HERALD
Procession opens Mount Carmel’s annual feast
The 89th annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast began on July 16 with a procession through Franklin Square, marking the opening of the four-day celebration at Mount Carmel Hall. Above, children carrying flowers made their way through the streets, led by the Our Lady of Good Counsel marching band. At right, church members with the Giglio, a statue of the Virgin of Carmel. Families, parishioners and community members lined the route as participants honored the patron saint in a tradition that has united generations of Franklin Square. Story, more photos, Page 3.
legal lessons are now on film
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Franklin Square attorney John Ardito spent more than 35 years practicing law, but he never expected his career would lead him to write and produce a short film.
Ardito recently completed the film “A Mother’s Voice,” which explores medical malpractice, wrongful death and the emotional impact families experience after losing a loved one.
YThe project was inspired by his work as a plaintiff’s attorney at Ardito & Ardito, the law firm he shares with his brother, Joseph, and by the ongoing debate over New York’s Grieving Families Act, legislation that would allow families to seek damages for emotional suffering after a wrongful death.
was never something he considered.
“Film wasn’t in my repertoire background, but I did a lot of community theater growing up, and I kind of put that aside when I went to law school,” Ardito said.
ou have a story that no one else can really tell in the same way.
As a young attorney, Ardito participated in the production of “A Few Good Men,” but his focus remained on his legal career. Two years ago, he decided to take a creative writing course taught by Gregory Cioffi, a professor at Nassau Community College.
GREGORY CIOFFI Professor, Nassau Community College
The idea of producing a film began when Ardito enrolled in a creative writing class at Nassau Community College. Although he had always enjoyed writing, filmmaking
Ardito initially planned to write a short story centered around a legal drama. However, after Cioffi discussed different sources of inspiration, including social commentary, Ardito decided to combine his legal background with an issue he had followed throughout his career.
The 20-minute screenplay focused on the impact of wrongful death on families, specifically a case involving a CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
Hailey Fulmer/Herald photos
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE BELMONT RACETRACK
Belmont Park changes bring new opportunities to Elmont
By HAILEY FULMER
hfulmer@liherald.com
Belmont Park has long been a fixture in Elmont, and big changes are on the horizon. As construction continues the historic racetrack, the return of the Belmont Stakes and new opportunities for local students are helping shape the next chapter for one of New York’s most recognizable sporting venues.
Belmont Park is being rebuilt from the ground up
Belmont Park is undergoing its biggest transformation in more than 50 years. The longtime grandstand has been replaced with a smaller, modern building that will offer updated seating, restaurants and gathering spaces for fans. The redesign is intended to create a more intimate atmosphere while preserving the track’s history as one of horse racing’s most recognizable venues. Construction is expected to wrap up before racing returns, giving Elmont a refreshed landmark that blends tradition with a new look and creates a year-round destination for visitors.
The Belmont Stakes will return to Elmont in 2027
After spending three years at Saratoga Race Course during construction, the Belmont Stakes is set to return to its longtime home in Elmont in 2027. The temporary move allowed work on the new Belmont Park to continue without interrupting the Triple Crown schedule. When the race returns, it will once again be run at its traditional mile-and-a-half distance, bringing one of horse racing’s biggest events back to Nassau County. Belmont Park is also slated to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, marking the event’s first return to New York since 2005.
Belmont Stakes scholarships support local students
The New York Racing Association has launched the Belmont Stakes Scholarships, a new program that will award five $3,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors in the Sewanhaka Central High School District. Students from Elmont Memorial, H. Frank Carey, Sewanhaka, Floral Park Memorial and New Hyde Park Memorial high schools who plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university or trade school are eligible to apply. The scholarships build on NYRA’s Leg Up! program, which introduces students to careers in horse racing, hospitality, marketing, equine care and other industries connected to Belmont Park.
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Faith and family fill Mount Carmel Feast
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
The sound of music, the aroma of homemade Italian food and the sight of generations of families gathering in prayer filled the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel as the Mount Carmel Society celebrated the 89th annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The annual religious observance, celebrated by Catholic communities around the world, honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The day began with a 10 a.m. Mass, followed by an evening procession at 7 p.m.
Held at the chapel on Stewart Place, the annual feast kicked off July 16, welcoming residents for the first of a celebration rooted in faith, family and Italian heritage. Guests enjoyed food prepared by volunteers, drinks, children’s activities and live entertainment by Southern Heat Disco before gathering for one of the evening’s most cherished traditions.
At 7 p.m., church members hoisted the Giglio — a large statue of the Virgin of Carmel — and carried it in a solemn procession through Stewart Place, accompanied by music as spectators lined the route.
While the feast has become a summer tradition for many local families, members of the Mount Carmel Society say the celebration is only possible because of the dedication of volunteers who spend months preparing for the one day each year the chapel is open.
Hailey Fulmer/Herald
Southern Heat Disco performs during the 89th annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16 at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel, providing live music as attendees enjoyed the evening’s festivities.
“We’re all very dedicated to Our Lady,” said Margaret Giante, one of the senior members of the Mount Carmel Society, who has volunteered for about 40 years. “We work very hard preparing for this because this, on her feast day, is the only time we’re open.”
For Giante, the feast is about more than preserving a tradition. It is about ensuring the next generation carries it forward.
“What we’re doing is bringing our children,” she said. “My granddaughter is now involved.”
That sense of continuity could be seen throughout the grounds, where multiple generations of families worked side by side serving food, greeting visitors and preparing for the evening procession.
Kathy Falco, another longtime member of the society, said many visitors
have made attending the feast an annual family tradition spanning generations.
“We have one family that comes every year from Massapequa,” Falco said. “The grandmother and the grandfather came, then the girls came, then their husbands came, then their children came. ... We call them ‘the family,’ but they’re coming here no matter what. They come every year.”
The same multi-generational commitment is reflected among the volunteers. Families whose parents, grandparents and great-grandparents helped organize the feast continue to return each summer, passing responsibilities to their children and grandchildren.
The Mount Carmel Society, which organizes the celebration, is entirely volunteer-run. Members spend months planning the event, preparing the chapel grounds before welcoming dozens of guests.
Although visitors came for the food, music and festivities, organizers said the feast’s purpose remains centered on honoring Our Lady of Mount Carmel. As the Giglio made its way through the streets near sunset, participants waved itlian flags and carried flowers, reflecting on a tradition that has brought the community together for nearly nine decades.
For the members of the congregation who dedicate countless hours each year to the celebration, seeing children and grandchildren embrace the tradition is a sign that the legacy of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel will continue for generations to come.
Broadway tribute honors Principal Walfall
To celebrate Clara H. Carlson School Principal Stacia Walfall’s 26 years of service to the district, the school community gathered for a Broadway-inspired musical tribute, “The Final Curtain: Honoring Mrs. Walfall,” directed by assistant principals Richard Mansfield and Samantha Magaraci.
On June 24, students from every grade level took the stage to perform songs in Walfall’s honor. Younger students delighted the audience with renditions of the Disney favorites “Hakuna Matata” and “You’ll Be in My Heart,” while older students delivered performances inspired by “The Greatest Showman” and “Hamilton.” The celebration also featured a video montage highlighting memorable moments from Walfall’s career.
Special guests included Walfall’s family, Superintendent of Schools Marlon Small, Jamaica Square Improvement League President Claudine Hall and administrators from throughout the district. Former Superintendent Kenneth Rosner, Walfall’s mentor, also attended and shared remarks recognizing her lasting impact on the school community.
Student Council members added a personal touch by presenting “An Open Letter to My Principal,” weaving together familiar Broadway lyrics and heartfelt messages of gratitude to thank Walfall for her years of leadership, guidance and support.
The celebration concluded with a Broadway-style finale as the school’s social-emotional learning team hosted a Tony Awards-inspired presentation, surpris-
“To my students, please remember that I love you,”
ing Walfall with a “Tony Award for Best Director” in recognition of her leadership and the legacy she leaves behind.
Walfall said in her closing remarks. “Thank you for the years and everything that you have taught me.
–Hailey Fulmer
Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District
Clara H. Carlson School hosted “The Final Curtain: Honoring Mrs. Walfall” on June 24.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Herald is preparing a special commemorative section that will remember those we lost, honor those who served and examine the lasting impact of that day on our communities.
We want to hear your story.
Were you a commuter, teacher, student, first responder, health care worker, member of the clergy or resident who saw the events of that day unfold? Did you lose a loved one on Sept. 11, or in the years that followed because of illnesses linked to the toxins at ground zero? Were you a child who grew up without a parent, or are you someone whose life and career were inspired by the courage and sacrifice of that day?
Our reporters are also looking to tell the stories behind the local memorials, annual remembrance ceremonies, scholarship funds, charitable organizations and volunteer efforts that commemorate Sept. 11.
We are interested in how Long Island has changed over the past 25 years, from emergency preparedness and public safety to the lasting health effects experienced by first responders and survivors.
If you have a personal story, photos or memories, or know someone whose experience should be shared, we would be honored to hear from you. Your story can help preserve an important chapter
The Herald is looking for your stories. Above, former Rep. Peter King reflected on the courage of first responders at Seaford’s remembrance last year.
of our communities’ history for future generations.
Contact the Herald by emailing jbessen@liherald.com or jvallone@liherald. com with 9/11 Story in the subject line. Include your name, hometown, phone number and a brief description of your experience. A Herald reporter will follow up with you.
Together, we can ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Asset Protection is Inheritance Protection
Two overriding questions govern your choices in an elder law estate plan. First, what will happen to your assets when you pass away? Second, what will happen to your assets if you need long-term care? A comprehensive plan covers both issues. You must protect assets from going to long-term care costs so that the assets may transfer to your beneficiaries instead.
Plan A, and the best protection from long-term care costs, is long-term care insurance. Factors to consider include the daily benefit amount and an inflation rider that keeps pace with the increasing cost of nursing homes. Long-term care insurance also pays for home health aides, which allows you to “age in place,” rather than go to a facility.
If you don’t have, or cannot get, longterm care insurance, Plan B is the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). Assets that have been in the MAPT for a minimum of five years are protected from nursing home costs and immediately for home care, for
which there is currently no waiting period.
Consider the use of trusts, as opposed to wills, to avoid probate, a court proceeding that occurs when you die with assets in your name alone. It is also much easier to contest a will than a trust. If you are disinheriting a child, it makes sense to use a trust to avoid potential litigation. Generally, trusts save time and money in settling your estate.
You may want to leave your assets to your children in their own Inheritance Protection Trusts, rather than as outright distributions. These trusts protect the inheritance from your children’s divorces, and, when the child passes away, the inheritance goes to your grandchildren, not to your son-in-law or daughter-in-law.
To sum up, an elder law estate plan (1) protects assets from the costs of long-term care, (2) passes assets to your heirs, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible, and (3) keeps assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren, and (4) protects the inheritance from your children’s divorces.
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GUEST COLUMN
Growing up online and why balance matters
Every generation has had that one thing everyone wanted. For some, it was the newest Nintendo. For others, it was a flip phone, an iPod or a laptop. For my generation, it is the smartphone — a device that is as powerful as it is distracting.
I got my first smartphone when I was 10 years old. Like many children my age, it came with unlimited access to the internet. At first, it felt exciting. I could text friends, watch videos, play games and find answers to almost any question within seconds. As I grew older, however, I realized my phone wasn’t just changing how I spent my free time. It was changing how I coped with stress.
one another on Instagram and keep friendships going through Snapchat streaks. Staying connected has never been easier, especially with friends and family who live far away.
One afternoon after a difficult day at school, I told myself I would spend “just five minutes” on my phone before starting my homework. I opened TikTok, replied to a few text messages and checked Instagram. Before I realized it, nearly an hour had passed. My homework was still waiting on my desk, and the stress I had been trying to avoid hadn’t gone away. Experiences like that taught me how easy it is to use a phone as an escape without even noticing. Technology has also reshaped the way my generation communicates. Instead of knocking on a friend’s door, we send a text message. We celebrate birthdays in group chats, congratulate
At the same time, constant connection comes with its own challenges. Social media often presents a polished version of people’s lives. We see vacations, celebrations and accomplishments, but rarely the stress, setbacks or disappointments behind them. Like many people, I have found myself comparing my life with what I see online, only to remember that social media usually captures only a small piece of reality.
Technology is not the problem. It gives us opportunities to learn, create and stay connected in ways previous generations could hardly imagine. But it works best as a tool, not as a refuge from everyday challenges.
Growing up in the digital age has taught my generation an important lesson. The challenge is not learning how to use technology. It is learning when to set it aside. Some of the most meaningful conversations, strongest friendships and happiest memories happen when we put our phones down and give our full attention to the people around us.
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Jahane Abidi is the student columnist for W. Tresper Clarke High School.
J ahane a bidi
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HERALD SPORTS
L.I. Ducks look different for second half
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The Long Island Ducks pitching staff has a much different look for the second half of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball season.
Both ace Trevor Bauer and standout closer Ramon Santos had their contracts purchased by Mexican League franchises, leaving Long Island without its most accomplished and impressive arms but not without optimism.
“We’re very happy for Trevor and Ramon,” Ducks manager Lew Ford said. “They were great for us and earned new opportunities. But we’re doing a lot of good things here. We led the league in homers and ERA in the first half, so we feel pretty good about where we’re at.”
Bauer became not only the face of the Ducks (37-26 in first half for second place in the North Division, including 21-12 at home) but the entire Atlantic League in his abbreviated stint. The former MLB star posted a 5-1 record with a 2.36 ERA and 66 strikeouts to just seven walks in 42 innings of work across seven starts.
“I want to thank the Long Island Ducks organization for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team,” said Bauer, who rejoined his 2024 club, Diablos Rojos, June 22. “I’d also like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the clubhouse staff, and everyone behind the scenes who made my time here so enjoyable,” he added. “The support from the fans and the Long Island community has been truly special. We had sold-out crowds at home, packed stadiums on the road, and fans traveling from all over the Northeast just to come watch me pitch.”
Highlighting his stay on Long Island, Bauer fired a no-hitter April 26 at Lancaster and followed with a franchise record 15 strikeouts in a May 12 outing versus Gastonia.
“Trevor exceeded every expectation during his time with the Ducks,” team president Michael Pfaff said. “From his dominance on the mound to his commitment to fans and support of our organization, he made a tremendous impact both on and off the field.”
Five days after Bauer’s departure, Santos was signed by Saraperos de Saltillo. Santos appeared in 18 games this season, totaling an Atlantic League best nine saves with 0.95 ERA and 42 strikeouts across 19 innings.
Ford said Rafael Kelly, who starred in late innings for Hagerstown last season, will take over the closer’s role. The starting rotation is young and talented with Ryan Cardona, Tanner Jacobson, Michael Dominguez and Julian Minaya.
In just the third start of his professional career July 3, Jacobson got the second half started with a buzz by tak-
The Ducks led the Atlantic League in run differential in the first half at plus-117.
ing a no-hitter into the ninth inning of an 8-0 victory over Hagerstown.
The Ducks had a league-best 4.82 ERA in the first half and a run differential of plus-117.
The offense blasted 96 homers, also tops in the league, led by 16 from Jacob Robson and 11 apiece from Jorge Bonafacio and Marcus Chiu. Those three along with Gavin Collins all drove in at least 40 runs in the first half as well. Alsander Womack banged out 75 hits after ranking third in the Atlantic League in 2025 with Charleston.
“This is my fourth season in independent ball and every year whatever team I’ve been on has lost good players,” said Robson, a first-year member of the organization who reached the majors in 2021 with the Detroit Tigers. “We have a great clubhouse here and I feel we have
a lot more in the tank,” he added.”
Ford is also counting on the return of key position players Chris Roller, who leads off, and Anthony Garcia from the injured list to make a difference in the second half as the Ducks chase a playoff berth.
The Ducks set a franchise record July 12 with a dozen stolen bases in a 4-3 win over Charleston. Long Island won eight of its first 11 games to begin the season’s second half on a heater.
“I’m always confident,” Ford said. “We’ve got a good team and we’re here to win.”
Former MLB star pitcher Trevor Bauer left his mark on Long Island with a 5-1 record, including a no-hitter.
Photos courtesy Long Island Ducks
F.S. historian recounts Hempstead Plains history
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Franklin Square’s history traces a gradual shift from a sparsely populated farming community to the suburban neighborhood it is today.
In “The Hempstead Plains Heritage Trail: A Journey Through 350 Years of American History,” Franklin Square historian Paul D. van Wie traces the development of communities and historic landmarks across the Hempstead Plains during the 1800s. During that period, much of the area consisted of farmland, open meadows and a small cluster of homes centered around what was then known as Washington Square.
According to information collected by the Franklin Square Historical Society, Washington Square School marked the beginning of District 17, now known as the Franklin Square Union Free School District. The building was constructed on what was formerly known as John Street, now Dogwood Avenue and Nassau Boulevard. For one semester, Walt Whitman, the influential American poet, served as a schoolmaster there.
A map showing Foster Meadow’s farming area in 1837 pinpoints what was formerly Jamaica Road and John Street, now Nassau Boulevard.
idents’ needs.
Van Wie also mentions English travel writer Andrew Burnaby, who wrote about his visit to the Hempstead Plains. During that visit, Burnaby referred to Long Island as “the only one of its kind in North America.”
Agriculture remained the foundation of daily life well into the early 20th century. Family farms stretched across large sections of the community, while businesses along Hempstead Turnpike provided goods and services to residents.Transportation improvements helped drive change. The arrival of trolley service along Hempstead Turnpike in the early 1900s connected Franklin Square to neighboring communities and New York City, making travel and commerce more accessible. As development increased, new schools, businesses and civic organizations emerged to meet res-
The community continued to expand throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Commercial activity became more concentrated along Hempstead Turnpike, while residential development gradually spread into former agricultural areas. New housing developments attracted families seeking homeownership outside the city, accelerating Franklin Square’s transition into a suburban community.
After World War II, development intensified as farmland gave way to residential neighborhoods, shopping centers and public facilities. The population boom led to the expansion of schools, parks and community services. By the 1960s, farming had largely disappeared from the landscape, replaced by the residential streets that define Franklin Square today.
The Hempstead Plains Heritage Trail highlights this transformation, offering residents an opportunity to explore how generations of farmers, business owners and community leaders contributed to Franklin Square’s growth and character.
Courtesy Franklin Square Historical Society
Growing the legacy at Maidenbaum & Madmon
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
After more than a year of planning, one of Nassau County’s best-known property tax law firms has officially entered a new era.
Maidenbaum & Sternberg LLP has been renamed Maidenbaum & Madmon LLP, recognizing Managing Partner Amy Madmon’s leadership while reaffirming the firm’s commitment to the clients it has served for decades.
The change became official this month after paperwork was filed with New York state. Firm leaders emphasized that while the name is changing, the attorneys, staff and client-focused approach remain the same.
“It’s exciting and nerve-racking at the same time,” Madmon said. “...We’re excited to officially move forward, but we also want our clients to know that their team is still their team.”
Madmon joined the firm in 2006, after spending two summers as a legal intern. She became managing partner six years ago, and oversees day-to-day operations for a staff of nearly 60 employees while helping guide tens of thousands of Nassau County homeowners through the property tax grievance process each year.
Madmon has spearheaded major technological improvements, including electronic client enrollment, online cli-
ent portals and modernized internal operations. She also developed a streamlined transition program for homebuyers and sellers that helps ensure that property tax savings are properly allocated during real estate transactions.
The firm’s founder, Shalom Maidenbaum, said the name change simply reflects the leadership role Madmon has already been fulfilling. “She’s been responsible for the transition, the growth, our entry into the digital age
and even the A.I. age,” Maidenbaum said. “Now it’s time to put her name on the banner.”
He stressed that the firm wants existing clients to feel reassured that the transition will be seamless. “Amy has already been running operations for the past several years,” Maidenbaum said. “We want our clients to know that nothing is changing in terms of the quality of representation they receive.”
Much of the planning over the past year focused on ensuring that clients
would understand that the firm’s attorneys and staff remain in place. As part of the transition, longtime Partner Ilyse Gellar Sternberg will remain actively involved with clients, particularly those in the firm’s commercial tax practice, while gradually transitioning internal leadership responsibilities.
“We wanted to make very clear that she’s still part of the firm,” Maidenbaum said of Gellar Sternberg. “She’s still working with clients every day.”
The firm, which has earned a reputation as a leader in Nassau County property tax reduction, has also been at the forefront of taxpayer advocacy through several significant legal victories protecting homeowners’ rights to challenge property tax assessments.
“Our goal is continuing to elevate the status quo,” Madmon said. “Our clients come first, and they should feel comfortable knowing the same attorneys, the same staff and the same commitment to service are here.”
For Maidenbaum, adding Madmon’s name to the firm’s masthead recognizes not only her two decades of dedication but also the future of the business.
“I sleep well at night knowing Amy is at the helm,” he said. “She is a consummate professional who will continue our tradition of aggressively representing taxpayers while maintaining the personal touch our clients have always expected.”
Photos courtesy Jake Ascher
Shalom Maidenbaum has renamed Maidenbaum & Sternberg LLP, which is now Maidenbaum & Madmon LLP, recognizing Managing Partner Amy Madmon.
A lawyer’s creative case for telling stories
child who dies following a case of malpractice.
“I think it was a collection of cases throughout the years,” Ardito said.
Ardito said the film also was influenced by the lack of recognition for emotional grief under New York law.
Ardito said current law recognizes economic losses and the pain and suffering experienced by the person who died but does not account for the emotional suffering of surviving family members who lose a parent, child or loved one.
After developing the screenplay in Cioffi’s advanced writing class, Ardito decided to transform the project from a classroom assignment into a film. Cioffi, who has experience as a filmmaker, offered to help produce the project.
Cioffi said he was drawn to the screenplay because Ardito’s legal background gave the story authenticity.
“I thought it was intriguing that ... this person, you know, was really a lawyer in real life, and so like all of his stories had this feel of authenticity to them,” Cioffi said.
Cioffi helped Ardito refine the
Long Island, with locations that were used throughout Nassau County. Courtroom scenes were filmed at Valley Stream Village Hall, while additional scenes were filmed at Ardito’s Franklin Square law office, Long Island University’s nursing simulation center and Sera-
His wife, Robin, a pre-K teacher in New York City, took on the role of wardrobe coordinator, while his daughter,
Hannah, a nurse, helped during production and appeared as a featured extra in the film. His son, Jonathan, who works in business consulting, traveled from Miami to assist during the days of filming and helped the lighting crew.
Ardito’s brother and law partner, Joseph Ardito, also became part of the production, making a cameo appearance alongside John in a restaurant scene. The production was completed
after three days of filming with a cast that included professional actors such as Tara Westwood and Todd Susman.
The first private screening took place in June at the Adelphi Performing Arts Center for family, friends and members of the production team. The film is currently being submitted to film festivals and cannot be publicly released until the festival process is complete.
Through the film, Ardito hopes to raise awareness about the emotional impact of wrongful death and encourage conversations about how families are affected by these losses.
Cioffi said the project demonstrates how individuals can use their own experiences to tell meaningful stories.
“My advice would simply be, go for it,” Cioffi said. “You have something unique, a unique experience, a unique life, and you have a story that no one else can really tell in the same way.”
For Ardito, the film became an unexpected extension of his work as an attorney — allowing him to advocate for families through storytelling.
“The class actually forced me to sit down for that hour and a half, two hours, and to devote the time to writing,” Ardito said.
After decades spent in the courtroom, Ardito is now using film to continue exploring issues of justice, loss and the experiences of families navigating tragedy.
Courtesy John Ardito
From left, John Ardito; Tara Westwood, who portrayed Gov. Carrie Hanson; and Gregory Cioffi, director and lead actor, playing Jonathan “Fig” Figueroa, on the set of Ardito’s short film.
Elmont turns out for annual Family Fun Day
Despite a downpour later of rainy weather, residents turned out for Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages’ annual Elmont Family Day and Basketball Tournament on July 18 at 1880 Dutch Broadway. Hosted in collaboration with Core Group Enterprises and BeingEgypt Cares, the free event featured youth basketball, familyfriendly activities, food and entertainment. Community members gathered throughout the day to enjoy sports and connect with neighbors despite the less-than-ideal weather.
–Hailey Fulmer
The Elmont Fire Department offers a Junior Firefighter program for local teens, offering free, hands-on training to help prepare for roles in firefighting.
Aidan Adycki/Herald photos
Young athletes pose in their Elmont Family Day basketball tournament shirts after participating in the annual community event on July 18.
Residents who stopped by at Elmont Family Day enjoyed tunes provided DJ Da Midas Touch.
The basketball tournament at Elmont Family Day brought youth to the courts to enjoy a day of sports, family and fun.
enjoyed some time at
Propel NY finalizes routing, hires contractors
By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com
The New York Power Authority and New York Transco, co-developers of Propel NY Energy, have finalized the proposed routing of their planned underground transmission lines and hired contractors for pre-construction activities. Residents in affected areas continue to oppose the roughly 90-mile project set to run across Nassau County into Westchester.
July 17 was the deadline for parties to file public comments with the New York State Public Service Commission for or against the project. The PSC must issue a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need and approve Environmental Management and Construction Plans before construction can begin.
According to Marykate Guilfoyle, strategic communications manager at Transco, adjustments in routing were made based on technical analysis, stakeholder input and evaluation of alternatives.
The Daly Boulevard culvert crossing, in Oceanside, was adjusted to “reduce schedule and construction risk,” Guilfoyle said. A segment in the Town of Hempstead was refined to “avoid conflicts” with the Hempstead Fire Department and to use wider roadways to mitigate traffic.
One segment in Glen Head was adjusted to “eliminate a complex trenchless Long Island Rail Road crossing.” Another altered the Glen Head Road-to-Glen Cove Avenue-to-Kissam Lane segment, addressing a “request for reduced magnetic field impacts along Glen Head Road.”
Hallen Integrated Construction Services, Haugland Group and BOND Civil & Utility Construction, Inc. were chosen for pre-construction planning and regula-
tory submissions.
“These expert contractors are a valuable addition to further the development of detailed construction plans,” Transco President Joris Veldhoven said in a news release. “Their proven expertise on complex projects and strong track records and relationships in the project communities will result in thorough plans for the upcoming construction phase.”
“Hallen Integrated Construction Services and Hallen Construction are excited to partner with NY Transco and NYPA on construction planning for Propel NY,” Shepard Poole, president and CEO of The Hallen Construction Co. Inc., said in the release. “This
project is highly important and greatly necessary for the region.”
Support for Propel’s joint proposal has come from state agencies, the City of New York, construction firms, trade unions and some residents. Other residents, school districts, municipalities and elected officials, however, have filed comments opposing the project, which was chosen by the New York Independent System Operator in 2023 as a solution to issues like increased demand and severe weather.
“It’s premature to advance Propel, as it lacks both federal and state approval,” said Christine Panzeca, a Glen Head resident and a lead opponent of the project. “This is especially concerning, given that NYISO is aware that the project is not cost-effective and was specifically advised not to pursue it. In addition, more than 70 percent of the parties have not signed the joint proposal, citing significant unresolved deficiencies in issues affecting health, safety, environmental integrity, route selection, and procedural fairness.”
The Potomac Economics Market Monitoring Unit wrote in a 2023 report that “if the NYISO determines that it must or should select a project, we recommend that it reconsider its recommendation of T051 since it does not appear to be the most cost-effective project.” T051 refers to Propel.
Other parties who have submitted comments in opposition include environmental groups; U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi; Nassau County Legislators Delia DeRiggiWhitton and Patrick Mullaney; the North Shore, Roslyn and Syosset school districts; the Village of Sea Cliff; and Supervisors John Ferretti, Joseph Saladino and Jennifer DeSena, of the towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead, respectively.
Additional reporting by Will Sheeline.
Herald file photo
Some of the proposed routes for the Propel NY project have been altered.
Adelphi receives a grant for youth mental health
Adelphi University has been selected as one of 10 inaugural partners in Empower Every Coach, a national initiative aimed at improving youth mental health by strengthening coaching practices and support systems in youth sports.
The initiative, facilitated by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, is distributing more than $2 million in funding to organizations working to advance policy, research and best practices in youth sports. Adelphi will receive a
$250,000 grant to support a project developing evidence-based mental health guidelines for coaches and other adult leaders.
The project is led by Meredith Whitley, a professor of health and sport sciences at Adelphi and a scholar specializing in sport for development, which uses sports and physical activity to promote social change and community development.
Meet
Take
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*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
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“To combat the escalating youth mental health crisis, this project establishes a pathway to transform a fragmented, high-pressure sports ecosystem into a psychologically safe environment by equipping adult leaders with actionable, evidence-based guidance,” Whitley said in a release.
She added that the university is grateful for the continued support of Movember and looks forward to collaborating with the other organizations selected for the initiative to advance systems-level change in youth sports.
The Empower Every Coach initiative builds on the Million Coaches Challenge, a national effort launched in 2021 that has trained more than 1 million youth coaches in mental health and positive youth development practices. The new initiative shifts its focus to broader structural changes intended to make quality coaching more accessible to young athletes.
Over the next 18 months, participating organizations will collaborate through quarterly meetings, shared learning opportunities and joint problem-solving efforts.
Other inaugural partners include the Ad Council, the United States Soccer Federation, the National Recreation and Park Association, Positive Coaching Alliance, Temple University’s Sport Industry Research Center, the University of Washington Center for Leadership in Athletics, LiFEsports at Ohio State University, the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, and the FundPlay Foundation.
The Million Coaches Challenge is backed by the Susan Crown Exchange, a philanthropic organization that supports youth development, social and emotional learning, and youth wellbeing.
Courtesy Adelphi University Meredith Whitley, a professor of health and sport sciences at Adelphi University, is leading a mental health guidelines project that received a $250,000 grant.
–Allyson Ferrari
STEPPING OUT
Carolyn Miller comes home Authentically country with a local flair
By Abbey Salvemini
In a genre built on authenticity, Carolyn Miller is the real deal. She’s carved her own path into country music, proving that heart, hustle and a powerful story transcends geography. Her sound fuses the honesty of country storytelling with the hooks and polish of mainstream pop, drawing in fans from Nashville to the Northeast and everywhere in between.
For those unfamiliar with Miller, it’s time to get to know the Massapequa native. She perfoms during Huntington Summer Arts Festival at Heckscher Park on Saturday, with her full band, just weeks before the release of her new self-titled EP. She’s steadling expanded her national following while working between Long Island and Nashville.
Miller’s journey into music began early. A former professional child actress, she worked in TV, film and theater; graduating from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music with a degree in Musical Theatre. But it was country music that gave her the space to tell her own story. With a voice made for big moments and a pen sharp enough to turn lived experience into lyric, she’s quickly established herself as one of the genre’s rising stars.
Appearing as part of this year’s Huntington Summer Arts Festival is about more than just a concert performance for Miller.
“I want it to just feel like a perfect summer night on the Island,” she says. “I hope families and kids pack a cooler, a picnic, bring lawn chairs and blankets. Kids [can] come dance in front of the stage, friends run into each other and reconnect. Everyone just enjoys a great night of live music together.”
“I think there’s something special about the free community concerts because they just bring together people of all ages,” she adds. “If people leave smiling and singing one of the songs in their heads on the drive home and just feeling a little more connected than when they arrived, then we’ve done our job.”
Her energetic, heartfelt shows paired with her down-to-earth, girl-next-door personality make her instantly relatable to audiences, especially suburban women navigating the beautiful chaos of love, motherhood and modern life.
After taking last year off to become a mother, Carolyn — now mom to a two year-old daughter — is stepping boldly into a new era. Her latest single “Fighting For You” (released May 2025) marks the first in a six-song series that chronicles this next chapter of her life. Balancing vulnerability and strength, it’s a reflection of the grit, grace, and growth that define her story today.
Saturday’s “hometown” performance, her second
‘…Wind on down the road
festival appearance, is a notable stop on her journey.
“Long Island’s always been home,” she reflects. “Career-wise, it’s taken me all over the country, but Long Island is where I’m raising my family and where my husband, my daughter and I live. I’m going to have all my family, lifelong friends and people who’ve been following my career for years and even people who have just only recently discovered my music online. Those moments you don’t take for granted and make all the hard work worth it.”
Saturday’s audience will be treated to an early look at Miller’s upcoming EP, a deeply personal collection of songs that marks her next creative chapter.
• Saturday, July 25, 8-9 p.m.
• Huntington Summer Arts Festival, Chapin Rainbow Stage, Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington • Visit huntingtonarts.org for more
“The EP is actually going to be self-titled because I just feel like it’s the most honest representation of who I am today. It’s not just who I am as an artist, but also as a wife and a mom and a songwriter.”
Her background in theater brings an added layer of energy and storytelling to this and every performance.
“I love mixing big sing-along moments and then having stories behind the songs and then some more emotional moments along the way. I like to think of it as just a production.”
Despite spending much of her professional life in Nashville, her musical identity has been shaped by her local roots.
“We didn’t really grow up with country music on Long Island. I always joke that if you don’t like country music, you’ll probably like mine, and if you do like country music, then you’ll hopefully like it too.”
As an independent artist, Miller has developd a following of more than 175,000 across social media while overseeing much of her own marketing and creative direction, between here and Nashville. Over the past year she’es performed at CMA Fest, and has shared the stage with the likes of Carrie Underwood, Lee Brice, Sam Hunt, Ashley McBryde, and Dustin Lynch.
Whether she’s behind a mic, on a stage, or in a writing room, Miller is redefining what it means to be a country artist in 2026: grounded, fearless and fully herself. As she prepares to return to Huntington, Miller urges concertgoers, whether longtime fans or first-time listeners, to simply enjoy an evening together.
“It’s free. It’s outdoors, family-friendly. Whether you’ve followed my music for years or you’re just discovering it now, we’d love to have you.”
Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! Get The Led Out returns with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” two electrifying nights of classic rock, running through June 28. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of Led Zeppelin and brought their music to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians, intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before! Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band always delivers Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Patty Griffin
The singer-songwriter brings her powerful storytelling and unmistakable voice to the stage in support of her latest album “Crown of Roses.” A two-time Grammy winner and Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement honoree, Patty Griffin has spent more than two decades crafting emotionally resonant songs that blend folk, Americana and blues. She’s been praised for her ability to create vivid emotional portraits through music. Known for songs that linger long after the final note, Griffin continues to captivate audiences with intimate performances that celebrate both life’s hardships and its quiet moments of hope. She is joined by special guest Lucy Wainwright Roche.
Saturday, July 25, 8 p.m. $91, $79, $67. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Courtesy Carolyn Miller
The many sides of Carolyn Miller. She’s emerged as one of country-pop’s rising independent artists, blending blend heartfelt storytelling with her singular style.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
Summer sounds
TOH concert series returns to Rath Park with “The Angels Listened In” by Step by Step, celebrating the music of Johnny Maestro. Bring seating.
• Where: 849 Fenworth Blvd., Franklin Square
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 670-1050 JUL
JUL
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Pickle Festival
Enjoy a night of pickle-themed food, live music and German specialties during the Pickle Festival Plus The Mystic at Plattduetsche Park. Guests can enjoy specialty pickle-inspired menu items along with a live performance by The Mystic in the Beer Hall. An $8 cover charge applies.
• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
• Time: 6-11 p.m.
• Contact: parkrestaurant.com or (516) 354-3131
Family time with Darlene Graham
Families can enjoy a morning with the Darlene Graham Duo as part of the Town of Hempstead’s Sunshine & Songs summer concert series at Averill Boulevard Park. Show is geared to young children.
• Where: 145 Averill Blvd, Elmont
• Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 292-9000
Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience
Comprising a group of exceptionally talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans, Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy. Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for their audiences. With an impressive catalog of classics at their fingertips, Double Vision transports everyone to an era when arena rock ruled and Foreigner reigned supreme. Each concert is a testament to their musical prowess, transporting fans to a time when anthems were born and memories were made. Double Vision delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess to bring you all the hits from the band that you’ve come to love. With their recent signing to Frontiers Music the band has achieved a milestone as one of the first tribute to secure a record deal. Honoring Foreigner and its audience, they offer a show second to none.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Summer grooves
ZBTB returns to Eisenhower Park, with Guys With Guitars. Founded in 2012, ZBTB is the premier tribute to the charttopping Zac Brown Band. Not only does ZBTB capture the sound and creativity of the Zac Brown Band but they bring a similar atmosphere of family to their shows while engaging the audience in a way that is all their own. From the Zac Brown Band’s 2008 breakout hit “Chicken Fried” to the recent sing-along anthem “Same Boat” and “Tie Up”, ZBTB plays all the hits any country fan knows and loves. In concert, the Zac Brown Band is well known for their renditions of a diverse set of covers, and ZBTB follows suit. With classics like “Enter Sandman” and “Ants Marching”, as well as, modern hits like “Baba O’Riley” and “Devil Went Down to Georgia” regularly in their set, there’s something for everyone at a ZBTB show.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
JUL
25
‘Grease’
Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes all to Rydell High. Here’ the senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.
• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 7:30 p.m.; also July 26 and July 29
• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870
dive deep into the world of clay. Make your mark on a collaborative creature sculpture, experiment with techniques and tools and create your own unique creation to bring home or add to the clay gallery. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., through July 31
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
JUL
28
Summer sounds The Town of Hempstead’s concert series continues with Any Way You Want It, a Journey Tribute. Bring seating.
• Where: Averill Park, 145 Averill Blvd., Franklin Square
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 670-1050
JUL
29
Movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See “Bad Guys 2,”the 2025 sequel to the animated crime comedy caper, loosely based on the children’s book series. The Bad Guys are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys, when they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do “one last job” by an all-female squad of criminals.
Family theater
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.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 29
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JUL
Squish Studio! It’s time to play with clay at Long Island Children’s Museum. The Squish Studio is a week-long experience where kids
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
AUG 5
Community League of
Garden City
South meets
Residents are invited to attend the monthly Community League of Garden City South meeting to discuss local issues, neighborhood concerns and community updates. Meetings provide an opportunity for residents to stay informed and engage with civic matters affecting the area.
• Where: VFW Post No. 2718, 68 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: Clgcs1929@gmail.com
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Compilred by Herald Staff
Angel Santiago Massapequa Park
The beaches. Jones Beach is my favorite.
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
What
favorite summer spot on Long Island?
Lisa Katz
Merrick
Malibu – for the beach and the bands.
Tim Baker/Herald
Lorraine Sclafani Rockville Centre
My favorite summer spot is Point Lookout Beach. Our family, we’ve been going there for many years. We like to pack a lunch and spend the day and it’s a great beach, we swim, it’s really beautiful.
Tim Baker/Herald
Celeste Gullo
Glen Cove
Has to be Prybil beach, underrated and over looked. It’s great for kids and purely beautiful all seasons, from sunrise to sunset. I have tons of videos of it. I go all the time.
Roksana Amid/Herald
Margie Luciano West Hempstead
I’ve spent my summers in Lake Ronkonkoma as a child. It’s really beautiful. That’s where I learned how to swim as a child.
Tim Baker/Herald
Public Notices
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
July 23, 2026 —
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 #608815/2025.
Michele A. Baptiste, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 246126-1 160993
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff against JOHN MILLER, IF LIVING AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL THE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, ASSIGNEES, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID DEFENDANTS, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, ASSIGNEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID CLASSES OF PERSON, IF THEY OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, AND ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, EXCEPT AS HEREIN STATED, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840, New York, NY 10170. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 22, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court
Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 18, 2026 at 2:00PM. Premises known as 1819 Fairfax Street, Elmont, NY 11003. Sec 32 Block 443 Lot 3 and 4. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Approximate Amount of Judgment is $296,414.10 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 608087/2019. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Francesco Paolo Tini, Esq., Referee File # 21-04629NY 161204
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, Plaintiff, vs. KEVIN LAVALLEE, ESQ., AS GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR THE RESPECTIVE HEIRS-ATLAW, NEEXT-OF-KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING UNDER, BY OR THROUGH ADELE ASSSENZA WHO MAY BE DECEASED BY PURCHASE, INHEIRITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order
Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 4, 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 18, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 88 Emporia Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 455 and Lot 87. Approximate amount of judgment is $130,974.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000320/2018. Francesco P. Tini, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 232026-1 161194
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of ATAR LUXURY CAR RENTAL L.L.C.. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/12/2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 109 King Court, Elmont, NY, 11003, USA. Purpose: any lawful act. 161233
LEGAL NOTICE
ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elmont Fire District in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, will hold a special meeting including a Budget Workshop of the Board of Fire Commissioners on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, commencing at 7:30 p.m. The meeting
will be held at the Fire District office located at 100 School Street, Elmont, New York. All meetings of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elmont Fire District are open to the public.
This notice is being publicized and posted in accordance with the provisions of Section 104 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York.
By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elmont Fire District.
Dated: Elmont, New York
July 16, 2026
Frances Andino
Secretary Elmont Fire District 161303
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 08/05/2026 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
402/26. ELMONTAdenike & Adegoke Bamgboye, Variance, rear yard, construct 2nd floor addition partially open below attached to dwelling., S/s Star Ave., 119’ E/o Meacham Ave., a/k/a 1331 Star Ave.
THE FOLLOWING
CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.
416/26. ELMONTAlicia Wright, Variances, height, lot area occupied, front yards setbacks on Third St. & Belmont Ave., construct 2-story additions, 2nd-story addition & portico attached to dwelling (demolish existing stoop)., S/E cor. Third St. & Belmont Ave., a/k/a 22 Third St.
ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Elmont within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
161300
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff,
vs. GEORGY PERRIER, ET AL., Defendant (s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on 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 August 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 126 SUSSEX ROAD, ELMONT, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 387, Lot: 137. Approximate amount of judgment is $755,179.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 617704/2022. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
JAMES A. PASCARELLA, Esq., Referee Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 161325
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANA DEYSI ROCKMAN A/K/A ANA D. GAMERO A/K/A ANA ROCKMAN A/K/A ANA D. ZALDIVAR A/K/A ANA GAMERO,
ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 6, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 27, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 13 Crystal Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 670 and Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $74,058.30 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602114/2024. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 233926-1 161329
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of Good Neighbors LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on July 15, 2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 317 Yale Rd, Garden City South, NY 11530. Purpose: any lawful act 161315
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Eldercare Offered
HEALTH AIDE AVAILABLE: Experienced. 24/ 7 Four Days A Week. Able To Take Care Of Elderly, Disabled, People With Dementia. Capable Of Being A Companion, Cooking, Cleaning, Laundry. Multiple References Available. Call 516-252-8402
HOUSEKEEPING/ SENIOR CAREGIVER Available Private/ Professional. CNA* HHA* CCA Certified. Experienced/ Excellent References. Emma 516-519-0456
Luxury Home With Scenic Views
reathtaking .47 of an acre
Now we need a backflow-prevention device?
Q. We received a letter several weeks ago about yet another expense for our home, to add a backflow device because we have a sprinkler. We’re wondering if this is really necessary. We’ve had a sprinkler for 40 years, and have never had a problem. Can you explain why we need this, and what will happen if we don’t put one in? We got estimates that it could be $750 to $1,000. Is this somehow related to legionnaires’ disease?
A. Yes, you are now required to have a backflow device on your home water line, especially for the sprinkler connection. This became a safeguard, debated for many years, as a reaction to backsiphoning of plumbing lines when there were pressure changes.
The backflow prevention device is a one-way water valve that allows water to flow from the public water main into your home or sprinkler system, but not back into the public water supply. Pressure changes in the line can happen for several reasons, including flushing of public water pipes, which you are notified about, because people report the discoloration of their water from time to time. It can also happen when a fire hydrant is being used or when there’s a water main break.
Any which way it happens, this is a real issue, even if you’ve never noticed it over the past 40 years. You wouldn’t necessarily be the consumer of the contaminants that flowed from your sprinkler line back into the public water supply, but let’s face it, sprinkler heads are exposed to animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, soil, bacteria and standing water on a regular basis, and you wouldn’t want to drink any of these potentially sickening substances. You’d probably wonder what made you sick, but never connect the dots back to your drinking or cooking water.
I remember the uproar over seat belts in the 1960s, when we were first asked to wear those cumbersome and restrictive devices. Before that, we kids had the freedom to roam from window to window for a better view, to avoid the boredom of long family road trips or grocery store errands. Then seat belts became law. People were defiant, and some even survived accidents without seatbelts. We’ve now had two generations of youngsters who were strapped in like they were astronauts in a rocket sled, and it seems pretty standard now.
The time will come when the contaminants in our water lines will be avoided and we won’t give it another thought. As for legionnaires’ disease, there is little connection between the two. Legionnaires’ disease is mainly caused by stagnant water in a breeding ground of a dark holding tank, in temperatures between 77 and 113 degrees. Those old water tanks, sitting on top of buildings, feeding the drinking and domestic water through buildings by gravity, became perfect for bacterial growth.
Unless you have a well pump sprinkle your lawn, you must add the device — or possibly be fined and forced to do it anyway. Good luck
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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OPINIONS
Protecting our drinking water is a community effort
It’s the hottest time of year on Long Island, and high temperatures mean high water use. From June through September, demand for water surges, driven largely by lawn irrigation and outdoor use. Long Islanders love green lawns, but they come at a cost that many residents don’t fully see: added strain on our water infrastructure and increased stress on Long Island’s sole-source aquifer, the only source of drinking water for nearly 3 million people.
Long Island has no alternative water supply. We rely entirely on a vast but finite underground aquifer system that must meet all residential, commercial and public needs. That makes water conservation not just a seasonal suggestion, but a long-term necessity.
The latest findings from the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection underscore the urgency of the issue. According to LICAP’s 2025 State of the Aquifer report, groundwater levels have shown troubling declines in recent years, particularly following periods of below-average rainfall. As hydro-
logic conditions fluctuate, especially during dry spells, increased pumping to meet peak summer demand puts additional pressure on the aquifer. This is just as much an infrastructure challenge as it is an environmental concern. Every gallon of water that must be pumped, treated and delivered requires energy and infrastructure capacity. During the summer, water providers must operate at peak levels to keep up with demand. That accelerates wear and tear on pumps, wells, treatment systems and water mains, increasing maintenance costs and, ultimately, costs for ratepayers. Simply put, excessive water use today leads to higher costs tomorrow.
Actions taken by residents each day collectively have a profound impact.
ful difference. Following odd/even watering schedules helps distribute demand more evenly. Avoiding irrigation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. reduces waste due to evaporation. Even skipping watering after rainfall can save thousands of gallons per household over the course of a season.
Conservation plays a significant role in mitigating all of these risks. Reducing unnecessary water use — particularly irrigation — can significantly ease the burden on both the aquifer and water providers’ infrastructure. Studies continue to show that lawns only require about one inch of water per week to remain healthy. Yet many residential irrigation systems run far more frequently than necessary, often during the hottest parts of the day, when much of that water is lost to evaporation. Simple changes can make a meaning-
Technology also plays an important role. Smart irrigation controllers, which adjust watering schedules based on realtime weather conditions, are among the most effective tools available, ensuring that landscapes receive only the water they need, helping homeowners save money while supporting broader conservation goals. They ultimately pay for themselves, often within only a couple of years. Some Long Island water providers have rebate programs for residents who make the switch to smart controllers, making them even more cost-effective.
As highlighted in the State of the Aquifer report, conservation works hand in hand with other efforts such as water reuse, source water protection and advanced monitoring to ensure the sustainability of our groundwater resources. These strategies are essential to maintaining the reliability of our water supply in the face of growing demand,
ever-evolving drinking water regulations and changing climate conditions. It’s also important to recognize that conservation is about more than quantity. Reducing excessive pumping helps maintain natural groundwater levels, which in turn supports streamflow and protects wetlands. It limits the risk of saltwater intrusion, which poses a significant threat to Long Island’s coastal communities. These environmental benefits are critical to preserving Long Island’s ecosystems and quality of life.
The responsibility of protecting our aquifer belongs to all of us. Water providers are investing heavily in infrastructure and treatment technologies and planning efforts to safeguard this resource. But they can’t do it alone. Actions taken by residents each day collectively have a profound impact.
This summer, we urge all Long Islanders to be mindful of their water use. Small changes, when adopted by millions of people, can yield significant results. By conserving water, we not only protect a vital natural resource, but also strengthen our infrastructure, stabilize costs and ensure that future generations of Long Islanders will have access to clean, reliable drinking water.
On Long Island, water isn’t just a utility. It is our lifeline, and we all need to do our part to protect it.
Brendan Warner is chairman of the Long Island Water Conference.
Let’s stop student debt from killing the American dream
For generations, the American dream has represented something tangible: the ability to build a stable life through hard work. But for millions in the United States who are burdened by student debt, the dream remains just that: a dream. Nowhere is that more evident than on Long Island, where the average resident carries more than $35,000 in student loan debt and the median home price has surpassed $750,000.
According to the Pew Research Center, one in four Americans under 40 has student debt. Between high interest rates and wages that haven’t kept pace with the cost of living, many borrowers spend decades trying to pay off an education that was supposed to create opportunity, not limit it.
ages 25 and 34 have left the region over the past eight years. Student debt and housing costs are inseparable drivers of that exodus.
Student debt makes the American dream unattainable, or, at best, greatly deferred. Gallup reports that 71 percent of student borrowers delay major life milestones — homeownership, parenthood, starting a business, retirement — because of their debt. On Long Island, those delays have a geographic consequence: 22 percent of residents between
Recent federal policy changes are deepening the problem. The elimination of the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan will push millions into significantly higher monthly payments, a serious hardship for families already stretched thin. For many, even a modest increase in monthly loan obligations can push financial stability out of reach. The answer is not to discourage higher education. A college degree remains one of the strongest predictors of lifetime earnings, and Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce projects that nearly 72 percent of jobs will require some form of postsecondary education by 2031. Low entry-level wages and high monthly loan payments, however, mean that too many Americans will face decades of financial strain.
We can’t keep asking young adults to choose between building a career and building a life.
That trade-off reshapes the labor market in ways that affect us all. Gallup
reports that 51 percent of employees with student debt are seeking new employment, and more than half of job seekers say their loan obligations significantly influence which offers they’ll accept. New graduates feel compelled to chase the highest-paying jobs rather than the professions they’re best suited to, creating workforce shortages in the fields our communities need most.
For Long Island employers, student debt is both a challenge and an opportunity. One of the few constructive developments in federal legislation is the permanent extension of tax-free employer contributions to employee student loans. Employers can contribute up to $5,250 annually toward an employee’s student debt with no federal tax burden for either party. Employers of all sizes can implement this support quickly and cost-effectively, strengthening recruitment, retention, and the financial well-being of their workforce.
New York is positioned to build on that progress. Paidly, a platform that empowers employers, borrowers, students and their families to make education affordable, has been working with state legislators to allow tax-free payroll
deductions for student loans and education savings plans. Combined with the existing federal benefit, New Yorkers could direct up to $8,750 annually in taxadvantaged student loan relief — a real and immediate impact for borrowers trying to pay down debt, save for a home or simply stay on Long Island. These solutions are practical, affordable and achievable. Being highly educated and highly skilled should not come with a lifetime sentence of debt. And the 22-year-old who graduates from Hofstra or Stony Brook or Nassau Community College should be able to imagine a future here instead of being forced to leave the moment the loans come due. New York has an opportunity to lead the nation in supporting our workers. By expanding taxadvantaged student loan assistance to the state level and encouraging employers to become part of the solution, we can restore financial stability for working families and make the American dream attainable for Long Islanders.
John Scully is the CEO of Paidly, and Samantha Park is the platform’s content specialist.
Established 1998
Incorporating the Franklin Square/Elmont Record in 2001
Hailey Fulmer
SGiving blood: the gift that cannot wait
ummer is a season many of us look forward to. Families head out on vacation, schools close for the year, community calendars lighten and many of the charitable drives and volunteer activities that fill the rest of the year take a brief pause.
Illness, accidents and medical emergencies, however, never take a vacation.
Every day, hospitals across Long Island and around the country rely on a steady supply of donated blood to care for trauma victims, cancer patients, premature infants, people undergoing surgery and those living with chronic blood disorders. When blood is needed, there is no time to wait for donors to come forward. The blood must already be on the shelves.
That’s why the emergency blood shortage announced by the American Red Cross should concern every one of us. The Red Cross reports that blood donations have fallen sharply since the end of May. That is not a problem that can be solved overnight.
Blood products have a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for only about six weeks, while platelets, which are critical for cancer patients and others undergoing treatment, last only a few days. A constant stream of volunteer donors is necessary simply to keep pace with everyday medical needs.
Unlike many products hospitals use, blood can’t be manufactured in a laboratory. It can’t be ordered from a factory or
LETTERS
Peter King is right about America’s leadership
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s op-ed in last week’s issue, “America must not abdicate its leadership”: King is so right in his assessment. While I’m no expert on foreign affairs, I do think I have a unique perspective on the topic he addresses.
You see, my mother was born and raised in Germany, and was 16 when World War II broke out. My father’s parents were born in Germany, but in 1923 they moved to the United States for the very reason King points out: the Treaty of Versailles left Germany impoverished with little hope. So my father grew up here in New York, but as fate had it, my grandparents decided to move back to Germany in the late 1930s, because Germany was once again a prosperous country.
When the war broke out, my father was drafted into the German army —
substituted with another medicine. Every pint comes from a volunteer willing to spend less than an hour giving something that costs nothing but can mean everything to someone else.
It is one of the rare opportunities for an ordinary person to directly save a life.
Most blood donors never meet the people they help. Yet each donation has the potential to help a number of patients. A single donation can help save as many as three lives.
It’s easy to assume that someone else will donate — that someone younger, healthier or with more free time will answer the call. But maintaining an adequate blood supply depends on thousands of people making that same small commitment throughout the year, because the demand for blood remains constant.
If anything, summer brings additional challenges. Increased travel can mean more motor vehicle accidents. Outdoor recreation can result in serious injuries. Construction projects continue. Hospitals remain busy. Every one of those situations depends on blood being available.
Long Island residents and the business community have always demonstrated their generosity during times of crisis. For those who have donated before, now is an excellent time to schedule another appointment if they are eligible. For first-time donors, there may be some uncertainty, but the process is safe,
carefully supervised and generally takes about an hour from registration to refreshments afterward. Most donors say the experience is easier than they expected, and leave knowing they have made a meaningful difference.
Donors of all eight blood types — A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ and O- — are needed to rebuild the nation’s blood supply. While some blood types are used more frequently than others, every donation strengthens the system that hospitals depend on daily.
This isn’t simply about responding to an emergency declaration. It’s about recognizing that each of us may someday depend on the generosity of someone we’ve never met. Few people expect to need a blood transfusion until an accident, illness or unexpected surgery changes everything in an instant.
When that day comes, no family should have to wonder whether enough blood is available.
Make an appointment to donate blood. The Red Cross collects nationwide, but does not have facilities on Long Island, where New York Blood Centers and other agencies and organizations help meet the need. To learn where to donate, go to AABB.org, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, to find an AABB-accredited donation facility.
A single hour you spend giving blood today could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need.
OPINIONS
I won’t stand by while our utility rates continue to climb
Our neighbors across Nassau County tell me they simply cannot keep up with the rising costs on Long Island. The seemingly unending price increases for basic needs, like groceries, gas, health care and insurance, are forcing more hardworking families to decide what they can afford and what they must go without.
Keeping the lights on and the water running is nonnegotiable, however, leaving families at the mercy of utility bills that creep upward month after month with little warning or reason.
Long Islanders pay among the highest utility rates in the nation, and the cost of power has risen 20 percent since January. This has pushed the cost of living even higher, and made it more difficult to get by. Inconsistent and partisan energy policies, repeated price hikes by utility companies and cuts to assistance programs have sent utility bills soaring. I’m doing everything I can in Congress to lower these costs.
The Republican leadership in Washington still has not done enough to
LETTERS
bring them down or take on the private utility companies that are driving up costs. There must be greater guardrails on these companies, which have collectively requested $50 billion in rate increases nationwide since 2025 to pad their profits. We’re seeing this firsthand in Nassau County, with Liberty Water’s latest proposed rate increases. That’s why I’ve demanded answers from Liberty Water on its repeated requests to increase rates, because no one should have to pay $20 to $30 more per month just to have water in their home.
The Republican leadership in D.C. still hasn’t done enough to bring them down.
about the administration’s plans to address rising electricity costs, and asked why it proposed additional cuts to vital federal support. Reports show that elderly, disabled and low-income Long Islanders are struggling to pay their energy bills. Nearly 1,000 more PSEG customers saw their power shut off in April due to overdue bills, compared with last year.
Enhancement natural-gas pipeline project, which is critical for delivering more affordable, reliable energy to Long Island. New York state generates roughly half of its electricity from natural gas, and with this added source of energy, Long Island households that convert from fuel oil to natural-gas heating could save upward of $1,500 a year.
To ensure that Washington is focused on tackling this problem, I helped launch the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, a coalition committed to holding utility companies accountable for prioritizing profits over their consumers. I am also co-leading the Stop the Rate Hikes Act to prevent utility providers from increasing rates more than once a year. Working families are already struggling to make ends meet, and demanding frequent rate increases is unacceptable.
Holding private utility companies accountable is only part of the battle.
At a recent hearing, I questioned the U.S. energy secretary, Chris Wright,
the Luftwaffe, as it turns out. It wasn’t until I was in college that he revealed this aspect of his life to me. He had always said he was an American soldier, which was believable, as he had no accent growing up in New York. And we lived in Queens, with many Jewish neighbors, and, understandably, he didn’t want this aspect of his past to get out to the neighbors.
So, the question I would always ask my parents was, how could a great country like Germany allow Nazism to happen? They would offer several reasons, including that in the beginning, most Germans thought Hitler was someone who would implode and eventually go away. And by the time they realized that he wasn’t going anywhere, it was too late. Besides, they were just trying to live their lives and recover from the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles.
But the reason that can’t be ignored was appeasement — King’s central argument in his essay. Like it or not, the U.S. needs to maintain its global leadership as a deterrent to regimes whose goal it is to expand their borders against the will of all other nations. I’m troubled by the administration’s seeming lack of knowledge or respect for history, and how it somehow repeats itself.
I wish members of Congress would speak out more on this topic, and follow King’s advice publicly. While I agree that Europe must increase its defense spending, we need to maintain our role as “global policeman,” because no other country, in my opinion, has the credibility and military muscle to take on this role. Vladimir Putin is not someone who can be trusted. Why we have let him get this far is a reminder that appeasement does not work with evil minds.
WILLIAM FUESSLER Wantagh
I questioned the administration’s proposal to cut funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps lowincome households reduce energy bills by about 20 percent annually in New York. In Congress I’m pushing for full funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which has provided critical assistance for more than 40 years to the most vulnerable in our communities. These programs are lifelines for many to afford their utilities, and I’ll continue fighting to preserve them.
Finally, we can’t expect to bring utility prices down with partisan politics or a one-size-fits-all approach. This moment requires us to deliver bipartisan, all-of-the-above energy solutions, and I urged Wright to work with me to do just that. When we spoke, I expressed my support for the Northeast Supply
FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker
We must give local communities the ability to modernize and diversify their energy sources as we explore potentially cost-effective solutions. This way, we are never dependent on any single energy source. Part of the solution is projects like the NESE pipeline, which will reliably deliver affordable natural gas that we depend on to power and heat our homes, while supporting thousands of good-paying union jobs.
People across Nassau County tell me they desperately need relief as they stretch their paychecks further to cover mounting bills. They should never have to think about when and how long they keep their lights on, heat their homes or run their faucets for fear of paying hundreds more a month. That’s why I won’t stop fighting to hold utility companies accountable, preserve vital assistance programs, diversify our energy solutions and lower utility bills for every household on Long Island.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
At the Town of Hempstead’s America 250 Celebration, Dominick Critelli, 105, and Christopher Macchio performed.
Your Safety is Our #1 Concern—
And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau