys’ 4x400-
#608815/2025. Michele A. Baptiste, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm
meter relay team — Jayson Bhoorasingh, Aidan Peterkin, Kaedon Trye and Jaiden Williams — was recognized for winning the New York state championship. Peterkin also was honored as the state champion in the 400-meter dash.
The district recognized 49 staff members who received tenure.
“This achievement is a reflection of your hard work, resilience and the positive difference you have already made in countless lives,” Superintendent Regina Agrusa said. “While tenure marks a significant achievement, I encourage you to see it not as a destination, but as a crucial step on a continuous journey. Education is an ever-evolving field, and your tenure empowers you to innovate, grow and deepen your impact even further.”
Following the tenure recognitions, the district honored 19 employees retiring this year. Together, they contributed nearly 500 years of combined service to the district.
“For educators who have always prepared students for their next steps, it is now your turn to embrace new adventures, new passions and personal growth,” Agrusa said. “This may be a final professional milestone, but it signifies the exciting beginning of endless possibilities.”
Among those concluding their service to the district are Board President William Leder and District Clerk Joanne Murnane.
–Hailey Fulmer
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Q. We want your opinion. Who should pay for changes to our drawings in order for us to get our permit? We got a list of problems from the building department, and most of them seem pretty simple, but our architect is telling us these are changes, and he wants to be paid for doing the changes. They most include words to change, but there are some other things. The plans are too big for the property by only a few feet, and the height is more, because we want 10-foot ceilings on each floor. Why should we have to pay for changes? The architect should have known about this.
A. The answer to your question is another question. Whose building is it? Who wants the high ceilings that prompted the extra height? You, the owner, are the driving factor in the direction your plans went, and because of that, and the outcome you want to ultimately reach — approval, legality and a building you started out wanting — there is the price of services by each person you hire.
Many people have a misperception of the process of planning a building. They also have this commonly held belief that the builder knows the laws, the structure, the unique, unwritten requirements of the municipality. Owners place faith in a system they imagine works a particular way, and find out the hard way that things are often not what they assumed they would be.
I have had many experiences in which I warned clients that doing or insisting on certain things was going to get rejected, just to hear them say, naively, “Let’s try anyway,” doubting the advice, only to be turned back. In most cases, they insisted that the architect bear at least part of the cost for the redoing. That’s when you realize the personality of the person you are working for, when they cannot take responsibility for ignoring good advice.
Over the years, there have been many people who insisted that they “knew somebody” who would allow something that wasn’t ordinarily allowed. Very rarely did that strategy work. This question sounds similar, where you don’t want to bear the responsibility, yet the end result should be that you must.
Remember, going forward with the idea that changes may have to be made causes an even bigger problem. The changes have to be as thoroughly and thoughtfully addressed as the first time. Making constant calls to see if the work to change the plans has been done is frustrating, because if any issue, any note, any inconsistency is left that should have been changed, the construction project can take an ugly turn.
I have often wanted to put a note on the plans, in tall, bold letters, that “change is bad.” Changes unravel the best-laid plans. Others reading this should understand that municipalities are consistent, and if the architect, builder, electrician or plumber advises you to think twice based on trying to break a regulation, listen. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden
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Although Joe Biden’s presidency is now very far in the rearview mirror, there are attempts being made by both sides to keep his name in the public arena. Republicans invoke Biden as a scapegoat for all of President Trump’s missteps, and former first lady Jill Biden wants to rewrite history after the very bad end to her husband’s term of office.
I approach the Biden legacy from a different perspective. I met Biden in the early 1980s, when one of his close supporters asked me to help raise money for Joe’s Senate re-election campaign, and we met at one of those events. I found him to be a pleasant and gracious man who enjoyed talking about his life in the Senate and his legislative priorities. He had one apparent flaw. He liked to talk and talk, and often needed a reminder that it was time to move on. Our subsequent contacts were infrequent but always warm and kind. I attended President Clinton’s second
inauguration, and while in Washington I stopped by the senator’s office. He posed for some photos my wife, Suzan, and I, and then invited us to sit in on a Senate Judiciary hearing for new judges. Biden loved legislating, and his record during those years in the Senate is a very admirable one.
TLooking back at his accomplishments in the Senate, there is much to talk about. He was responsible for many important laws, dating back to 1994, when he spearheaded the Violence Against Women Act, which addressed domestic violence issues. That same year, he pushed through a major crime bill, which resulted in great success for law enforcement. Critics say it brought about mass incarceration, but its pros outweighed the cons.
sia’s expansion plans. Overall, Biden’s record in the Senate was historic for its scope and impact.
he Republican blame game is starting to sound a little hollow.
The early years of his presidency were marked by legislative success in many areas. He spearheaded the American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion program that helped the nation recover from the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. He signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which created millions of new jobs rebuilding highways, bridges and other badly needed public-works projects. He signed the CHIPS and Science Act, which began the effort to get the country to accelerate the semiconductor industry. One semiconductor-manufacturing plant is currently under construction upstate.
Biden subsequently passed the Protect Our Children Act, which dealt with online exploitation of children. That was followed by major climate-change laws and anti-apartheid statutes. He was a strong supporter of NATO, and persuaded many of his fellow senators that the European alliance was critical to America’s interests In combating Rus-
After the death of his son Beau, a veteran who had suffered toxic fume exposure, Biden got the PACT Act passed to help veterans suffering from similar disabilities. He got bipartisan support for the first anti-gun law in 30 years. He succeeded in capping the cost of insulin, and helped expand NATO membership. And he appointed the first black woman, Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court.
All of those accomplished were blurred during Biden’s final year in office. The hardest thing for any politician to do is to quit public office, and obvious it’s even harder when you’re president. Giving up trips on Air Force Once and being treated royally wherever you go is a very big deal. But a combination of family pressures and staff members all anxious to keep their jobs kept Biden from recognizing that it was time to go. An added complication was his failing health.
But because he isn’t president anymore, the Republicans’ blame game is starting to sound a little hollow. They are making efforts to expose embarrassing recordings of conversations he had with a ghostwriter as a way to cover up for President Trump’s current failings. I have no doubt that history will treat Biden a lot better, but that takes time. The country has countless challenges to face, and it’s time for all sides to move on and let the man deal with his potential end-of-life issues.
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.
As the deadline for school districts to begin purchasing zero-emission school buses loomed, state lawmakers rightfully hit the brakes by delaying the mandate for five years.
The reasons are as clear as they are daunting: the electric grid isn’t ready, charging infrastructure remains scarce compared with ambitious state targets, and the upfront cost of a single electric bus can be triple that of a traditional one.
For Long Island school districts already grappling with a high tax burden and unique costof-living challenges, this represents yet another significant financial strain that would fall squarely on local taxpayers.
State leaders should be lauded for recognizing these realities. But as officials continue to debate these and other changes to the state’s climate law, we can’t fall into an either-or trap, just as we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
New York already has a solution that has been in use for decades, and is easily deployed: renewable liquid fuels.
Transitioning the existing school bus fleets to renewable diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86 percent immediately. Unlike electric buses, which require specialized chargers and rely on our dangerously thin electric grid, renewable diesel works in the engines we already own. It requires no costly equipment overhauls, no new infrastructure, and performs reliably in cold New York winters.
Rfrom entering our air annually. Officials aim to complete the conversion of all city-owned vehicles this summer.
New York became the first state in the Northeast to offer the fuel to state agencies, authorities, schools, municipalities and nonprofits in 26 counties, including Nassau and Suffolk. Still, too few are availing themselves of this resource.
newable diesel fuel works in the school bus engines we already own.
While the state waits years for the grid to catch up, municipal leaders are already proving that renewable liquid fuels — biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled restaurant grease — can deliver significantly carbon reduction today without breaking the bank.
New York City is leading the way, having transitioned its fleet of garbage trucks, emergency vehicles and other heavy-duty machines to renewable diesel in 2024, a move expected to prevent 162 million pounds of carbon dioxide
And while much of today’s conversation centers on delays in transportation electrification, concerns about the pace and practicality of electrification are also growing in the homes and buildings sectors, as well as budget-strapped public facilities — especially our schools.
Consider a high school in Brooklyn where administrators recently replaced traditional heating oil with the renewable fuel alternative, making it the first school in New York City to convert to a heating system running entirely on biofuels. This historic transition to cleaner renewable fuels proves that giving schools and other institutions the flexibility they need to adopt a range of clean-energy solutions — not just electrification — is how the
state can continue to make meaningful climate progress while keeping energy reliable and at a manageable price point.
This common-sense approach is what New Yorkers are demanding as they navigate a punishing economy. With affordability continuing to be top of mind and the state grid operator warning of a razor-thin reliability margin that leaves Long Island particularly vulnerable to blackouts, a pragmatic, costeffective approach to making environmental progress today is the smart approach for the region’s school districts and the taxpayers and families who support them.
The debate in Albany often presents a false choice between a costly mandate and a climate delay. But a true all-of-theabove approach to energy options being advanced by Gov. Kathy Hochul and some legislators can find an effective middle ground when the right tools are brought into the mix.
The grid will catch up eventually, but our environment and hardworking Long Islanders can’t afford to wait. It’s time to choose the solutions that work today.
Rocco J. Lacertosa is CEO of the Hauppauge-based New York State Energy Coalition.
The Declaration of Independence was first published on July 6, 1776, in a newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post. We are proud to commemorate that high point in American journalism by reprinting that historic document.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at
places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Government:
For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.
Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.
The Declaration was signed first by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, and then by 55 others representing the 13 original states.
My plane lifted off from Long Island MacArthur Airport in June 1991. The night before, Jupiter, Mars and Venus had aligned in the night sky above my family’s home in Yaphank, in Suffolk County — an auspicious moment that foretold a journey I’m still on today. That propeller plane — so loud it rattled inside my brain — was headed to Washington, D.C., where I attended a three-day Peace Corps orientation before traveling to Bulgaria for two years of volunteer service as an English teacher. I had joined the corps at 24, in part out of a longing to see the world beyond my hometown. I never imagined how Peace Corps service would reshape my worldview — an experience that resonates today in my teaching as a Hofstra University journalism professor.
I was among the first two dozen Peace Corps volunteers sent to Bulgaria, only 18 months after the fall of communism there. At first I felt excited to be living 4,800 miles from home in a society
that moved more slowly, more deliberately, with a deep appreciation for food and wine, art and music. Living in Veliko Tarnovo, a thousand-year-old city perched atop steep hills overlooking the Yantra River, I was happy.
I couldn’t escape the feeling, though, that I was a foreigner, an outsider, despite the many kindnesses that Bulgarians showered on me. Language, in particular, set me apart.
Learning Bulgarian — really learning it — might rid me of my sense of otherness, I thought.
intermediate? Nothing like A.I. to offer a harsh dose of reality.
M y Bulgarian fell within the ‘ lower intermediate ’ range .
Then, amid my Peace Corps service, I married Katerina, a Bulgarian who taught — and still teaches — English. I wanted — needed — to feel more connected to her family, who became my family.
Katerina and I have spoken Bulgarian together, on and off, for nearly 35 years. Last summer I measured my listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with multiple A.I.-designed tests. After days of evaluation, A.I. delivered its verdict: My Bulgarian fell within the “lower intermediate” range.
I had long known that it was riddled with grammar errors, and I often struggled to pronounce many of the sounds unique to the language — but lower
I resolved to improve, and I’ve practiced and studied the language daily since. I talk with Katerina on walks through our Merrick neighborhood; read the Bulgarian-American community newspaper Sega; watch Bulgarian newscasts, TV series and movies; listen constantly to the Bulgarian alternative rock band Ostava; translate children’s books and Facebook posts; and drill with flashcards and grammar guides. Slowly, steadily, I’ve moved up to upper intermediate. Progress has been hard-fought, though, full of minor wins rather than big breakthroughs — recalling an infrequently used word and dropping it into a sentence, pronouncing a tongue-twisting noun, deciphering word order to interpret a text.
I’m often frustrated and always humbled. I can understand 75 percent or so of spoken Bulgarian, but being able to speak it and write it quickly and eloquently is another matter entirely. As a writer and journalism professor, it’s maddening when I fumble over Bulgarian words, as I often do. Words are my currency, my livelihood. They need to flow. Based on my current progress, I’ll
likely need another three to six years of daily study to reach the advanced level of fluency.
Pushing myself to learn Bulgarian at a higher level has made me think of the Latino and Haitian communities that I’ve covered and researched in Hempstead and Uniondale in recent years. I think of the immigrants who must navigate schools, workplaces, doctors’ offices and government agencies in a language they are often still learning, while negotiating an increasingly complicated and precarious immigration system.
Imagine moving through the world understanding only 75 percent of the critical information you need for daily survival — or 50 percent, or less — and dealing with the anxiety that must come with that lack of knowledge. The fear. Possibly depression.
I set out last year to improve my Bulgarian because I want to understand my wife’s culture on a deeper level, and language is central to culture. I do not, however, need Bulgarian to survive. English, on the other hand, is vital to immigrants’ daily existence in the U.S. It’s a lifeline in an increasingly hostile sea.
Scott Brinton, a former executive editor of the Heralds, directs Hofstra University’s Graduate Journalism Program and coordinates its new Peace Corps Prep Program.
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