Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 07-30-2026

HERALD Franklin square/elmont

Students bring ‘Pippin’ musical to life

Above, students from across the Sewanhaka Central High School District performed “Pippin” at the Elmont Public Library Theatre, sharing the story of a young prince searching for meaning, adventure and fulfillment. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Residents are complaining about conditions of local Lidl

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Residents and civic leaders say that conditions at the Lidl supermarket in Franklin Square have deteriorated over the past several years, prompting complaints about cleanliness, maintenance and safety that they say have gone largely unanswered despite repeated outreach to the company and government agencies.

The store, in the Dogwood Avenue shopping center, replaced Best Yet Market after undergoing a full renovation in 2021. Residents initially welcomed the arrival of the discount grocery chain, hoping it would become a long-term com-

munity partner.

“We were really excited initially to have Lidl,” resident Eugene Ruppert, who has lived in the community for 32 years, said. “We need a local market in the community. We need one that’ll cater to the needs of the community — someone with a strong commitment.”

Instead, Ruppert said, the store’s condition has steadily worsened over the past three to four years.

“As soon as you walk in the store, you’re looking at floors that are filthy,” he said. “They don’t clean the floor at all.”

Ruppert also described seeing produce left on

TPS holders face a lot of uncertainty

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

As Haitian immigrants — such as those living or working in Elmont under Temporary Protected Status — face uncertainty over their future in the United States, community members are expressing concerns while advocates have urged them to seek legal guidance to understand their rights and prepare for possible changes.

Now the American dream that everybody was wishing for is being taken away from them, and they don’t

A Haitian TPS holder who asked to be identified only by the alias Marie recently expressed anxiety, explaining that she has been saddened by the uncertainty surrounding the program. She encouraged members of the Haitian community to continue supporting one another and helping those who may feel overwhelmed.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled June 25 that the Trump administration may proceed with ending Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria, allowing the government to move forward with terminating deportation protections and work authorization for affected immigrants while legal challenges continue. There are currently hundreds of Haitian TPS holders living in Elmont and over 300,000 living across the United States.

have anything to go back to.

CLAIRE LEON advocate and health care worker

“I am sad about the situation,” Marie told the Herald in a phone interview, through interpreter Claire Leon. She added that maintaining unity within the community is important as families navigate the uncertainties.

“So, we have to stay united and stay together and support each other so they will not lose hope, that they stay safe, and hopefully something will come through for them,” Marie said through the interpreter.

Leon, an activist and health

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

7:00PM

Visitors gather at Plattduetsche Park in Franklin Square for the second annual Picklefest on July 25, sampling pickle-themed food and drinks.

Picklefest returns with bigger bites and crowds

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Plattduetsche Park transformed into a pickle lover’s paradise last weekend as hundreds of visitors packed the Franklin Square venue for its second annual Picklef est, sampling everything from pickle flights and pickle pizza to frozen pickle cocktails and picklethemed desserts.

Held last weekend, the two-day festival built on the success of last year’s, offering even more pickle-inspired food, drinks and entertainment while drawing large crowds of curious food lovers and longtime Plattduetsche Park patrons.

Festivalgoers sampled traditional favorites with a pickle twist, including potato pancakes, sandwiches served between giant pickles instead of bread and a variety of specialty pickles. Guests also enjoyed frozen pickle cocktails, pickle margaritas, pickle lemonade and pickle flights featuring flavors such as Cajun, bread and butter, kosher and sweet mustard.

Jennifer Sargent, Plattduetsche Park’s press and marketing consultant, said last year’s enthusiastic response inspired organizers to expand the event.

“Everyone loved it, so we were like, ‘All right, this is it. Everybody really likes pickles,’ so we just kind of built on it this year a little bit more,” Sargent said.

This year’s festival featured an expanded dessert menu created in partnership with Sweet Life bakery, a new vendor for the Plattduetsche, along with additional specialty foods and drinks developed by the management team, kitchen staff and bartenders after

months of planning.

The festival is one of several themed events Plattduetsche Park hosts throughout the year, joining favorites such as Oktoberfest and the Christkindl Market, while new additions like Berry Fest continue to attract visitors.

Manager Matthew Buck said the themed festivals give the venue an opportunity to branch out from its traditional German cuisine and experiment with creative menu offerings.

“We always love to do wacky things,” Buck said. “We’re always up for new ideas and new challenges.”

Buck said one of the weekend’s biggest hits was the pickle pizza, topped with sliced pickles, pickle seasoning and pickle aioli. Pickle sandwiches and pickle flights also proved to be crowd favorites throughout the festival.

Organizers said customer feedback often helps shape future festivals, and particularly popular menu items sometimes return as restaurant specials throughout the year. With a new executive chef leading the kitchen, Plattduetsche Park has continued expanding its specialty offerings while maintaining longtime favorites.

Judging by the pickle-themed outfits and long lines for specialty foods, visitors fully embraced the quirky celebration, cementing Picklefest as one of Plattduetsche Park’s growing summer traditions. The venue’s summer festival season continues with its inaugural Berry Good Time Carnival on Aug. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. and Aug. 9 from noon to 5 p.m., featuring berry-inspired food, drinks and family-friendly activities before the annual Bacon Mac & Cheese Fest returns over Labor Day weekend.

Hailey Fulmer/Herald

Elmont students showcase summer learning

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Students in Elmont’s summer program showcased their work after spending four weeks participating in hands-on STEAM activities, enrichment classes and project-based learning experiences.

The Elmont Accelerated Summer Program ran Monday through Thursday from 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., with the final day taking place July 23. Students from pre-K through fifth grade participated in academic and enrichment activities before presenting their projects during the annual summer showcase.

The showcase, which has been held for eight years, allowed students to present their work to their families through student-led presentations, displays and demonstrations.

“The teachers don’t read or present anything,” said Rita Johnson, one of the program’s co-principals. “If there are excerpts from the STEAM read-alouds, the students read them and explain their projects. Whether they created a flyer or another project, they present it to their parents. They also used iPads to help guide their presentations.”

Students in pre-K through second grade completed a project called “Growing Together: A Living Garden of Learning,” where they created model gardens while learning about plants and ecosystems.

Johnson said students grew beans, lima beans, marigolds and grass while learning about plants, then combined their individual gardens into a single display for families to view at the showcase.

Upper-grade students worked on transportationthemed projects, including designing and building cars using recycled materials. Third-grade students created vehicles, coded them and built a model town complete with roads and a design of their elementary school.

“They began pretty much right away on the first day with designing and mapping out their creations, working on coding skills, and then when we got into weeks two and three, they really worked on their particular vehicle that they were creating in teams,” said Samantha Magarabi, the program’s other co-principal.

Students in Elmont’s summer program created a “All Roads Lead to Elmont” sign as part of their STEAM projects.

Students also participated in LEGO robotics, drone technology and stock market literacy activities. Fourth- and fifth-grade students learned drone technology and tracked the stock market by using virtual money to invest in Fortune 500 companies.

The program also included social-emotional learning lessons led by counselors and social workers. Students learned about kindness, patience and positive interactions with classmates. Students also participated in music, art, physical education and Spanish enrichment classes. Physical education instructors provided additional support for students working on gross motor skills, while teachers incorporated STEAM activities into classroom lessons.

A new addition to the program this year was the Summer Bridge curriculum, which provided students with structured English language arts and math les-

sons.

“It was well received by the community, and the parents were so happy that we had a curriculum,” said Johnson.

The showcase featured student performances, including fifth-grade students singing “I’ll Go Far” from Disney’s “Moana” under the direction of music teacher Nicolette Vignogna.

Families attended the showcase to view student projects, including artwork, robotics displays and garden creations. Students guided families through presentations and explained the work they completed throughout the four-week program.

“It is so hands-on, and they really enjoy having that ability to create and build,” Magarabi said. “They are designing, they’re creating, they’re building, they’re coding, so they’re learning all those components.”

Students shine in district’s ‘Pippin’ production

Students from across the Sewanhaka Central High School District took center stage this summer through the district’s ongoing partnership with Plaza Theatrical, performing the musical “Pippin” on July 16 and 17 at the Elmont Public Library Theatre.

After auditioning in June, students representing all five district high schools rehearsed throughout the summer before presenting the full-scale production. The program welcomed incoming ninth-graders through graduating seniors, giving young performers the opportunity to strengthen their theatrical skills while collaborating with peers from across the district.

“Pippin” follows a young prince’s search for purpose and fulfillment and features songs including “Magic to Do,” “Corner of the Sky,” “No Time at All” and “Morning Glow,” along with choreography inspired by Bob Fosse’s original production.

The district’s partnership with Plaza Theatrical will continue this fall when middle school students present a production of “Shrek Jr.,” providing another opportunity for aspiring performers to develop their talents and share their passion for the arts.

–Hailey Fulmer

Juan Alzamora/Herald

Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District

Cast members perform a scene from “Pippin” during the district’s summer theater program at the Elmont Public Library Theatre on July 16.

GUEST COLUMN NEWS BRIEF

Elmont to receive $202K for playground

Nassau County Legislator Carrié

Solages secured unanimous approval of two Community Revitalization Program grants totaling $202,420 for the Elmont Union Free School District during the Nassau County Legislature’s July 27 meeting.

The funding will be used to replace the playground at Covert Avenue Elementary School.

“Playgrounds create organic opportunities for our children to build friendships, engage in healthy outdoor

Tel: (516) 437-2100

activities, develop critical skills and, most of all, have fun as part of a greater community,” Solages, D-Valley Stream, said in a statement. “I am excited to have secured funding which will equip the Elmont Union Free School District to create a safe, modern playground that will serve the students of Covert Avenue Elementary and neighboring families well for many years to come.”

–Hailey Fulmer

Who decides what beauty really looks like today?

Ethat make me who I am. My style, my face and my personality are things no trend can replace.

ELMONT FUNERAL HOME INC.

Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003

Making the World a Better Place

The late Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, wrote extensively on making the world a better place. In his book, “To Heal a Fractured World”, he writes, “I have spent much of my life thinking about life, observing people, reading books, searching for teachers and exemplars...I make no claim to wisdom, but this I have learned:”

“That what counts is not how much wealth we make but how much of what we have, we share.”

“That those who spend at least part of their lives in the service of others are the most fulfilled and happiest people I know.”

“That moral health is no less important to the quality of a life than physical health.”

“That the best do good without thought of reward, understanding that to help others is a privilege even more than it is an opportunity.”

“That self-interest is simply uninteresting.”

“That pain and loneliness are forms of energy that can be transformed if we turn them outward, using them to recognize and redeem someone else’s pain or loneliness.”

“That putting others down, we diminish ourselves; lifting others, we lift ourselves.”

“That nothing is gained by less-thanethical conduct. We may gain in the short term but we will lose in the long, and it is the long term that counts.”

“That the ability to give to others is itself a gift.”

“That the privilege of wealth lies not in what it allows us to do for ourselves, but what it enables us to do for others.”

“That the world is a book in which our life is a chapter, and the question is whether others, reading it, will be inspired.”

very generation has had its own beauty standards. My grandparents’ generation admired movie stars. My parents grew up flipping through fashion magazines and watching celebrities on television. My generation? We carry beauty standards in our pockets. Every time we open Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat, we are met with images of flawless skin, perfect hair, sharp jawlines and edited photos. Filters smooth away imperfections, apps reshape faces, and suddenly what is normal no longer seems “good enough.” The standard is not just unrealistic anymore. Sometimes, it is not even real.

Beauty trends have always changed. In the early 2000s, thin eyebrows were considered fashionable. Years later, full brows became the trend. Tanned skin was once popular, while today many people focus on skincare and achieving “glass skin.” Beauty trends now change faster than ever.

One thing I have noticed is that everyone seems to want to be someone else. Younger children cannot wait to become teenagers. Adults often joke about wanting to be young again. Meanwhile, many teenagers wish they looked older, different or more like the people they see online. It is a cycle that leaves few people feeling satisfied with who they are.

That does not mean social media is entirely negative. It has also helped people celebrate different body types, skin tones, cultures, disabilities and personal styles in ways previous generations rarely saw. More people are recognizing that beauty does not fit into one mold.

Today, appearance trends include facial symmetry, “mogging” and the pursuit of perfect proportions — ideas that were not even part of everyday conversations a few years ago. If the definition of beauty continues to change, who decided what it was in the first place?

I would be lying if I said those expectations have never affected me. Like many teenagers, I have looked in the mirror and wished I looked a little different. I have compared myself to people online and wondered why I did not look like them. But over time, I realized something important: The features I once questioned are the ones

Looking at the issue through a teenager’s lens, I do not think body image struggles come from vanity. They come from growing up in a world where comparisons never stop. When unrealistic expectations follow you everywhere, it can be easy to believe you are not enough.

Maybe true beauty is not something that can be measured by trends, likes or symmetry. Maybe it is the confidence to be comfortable in your own skin, even when the world keeps telling you to change.

Trends will come and go, just as they always have. The people who leave the biggest impressions are not the ones who looked exactly like everyone else. They are the ones who were confident enough to be themselves.

Jahane Abidi is the student columnist for W. Tresper Clarke High School.

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J ahane a bidi

Concerns grow over Franklin Square Lidl

the floor that he believes creates potential hazards, empty boxes blocking aisles and a bakery area where, he said, customers frequently handle pastries with their hands because tongs are unavailable. He said he had repeatedly contacted Lidl’s corporate office, in [// WHERE//], but had received little more than acknowledgments.

“I’ve called their headquarters. I’ve sent them emails,” Ruppert said. “They’ll say, ‘Oh yeah, we’ll notify the manager.’ … They just don’t bother answering you anymore.”

Morton Civic Association Co-president Domenico Ciaccio said the organization has advocated for improvements since the store opened, and that Lidl representatives initially worked with the civic association to tailor services to neighborhood needs, but that relationship has since deteriorated.

“We thought, ‘OK, good, we’re going to get a nice partner for the neighborhood,’” he said, “[but] the material they used inside the store … is all coming apart.”

Ciaccio said that the civic association regularly receives complaints from residents about expired food, dirty conditions and poor maintenance around the property, but repeated emails to the company have produced little change. “We always get that same generic email back: ‘We’re looking into this,’” he said.

“Nothing. Nothing’s done.”

Ciaccio added that the association has contacted the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County and New York state about residents’ concerns. “I know Nassau County was involved, the state was involved, but all of us being involved, nothing has gotten done,” he said. “If anything, the store has gotten worse.”

Residents deserve a cleaner, safer shopping experience, Ciaccio said, but

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ket has become an eyesore.

“The previous supermarket … always kept it nice and clean,” Granik said, adding, of Lidl, “From the minute they came in, they were terrible neighbors.” The rear of the property, she said, is frequently cluttered with pallets and other materials that are visible from nearby homes.

Granik said she has contacted Lidl’s customer service numerous times over the past several years. “I emailed them close to 15 times over the years,” she said. “Sometimes they send me, ‘We’re so sorry for the inconvenience. We’re going to escalate this.’ Nothing ever happens.”

She also criticized the conditions inside the store.

“The floor is slimy and gross,” Granik said. “There’s rotten fruits and vegetables all the time. It smells terrible.”

he emphasized that his organization wants the supermarket to remain in Franklin Square, and that its concerns are not anti-business. “Morton Civic is very pro-business,” Ciaccio said. “We love our supermarkets. We support our supermarkets.”

Franklin Square resident Elyse Granik said the shopping center is surrounded by a well-maintained residential neighborhood, and that the supermar-

The Herald visited the store on Friday, when it was open and serving customers, and saw damaged flooring throughout the store as well as debris in several aisles, and noted an unpleasant odor in the refrigerated meat section. The Herald did not independently verify residents’ other allegations, including claims regarding expired food or bakery practices.

The Herald contacted Lidl’s corporate media office more than a week before publication, detailing residents’ concerns and requesting comment, but had not received a response by press time.

Hailey Fulmer/Herald

Residents have raised concerns about cleanliness and maintenance at the store, including the conditions of the floors.

HERALD SPORTS

Crossovers fuel Nassau County football

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Kickoff for the Nassau high school football season is just over a month away.

On Aug. 17, all 51 public high school football programs in the county will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Thursday, Sept. 3 with a Conference IV battle between Island Trees and Oyster Bay. The vast majority of openers will take place the following Thursday.

The biggest news of the offseason came in the spring when East Rockaway and West Hempstead announced it would be joining forces. Longtime Rocks head coach Russ Pajer adds Dom Carre, who served as the head coach at West Hempstead since 2010, as defensive coordinator. Carre played for Pajer at East Rockaway in 1997 and ‘98.

“Our JV teams combined last year and it was a great experience,” said Pajer, who enters his 32nd season as head coach. “West Hempstead’s numbers are down to less than 20, so it was a no-brainer. It was a seamless process with both superintendents on board. It’s a good thing and we expect to have a strong team.”

East Rockaway/West Hempstead is seeded fifth in Conference IV and opens at Valley Stream North. Three of its home games will be played under the lights at East Rockaway beginning Sept. 18 against defending county champion Seaford. West Hempstead will be the site of the Week 3 crossover against Elmont, and the game will serve as Homecoming. A Homecoming will also take place in East Rockaway Oct. 9. In 2025, the Rocks went 2-6 while the Rams finished 4-4 and qualified for the playoffs.

“We expect to have between 30 and 35 kids on varsity,” Pajer said.

Crossover games add intrigue

Seaford, along with three-time defending Long Island champion Massapequa (Conference I), ninetime defending county champion Garden City (II) and South Side (III) are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences.

Massapequa and Garden City will clash in a muchanticipated crossover game Sept. 26 on the Chiefs’ home field at 1:30 p.m. The Trojans enter the season riding an amazing 66-game winning streak. The showdown, along with all the other crossovers between Conferences I and II, and III and IV, will carry a lesser power-ranking weight than the other seven games, Carey head coach Mike Stanley said.

Some of the other Week 3 matchups feature Carey at Oceanside, Long Beach at Farmingdale, South Side at Seaford, Plainedge at Lynbrook, and Freeport at Roosevelt (Thurs., Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.)

Seven teams switch conferences

Plainedge and Carey lead a group of six teams switching conferences for this season based on enrollment and size breakdown of each conference. Plainedge finished first in the regular season in Conference IV a year ago, going undefeated in the process, and bumps down to III. Carey was in III last fall but jumps up to II, essentially changing places with Glen Cove. East Meadow is no stranger to the top conference and heads there after a brief stay in II. Floral Park, Valley Stream North and Valley Stream South moved to IV from III.

Few coaching changes

Legendary Plainedge head coach Rob Shaver retired

Chaminade’s Luka Tomaszweski was

10 games to watch

Sept. 10 Long Beach at Carey

Sept. 10 Wantagh at Plainedge

Sept. 10 Lynbrook at Seaford

Sept. 19 Mepham at Calhoun

Sept. 26 Carey at Oceanside

Sept. 26 Garden City at Massapequa

Oct. 10 Oceanside at Massapequa

Oct. 17 Plainedge at South Side

Oct. 24 Massapequa at Farmingdale

Oct. 31 South Side at Wantagh

at the end of last season and the Red Devils are now led by former assistant Adam Hovorka. They’ll kick off at home versus defending Conference III champion Wantagh. And for the third time in four seasons, East Meadow has a new head coach with Matt Castaneda taking over. The Jets are seeded seventh in their return to Conference I and open at home against Hicksville. Former Elmont head coach Jay Hegi is the new head coach at Division.

Lucas DiDio and Oceanside take on Carey in what promises to be an exciting crossover game Sept. 26.

Michelle Ebel/Herald photos

on the move during 7 on 7 drills at Oceanside.

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Dutch Broadway learns about dental care

Learning to keep one’s pearly whites healthy and clean turned out to be a fun activity for Dutch Broadway School’s first-grade students during a special visit from local dentist Dr. Christopher Pae on June 16.

Dr. Pae began his presentation by engaging students with questions such as, “What does a dentist do?” “What foods and drinks contain a lot of sugar?” and “How many times a day do you brush your teeth?” The interactive discussion encouraged students to think

about their daily dental habits and the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. He referred to cavities as “sugar bugs,” making students aware of how eating healthy foods can prevent them.

Students also participated in handson demonstrations, learning proper brushing techniques using a tooth model and practicing flossing through a fun activity in which students acted as teeth while their classmates demonstrated how floss works.

–Hailey Fulmer

Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District

Students participate in a hands-on flossing activity, using a creative demonstration to learn how floss helps keep teeth clean.

TPS advocates provide resources, support

care worker from Valley Stream, said many Haitian immigrants came to the United States seeking safety, stability and a better future, but now fear losing the opportunities they worked to build.

Many immigrants make significant sacrifices to come to the United States because they believe in the promise of a better life, Leon added.

She said many TPS holders now feel the American dream they pursued is at risk and that returning to Haiti is not a safe option for many because of ongoing gang violence and instability.

“Now the American dream that everybody was wishing for is being taken away from them, and they don’t have anything to go back to,” Leon said.

She added that fear has also prevented some immigrants from sharing their stories publicly.

Concerns from Haitian TPS holders were also addressed during a July 7 virtual information session hosted by siblings Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, both of whom represent Elmont. The virtual session brought together immigration advocates, attorneys and community leaders to provide updates and legal resources following recent court developments involving TPS.

Speakers emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision does not immediately end TPS protections or work authorization for Haitian immigrants and encouraged residents to rely on trusted legal resources rather than misinformation.

Eric Freeman, a representative of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said TPS holders should use this time to prepare by learning their rights, consulting licensed immigration attorneys and determining whether they may qualify for other forms of relief.

end TPS protections and work authorizations for Haitian TPS,” Freeman said. “It is not time to panic. It is time to prepare.”

Freeman encouraged families to create emergency plans and remain informed as legal proceedings con-

tinue.

Julia Miller, supervising attorney at the Central American Refugee Center, Long Island’s largest immigration legal services provider, echoed the importance of seeking legal advice, even for individuals who have previously spoken with an attorney about their immigration status.

She said changing circumstances in Haiti and changes in a person’s individual situation could affect eligibility for other forms of immigration relief, including protections available to victims of trafficking, victims of crime or other programs.

Miller also warned residents about immigration scams, saying fraudulent services have become increasingly sophisticated. She advised TPS holders to verify that anyone offering legal assistance is a licensed attorney or accredited representative and to be cautious of promises that seem too good to be true.

Rodney Pepe-Souvenir, president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, said his organization has continued to conduct Know Your Rights workshops and family preparedness trainings for immigrant communities.

He encouraged families to consider creating legal guardianship plans for children in case parents are detained or removed from the country.

“We’re urging everyone to look at guardianship, find someone in your family group or in your community that you truly, truly trust, that you would want to leave your children with,” Pepe-Souvenir said.

He also encouraged TPS holders and supporters to advocate for federal legislation that would create a pathway to permanent legal status for TPS recipients.

“We need to be talking every single day to our constituents and to our brothers and sisters who need this help,” he said.

Hailey Fulmer/Herald

During a roundtable discussion in Elmont in April, advocates emphasize their support for Temporary Protected Status holders, and politicians urge action in the federal government.

Valentinetti, Macchio wow Rath Park audience

Rath Park’s summer concert series continued to draw large crowds as more than 1,500 residents gathered for “A Night of Timeless Classics.” The July 17 concert featured Sal Valentinetti performing favorites from the Great American Songbook, along with a special appearance by acclaimed tenor Christopher Macchio, offering a memorable night of live music in Franklin Square.

–Hailey Fulmer

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The crowd kicked off the night with the Pledge of Allegiance. Hundreds of residents attended the concert, part of the park’s summer series.

Town Supervisor John Ferretti welcomed the energized crowd to one of Rath Park’s many summer concerts.

Hundreds were wowed at Rath Park by performances from Sal Valentinetti and Christopher Macchio.

Sal Valentinetti, who rose to fame after appearing on season 11 of America’s Got Talent, is an Italian American crooner known for his flawless vocals.

Christopher Macchio, who made a special appearance during the evening, is part of the New York Tenors and has released two albums.

Elmont softball star pitched through pain

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

For much of her senior year, Elmont Memorial High School pitcher Layla Rossianno took the softball field carrying more than the responsibility of leading the Spartans.

After slipping on ice during the winter, the 18-year-old hurler developed persistent back pain that gradually worsened into numbness in her foot and a severe ache caused by a herniated disc pressing on a nerve in her lower back.

Even as the injury made everyday activities increasingly difficult, Rossianno remained determined to finish the final softball season of her high school career before undergoing surgery at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital.

The decision required balancing her health with her commitment to her team.

“I’ve been the only varsity softball pitcher since maybe 10th grade, so there was really no better option than to play through the pain because they never really trained anyone younger than me to pitch,” Rossianno said. “I kind of came to the decision on my own to play through it and wait to get surgery afterward.”

While she scaled back practices to conserve energy for games, she continued pitching despite pain that eventual-

ly reached a 10 on a 10-point scale, in addition to weakness in her leg.

She relied on treatment from the school’s athletic trainer before games, along with medication, stretching and heat to manage the symptoms. The emotional challenge of being unable to fully participate in practices was often just as difficult as the physical pain itself.

After initially seeking medical care, Rossianno and her mother, Lariza Singh, struggled to get answers despite multiple evaluations and imaging. An MRI eventually revealed a herniated lumbar disc, leading them to seek a second opinion from Dr. Brian Mercer, a spine surgeon with Northwell Health’s Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group.

According to Mercer, Rossianno arrived after already discussing treatment options, including injections and surgery, with previous providers. Imaging confirmed a moderate-sized herniated disc compressing a nerve, causing sciatica, weakness in her calf and ongoing pain that had persisted for months.

Although surgery was recommended, Rossianno wanted to delay the procedure until after the softball season concluded.

Mercer said postponing surgery for several weeks was not expected to worsen the disc itself, but delaying treatment too long can increase the risk that nerve-related weakness may persist.

“She’s a very tough young lady,” Mer-

cer said. “She was actually able to do it.

Mercer performed an endoscopic discectomy at LIJ Valley Stream using a minimally invasive approach designed to remove the portion of the disc compressing the nerve through a small incision with limited disruption to surrounding tissue.

Minimally invasive techniques have become an increasing focus across surgical specialties because they can help patients safely return to normal activities more quickly.

For Singh, watching her daughter continue playing through the injury was difficult.

“When she was on the field, it was like you didn’t even know she was in pain or not,” Singh said. “She didn’t show it. It didn’t show on her face or in her holding her back. Nothing like that.”

Rossianno completed her senior season and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player, while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

Her severe back pain was relieved almost immediately after surgery, while the numbness in her foot resolved over the following two weeks.

“I wasn’t too sure about doing too much, like dancing, things like that, wearing heels,” Rossianno said. “But there was definitely a point within recovery that I knew that I was going to make it to prom and grad.”

She attended senior prom and gradu-

ation, and after an evaluation, her physical therapists determined formal rehabilitation was unnecessary beyond home stretching exercises.

Looking back, she considers being able to play in her senior game one of the defining moments of her high school career. After months of uncertainty, pain and recovery, she was able to finish both her softball career and senior year on her own terms.

Courtesy Layla Rossianno Layla Rossianno, a pitcher for Elmont Memorial High School, finished the softball season her senior year, despite pain and upcoming surgery.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ELMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY

The library offers resources and community connections

By JAHANE ABIDI Intern

The Elmont Public Library has become more than a place to borrow books. Through educational resources, community partnerships and programs for all ages, the library continues to serve as a center for learning and connection. Library Director Jean Simpson, along with Sonya Jones, head of circulation and outreach, and Kara Howfield, head of young adult services and outreach, shared how the library supports Elmont residents.

The Elmont Memorial library offers more than books

The Elmont Public Library provides residents with a variety of resources beyond traditional books. Library cardholders can access free museum passes, borrow items from the Library of Things, including lawn games and board games, and explore online databases. The databases allow patrons to research products through Consumer Reports, explore investment information through Value Line, search for jobs, receive tutoring assistance and access educational materials. The library also provides digital resources such as Libby and Hoopla, allowing residents to borrow e-books, audiobooks and music. Library officials said they hope to expand teen programming, including the Youth Advisory Board, which allows students to lead their own programs.

The library connects with the community

Beyond lending materials, the Elmont Public Library serves as a gathering place for residents through outreach and partnerships. Staff members regularly attend local events, share library services and provide activities for community members. The library also maintains connections with schools. Students visit for tours, story times, crafts and digital resource demonstrations while receiving library cards and opportunities to borrow books. The library hosts school graduations, Valley Stream North High School Model United Nations events, student art exhibitions and musical performances. The library’s 430-seat theater also brings residents together through concerts, movies and cultural programs celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

Programs support families and lifelong learning

The Elmont Public Library offers programs for residents at every stage of life. For young children, early literacy programs, story times, preschool activities, cooking classes and fitness programs help develop important skills before school. Families explore the sensory exploration station and play castle, where children and parents learn together. Students receive support through research databases, project resources and volunteer opportunities. Teen programs such as Book Buddies and Game Buddies allow students to earn community service hours while helping younger children. The library expands programs for adults and seniors, including AI workshops, gaming events and the annual ELCON celebration of pop culture and creativity.

STEPPING OUT

For Michelle Taplin, seen here at a spring showcase, theater is about more than performance. Through Tap Into Your Passion, she is helping young actors develop the confidence, resilience and skills to succeed both onstage and off.

Opening doors to the stage

By Iris Wiener

Michelle Taplin has spent much of her life immersed in the performing arts, but her greatest role may be helping the next generation discover their own voices. What began as a longtime dream has grown into Tap Into Your Passion, a thriving coaching and arts education company that, more than a year after its official launch, is already making a lasting impact on aspiring performers across the region.

As Tap Into Your Passion marks its first year and a half, Taplin celebrates the milestone with a special fundraising gala on Aug. 10 in The Green Room 42 in New York City that reflects the heart of her mission: making quality theater education accessible to everyone.

For Taplin, the journey started long before she opened her Rockville Centre-based business. Growing up in Oceanside, she balanced voice lessons, dance classes, gymnastics, and community theater while nurturing two lifelong ambitions: becoming a theater educator and one day opening her own company. Inspired by Oceanside High School theater teacher Laura Gallo, she pursued degrees in theater and business at Muhlenberg College before earning an MA in theater education from Adelphi University. Along the way, she gained experience as a performer, director, choreographer, stage manager, and arts administrator while also spending six years with the Sunrise Association, where she developed an inclusive teaching philosophy serving children with cancer and their siblings. Those experiences continue to shape every lesson she teaches today.

Taplin continues to wear many hats. She teaches theater at both the middle and high school in Oceanside, and directs productions with the school district and community theaters, including Plaza Theatricals. She also advises student organizations and mentors countless young performers. Tap Into Your Passion has become a natural extension of everything she loves most about teaching.

“Tap Into Your Passion’s mission is to provide theater education without costing an arm and a leg,” Taplin says, explaining that she wanted to remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in the performing arts. She offers three primary services: private coaching for performers ages nine and up; a comprehensive college audition program that guides students through every step of the competitive application process; and a monthly master class series featuring accomplished Broadway performers, choreographers, casting directors, and other industry professionals.

The response has been exceptional. Taplin credits much of Tap Into Your Passion’s early success to the generosity of the artists who have shared their time and expertise. Taplin explains that each workshop has

Theater coach celebrates a milestone

reinforced the lessons she teaches her students while helping to build a supportive network where young performers can learn directly from professionals working in the industry.

Rather than molding students into “cookie-cutter performers,” Taplin encourages them to embrace their individuality. She believes there is no single path to success in theater and exposing students to a wide variety of artistic voices helps them discover the techniques and perspectives that resonate most authentically.

That philosophy has attracted students from throughout Long Island and Manhattan. Students from Floral Park, Oceanside, Lynbrook, Sewanhaka, Elmont, Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Garden City, and New York City, among other places, create a diverse community connected by a shared love of theater.

“Michelle always makes sure to put care and respect into all of her students’ work sessions,” says Kevin Kirley, a student from Rockville Centre who now attends New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “She has also been so integral to my journey throughout the college audition process. Her teaching has been extremely influential to me as a working actor, and I will take what I have learned throughout my training into my artistry.”

For Taplin, arts education extends well beyond singing, dancing or acting. She advocates that theater teaches empathy, collaboration, resilience, confidence, communication, and determination — life skills that benefit students regardless of whether they ultimately pursue careers on stage.

“It’s what the process teaches you,” she says, emphasizing that the personal growth students experience is often more valuable than the performances themselves.

Those values will be front and center shortly when Tap Into Your Passion hosts its Broadway Gives Back gala. The evening will feature performances by many of the Broadway artists and teaching professionals who have led Taplin’s master classes, each sharing a song that inspired their own theatrical journey. Beyond celebrating the company’s growth, the fundraiser will support Taplin’s goal of keeping coaching and master classes affordable for aspiring performers while demonstrating to students the passion that fuels successful careers in the arts.

As Tap Into Your Passion enters its second year, Taplin aims to continue expanding its reach while maintaining the close-knit community that has become its hallmark. She envisions welcoming more students, introducing them to even more accomplished professionals, and reminding every young artist that there is room for their unique voice in the theater world. Looking back on Tap’s remarkable beginning and the theater community’s willingness to help, Taplin relates that the experience has reinforced one lesson above all others: “The answer will always be ‘no’ if you don’t ask.”

It is a philosophy that has helped transform a childhood dream into a flourishing business, and one that continues to inspire the students following in her footsteps.

Visit TheGreenRoom42.VenueTix.com for tickets or more information about Where It All Began: Broadway Gives Back.

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.

Saturday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Vishal & Sheykhar

Brace yourself for a high-octane night with Bollywood’s most electrifying music duo – Vishal and Shekhar! VishalDadlani and Shekhar (formerly Shekhar) Ravjiani return to the states, following a completely sold-out U.S. run in 2025. Experience the energy and excitement of The Superhit Tour as acclaimed music duo Vishal and Sheykhar take the stage. Known for creating some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, the duo brings a powerhouse performance filled with fan-favorite songs, dynamic production and a concert atmosphere that will have the entire audience singing along. Expect a night packed with unforgettable music, stunning visuals, and the signature sound that has made them global sensations. Sunday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter. org or (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

Photos courtesy Michelle Taplin

Student Bella Romero performs at the spring showcase at The Green Room 42.

Broadway’s Krystina Alabado, right, leads a master class.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

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

Groovin’ with Hella Doubt/Paper Lanterns

Spend a summer evening at Plattdeutsche Park as Hella Doubt and Paper Lanterns take the stage for a night of live music. Enjoy classic rock and alternative favorites while dining on authentic German cuisine and refreshments from the Biergarten. Bring friends and enjoy an outdoor concert under the stars.

• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square

• Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

• Contact: parkrestaurant.com or (516) 354-3131

Tunes with Hart & Soul

Join Hart & Soul for an afternoon celebrating classic hits from the 1960s and beyond. This in-person performance is part of Elmont Library’s “In the Theatre” live entertainment series, offering a relaxed, free program for adults to enjoy timeless music in a community setting. The event is first-come, first-seated, and no registration is required. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for seating.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke.

• Time: 12:30- 2 p.m.

• Contact: elmontlibrary.org or (516) 354-5280

‘Grease’

Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes all to Rydell High. Here’ the senior class of 1959: ducktailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping,

Franz Ferdinand

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

5

The Scottish band brings their Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange Tour to the Paramount stage, in support of their latest album, “The Human Fear,” which dropped in January. Since emerging from Glasgow’s art-school scene — where the band famously staged illegal parties in abandoned buildings — Franz Ferdinand has built a reputation for bold sharp hooks, infectious riffs and a fearless approach to reinvention. The band’s sixth studio album explores the emotions that define the human experience, transforming fear from something to avoid into something that awakens us. From the vulnerability of new relationships to the courage required to embrace change, “The Human Fear” channels those moments of uncertainty into songs packed with energy, urgency and unmistakable Franz Ferdinand style. Following the retrospective collection “Hits To The Head,” their latest album marks a new chapter for the group — one that honors its signature sound while pushing forward. Expect a high-energy performance filled with the clever songwriting, driving rhythms and irresistible beats that have made Franz Ferdinand one of the most influential bands of its generation. At this point in their career, Franz Ferdinand definitely know who they are, and are relishing the vigor that comes with accepting that

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 Aug. 1-2

• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

Summer tunes

Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Grateful Dead tribute band Half Step. The Long Island-based band are dedicated fans and “students” of the Grateful Dead, capturing the spirit, improvisation, sound and complexity of Grateful Dead music. Half Step has been

mastering their craft since 2004 while winning over crowds of veteran Deadheads, newcomers and non-Dead fans alike. Like the Grateful Dead themselves, the band is constantly pushing the envelope, growing together as musicians and performers.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

Summer sounds

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

of Franklin Square during the Franklin Square Historical Society Museum Open House. No fee.

• Where: 861 Naple Ave., Franklin Square

• Time: 2-4 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 775-7260

Bubble Magic

3

Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with the annual Salute to Veterans show. Desert Highway performs an Eagles tribute. American Bombshell also appears.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

2

1 Historical Society Museum Open House Bring the family to explore the history

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to the Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun! Through playful, handson experiments explore what makes a bubble form, what makes them pop, and discover new creative ways to make bubbles at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Sons and Daughters of Italy meet The Sons and Daughters of Italy hold an in-person meeting at Franklin Square Library. All are invited to attend.

4

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 AuG

Pianomania!

AuG

16

Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes everyone to take a Rock ‘n’ Roll rollercoaster ride through one of the most explosive and influential musical styles of the 20th century. Jared Freiburg’s high-energy celebration of the 1950s highligts music made famous by the most prolific piano entertainers from that era (including Little Richard, Ray Charles, and more) as well as many of the artists who influenced them and were influenced by them (Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and even Billy Joel). This show has electrified audiences worldwide by showcasing Jared’s incredible virtuosity on a cavalcade of rock-and-roll, blues, jazz, and country hits.

• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 2:30 p.m.

• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

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.

AUGUST 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

CONGREGATION OHAV SHOLOM

145 S MERRICK AVE, MERRICK

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

Register for this FREE event: Merrick.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273

Public Notices

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

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 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

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

NEWS BRIEF

Queens man indicted in fatal DWI crash

A Queens man has been indicted on charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in connection with a December 2025 crash on the Southern State Parkway in Elmont that killed one passenger and seriously injured two others.

Deodat Ramotar, 35, was arraigned before Judge Joseph Girardi and pleaded not guilty. He was remanded, with his next court appearance scheduled for Sept. 2, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 8⅓ to 25 years in prison.

According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Ramotar was allegedly driving a 2012 Hyundai Sonata westbound on the Southern State Parkway around 4 a.m. on Dec. 14 during a snowstorm after drinking at a family gathering.

Authorities said Ramotar allegedly swerved at a high rate of speed near the Belt Parkway exit, lost control of the

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

vehicle, and struck a tree on the north shoulder of the parkway. Three backseat passengers were ejected.

Ramash Boodnie, 58, was killed in the crash, while two other passengers suffered serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, a shattered hip and pelvis, and internal injuries, according to prosecutors.

“My office intends to hold the defendant fully accountable for the devastation he caused,” Donnelly said.

Ramotar was arrested by New York State Police on Dec. 14, 2025. He is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, aggravated vehicular assault, vehicular assault, assault, driving while intoxicated, and reckless driving.

The charges are merely accusations, and Ramotar is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.

–Hailey Fulmer

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-AR27, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR27, -againstMARIA RODRIGUEZ, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on November 14, 2025, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-AR27, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR27 is the Plaintiff and MARIA RODRIGUEZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 2, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1311 MCCLURE AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-578-78 & 87.

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 NASSAU COUNTY, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 609890/2019.

Brian J. Davis, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 161410

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY, A/K/A M&T BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST ADENIKE ADEMUWAGUN; TITUS ADEMUWAGUN; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 6,

2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 2, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 55 Lucille Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section: 35 Block: 37 Lot: 121. Approximate amount of judgment $997,861.11 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607965/2023. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 CHNY1598 90890 161403

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Plaintiff AGAINST James Varghese, Anila Varghese, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 23, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court,

100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 798 Bauer Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 32, BLOCK: 689, LOT: 33. Approximate amount of judgment is $523,361.43 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 615277/2023. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit XOME at www.XOME.com or call 844-400-9663. Brian Davis, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 90713 161395

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or

ROOSEVELT

CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School was the first charter school to be established in Long Island, New York. We are always looking for NYS Certified energetic Teachers, RTI/ELA Teachers. Response To Intervention/English Language Arts Teachers. Special Education (Special Ed) Teacher, and Substitute Teachers to join our organization.

STARTING SALARIES

• Teacher • RTI/ELA TEACHERS

• Special Ed Bachelor Cert $54,308.70K Master Cert $59,847.63K

• Substitute Teachers - $40K

IF YOU THINK YOU CAN ADD TO THE FOCUS OF RCACS PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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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

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IS HIRING

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Hiring Directors, Assistants, Group Leaders and Substitutes. Up to a $500 Signing Bonuses, Scholarships and Employee Referrals Questions call: 631-360-0800 ext. 149 or send a resume to: cc@scopeonline.us SCOPE Education is an equal opportunity Employer

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HomesHERALD

Beautiful Colonial

Do we have to submit complete house plans just for a garage?

Q. We were recently told that our permit plans, to be approved, were going to have to include plans of the entire house, not just the garage area we are bumping out on the side. We were wondering if you have heard of this or whether we are being singled out. Our architect said that it may be because we have to go to the zoning board. Is this the reason, or did we say something wrong and are being punished? We asked, several times, for an update, because things are moving very slowly and we get the impression the building department just wants us to go away. They work for us and I think we deserve better service, frankly.

A. Trust but verify is now a common expression, and with good reason. What I have noticed over the years is that complete information is more often required, showing unrelated areas of the home, because many people have not been truthful about building changes or about how much work they have done, without permits, in other parts of the home. Because of this issue, many plans examiners ask for the big picture, not just the area you are interested in. It is obvious, when looking at file records in building departments and then comparing them to the actual dwelling during a walkthrough.

Your dilemma is due to the lack of trust between the authorities and the public. If the building inspector notices that the plans and the home don’t exactly compare, they can ask for “revised” plans to be submitted. It is frustrating, right at the end of a project, when people are ready to move on with their lives, to find out that the “simple, little changes” and side work they did require revised plans to be submitted to their building department. It is much worse to learn about changes or not following plans many years later.

Contractors and owners may get away with not communicating in the short term, but it does not pay, in the long run, to hide information. When someone realizes they bought a house with inherited, hidden issues which they are now responsible for, they feel taken advantage of. Worse than that are the costly corrections that have to be made because something that has existed for years may not be code-compliant. It happens all too often that unrelated portions of the building become a stumbling block to getting approvals for what you are really looking to do.

You are probably not being singled out, but you have been put in this position by previous workers and owners who did not take the record-updating seriously. People have told me, with a grin, that “By the time anyone notices, we’ll all be long gone.” I just came from a jobsite where work was done 16 years prior, the plans were not followed, and a structural failure is occurring that is going to be expensive to fix. The whole picture, not just part, is, therefore, important. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

Stuff HERALD

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OPINIONS

The documentary on Steven McDonald is a must-see

Recently I saw a screening of the documentary about the late NYPD detective Steven McDonald, “Saint of the City.”

McDonald was a true hero. In 1986, as a young police officer, he was shot and permanently paralyzed by 15-year-old Shavod Jones, whom he was questioning about a series of bicycle thefts in Central Park.

Jones shot McDonald three times, the third time while he was lying on the ground, shattering his spine and leaving him a quadriplegic, needing a ventilator to breathe.

McDonald not only survived, but forgave Jones and went on to live more than 30 heroic years of dedicated service, without complaint or self-pity, until his death in 2017.

Steven and his wife, Patti Ann, lived in Malverne during that time with their son, Conor, who was born just months after his father was shot. Patti Ann went on to serve two terms as Malverne’s mayor. “Saint of the City” was written by veteran Emmy-award winning WPIX-TV reporter Mary Murphy

and produced by Erin Mulvey, a former DEA agent. Filled with facts, emotion and perspective, the film captures the essence of McDonald as an outstanding human being who inspired so many.

I met with him over the years at various police events, at his home in Malverne and in Congress. Those meetings made vividly clear to me just how devastating his injuries were. He was not only confined to a wheelchair, but incapable of moving any party of his body except his head, and he had no sense of feeling anywhere.

The NYPD detective forgave the teen who shot him, leaving him a quadriplegic.

Once when he gave me a book he had written, he inscribed it for me with a Sharpie he held between his teeth.

His breathing was labored, and required a ventilator. At any time he could be struck with severe spasms lasting 30 seconds to a minute. These were difficult to observe, never mind having to endure them.

As the film depicts, McDonald persevered through all of this. He regularly spoke at high schools and to young cops.

He was also an articulate voice for peace and justice in Northern Ireland, not just attending events in New York, but traveling to Northern Ireland to

Donnie Kreiss,

My husband, Donnie Kreiss, died on July 12, at home, just days after our 58th anniversary. He was 80, and had been living with pancreatic cancer since it was diagnosed in 2023.

Donnie did not go gently. As Dylan Thomas wrote, he raged against the dying of the light, from the moment he knew he had this relentless cancer until two Sundays ago, when he drew a quiet breath and then no more. Our son and daughter were with him. My sister, Meryl Greenbaum, was with us. The loving good wishes of everyone he knew were with us.

He had been drifting away for the previous 10 days, suffering the side effects of three years of treatment. Still, in early June he was walking laps in our building, and in April the family had gathered for his birthday dinner. He pushed his athlete’s body beyond anyone’s expectation, and the night he died,

urge those on all sides — Catholics and Protestants, pro-British and pro-Irish — to resolve their differences and pursue the path to peace. McDonald’s efforts were particularly beneficial in the months following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, when radicals attempted to shatter the peace accord with a horrific bombing attack in Omagh, Northern Ireland, that killed 29 civilians and injured more than 200. His presence at such a critical time delivered a strong message about the necessity of maintaining peace and allowing the agreement to be implemented.

I remember when Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern addressed a joint session of Congress and singled out McDonald, who was seated in the House gallery. At a reception later that day, Sen. Ted Kennedy asked me to introduce Ahern to McDonald.

The film also highlights how McDonald was sustained by his Catholic faith, and particularly by the advice and consolation he received from Father Mychal Judge, the chaplain of the FDNY who died at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, and Cardinal John O’Connor, who McDonald told me would visit him at his Malverne home

to help him through tough moments. McDonald also organized prayer groups that met regularly.

The “Saint of the City” screening took place at the Marymount School, in Manhattan. Among those in attendance were former NYPD Commissioners Ray Kelly and Keechant Sewell, former Detective Bo Dietl and many high-ranking police officials and officers who worked with McDonald or got to know him over the years. Magee Hickey of WPIX, WINS reporter Juliet Papa and Daily News columnist Michael Daly were also there.

From the sports world there was Mets all-time great relief pitcher Jesse Orosco, who, after pitching the final innings of the Mets’ final 1986 World Series game against the Red Sox, had thrown his glove high in the air. Days later, Orosco gave the glove to McDonald, a longtime Mets fan.

Most notable among the attendees, of course, were Steven’s widow, Patti Ann, and their son, Conor, who is now a captain in the NYPD. Both personify and carry on the inspirational legacy of Steven McDonald, who was truly a saint among us. Once it is distributed, be sure to see “Saint of the City.”

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

‘I carry your heart with me’

we rang the bell for him, because every single day he lived since 2023 was a tribute to his courage.

Donnie never felt sorry for himself. In his last days on earth he was reaching out to friends who had heartache, relationship woes, business setbacks or medical problems. He preached a gospel of positivity, insisting on finding threads of hope. He left a legacy of goodness and generosity, changing the lives of so many people along the way.

triumph over adversity.

H e always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw.

Donnie was a native Lawrencian. He was born in 1946 at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital to Lillian and Jack Kreiss, who lived at 16 Muriel Ave. in Lawrence. When he was 2, he contracted bacterial meningitis, which was usually fatal in those days. He was in isolation at St Joseph’s Hospital, in Far Rockaway, for two months. That was the first of his medical miracle recoveries, which included a fractured skull when he was 10, heart attacks at 40 and 50, bypass surgery, congestive heart failure and cervical spine surgery. He recited his near-misses enthusiastically, as if they were a resume, not of suffering but of

Donnie was a gifted athlete who ran track and played varsity football, basketball and golf. He was a beautiful man, and we fell hard in love as teenagers. We graduated together in 1964 from Lawrence High. When we married and settled in Woodmere, his second home was the Lawrence Golf Club, where his father was president and then, 50 years later, he was president. In recent years his home course was on Longboat Key, Fla., where last year he was named Most Inspirational Golfer of the Year, an award they created for him.

Don started his own business in 1969, selling slippers and bras and panties. He loved selling, and he was the best salesman because he could out-wait, out-talk and outlast any buyer he encountered.

He always found the best in others because, truly, that was all he saw. He drew on a deep well of generosity and kindness.

Our children, Jason, Rochelle, Jocelyn and Josh, were, as Auden said, his north, south, east and west. His grandchildren, Sabrina, Jacob, Elijah and

Emi, brought light and delight into his life. “Did you talk to the kids today?” was his mantra.

Despite his lifelong medical issues, Don was a rough and ready traveler, up for any adventure. We spent five summers exploring Montana when the kids were teenagers, and then for decades we traveled the world, from Komodo Island, in Indonesia, to the Alaska wilderness, from Bali to Singapore to Tasmania and New Zealand. Nothing stopped him.

Obituaries are the last public words written about someone. I never expected to write Donnie’s obituary, which I hope is more like telling the story of his life. Which is also the story of my life. As Cummings wrote, I carry his heart in my heart.

He trusted me to shepherd him through these last years, to get to the right doctors, to hold hands as we heard the diagnoses that limited his days. He wanted time, he said over and over again. I did my best, but time was not in my hands. I believe he would have wanted me to write this, the last words about him, from a place of love and longing, happy remembrance, and sadness that he did not have more days to grace our lives.

Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

There’s always someone downwind

There’s a particular quality to the light when the smoke arrives. It goes flat and white, the sun turns into a coin you can look at directly, and the air smells faintly like someone three houses down is burning leaves. It has happened enough times now that Long Islanders recognize it.

The fires are in Canada. Ontario mostly, sometimes the prairie provinces — a thousand miles and more from here, far enough that the smoke spends days in transit before it reaches us. And it reaches us anyway. It settles over Rockville Centre and Garden City and Long Beach. It gets into the lungs of kids at day camp in Merrick who have never heard the phrase “boreal forest.”

There is something clarifying about that, if you let it be.

We are accustomed to thinking of our lives as local, and with good reason. This newspaper exists because the things that shape a day here — the school calendar, the traffic on Sunrise Highway, whether the field will be playable Saturday morning — are decided close to home by people you might run into at the deli. That proximity is the texture of life in a place like ours. The distance between a thing and its cause is usually short enough to walk.

LETTERS

Town supervisor candidate Scianablo deserves a serious look

To the Editor:

Barely a day goes by that I don’t receive at least one mailing from John Ferretti expounding on all of his successes as Town of Hempstead supervisor. He claims that he is hard at work for the people of the town. He claims to have lowered town taxes, that he is working to ensure that our water is safe to drink, and is working with Nassau County to protect religious institutions. Just because he makes these claims doesn’t mean they aren’t just alternative facts.

The truth is that since he became supervisor — with the questionable means by which he was made the incumbent for his election — town taxes have increased 12 percent, our

Smoke from a forest a thousand miles away is a different phenomenon. It did not come from anything anyone here did or failed to do. And at the end of that very long chain sits your daughter’s soccer practice.

Why more of it, and why now? Because the climate is warming and the northern forest is drying out as a result. Spring snowpack melts earlier than it used to. Summers run longer and hotter, and the peat and duff beneath the trees turn into something that holds fire the way a sponge holds water — slowly, deep down and for a very long time.

Fires that once burned themselves out now smolder underground through the winter and surface again in spring. More fire, more smoke. And the same atmospheric machinery that has always carried Canadian cold fronts down to the Northeast now carries the smoke with them.

The smoke isn’t doing anything unusual. It is riding the same currents that have brought us our weather since before there was a Long Island to bring it to — the northwest flow behind a front, the same air that gives us a crisp October morning and the frigid air of January. We have always been downwind of Canada. We simply had no occa-

sion to notice.

That’s what makes this worth sitting with. Not the fires themselves, but what they reveal about connection. Something we didn’t do, in a place most of us have never been, is now a feature of summer on Long Island.

And what we do continues downwind. The exhaust from the Meadowbrook, the fertilizer that leaves a lawn in Wantagh and ends up in the bay, the plume from a stack in Island Park — none of that stays put, either. Our runoff is someone else’s smoke.

There is a version of this line of thinking that curdles into helplessness, and we would steer away from it. Being connected to a place you cannot influence isn’t the same as being powerless. It is mostly an invitation to pay attention — to the bay, to the air, to the small local things that are, somewhere downwind, someone else’s inherited condition.

The sky has cleared — but it will haze over again. If not this summer, then next. And each time it does, it is worth taking a moment to notice the strangeness: that we are downwind of a forest we will likely never see, and that somewhere, someone we will never meet is downwind of us.

OPINIONS

F.S. schools: balanced, bold and built for tomorrow

This time of year always gives me an opportunity to reflect on what makes the start of a school year in Franklin Square so special. In a few weeks, nearly 1,900 students will walk through the doors of our schools, and our work of preparing them for a future we can only begin to imagine begins anew. Our theme for the 2026-27 school year is “Balanced. Bold. Built for Tomorrow. Human First. Future Ready.”

It’s more than a slogan. It’s a promise about how we educate our children at a moment when technology is reshaping nearly everything around them. While innovation continues to accelerate, our responsibility remains constant: to help children become curious learners, thoughtful problem solvers and compassionate people.

For us, balance means embracing innovation without losing sight of the experiences that make childhood, and learning, so meaningful. In an era dominated by screens, we take an intentional approach to technology. We believe in the power of purposeful play, collaborative projects and

LETTERS

water rates are up 33 percent, and our energy rates continue to climb. Due to the lack of transparency, we have no idea where our hard-earned tax dollars are going or to whom.

I met Ferretti’s opponent, Joe Scianablo, for the first time when he attended a parlor meeting at my home. I was impressed not only with his background, but also his sincerity and his desire to continue serving the public. Scianablo has spent his entire adult life as a public servant. He served multiple deployments in the Marines in East Timor, Eritrea, and Iraq, then was a New York City police officer, focusing on domestic violence cases, in which helped victims find safety and justice. He is a former prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, where he advocated for survivors of domestic violence.

I believed Scianablo when he said his focus would be to ensure that our tax dollars and resources benefit all the people in the Town of Hempstead, not just the favored ones. He isn’t a career politician, but will be a politician who has made a career of service. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to meet him to do so. I think you will come away as impressed as I was.

CHERIE FEINBERG Lawrence

hands-on learning to foster creativity and critical thinking. Our students have access to tools that prepare them for the future, but we continue to evaluate how and when those tools are used. This year, iPads will remain at school for our kindergarten and first-grade students, allowing them to spend even more time engaged in hands-on learning both at school and at home. As we evaluate this change, we will consider a similar approach for second grade.

ECoding starts early here, and starts unplugged. Students build computational thinking through puzzles, patterns and teamwork before a device ever enters the picture. Those skills, including problem solving, resilience and collaboration, transfer far beyond the classroom.

dents daily.

mbracing innovation without losing sight of what makes childhood so meaningful.

That balanced approach also gives our students the confidence to take on ambitious challenges. In 2025-26, our fifth-grade hackathon team made the leaderboard while competing against middle-school students. Our sixth-grade robotics team earned third place against top eighthgrade squads. Elementary students held their own against older competitors, and it’s no accident. When you nurture curiosity and give children authentic challenges, they rise to meet them. More important, they develop the confidence to tackle problems they’ve never seen before.

and support learners faster than ever before, helping us meet students where they are and celebrate their progress. At the same time, privacy remains paramount. Our community can rest assured that we’re making thoughtful decisions about technology while keeping children, relationships and hands-on learning at the heart of everything we do.

Balance also means remembering that some of the most meaningful learning happens when students are creating, performing, building and working together. Whether they’re painting in art, conducting a science investigation, practicing fractions, rehearsing for a concert or reading alongside classmates, those experiences help shape confident, well-rounded learners. Technology should support those experiences. It should never replace them, or the relationships our teachers build with stu-

Yet some of the moments that made us proudest had nothing to do with technology. This spring, more than 1,000 guests filled the Franklin Square Historical Society to celebrate our students’ artwork. The evening captured what we mean by Human First. Innovation matters, but so do joy, connection, empathy and community. We want our students to embrace innovation without ever losing sight of what makes us human.

Preparing students for tomorrow is about far more than the tools they use. It’s also about the environments we create, the decisions we make and the values we model every day. Our teachers use data-informed insights to identify

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

This summer, Built for Tomorrow is quite literal. Capital improvement projects are underway across our buildings, investments that will serve Franklin Square students for years to come. Work associated with our capital bond is also beginning, including roof-replacement work at our three schools, along with improvements to the Washington Street School parking lot. These projects represent an important investment in the safety, functionality and long-term future of our schools.

Behind the scenes, our custodial teams spend the summer cleaning, painting, repairing and preparing every classroom, hallway and gym. Their work plays an essential role in creating safe, welcoming schools.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September. Together we will remain balanced in our approach, bold in our thinking and committed to building a future in which every child is prepared not only for tomorrow’s technology, but for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Dr. Jared T. Bloom is superintendent of the Franklin Square school district.

My Morning Jacket performed at the Great South Bay Music Festival, in Patchogue’s Shorefront Park, last Sunday.

8.04.2026 • 8:30AM - 3:30PM

EMCEE

KRISTIN THORNE Emmy-Award Winning Investigative Reporter

SUZETTE GORDON President & CEO SCO Family of Services

THERESA PORCARO Vice President, Growth & Marketing Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine

LINDA MASHKABOVA, FNP Owner The Beauty Cellar NY

NATASHA ZAYTSEVA Founder & Executive Consultant CEO Lab

BEACH BAG SPONSOR

SPONSOR

MAE CAIME Co-Founder Diamonds & Pearls Alliance

HELEN HSIEH, MD, FACOG Founder & Medical Director, Vibrance 360

JESSICA RONDASH, MBA Director, Business Operations & Performance Holt Construction

PALMINA WHELAN Capital Program Director The New Terminal One

ELLY ROZENGURTEL, DPT Founder & CEO Ideal Body Med Spa

CATHERINE CANADEO CEO Health and Wellness Corp

TAMMY J. COHEN Founder & Messaging Strategist TC Brand Consulting

SUSAN GATTI Founder Disruptive Spark Group

CARLA ILIESCU Founder potential.

CHRISTINA M. ROSAS Member Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC

MEREDITH VANDEGRIFT, MD, FACS Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Vandegrift Plastic Surgery

SHARON WYMAN, CDME President & CEO Discover Long Island

MICHELLE MOREIRA-JODICE Vice President Market Manager, Valley Bank

CARRIE SKOWRONSKI Founder & CEO Leadology

KERRI WINANS KALEY CSA The Bristal Assisted Living

ELISA DE JESUS Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor Bank of America

LILLIAN PALEY Vice President, Business Development Silver Lining Homecare

CARINA TOM President NU World Connect Title, LLC

KRISTYN HODGDON

Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer Rescripted